ECON 503 - Saving Our Rivers and Bays with Dollars and Sense

3 credits.
This educator-oriented class focuses on the importance of Virginia’s water resources. Participants will explore both the scientific and economic reasons that Virginians should be concerned about the quality of these resources and the reasons that they are being degraded. They will understand how water resources are impacted by the common pool problem and the tragedy of the commons, and they will explore the role of property rights in setting the correct incentives for protection. Participants will also learn how to teach a classroom-friendly model for effective decision making with respect to environmental resources. A major focus of the class is the Chesapeake Bay and its importance in the Virginia economy. Hands-on classroom activities and children’s literature selections will be a major element of this training. This class is intended for educator licensure and cannot be counted towards the Economics major, the Economics minor, the BS in Business Administration or the Master in Business Administration.

Prerequisite(s): None.