University Bulletin
Undergraduate Degree Programs
GEOG 438W
Human Dimensions of Global Warming (3) Human dimensions of global environmental change: human causes; human adaptations; and policy implications of global warming.
GEOG 438W Human Dimensions of Global Warming (3)
Geography 438W, the Human Dimensions of Global Warming, covers both the human causes and consequences of what many people view as the most significant problem facing society. Humans cause climate change primarily by emitting heat-trapping greenhouse gases through everyday activities associated with industrialized society (e.g., energy production and consumption, transportation, and manufacturing) and land transformation (e.g., agriculture and deforestation). People experience the consequences of climate change directly through reduced resources (such as food, fiber, forests, and fisheries) or increased natural hazards (such as droughts, floods, and intense storms), or indirectly through such mechanisms as higher prices for foodstuffs or larger insurance premiums. GEOG 438W does not address the physical science of climate change; instead, it concentrates on social science issues surrounding this topic.
GEOG 438W has two goals: (1) to develop understanding of a set of issues related to the human dimensions of climate change; (2) to develop and apply communication skills by discussing and writing about the topic. The specific content of the course will change with the instructor (currently, three faculty members teach the course), but the focus on the human causes and consequences of climate change and on skill-development in writing will be constant.
GEOG 438W can complement courses in most colleges and their majors. The course is available to all Geography majors as elective credits; it is also available to all Geography Minors for credit toward the minor. It counts for credit as an Advanced Physical/Environmental Geography course in the Physical/Environmental Geography Option, and counts for credit as an Advanced Geography course in the General Geography and Human Geography Options.
Students will be evaluated on both of the course goals: (1) understanding of the human dimensions of climate change, (2) application of communication skills. Although exact procedures for determining grades will vary with the instructor, the basis for grades always will include a combination of written exams based on lectures and readings, regular written assignments with instructor feedback, and in-class discussion and participation.
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.