This course explores many dimensions of natural and human-induced hazards. We first examine the many ways in which hazards have been and can be defined, before moving into in-depth explorations of human-hazard relationships. We will discuss the simple causative mechanisms of some geological, meteorological, biological and environmental hazards, but more importantly, we will look at how population dynamics, society at large, and external factors exacerbate (or occasionally mitigate) what we know as “risk.” We analyze several programs designed to help society cope with specific hazards, and we pay particular attention to how populations share risk unevenly. Students will have the opportunity to participate in and critique a local hazard-mitigation initiative.