College Seminar - Non-Western History (103-7-22)
Topic
Climate Change and Civilizations
Instructors
Akinwumi O Ogundiran
Meeting Info
Harris Hall L05: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
This course is about the relationships between climate and human society from historical perspectives. It is a discussion-oriented class on the role of climate in human experience, covering three themes: how the shifting atmospheric (weather) patterns impacted the dawn of humanity and Early Holocene cultural evolution about 10,000 years ago; the effects of the Little Ice Age on global history; and the implications of the human-induced climate change of the recent centuries for our unfolding future. We will develop skills to read, listen, and observe critically, effectively draw inferences, and summarize compelling ideas about how climate has shaped the human experience, including our notions of time, culture, and progress and how human ambitions and innovations are changing the planet. The class will explore various sources for studying climate history, from documents, visual arts, geosciences, oral literature, and artifacts to documentaries. Students will also discuss the different debates and ideas about the human-induced climate change epoch (Anthropocene), using the historical approach to understand the problems and solutions. In addition, students will be guided in setting and evaluating their academic goals and adjusting to the rhythm of college life.
Learning Objectives
It is expected that at the end of this course, your skillsets will significantly develop in the following areas: • Setting and evaluating academic goals • Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing • Studying effectively • Thinking critically • Understanding standards of academic integrity • Knowing when and how to ask for help • Understanding how the various pieces of a liberal arts and sciences education—courses across different fields, foundational disciplines and electives, academics and extracurricular activities, College and University offices, rules and policies—all fit together.
Evaluation Method
Exams, Papers
Class Notes
Concentration: Global
Class Attributes
WCAS College Seminar
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Weinberg First Year Seminars are only available to first-year students.
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required