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Climate Change & Human History
E&ES142 FA

The first-year initiative course uses a broad, ecosystem approach to investigate the history of humans. Central to the course is the fundamental realization that humans are a part of not superior to or separated from the global ecosystem. In particular, we will focus on the role of climate change in shaping human history. Beginning millions of years ago, we will investigate theories of human evolution such as "the savanna hypothesis". Did fragmentation of tropical forests and expansion of savanna-type environments in Africa force our human ancestors "out of the trees?" Was it this habit shift that encouraged longer parental care and development of increased brain size? In more recent times, we consider numerous additional topics includin g the impact of the ice ages on human survival and global distribution, as well as the role of climate in the history of early European cultures and in the collapse of the Mayan civilization.

MAJOR READINGS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Beuning,Kristina    

Times: ..T.T.. 10:00AM-11:20AM;     Location: SCIE0101

Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 15)

SR. major: X   Jr. major: X

SR. non-major: X   Jr. non-major: X   SO: X   FR: 15

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal:    Writing

FYI:    First Year Initiative:Seminar

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000

Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459