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Do you like history? A good policy debate on an existential issue? Want a course centered on discussion? If so, this course is for you. The central premise of this course is that the ongoing dramatic energy transition in the U.S. is not occurring in a vacuum: it is informed by previous energy transitions involving a long, and often complicated history of interactions among political, economic, social, ethical, environmental, regulatory, technology, national security, and other societal factors embedded in energy policy making in the United States. Students will benefit from studying these historical themes in order to understand the context and assumptions influencing current energy policy discussions, and to play a constructive and impactful role in implementing an energy transition that best serves future generations. Some of the themes we will examine include, the role of government and regulation, emergence and impact of the modern environmental movement, social and cultural trends and role of the consumer, and energy and ethics and the concept of “justice”. The goal is to provide context for current challenges surrounding key public policy issues in the energy sector, up to and including the Green New Deal. We will review the historical context, but always with an eye to seeing the linkages with recent and current policy activities. Our focus will be on the U.S., but where possible we will link transition themes to other countries. In short, we will use our understanding of historical developments and themes in the U.S. and relate them to debates surrounding the current transition to a decarbonized economy. Grading is based on class participation (discussion), brief student-led presentations, a formal debate, and a final written essay. <a href="http://bit.ly/1bebp5s" target="_blank">Click here to see evaluations, syllabi, and faculty bios</a>