Natural disturbances play a fundamental role in sculpturing landscapes and structuring natural and human-based ecosystems. This course explores the natural and social science of disturbances by analyzing their geologic causes, their ecological and social consequences, and the role of human behavior in disaster reduction and mitigation. Volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, droughts, fires, and extraterrestrial impacts are analyzed and compared.

Natural disturbances play a fundamental role in sculpturing landscapes and structuring natural and human-based ecosystems. This course explores the natural and social science of disturbances by analyzing their geologic causes, their ecological and social consequences, and the role of human behavior in disaster reduction and mitigation. Volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, droughts, fires, and extraterrestrial impacts are analyzed and compared.

An introduction to processes and forces that form the surface and the interior of the Earth. Topics include, changes in climate, the history of life, as well as earth resources and their uses.

Directed study for individuals or small groups under supervision of a faculty member.

Can our cities become examples of sustainable design? Does inner city revitalization tie into sustainability? Are there successful examples to learn from? This seminar will focus on how existing cities attempt to integrate green design principles within them. It will look at case studies, both in the US and abroad.


Urban design and transportation will be examined within this context, including how to create pedestrian friendly spaces. Infill construction and the adaptive use of existing buildings will be discussed, as well as the reuse of brownfield sites. We will also look at what types of construction actually constitute green buildings.


We will take advantage of our local resources within Philadelphia, and include visits to nearby sites, along with talks by local experts. There will be a series of short projects given throughout the term. They will usually include both a written component and a presentation to the class. The energetic execution of these projects, their presentations and the subsequent discussions, will be a key part of this seminar.

The global water and sanitation crisis kills over 4,000 children each day and represents one of the biggest health problems in the world. At the University of Pennsylvania school year 2010-2011 was declared the "Year of Water" in recognition of the many challenges that lie ahead as global increases in population and affluence and the influences of climate change will stress limited water resources. Each year the Stockholm International Water Institute convenes a Conference with experts from around the globe to exchange the latest water research findings and develop new networks. Students will attend the Conference, present research by presentations/posters, document a key issue, interview experts, and meet colleagues with common interests. They will also help other organizations at the Conference.

At the turn of the 21st century the United Nations established a series of goals to assist developing countries. These Millennium Development Goals [MDG] include targets for water and sanitation: " by the year 2015 to reduce by one half the percent of the world's population that does not have access to safe water and adequate sanitation". This course explores the policies and actions being taken by the world community, the United States, and NGOs to meet these targets. It will also address water governance issues such as financing, community leadership, and capacity building for water/sanitation in developing countries. Two mandatory full-day field trips are included [one to the United Nations in New York City; another to US Government leaders in Washington, DC].