History of Polar Exploration

The history of polar exploration includes the dramatic, romantic, and oftentimes tragic exploits of intrepid mariners such as Ernest Shackleton, Roald Amundsen, and Sir John Franklin. In addition, humankind’s connection to the Arctic and Antarctic touches on deeper historical themes such as nationalism, science, Indigenous cultures, and the biological impact of cold. This course will trace the evolution of polar exploration in the 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on the Northwest Passage and the North and South Poles.

This class will be held virtually using Zoom. Participants can join from a computer or device with internet capability. This Zoom session will be streamed in Room 101 of the National Energy Center on the BSC campus for those who do not have internet capability and want to attend the class.