Geology & Landscapes of France

France hosts a remarkable variety of landscapes, created by a wide range of geological processes: continental rifting and volcanic activity, mountain building, canyon carving, and coastline processes. In this course we will consider the major forces that shape a country, and the influence of geology on its economy and cultural heritage: fossil fuel and mineral ores, building material for castles and cathedrals, and the notion of terroir in agriculture and winemaking. Students will be encouraged to research the geological history and attributes of their own home state or country.