The course is designed to provide a critical review of current theories of climate and its variability. Each student will be expected to lead a class discussion of literature on 2-3 of the topics listed. Following a lecture on the topic of the day, the second hour will be student reports on a related paper. Topics will be selected at least 1 week ahead. It will be assumed that registered students have had undergraduate courses, and at least one graduate class, in climatology/meteorology, or a closely related field.

Students will be expected to maintain a regular weekly reading schedule of journal articles to contribute to group discussions. The course grade will be based on two review/research papers on approved topics - one due October 28, the second on December 17.