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COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course focuses on the controversial development of alternative and traditional energy projects in Chile as well as explores the larger scale climate change and energy crisis that faces the globe.  Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to explore first hand the benefits and drawbacks of using natural resources in a variety of ways to create energy.  Students will also study the social and political climate in which development projects take place and will have the opportunity to meet and discuss with local stakeholders to develop a thorough understanding of the impact on local communities.  Class discussions, lectures, and field exercises will incorporate Chile’s current issues into the context of growing world wide concern for climate change and its effect.

“The interaction and bonds formed with locals was overwhelming; learning about sustainable development - such an eye opener!” — Leah Effron, Livingston, NJ

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Develop an understanding of general concepts related to climate change and the global energy crisis throughout the world.
• Explore the social and political motives behind the encouragement and discouragement of current energy development projects in Chile.
• Be able to relate first hand knowledge of energy related development projects in Chile to the development projects in other countries and understand how it relates to climate change.

LECTURE TOPICS

• Global Perspectives of Climate Change
• Energy & it’s Role in Climate Change. Solutions and Overview of Energy Development
• Society, Politics, and Energy. Hyrdo-Electric Energy: For or Against?
• Wind Energy
• Astronomy & The Universe
• Geothermal Energy
• Solar Energy
• Geology

FIELD STUDIES & EXERCISES

• Stakeholder meetings at a variety of currently developing projects
• Observation and data collection at development sites
• Development of a project related to one type of energy

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