Geography 412W: "Climatic Change and Variability"

Geography 412W introduces students to the physical dimensions of climate change and variation. Climate change topics include radiative forcing, greenhouse gases, scenarios, equilibrium models, and time-dependent models. Important Climate variation topics are teleconnections and the El Nino-Southern Oscillation phenomenon. Geography 412W would appeal to students with interests in Earth and atmospheric sciences, as well as environmental protection.

As a writing-intensive course, Geography 412W aims to help students improve their ability to communicate scientific information. The course devotes considerable class time to the mechanics of reading, writing, speaking, and especially report production. Students not only write, but also learn to edit and critique writing.

Because most professional research on climate change and variation involves collaborative science teams, Geography 412W focus on collaboration and participation. Students form teams, conduct research, and compile formal collaborative reports on climate change and variation. Students document their individual contributions by producing portfolios.