Earthquakes occupy a special place among natural calamities that impact the human civilization. Sudden, short in duration, extremely but selectively destructive, and (as of this writing) not predictable, earthquakes have the capacity to change the course of human history, While most human cultures have traditional beliefs associated with earthquakes, the rigorous science of earthquakes is just over a century old.
This seminar will focus on the impact the natural phenomenon of earthquakes has on various aspects of society. After a brief introduction to the modern understanding of the causes of earthquakes, and having learned the necessary vocabulary of earthquake science, students will explore a set of case studies illustrating the hazards posed by earthquakes, the risks inherent in choices made by societies exposed to those hazards, and the strategies that are likely to make the growing population of this planet more resilient in the face of its persistent restlessness.
Students will learn how to use online information resources relevant to the topic, will work with a broad range of written sources (from newspaper journalism to peer-reviewed research papers), and will have opportunities to build their presentation skills, both written and oral.