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Dams have long been viewed as "engines" of economic progress -- centerpieces of efforts to develop modern industrial economies. They are also among the largest single investments in development infrastructure, and are among the largest structures ever built by humans. Since the late 1940s the number of large dams world-wide has grown enormously; on every continent they provide electricity, water or flood control.But dams are also the focus of increasing debate. While some maintain that we need more dams to meet growing demands for energy or water, others reply that dams can generate serious environmental and social problems, and so must be considered carefully before being imposed on a river. And still others insist that such problems are inevitable, that these problems will always outweigh any benefits provided by dam projects, and that, therefore, no more large dams should be built. Beyond their immediate economic, social and environmental dimensions, dams have social, political and ethical implications. They have served as instruments by which certain sectors or groups in society have been dominated by others; they have been a means by which governments have asserted their political authority; they are also a leading symbol of the idea that nature must be reshaped to serve humanity. For all these reasons, dams are an important and fascinating focus of study. This web document can demonstrate how dams can be used by university teachers and students to explore topics in both environmental studies and development studies. It includes discussions of some general aspects of dams; case studies of selected dam projects, such as the Bakun Dam in Malaysia, as well as projects in Canada; and lists of references -- books, articles, videos -- to assist teachers and students in further research on dams. The site also includes suggestions for both classroom and individual study activities, that can be adapted to specific teaching situations and objectives. We encourage users to contact the author with any suggestions or comments regarding this "living" document.
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