Scribner Seminar Program
2005-2006 Titles

The Human Colonization of Space

Instructor(s): Mary Crone Odekon, Physics

Description: Our current exploration of space points to eventual extraterrestrial human colonies. In fact, much of the technology to begin small colonies already exists, and some anthropologists argue that it is the nature of humankind to explore and settle new "lands," even when that means leaving the earth. In this seminar, students explore the issues involved in making policy decisions in this area, including technological limitations, political and economic motives, the possible catastrophic destruction of earth, and the biological and psychological development of individuals within a small, extremely isolated society.