Energy, Environment, and Society
This course examines the role of energy on this planet, its role in driving ecosystems and society, the
modern processes of power and energy production by man, the resultant interactions with the
environment, and the overall relationship between these technologies and the development and
structure of society. The course introduces historical and contemporary sources of energy and power as
well as the economic, social, and political forces important for types and patterns of development. It
introduces relationship between these forces and the resultant impacts to ecosystems and the
environment.
Learning Objectives
- Have an understanding of the role energy has played and continues to play in the transformations of human society
- Have an understanding of both natural and man-made energy flows and their environmental impacts
- Have a more in-depth understanding of the science, economics, policy and human dimensions of a specific energy issue (e.g. climate change, energy poverty, nuclear power, etc.)
- Be able to apply simple models to better understand energy and environmental problems
- Be familiar with the various tools that can be used to analyze energy and environmental problems