|
|
Global Warming
ATM S 111
TTh 11:30-1:20, Bagley Rm. 131
|
Course description:
Human-induced climate change - popularly known as "global warming" - is
emerging as one of the great challenges facing society in the 21st
century. If we ignore the problem, by the end of this century the
climate changes due to increased greenhouse gases will be large enough
to have significant consequences on the environment and on
civilization. To avoid these changes will require either (i) a
wholesale change in the sources of energy used by humans, (ii) yet to
be developed methods to sequester carbon on an unprecedented scale, or
(iii) intentional human modification of the earth’s energy budget
to partially cancel the warming that will result from the increased
greenhouse gases due to human activity (so-called geoengineering
solutions to global warming). At stake are deeply felt values as well
as entrenched economic interests. When these are combined with
scientific uncertainty, it is not surprising that global warming has
sparked a raging, often passionate debate.
Prerequisites:
None
Textbook:
The Rough Guide to Climate Change, 3rd ed., by Bob Henson, Rough
Guides, 2011. This short non-technical book summarizes the current
science.
Other Course Material:
You will need a TurningPoint Clicker or the ResponseWare App for this course. They are available at the bookstore or on the UW Classifieds website.
You may use an iPod/iPhone/Android/Blackberry with special software if you prefer.
Please be prepared to answer clicker questions every lecture.
Grading:
Comprehensive Final Exam 25%
Quizzes (2), 30%
Homework 25%
In-class activities 20%
Makeup quizzes and exam by prior arrangement only. No notes/book/sharing of
answers allowed during the quizzes and exam. Cheating will not be tolerated!
Homework will be done online, and no late homework can be allowed.
It's okay to discuss HW problems with classmates, but turn in your own answers.
In-class Activities:
There will be regular in-class activities, which will vary from
answering clicker questions (use only your own clicker) to class discussion
and work in small
groups. You will be asked to draw connections between the course
material and current societal issues.
In class, be respectful of others (respect your neighbor's views, this can
be a politically charged topic).
No talking, texting, internet surfing,
etc, during class.
Strategies for Success:
Read the textbook/lecture slides and keep up.
Attend lectures. The lectures indicate the topics the instructor
believes are most challenging and important. Valuable example problems
will be discussed in class and in discussion sections. Material will be
given in lecture and discussion sections that is not in the textbook or
readings and you will be expected to know it.
Hash out questions with your classmates outside of class. Go to office
hours or email the TAs when you need help. Don't be afraid to ask
questions in class.
Additional info:
To request academic accommodations due to a disability, please contact
Disabled Student Services: 448 Schmitz, 206-543-8924 (V/TTY). If you have a
letter from DSS indicating that you have a disability which requires
academic accommodations, please present the letter to me so we can discuss
the accommodations you might need in the class.
Academic accommodations due to disability will not be made unless the
student has a letter from DSS specifying the type and nature of
accommodations needed.
|
|
|
