FYE | It is Getting Hot in Here: The Politics and Science of Climate Change

This First Year Experience (FYE) course approaches the problem of climate change using both social and natural science perspectives. By the end of the two blocks the students will have a solid understanding of the climate system, how climate changes over both short and long time scales, and the impacts that a changing climate has on society. In addition, you will also understand the public policymaking process, how and why policies evolve over time, and the relationship between society and the policy process. This will allow us to discuss the current state of climate policy, specifically the disconnect between scientists, the public, and lawmakers.

20160914_132908

Baca Campus is powered by this solar array. Students talk about the role of individual & institutional action and sustainability

We expect students to leave this class better prepared to make day-to-day decisions based on sound understanding, accurate information, and reasonable conjectures, regardless of the exact career path that you take. Students can expect to learn the following things:

Block 1 Fall 2016

Block 1: Student installing commemorative plaque at Baca

Block 1: Student installing commemorative plaque at Baca

img_20160927_153602

Block 2: Florissant Fossil Beds Nat’l Monument Field Trip

Week 1: The Climate Engine | Week 2: The Public Policy Making Process,  Guest Lecturer: Susan Hassol, Climate Communicator | Week 3: Carbon and Sustainability,  3 day field trip to Baca Campus, Crestone, CO | Week 4: Wrap up and Commercial Presentations

syllabusblock1

Block 2 Fall 2016

Week 1: Paleoclimate, Field trip: Florissant Fossil Beds | Week 2: Politics & Ideology | Week 3: Climate Politics, visit from CO State Representatives Pete Lee (D) and Kit Roupe (R) | Week 4: Climate Campaigns

syllabusblock2