Spring 2012

The Resilient (?) Earth: An Introduction to Environmental Studies

Listed in: Environmental Studies, as ENST-120

Formerly listed as: COLQ-22  |  ENST-12  |  FAMS-01

Faculty

Jan E. Dizard (Section 01)
Rachel A. Levin (Section 01)

Description

Life has existed on Earth for nearly four billion years, shaped by massive extinction events. In the short span of the last 10,000 years, humans have become important agents in shaping global environmental change. The question this course considers is straightforward: Have humans been modifying the environment in ways that will, in the not distant future, cause another worldwide extinction event? There are no simple, much less uncontested, answers to this question. We will have to consider the ways we have altered habitats and ecosystem processes. We will also consider the economic consequences of disturbed ecosystems and assess contemporary policy responses intended to avert what some claim is an impending catastrophe.

Limited to 75 students. Spring semester. Professors Dizard and R. Levin.

If Overenrolled: First come first serve. Professor will keep wait list.

Offerings

2022-23: Offered in Spring 2023
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2024