classroom | bard student projects

student projects archive

During this course we read and watched a variety of original and secondary material, met with advocates and experts, and reflected on the meanings and effects of Bhopal after twenty years.   Students in the course did a range of projects, looking at many aspects of the problem, through a variety of disciplines.  These projects are provided here.  We hope that these projects can help to stimulate new ideas, and to solve old problems. 

2004

Bhopal 20 Years Later (a play)
This fictional play explores the possible battles of conscience that former CEO of Union Carbide corporation, Warren Anderson, may be having with himself and the ghosts of the Bhopal disaster, as well as the politics and suffering of the event.
Student Author: Seemans, Misty
Abstract: Bhopal Play.doc

Bhopal: A Tragedy without an End
This paper is a comprehensive review of the Bhopal case and the evidence against Union Carbide corporation.
Student Author: Dunlaevy, Kirsten
Abstract: kirstenreview.doc

Bhopal: Investigating the Absence of Environmental Rights
"Everywhere, the impoverished bear the greatest burdens of industrial pollution. In the case of the Union Carbide gas leak in Bhopal, India, injustice in the form of environmental pollution continues for the survivors. The lack of restrictions placed on Union Carbide, the negligence of the Indian government and citizens’ lack of knowledge in regards to the plant were all inextricably linked to poorly defined or absent environmental and human rights. The definition and enforcement of these rights should be a priority everywhere, yet the task is more difficult than one might suppose. There is a complex relationship between the environment’s health, human rights and environmental rights. In fact, the separation of these three concepts, particularly in the case of Bhopal, may be impossible. One potential result of this categorization of rights in the aftermath of environmental disasters is dialogue that will encourage states and countries to move towards the definition of rights and their enforcement." .....
Student Author: Christian, Anne
Abstract: annieenivronrights.doc

Government responsibility and liability in the case of Bhopal
" While the ongoing civil case is going on against Union Carbide, little has been done to bring reparations from the government for their massive failures in governing the people of their country fairly and safely. If there was such an institution to try the Indian government, then much evidence could be brought to light to bring justice to the people of India. In exploring international law and the creation of the International Criminal Court, I will explain why the Indian government should be tried in such an institution. I will also discuss the failure of the Indian government to bring those Indians who were involved in Union Carbide India Limited to court and to punish them. Ironically, those Indians who were involved in the plant have been honored instead of being tried. The actions of the government in response to the disaster and its aftermath have also been driven by political agendas, which have victimized the gas survivors even more. For all these reasons and more, the Indian government should be held accountable for the Bhopal gas disaster. " ....
Student Author: Desai, Samira
Abstract: samira_government.doc

The Alien Tort Claims Act: Successes and Limitations
This excellent paper discusses the possiblities and limitation of the Alien Tort Claims act, and it's relationship to the Bhopal disaster. Recommended reading.
Student Author: Phelan, Alex
Abstract: alexalientort.doc

The Dynamics of Corporate Power
"Throughout this study, there will be an undercurrent of the legacy of Union Carbide’s Bhopal Gas Disaster in 1984. ‘The world’s worst industrial disaster’ was the impetus for this paper and we will endeavor to understand how it happened, why its lessons have gone unlearned and further, why it has largely slipped off the radar screen of mainstream American politics, business and culture. The event and its lessons should have had a profound affect on these three aspects of American life, but the multinational, Union Carbide, and the Governments of the United States and India have worked to minimize its impacts and de-emphasize its importance. This paper will pay much attention to Union Carbide’s negligence and complicity in Bhopal and hold it up as an example of inhumanity and irresponsibility, two corporate traits which have the net effect of inhibiting people and the community of life on this planet to live freely. The Bhopal disaster exposes the cracks and fissures of an era of rapid unsustainable development and unfair distribution of wealth, and has become a harbinger for concerned activists who seek to reign in a system out of control. " ....
Student Author: Glynn, Bob
Abstract: bobcorporate.doc

The legal case against Dow chemical
This innovative paper looks at the history, roots and possibilities of litigation against the corporate actors in the case of Bhopal.
Student Author: Pierson, Lola
Abstract: lolaplegal.doc

The Media Representation of Bhopal
" Looking back at the newspaper reports of December 1984 , one is stricken by the tone of condescending pity for the Bhopal gas victims and sympathy for poor Union Carbide that might land into deep trouble because of a rare accident that will now forever tarnish its good reputation. If there is such an article present within the mainstream newspapers and magazines that dared come forward and accuse Union Carbide of the calamity it unleashed upon mankind for being stingy and trying to save (literally) a few dollars..."
Student Author: Xeneli, Blerina
Abstract: blerinamediareps.doc

The Peace of Wesphalia
This interesting paper takes Bhopal as just one historical case study in the political problem of human rights in a world dominated by corporate interests.
Student Author: Crockford, Kate
Abstract: The Peace of Westphalia.doc