GBL 296 GREAT STRUCTURES OF EUROPE: TECHNOLOGY AND HISTORY
This course supports studies in engineering and European history by introducing students to an interdisciplinary investigation of man-made structures throughout Western Europe. Students will be prepared, by study in their fall preparatory course, to inspect and study these works with a scientific eye and an enriching historic perspective. Spanning 2000 years, these structures are monuments to human development. These structures are representative of changing philosophy, politics and economics, as well as technological development based on new knowledge and new perspectives. The evolution of materials and scientific analysis has enabled striking variations of manmade creations. By comparing bridges like the Pons Cestius across the Tiber River and the Ponte Vecchio in Florence with modern bridges like the Millau Viaduct in southern France and Erasmus in Rotterdam, 2000 years of historic and technological development is stunningly evident. Application and acceptance required. Additional travel fee is required. Counts toward Science (non-lab) or Civilization requirement, and satisfies one unit of experiential learning toward fulfillment of the Experiential Learning Requirement.
Prerequisite
GBL 196