GEOG 442 - Alternative Energy

Description:
Critical understanding of alternative energy resources from a geographical perspective, with focus on wind, biomass, solar, biofuels, geothermal, and sustainable energy systems. The course includes energy production, transition, conversion, and consumption. Field trips. Course will be offered every year (Winter).

Prerequisites:
Prerequisite: junior standing or above.

Credits: (5)

Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Identify and understand the spatial and temporal arrangements of social, political, environmental, and economic processes that produce different ‘energy landscapes’ in different locations
Explain contemporary issues regarding consumption, production, and transmission of alternative energy resources and technologies in a globalized world
Critically investigate how alternative energy resources and technologies shape society, and the problems and challenges they present in different settings
Outline realistic possibilities for alternative energy sources given ongoing energy challenges
Write effectively and analytically about contemporary nature-society relations, especially society’s relationships to energy
Collect and organize data on alternative energy resources as a basis for further analysis and evaluation
Present an original project in front of their peers

Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
03/31/2016