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.