To place this information within an historical perspective, both from the point of view of the history of human occupance of the planet and the historical recognition of the existence and significance of the environmental issues covered. To provide you with a non-trivial understanding of the scientific basis in which these environmental issues are grounded. To demonstrate that the ways in which humans use the natural environment, and are mediated by it, is integral to their societal organization. To provide you with the skills to work with basic data sources, from the World Wide Web and elsewhere, to investigate environmental issues through individual and group study, and to develop critical thinking skills with respect to those sources and environmental issues in general. Please note that no appointments are possible on Fridays.
Lectures meet twice a week and involve the whole class.
Recitations meet once a week. They will be used to teach you how to employ web browsers to search the Internet for data sources you can use in support of lecture and text material and for exercise projects, and will also cover other internet tools, including e-mail. They will be used sometimes for class discussions. Weekly exercises will be introduced in recitations. They are also to be handed in during recitation.