When we hear the term – natural hazard, the first images that come to mind are usually the devastating aftermaths caused by earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, floods, droughts, tsunami, etc. With no doubt, these natural forces can bring powerful destruction to human society. There is a dramatic rise in economic losses incurred by natural hazards over the past several decades both worldwide and in the United States. The concentration of population and property coupled with a changing global environment has been attributed to this rising trend. The devastating consequence of natural hazards is therefore the product of both social and environmental factors. Faced with the increasingly challenging environment globally, nationally, and locally, societies at various levels need to adopt measures to adapt to this changing environment. Meanwhile, it would be difficult to find suitable solutions without understanding these extreme natural forces.       ​    This course provides an in-depth exploration of natural hazards, including their causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies. This course introduces students to fundamental concepts including hazard, disaster, vulnerability, resilience, and risk. The course also examines various types of natural hazards, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, drought, volcanic eruptions, and more. The course will emphasize the interaction between human society and these hazards, 

         The hydrological cycle will intensify under climate change, resulting in more frequent and severe water hazards such as drought, flood, and hurricane. Facing increasing risks posed by water hazards in a changing climate, it is imperative for society to make timely decisions to mitigate these risks. This seminar surveys various theories from behavioral sciences and approaches from different disciplines to illuminate the complexity of water hazards decision making. Specifically, in the first section on theoretical perspectives, we will first review influential decision theory papers in the last half century: judgment under uncertainty (Tversky and Kahneman, 1974) and the framing of decision (Tversky and Kahneman, 1985). We will then look into perceptions of risk (Slovic, 1987), particularly focusing on the discrepancies between expert risk assessment and laypersons’ risk perceptions. Along with risk perception, we will examine the predominant mental model on risk communication. We will also discuss how environmental ethics must be integrated into decision making. In the second section, drawing upon theories discussed in the first section, we will specifically focus on water hazards decision making. We will examine how the public evaluates the frequency and intensity of drought and flood, respectively. We will look into the factors influencing flood risk mitigation (e.g., purchasing flood insurance, elevating one’s houses, supporting flood mitigation policies). We will also discuss social vulnerability to water hazards.  In the third section, several guest speakers from different disciplines will discuss their approaches to making decisions to mitigate risks of water hazards. In the last section, students will participate in a group project and present individual projects by applying the knowledge and skills acquired from this class. 

        This seminar surveys various perspectives, theories, and approaches from different disciplines to shed light on the complexity of environmental decision making in the Anthropocene. Specifically, in the first section on theoretical perspectives, we will critique the rational choice theory (e.g., expected utility theory) in classic economic thinking. We will then examine psychological theories such as judgment under uncertainty, prospect theory, and risk perceptions, sociological perspectives of pro-environmental concern and behaviors, political discourse on environmental issues (e.g., climate change), and the media influence on identifying the issue and setting the agenda. In the second section on methodologies, we will look into various approaches to gauge and analyze decision making in different disciplines. In the third section, students will be expected to participate in a group project and lead an individual project by applying the knowledge and skills acquired from this class. 

     In the Anthropocene, the relationship between environment and human society has become increasingly interwoven, complex and complicated. A close examination of this relationship is warranted. This seminar first surveys various perspectives, theories, and approaches from different disciplines. Specifically, Malthus’s theory on population, market response model,  the Coase theorem on managing the environment through contracts and bargaining, Hardin’s perspective on the tragedy of the commons, Ostrom’s polycentric framework, and psychological theories of risk perceptions among others are examined and critiqued. The seminar then delves into specific environmental problems facing society. From carbon dioxide to bottled water, from earthquakes to flooding, the theories, perspectives, and approaches examined earlier in the seminar are applied into each specific problem.​

       As one of the two major branches of Geography, Human Geography is concerned with the relationships people have with their places and environments. For global citizens living in the 21st century, being confronted with daunting challenges such as environmental degradation, economic inequality, major demographic shifts, and political polarization on varying geographic scales, it is necessary to understand how human choices can steer their relationships with their places and environments in totally different directions. During this course, students will embark on an intellectual journey to explore the dynamics of people, places, and environment.        Throughout this course, we will delve into various topics including: basics of geography, population and health, migration, social media and popular culture, languages, religions, ethnicities, political geography, food and agriculture, development, industry and energy, services and settlements, and urban patterns.