Aims are to give an overview of the concepts and data supporting the concept of global climate change and other anthropogenic effects that affect ecosystems. The discussion is based around popular newspaper articles, scientific journal articles and information from the internet. Discussion ranges about the scales of resolution at which detailed measurements can be made and how accuracy may be lost in scaling up to the global level. Group projects are designed to allow individuals with differeing backgrounds to come together to evaluate the topic of a newspaper article in greater depth, seeking primary literature to support their arguments.
All discussions relate to effects of factors on ecosystems, ecosystem contents and processes.
The word derives from colloquy, a speaking together or mutual discourse. Thus, this class is an opportunity for juniors and seniors to get together for mutual discourse. The format of our class will be precisely that - an opportunity for discussion and it will be expected that everyone engages in discussion. You will be assigned sections of your text book and other documents to review before a specific class period. These readings will form the basis of a discussion where you will be required to participate.