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Academic Year 2004/2005

Climate Change and Human Evolution
E&ES 142 FA

This course will examine the links between human biological and cultural evolution on a range of time scales against the background of the dramatic environmental instability of the last few million years.

Topics to be covered include the environmental context of early humanoids, the Neanderthals and how they survived, the origin and success of modern humans, the origins of agriculture, and the rise and collapse of cultures and civilizations in an environmental context. We will also consider some ongoing contemporary topics in human environment interactions, including salinization, desertification, and the Greenhouse Effect.

MAJOR READINGS

Richard Potts, 1997. HUMANITY'S DESCENT: THE CONSEQUENCES OF ECOLOGICAL INSTABILITY. Other readings from the primary literature are to be announced.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Course grade will be based on preparation for and participation in class discussions, short (1/2 page) weekly writing assignments, one group presentation and one final paper.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM E&ES    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-21-2005

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