Want to take a class about climate change & society?

Are you interested in climate change? Do you want to learn more? 

If so Dr. Maggie Holland has an excellent opportunity in the spring! Sign up for "Climate Change & Society: Global change in the Maryland context"

In-person class next semester Tues/Thurs from 1-2.15 PM

ALL MAJORS ARE WELCOME! 

Here's an excerpt from the syllabus: 

Welcome to Climate Change and Society! In this seminar/workshop course, we will explore climate change as a social phenomenon using the state of Maryland as a microcosm, driver, and laboratory of global change. How does the state of Maryland (including its diverse residents and industries) contribute to climate change, both in absolute terms and relative to other parts of the world? How are Maryland’s human communities, other species, and the state’s varied landscapes impacted by climate change, and how do social inequities shape vulnerability to these impacts? How are Marylanders -- in government, in industry, in social movements, and as individuals -- attempting to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate, and will these responses be fair and just? By examining these questions at the state and local scale, we hope to help students understand one of the most vast and complex challenges of our time through tangible, specific discussions and experiences.

The topic of climate change often provokes feelings of powerlessness and distress, which may lead to avoidance of the problem or a sense of resignation. This course aims to build empowerment and reduce distress by preparing students to communicate information and ideas about climate change. Students will work in teams to gather information about climate change contributions, impacts, and solutions in Maryland and present them, first to their peers, and then to a broader public. Furthermore, we will discuss real actions that are being taken and that could be taken to address climate change.

Course objectives. By the end of the course, students should be prepared to: 

1)    Explain the state of Maryland’s climate change contributions and impacts, how these are measured and modeled, and general patterns of contributions and impacts based on geographic areas, social/demographic groups, and inequities.

2)    Understand and describe key people, communities, and institutions who play important roles in climate change in Maryland. 

3)    Analyze the implications of state and local-level actions, policies, and climate change interventions based on relative impacts, who bears the burdens and enjoys the benefits, and connections to global-scale impacts and actions.

4)    Feel increased confidence in communicating knowledge and perspectives on climate change both among peers/acquaintances and in public fora.