WHAT IS IT?
Understanding Energy: Energy Literacy & Civics is Rice’s premier introduction to the energy industry being offered in Fall 2022. Student and course feedback prior to 2019 can be found under this course’s previous listing: HURC 302.
WHAT WILL IT COVER?
Energy is a foundational driver of human development and opportunity. Our society’s energy system impacts our economy, political system, culture, and environment. In taking this course, students will learn not only the fundamentals of each energy resource, they will also be asked to put this in the context of the broader energy system and think critically about how and why modern society has chosen particular energy resources.
WHO SHOULD TAKE IT?
Anyone with an interest in energy or environmental issues will find this course fascinating. If you’re an engineering student looking to bolster your coursework with practical industry information or you hope to work in the energy industry after graduation or you just want to learn what happens when you switch on a light bulb, this course is for you.
WHAT WILL I LEARN TO DO?
- Think critically about the role of energy resources within our broader society
- Analyze policies and regulations and their social impacts
- Recognize how energy impacts our culture through art, films and media
- Make informed energy decisions, from voting to consumption
WHO WILL TEACH IT?
The course is taught by a 25+ year energy industry veteran with guest lectures by academic scholars and business leaders. In addition to lectures, we will also have 2-3 field trips to see energy facilities in action and a career panel where students will hear from energy professionals about how they chose their careers.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Brian Spector at bhs3@rice.edu Brian Spector CV