Throughout the 1970s, the “Golden Age” of environmental law, Congress developed some of the most influential and enduring legislation still effectual in environmental policy today.

In a two-week course this fall, ASU students will have the opportunity to earn credit while getting first-hand insight from two of the “Golden Age” influencers themselves, Leon G. Billings and Thomas C. Jorling – the two senior staff members who led the Senate environment subcommittee during the 1970s.

Students will review key environmental legislation, such as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and Superfund. But more than just the laws themselves, students will learn about the behind-the-scenes political inner workings that made consensus possible, and will assess both the formal and multidimensional components of that process.

By the end of the course, students will be able to evaluate this historic legislation in a modern context and discuss how the “Golden Age” – when lawmakers from both sides came together to enact truly sweeping and powerful environmental standards – differs from our current gridlocked and partisan legislative process.

More good news is that this course is not just for ASU graduate and undergraduate students. Professors and members of local, non-governmental organizations are welcome to audit it, as well.

Undergraduate students who wish to enroll must have received a “C” or better in SOS 110 and SOS 111 (or PUP 190). The one-credit course runs from October 17 to October 28, 2016, and will be held MWF from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Wrigley Hall, Room 323.

Click here for more information or to register for 494/598: "Origins of Environmental Law."