The course begins with a presentation of the basic ideas of the method of science and its history and then proceeds to an analysis of the current environmental crises, especially as related to the problem of food and energy and their production and utilization. Subjects include the crisis of obesity in the U.S., nutritional diseases such as diabetes, the growth of the industrial system of agriculture, alternative forms of agriculture, the development of the hydrocarbon energy society, global climate change and its consequences, among others. Emphasis is placed on the need for scientific understanding of these problems and citizen participation in developing rational solutions.

Intended Audience:

This is a course aimed at non-science concentrators, interested in issues of food, energy and the environment.