The University of Oklahoma
College of Liberal Studies
1610 Asp Ave Ste 108, Norman, OK 73072
Phone: 405-325-1061/800-522-4389 Fax: 405-325-7132

4750 Advanced Interdisciplinary Seminar

Welcome

Welcome

Course Description
In this course students will learn why tornadoes and lightning happen, how people deal with the hazards of tornadoes and lightning, and the social and economic impacts of tornadoes and lightning.  There are no math or science prerequisites for the course.  


Course Objectives
After completing this course, students will be able to

  • Demonstate an understanding of the basic concepts of meteorology and physics relevant to severe storms that make tornadoes and lightning;
  • Demonstate an understanding of the economic and social consequences of tornadoes and lightning; and
  • Demonstate an understanding of how we make decisions about severe-weather warnings, and how people react to them.

Course Assignments
Assignments will consist of readings in the designated texts, reading of handouts, exercises, short quizzes, short in-class essays and a term paper.  There will be reading assignments to be completed before the class begins and in the period between sessions. 

Course Topics
Weekend 1
            Overview of Meteorology
                        How observations and forecasts are made
                        Weather Radar
            Overview of Severe Weather Phenomena
                        Tornadoes
                        Lightning
            Introduction to the problems of severe weather warning and preparedness

Weekend 2
            Tornado Warning and Safety
            Lightning Safety and Protection
            Economic and Social Impacts of Tornadoes and Lightning
            Sociology of Response to Severe-Weather Warnings

There will be a tour of the National Weather Center and at least one field trip to an NWS facility in the NWC.  


 

Student Resources

Student Resources

Required Textbooks

Grazulis, Tom P., The Tornado: Nature's Ultimate Windstorm, 2001, University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, OK, 352 pp, ISBN 0-8061-3258-2.

Uman, Martin A., All About Lightning, 1987, Dover Publications,
ISBN-10: 048625237X
ISBN-13: 978-0486252377