ARCTIC 391: Climate Change, An International Perspective: Science, Art & Activism taught by Robert Pavia. There are only 13 seats available so sign up soon!
Jointly offered in JSIS 391 and HONORS 394
MW 1:30-3:20pm
CMU 228
5 credits
For the first time in the history of the planet humans are causing changes on a global scale - the Anthropocene. Scientists discovered global climate change, identified its human origins, and are forecasting change to every corner of the globe. There is overwhelming consensus about the facts underpinning our knowledge of climate change but powerful forces are aligned against implementing changes necessary to mitigate climate impacts.
Understanding climate change requires an interdisciplinary approach that considers natural and social sciences, art, and the role of activism. The course begins with the sometimes perplexing science of climate change, in all its disciplines. Interwoven with the science will be discussions of how the Arctic nations and Arctic indigenous peoples are working together to mitigate climate change impacts. But perhaps more interestingly, we will explore how artists and musicians work with scientist to extend the expression of hard facts to intellectual and emotional enrichment.
Students will be reading, interpreting, and analyzing materials from a broad range of disciplines with guidance from the instructor. With good comprehension and writing skills, students from all schools and departments can be successful in this class. This course will provide an understanding of the scientific, geographic, and social context necessary for evaluating threats and mitigating the ecological and human impacts of global climate change impacts in the Arctic.