Course Schedule and Catalog
Course Catalog - 2011-2012
MLSC 608 - CHALLENGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Long Title: THE CHALLENGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Department: School of Continuing Studies
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s):
Liberal Studies
Description: Global climate change is actively studied and critically assessed at four different levels: (1) detecting a change in the global climate, (2) attributing that change to anthropogenic causes, (3) modeling future climate to determine the degree of change under different economic and culture scenarios and (4) an emerging study of possible human and environmental responses to climate change either by strategies of mitigation or adaptation. The degree of uncertainty among scientists and level of skepticism among informed others increases as we progress from an assessment of detection, to attribution, to prediction and finally to response. This course addresses these four levels of understanding, attempting to provide reasonable evidence for a particular position at each level and a consideration of the validity and accuracy of those positions. Department Permission Required.