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Environmental Policy of Switzerland
Umweltpolitik der Schweiz
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:42
Abstract
This course presents the basics of public policy analysis and the specific characteristics of Swiss environmental policy. Policy instruments, actors and processes are addressed from a political science perspective both theoretically as well as by means of current Swiss environmental policy examples.
Objective
Students are able to: - name and explain core concepts and methods of policy field analysis; - analyze current and concrete issues of environmental policy using political science theories and concepts; - apply political science concepts and analytical tools to real decision-making processes in environmental policy; - critically analyze complex political conflict situations; - reflect on the relevance of political science approaches for environmental policy practice and scientific research.
Content
The processes of change, overuse or destruction of the natural environment through humans have historically placed high demands on social and political institutions. In the interplay between the environment, society and economy, the environmental policy field encompasses the sum of public measures that have the goal to eliminate, reduce or avoid environmental degradation. The course systematically presents the basics of environmental policy instruments, actors, programs and processes as well as their change over time. Invited practitioners will provide us with insight regarding the current developments in forest, water and spatial planning policies. A key aspect is the distinction between politics and political science and specifically environmental policy.
Resources
Lecture Notes
The reader and additional lecture material and exercises will be posted on Moodle.
Literature
Reader and additional lecture material on moodle.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , DS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
- Digital
- The examination takes place on your own device. No installation of SEB required.
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 200
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Umweltpolitik der Schweiz |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Wissenschaft im Kontext (Science in Perspective) (In Kursen aus dem Programm “Wissenschaft im Kontext” lernen Studierende, die MINT Fächer der ETH aus der Perspektive der Geistes-, Sozial- und Staatswissenschaften zu reflektieren. Nur die in diesem Abschnitt aufgelisteten Fächer können als "Wissenschaft im Kontext" angerechnet werden.)
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Typ A: Förderung allgemeiner Reflexionskompetenz (WiK-Kurse werden für Bachelorstudierende nach dem ersten Studienjahr sowie für alle Masterstudierende und Doktorierende empfohlen. Alle WiK-Kurse sind in Typ A gelistet. Bei den unter Typ B aufgeführten Kursen handelt es sich lediglich um Belegungsempfehlungen für bestimmte Departemente.)
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Typ B: Reflexion über fachspezifische Methoden und Inhalte (Fachspezifische Lerneinheiten. Relevant für alle Studierenden, die sich für diese Kurse interessieren. Diese Lerneinheiten sind alle auch unter "Typ A" aufgelistet, d.h. die Einschreibung ist allen Studierenden möglich.)
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