Undergraduate Geography
Undergraduate Geography
2010 Fall Term
Disclaimer
- This course listing is informational and does not guarantee availability for registration.
- Please click through to view the class schedule to see sections offered for your selected term.
- Sections may be full or not open for registration. Please use WINS if you wish to register for a course.
INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRPY 100
Introduction to Geography introduces students to the specialties within geography, outlines the academic tracks within the major and associated requirements, and explores public and private career opportunities in the field of geography. Required of all majors at earliest opportunity.
INTRODUCTION TO WEATHER AND CLIMATE (GL)
GEOGRPY 120
This course introduces students to the processes controlling and distinguishing weather and climate. Particular emphasis is on data selection, interpretation, and analysis. The impacts of severe weather and climate change on humans is also emphasized. The labs expose students to the wide range of weather and climate information currently available on the Internet.
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY (GL)
GEOGRPY 210
A study of selected physical aspects of our geographic environment. Emphasis is given to the origin and characteristic features of topographic, climatic, vegetative and soil regions of the earth and to their interrelationships. The ultimate objective is to provide a foundation upon which to build a better understanding of human interrelationships with the physical environment. Field trips are normally taken.
HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (GS)
GEOGRPY 230
A systematic study of human land relationships highlighting the diversity of the elements that make up the cultural landscape in various regions.
GEOGRAPHY OF WISCONSIN (GS)
GEOGRPY 250
A systematic treatment of physical and cultural geographic phenomena. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships and interactions of these phenomena from place to place within the state.
HUMAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS (GS)
GEOGRPY 252
An introduction to environmental problems and their complexities. Attention is given to alternative solutions to such problems and the implications these alternatives have for the total environment. The course emphasizes the evaluation of the interrelationships between the environmental resource demands of people and the actual resource base of the earth.
GEOGRAPHY OF CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (GS)
GEOGRPY 261
A regional survey of the United States and Canada. Special attention is given to the physical, cultural and economic geography of the two countries.
INTRODUCTION TO MAPPING
GEOGRPY 270
An introduction to the quantitative and qualitative mapping techniques applicable to the physical and social sciences. Included are the skills required to create clear, concise and aesthetically pleasing maps, as well as how to derive information from them. Both graphic and cartographic software packages will be utilized to create and evaluate maps. Field trips are normally taken.
SPATIAL ANALYSIS
GEOGRPY 290
Presentation and interpretation of data, use descriptive statistics and measures of spatial patterns, introduction to statistical inference and measures of association, with particular reference to geographic examples. Students will become proficient in using computers to achieve these skills.
METEOROLOGY AND CLIMATE
GEOGRPY 320
Begins with fundamental relationships among earth, sun and air. Common myths concerning weather phenomena are dispelled through in-depth explanation in everyday language of the physical laws that govern atmospheric functioning. The course terminates with a survey of world climate regions.
WATER RESOURCES
GEOGRPY 323
Class will investigate the pathways and processes of water transfer and storage in the many reservoirs on earth, along with the impact of human activities on water quality and fluxes. Detail is given to shallow groundwater monitoring and soil indicators of saturation for wetland delineation, anthropegenic effects on streams, and land use issues related to water quality. Field trips normally taken.
BIOGEOGRAPHY
GEOGRPY 330
This course provides an introduction to biogeography, the study of distributions of organisms. This course will combine both historical and ecological perspectives in analyzing plant and animal distributions. Human impacts on biotic distributions will also be discussed in some detail.
POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRPY 332
A geographical study of international conflicts and relations, geopolitical strategies and processes, and the variation of political phenomena from place to place in relation to changing economic and cultural environments in the national as well as global contexts.
ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRPY 340
The study of the spatial organization of economic activities, including patterns of production, exchange and consumption. A broad introduction to locational behavior is presented and applied examples are stressed.
URBAN GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRPY 344
The intraurban consideration of various land-use and population characteristics of cities, their patterns, interrelations and changes is followed by the interurban study of locations, size, spacing, types and functions of urban settlements. Field trips are normally taken.
GLOBALIZATION AND THE CITY
GEOGRPY 346
This course will focus on understanding the processes of globalization, urban and regional development theories, emergence of the global city, and influence of globalization on urban development. This course will examine the role of cities across the world and the relationship between urban change and economic, political, and cultural globalization.
GEOHAZARDS
GEOGRPY 352
The course will focus on the physical processes that create environmental hazards (e.g. earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather), the primary controls on their frequency and intensity, and how human decision-making can influence the magnitude of impact that they have when they inevitably occur. Comparisons are made between impacts of hazards on developing versus developed countries.
GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA (GS)
GEOGRPY 361
A study of contemporary and historical interrelationships between the natural environment and the economic, political and cultural activities in South and Southeast Asia. Countries studied include: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Phillipines.
GEOGRAPHY OF EUROPE
GEOGRPY 362
A study of the nations, regions, cultures, and traditional and emerging spatial relationships in Europe. Physical and cultural patterns and processes are considered as they relate to the distribution of population and industrial and commercial activities. The European Community and Europe's international role and linkages are investigated.
GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AMERICA
GEOGRPY 363
A study of countries south of the Caribbean with emphasis on their natural resources and economic activities. Considerable attention will be given to problems of cooperation among the Americas.
GEOGRAPHY OF EAST ASIA (GS)
GEOGRPY 364
A study of contemporary and historical interrelationships between the natural envirnoment and economic, political and cultural activities in East Asia. Countries studied include: China, Taiwan, Mongolia, Japan, and North and South Korea.
GEOGRAPHY OF MIDDLE AMERICA
GEOGRPY 365
A study of the activities of the peoples of Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies, their problems in relation to their natural environment, and their problems as a transitional area between two large continents.
GEOGRAPHY OF RUSSIA AND THE NEWLY INDEPENDENT STATES
GEOGRPY 368
Spatial analyses of physical and cultural phenomena are dealt with topically as well as regionally. Current development projects are given special emphasis.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
GEOGRPY 370
The basic principles and operations of geographic information systems (GIS) are presented, including the capture, storage, management, analysis and display of geographic referenced data and their attributes. Laboratory exercises provide extensive hands-on experiences with a number of GIS software packages, including both raster and vector systems. Field trips are normally taken.
REMOTE SENSING OF THE ENVIRONMENT
GEOGRPY 377
An introduction to the images, sensors and techniques used to gather and process data on the Earth and other planets, including aerial photography, electro-optical scanners and radar systems. The course will focus on the fundamentals of utilizing remotely sensed data in studying both natural and human induced processes impacting the Earth's surface. Computer applications will be extensively utilized. Field trips are normally taken.
CAPSTONE IN GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRPY 400
Capstone in Geography prepares students for future options within the various fields of Geography/Geology. Portfolio preparation and presentation is emphasized as an essential element of making the transition to careers in both the public and private sector, as well as graduate studies.
HUMAN AND CLIMATE INTERACTIONS
GEOGRPY 420
The course objective is to distinguish between natural climate change and change induced by human activities. Topics covered include human modifications to cloud cover, global warming, and ozone problems. Another emphasis is to better understand the impacts of severe weather on human activities and the potential threats of future climate change. At least one field trip is usually taken.
GEOGRAPHY OF RACE AND ETHNICITY IN THE UNITED STATES (DV)
GEOGRPY 430
The course will take a geographical approach to the study of ethnic groups in the United States. Native American, African American, Hispanic American, and Asian American groups will be studied systematically. Major topics will include mobility, culture regions, and the cultural landscape created by the various ethnic groups.
FOREST GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRPY 435
This course introduces the field of forest geography, emphasizing the quantitative description of spatial and temporal patterns of forest change at multiple scales. Both natural and human forest processes are considered as well as the interaction between humans and forested environments. Theories and methods will be used to understand forest processes, using examples from around the world.
APPLIED GIS: APPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
GEOGRPY 440
This course will provide the background necessary to apply Geographic Information Systems software to solve applied business problems. The specific educational objectives of this course are: 1) To provide the student with "hands on" problem solving skills emphasizing, site location, target marketing, sales territory development and network routing; 2) To work with the most widely used Business GIS software package, ArcView GIS and its major extensions.
URBAN LAND USE PLANNING
GEOGRPY 444
A study of the historical, social and political framework of the urban land planning process with primary emphasis on the United States. Exposure to professional planning approaches and techniques and a critical analysis of plans and planners are stressed. Field trips are normally taken.
ADVANCED METHODS IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRPY 450
Advanced Methods in Physical Geography focuses on data collection and analysis techniques used by physical geographers. Students will conduct an integrated analysis of a local landscape, including site selection, sample collection, lab analysis, and data assimilation and interpretation for report writing. Roughly one-half of course is taught outdoors, regardless of weather. Four consecutive hours per week.
CULTURAL ECOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
GEOGRPY 452
This course will discuss the history of the subdiscipline of cultural ecology within geography and teach about indigenous and traditional societies' knowledge systems from a variety of world cultures. It will use ancient and modern examples of indigenous methods of natural resource management and show how these are being applied internationally to present day environmental problems and to sustainable development approaches.
ADVANCED TOPICS IN HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRPY 455
In-depth examination of a specific issue or theme in human geography. Topics covered will typically focus on emerging national and global issues with a particular emphasis on current research. May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours (under different subtitles)
APPLIED GIS IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRPY 460
The course focuses on the use of GIS to better understand the physical processes shaping the earth's surface and characteristics of the atmosphere. Because physical geography covers such a broad range of topics, it will be necessary to review the physical processes associated with each (e.g. landform formation, biogeography, patterns of severe weather, etc.) before applying GIS. Thus, the course combines traditional lecture style format with weekly meetings in departmental computer labs equipped with the latest GIS software. Grading is heavily based on completion of labs on time and quality of GIS outputs.
APPLIED ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE GIS
GEOGRPY 470
This course will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize GIS for solving applied environmental analysis problems. Specifically, the course is designed to 1) identify and resolve environmental and natural resource problems in terms of spatial analysis, 2) explore a conceptual understanding of GIS, 3) provide students with technical instruction in current GIS software.
APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS
GEOGRPY 480
A survey of new and traditional methods used in geographic studies; and the application of a variety of these methods in the collection, classification and analysis of data for assigned problems, culminating in individual research reports. Field trips are normally taken. This course fulfills department's writing competency requirement.
INTERNSHIP IN GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRPY 485
Students will be placed in an outside private or governmental agency where they will utilize geographic techniques in approaching practical problems relevant to the agency's mission. An on-campus seminar with fellow interns and the supervisory instructor is required. Prereq: Students with a major or minor program emphasis in geography must have completed a minimum of 14 credits in geography and have the consent of the intern committee. Students of cognate majors must have a minimum of 9 selected credits in geography and consent of the intern committee. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits in major and 12 credits in degree.
WORKSHOP
GEOGRPY 490
Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques. Repeatable. Prereq: Consent of instructor.
TRAVEL STUDY
GEOGRPY 491
Variable topics. Faculty-led field courses.
FIELD COURSE
GEOGRPY 492
An introduction to field methods and techniques and their application in the study of a part of the United States or a foreign area. For information about a particular offering, write to the Department of Geography and Geology, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Repeatable.
SEMINAR
GEOGRPY 494
Variable topics. Group activity. An advanced course of study in a defined subject matter area emphasizing a small group in intense study with a faculty member. Repeatable one time for a maximum of 6 credits in major/degree.
SPECIAL STUDIES
GEOGRPY 496
Variable topics. Group activity. Not offered regularly in the curriculum but offered on topics selected on the basis of timeliness, need, and interest, and generally in the format of regularly scheduled Catalog offerings. Repeatable one time for a maximum of 6 credits in major/degree.
EXCHANGE STUDY
GEOGRPY 497
Variable topics.
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRPY 498
Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable one time for a maximum of 6 credits in major/degree.