Restricted to freshmen and sophomores. Explores the interactions between humans and the Earth system by investigating the different time and spatial scales of the natural hazards that the planet presents, and exploring the societal and economic implications of civilizations co-existing with an evolving planet. Discussion of both long-term and punctuated catastrophic hazards, focusing on those from volcanoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes, using a combination of systems level exploration of the driving mechanisms as well as case histories. Discussion of issues related to risk, mitigation, and resilience for humans facing the vast array of natural hazards. Three lecture hours and one and one-half laboratory hours a week for one semester. May not be counted toward a degree in geological sciences.