Course # 33510 Section Number 1 Day(s) Tu Time(s) 3:30pm-6:20pm Term Winter 2026 Specialization Global Conflict Studies Energy & Environmental Policy Course Instructor Kennette Benedict Syllabus Draft Syllabus 12/5/24 While issues arising from technologies that have both military and civilian applications are not new, the nearly incomprehensible destruction from exploding nuclear weapons focuses the mind as few other dual-use technologies can. This course will examine the development of national policies and the international regimes on the uses of nuclear energy. We will review military doctrine and the plans for nuclear war-fighting as well as the effects on societies of developing and using nuclear weapons. We will review the history of international proliferation of nuclear technology and fissile material and examine efforts to curtail the spread of weapons. In the second part of the course, we will focus on the development of civilian nuclear power and on current policy to prevent accidents and dispose of nuclear waste materials. Political leaders often face policy dilemmas because nuclear technology and materials offer great benefit, as well as presenting great danger. We will explore these dilemmas throughout the course. Recent News More news Q&A: Assistant Professor Erin Kelley on Her Work in Program Evaluation, International Development, and With the World Bank Wed., July 09, 2025 University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth Launch New Pathbreaking Master’s Program in Climate and Energy Policy Tue., July 08, 2025 Provost Katherine Baicker Appointed Emmett Dedmon Distinguished Service Professor Thu., July 03, 2025 Upcoming Events More events Berkeley Harris Alumni Hike and Gathering Sun., July 13, 2025 | 10:30 AM Stonewall-Panoramic Trailhead 99 Stonewall Rd Berkeley, CA 94705 United States Harris Summer Campus Visit Mon., July 14, 2025 | 10:00 AM Harris School of Public Policy 1307 E 60th St Chicago, IL 60637 United States Get to Know Harris! MACRM and PhD Information Session Mon., July 14, 2025 | 12:00 PM
January 22, 2025 Q&A: Professor Ryan Kellogg on "The End of Oil" and the Future of the Global Energy Market