Geography 333: "Human Dimensions of Natural Hazards"

Natural hazards are not simply a force of nature. Their impacts depend on the vulnerability of people, communities, and the economy. Social science also plays an important role in evaluating alternative mitigation and adaptation strategies. In some cases, this means lessening the physical stimulus through such measures as flood control projects, while in others it means guarding life and property through self-protection or insurance. Natural hazards raise important issues for individuals, private businesses, public utilities, government agencies, NGOs, and communities.

This course will provide students with an introduction to social science principles and methodologies to address critical questions relating to managing the risks of natural hazards. Although the focus will be on economics and geography, this is a multidisciplinary topic, and so readings and lectures will also incorporate some critical aspects of natural and other social sciences.

Many poignant concerns have been brought out by recent catastrophes such as Hurricane Katrina. A major option of the course will be devoted to analyzing the catastrophic character of recent events and how they differed from ordinary hazards. Attention will be devoted to the many causes of each event, how it could have been prevented, its many impacts, and the individual and government response.

The course sessions will consist of lectures by the instructor and presentations by guest speakers from related fields such as geoscience, meteorology, and engineering. Lab sessions focusing on hazard impact software will also be offered.

Professor: Dr. Brent Yarnal