The Energy Crisis: Past and Present

Prof. Jacobs requested funds to develop a new undergraduate course, which will explore how Americans have confronted energy challenges since the 1970's. The primary areas of historical concern include the supply of energy and the environmental consequences of its use. The class will examine topics such as nuclear power, environmentalism, oil shortages, global warming, alternative energies, and Middle East foreign policy. This Alumni Class Funds award will enable Prof. Jacobs to develop this into a big enrollment course with appeal to the substantial number of MIT undergraduates interested in energy. While MIT has pioneered an energy studies minor, there is currently no class on the history of energy or energy policy in the United States.