Tests (80 pts, 35.5%): During the test period each week you may take one quiz from each of the weeks you have not passed. Each quiz that you pass will count for 10 points toward you final grade. Tests are closed book and will consist of multiple choice and fill-in questions. You may take these tests as many times as is required to pass.

Presentations (75 points, 33.3%): You are expected to present and discuss in two 7-minute presentations the ideas of two of the topics listed on the General Information sheet. For these presentations you will work in groups of three. You must use at least two articles from the Supplemental Readings for each topic. Each group will be given roughly 25 minutes for the topic if fully subscribed. In addition you are required to turn in a summary of your talk and an outline of the entire topic. The first presentation, summary, and outline will each be graded out of 10 points (30 total); the second presentation, summary, and outline will each be graded out of 15 points (45 total). See Outlines and Presentations, for more information.

Final Project (25 points, 11%): During the first weeks of class you should sign up for a final paper project. Your project will be scheduled for presentation during the last two weeks of the quarter. Your presentation will be graded out of 25 points. See Outlines and Presentations, for more information.

Participation (10 points, 4%) and Attendance (10 points, 4%): Your contribution to the class discussion during the quarter is important to making the class interesting and informative. Attendance at presentations by other students is required.

Final Paper (25 points, 11%): During the quarter, we have discussed many different sources of energy. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. For your final written project, you are to write a six page paper answering the question:

How should the United States meet its energy needs over the next 100 years?

This paper is due by or at the beginning of the time scheduled for the final exam. It is a synthesis of what you should have learned during the quarter. The paper is to be in the style of the summaries (12 point, 1-1/2 space; introduction, your message supported, conclusion).

You are welcome to discuss your essay with others (including the instructor and fellow students), but this should be your own work. Your essay should consider issues of sustainability, scalability, economics, and environmental impact, as appropriate, and demonstrate knowledge of the material discussed in class.

Your solution must be feasible. For example, if your answer is that we eliminate private automobiles to reduce oil use and CO₂ production, you must explain how we would meet our needs for transportation. If you suggest draconian taxes to assure conservation, you should address whether such taxes would be worth the cost, and how they would affect the nation’s economy.

This solution should eschew fusion energy as a possibility (since it will be very expensive, it has not yet been turned into operable power plants, and it will produce some radioactive waste). That solution should be based on the entirety of the course, the knowledge you have acquired, and the experiences you have had.