Meets: Tuesdays 2:30pm-4:00pm
How have global transitions to agriculture, capitalism, and industrialization led us to the modern threat of climate change? How does overconsumption contribute to systems of extraction and pollution? What are the limits of economic growth and energy use? Why do powerful people continue to reject evidence of human-induced climate change? What can we possibly do to protect the Earth from ourselves?
Through student-led discussions, guest lectures, and interactive activities, we will delve into these questions and engage with the wicked problems humanity must face today. We will aim to create an environment for collective learning, questioning, and action as we explore these interrelated issues.
Led by five Honors student co-facilitators, the experience will consist of weekly 90-minute sessions. Informational materials (often articles, readings, videos) will be provided before each session to provide a common context for discussion. Each class will typically begin with a unifying recap of the assigned content followed by group discussion and activities. We will also invite a few guest lecturers with topical expertise to share their knowledge.
As fellow students, we hope to learn as much from you as you’ll (hopefully) learn from us. Come in with an open mind and willingness to share your ideas, and you will come out with a more nuanced understanding of global climate issues and how we can shape our own future.
EXPERIENCE GOALS:
- Give students the opportunities and resources to engage with issues that are important to them.
- Help students understand and develop strategies to address environmental issues in their everyday lives and future career goals.