This seminar focuses on the environmental assessment (EA) of land use development, particularly in California, both at the policy and practical levels. Students will develop skills for analyzing and evaluating EA approaches as well as preparing critical EA documents. The following questions will be considered: What are the components of an effective EA system? How do politics, the public, and the courts affect outcomes? How are issues like climate change and sustainability incorporated into EA requirements? What makes an EA document adequate? The seminar will briefly consider the planning context for EA in California, before focusing on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and environmental assessment internationally will also be covered. The seminar will emphasize the importance of acquiring practical skills in writing EA documents in preparation for working in the field, and provide students opportunities to learn these skills.