The Worst Journey in the World: The Science, Literature, and History of Polar Exploration

Catalog description

(Formerly GEOLSCI 38N) This course examines the motivations and experiences of polar explorers under the harshest conditions on Earth, as well as the chronicles of their explorations and hardships, dating to the 1500s for the Arctic and the 1700s for the Antarctic. Materials include The Worst Journey in the World by Aspley Cherry-Garrard who in 1911 participated in a midwinter Antarctic sledging trip to recover emperor penguin eggs. Optional field trip into the high Sierra in March. Change of Department Name: Earth and Planetary Science (Formerly Geologic Sciences).