Energy and Environment in American History: 1705-2005, Fall 2006

Abstract:: A survey of how America has become the world's largest consumer of energy. Explores American history from the perspective of energy and its relationship to politics, diplomacy, the economy, science and technology, labor, culture, and the environment. Topics include muscle and water power in early America, coal and the Industrial Revolution, electrification, energy consumption in the home, oil and US foreign policy, automobiles and suburbanization, nuclear power, OPEC and the 70's energy crisis, global warming, and possible paths for the future.

Subject:: Humanities, Science and Technology
Grade Level:: Post-secondary
SubTopics:: Industrial and Agricultural Impacts , Energy , Water , Policy and Advocacy , Business & Economics , Sustainable Agriculture and Nutrition
Collection:: MIT OpenCourseWare

"Infrastructure in Crisis: Energy and Security Challenges, Fall 2009"

Abstract:: " The purpose of this seminar is to examine efforts in developing and advanced nations and regions to create, finance and regulate infrastructure systems and services that affect energy security. We will introduce a variety of methodological and disciplinary perspectives. During the seminar, students will explore how an energy crisis can be an opportunity for making fundamental changes to improve collapsing infrastructure networks. The sessions will be used to introduce the challenges to modern society concerning energy security, and for students to study how food security and energy security are intertwined, as well as how infrastructure supports the energy system. We will review the moral hazard aspects of infrastructure and the common arguments for withholding adequate support to the rebuilding of energy systems. Students taking the graduate version will complete additional Assignments and Labs."