Water, Water, Everywhere?

Water is essential for life and has played an enormous role in human culture. In the modern world it also plays an increasing role in global and local politics. We will study: 1) how the chemistry of water makes it a “miracle molecule”; 2) how water has shaped life on Earth and determines our climate and weather; 3) how water has impacted the development of human civilization; 4) how water’s value as a limited resource has led to both conflict and innovation; and 5) how water use will impact our (near) future.   

Reading: Giulio Boccaletti, Water: A Biography, ISBN 978-0525566007.

Barbara Snapp has taught and researched in science for over 45 years since receiving her Ph.D. in biology from Cornell University. Her research focuses on the ecological and evolutionary adaptiveness of life. She most enjoys teaching broad survey courses where she can interweave basic themes to build a multidimensional understanding.