Spring 2023 First-Year Seminar BC1114 section 001

HOT STUFF

Call Number 00572
Day & Time
Location
TR 1:10pm-2:25pm
207 Milbank Hall (Barnard)
Points 3
Grading Mode Pass/Fail
Approvals Required None
Instructor Sedelia Rodriguez
Type SEMINAR
Course Description Long before humans walked the earth; before dinosaurs were wiped out; before any sign of sentient life on earth; volcanoes were a feature of our planet. With the power to help create life, as well as wreak devastation and destruction, volcanoes inspire awe and terror in equal measure. This seminar will explore the science behind volcanoes, their impact on the environment and societies, as well as our enduring fascination with them through the lenses of history, arts, mythology and religion. Where and why do volcanoes erupt? How do they affect nature, climate and society? How has our understanding of these amazing natural phenomena evolved over time? Why do people stay in close proximity to volcanoes, despite the dangers? Can we predict when the next catastrophic eruption will occur? Can we harness the power of volcanic activity as alternative energy source? These are some of the many questions that students will seek to answer and will serve as a starting point for our deeper investigation into the subject throughout the semester. Students will study historical texts, case studies, current data and methods of analysis, as well as depictions of volcanoes in art and film. Group discussion, independent study and individual and group presentations. Students will research case studies and present their finding to the class.
Web Site Vergil
Department First-Year Seminar Program @Barnard
Enrollment 16 students (16 max) as of 9:07PM Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Subject First-Year Seminar
Number BC1114
Section 001
Division Barnard College
Campus Barnard College
Note Barnard 1st Year Students Only
Section key 20231FYSB1114X001