This course explores the totality of human experience on earth, as known through archaeology, from the beginnings of humankind into the present.  Course content is not organized chronologically or regionally, but thematically, focusing on how humans have made themselves and their worlds in the past and continue to do so today. It is an archaeological contribution to the anthropological question, “What makes us human?”  An anthropological archaeology can inform us of where we come from, how we got to where we are today, and where we might be going in the future.

This course covers the natural energy cycles on earth, specifically direct and indirect (wind, waves, biomass) solar resources. Historical energy use and conventional energy resources are presented, along with associated environmental problems such as air pollution and mining. Students investigate real-time air quality of Southern California. Field trips are designed to show students where electricity comes from. Three trips are normally taken: a gas-fired cogeneration plant on campus; a utility-scale gas power plant that uses recycled wastewater for cooling; and a small hydropower system.