This unit examines the history of significant disasters since the late nineteenth century. Beginning with the eruption of Krakatoa, each case study examines the process of inquiry and debates over changes to mitigate future catastrophic impacts. Disasters encourage societies to examine causes, solutions and risks, and spark debates about how to render people less vulnerable. The case studies include natural as well as 'man-made' catastrophes, with both short- and long-term impacts. By examining real disasters, and ideas about potential disasters-such as asteroid impact or climate change-it also explores the ways in which disasters have been used to explore a range of possible global futures. -- Course Website
Instructor: Dr Susie Protschky
