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• Undergraduate Spring 2024
• Geography

Undergraduate Geography

2024 Spring Term

Class Schedule

GLOBAL CLIMATE SYSTEMS

GEOGRPY 120

Introduction to global energy, moisture, and circulation systems that drive climates at the global scale. Emphasis will be on the patterns of interannual variability (climate change) and the physical processes that cause those changes. The processes examined will be 1) internal forcing mechanisms (atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, and hydrosphere), 2) external forcing mechanisms (solar dynamics, orbital pattern changes, tectonic changes), and 3) human-induced forcing mechanisms (deforestation, atmospheric composition changes, etc.). As part of the lab component, students will apply the concepts learned in the course to complete a small research project that guides them through the scientific process.

Class Schedule

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

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.

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HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

GEOGRPY 230

A systematic study of human land relationships highlighting the diversity of the elements that make up the cultural landscape in various regions.

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GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

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.

Class Schedule

LANDSCAPES OF NORTH AMERICA: PEOPLE AND ENVIRONMENT

GEOGRPY 261

The United States and Canada have a diverse geography of land, water, and people. This course explores the regional connections between economic activities, cultures, physical characteristics, and natural resources in North America.

Class Schedule

GIS I: MAPPING OUR WORLD

GEOGRPY 270

Time to get "spatial." Geographic. To see the world in terms of relationships between places and things, patterns and processes. Students will learn how use geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze spatial patterns and communicate through maps. Issues, problems, and examples will be used from a variety of natural resources, social science, and business fields.

Class Schedule

SOIL SCIENCE

GEOGRPY 300

Soil science deals with the systematic description, analysis, and understanding of soils and how they interact with and drive environmental processes and ecosystems. This course will examine the properties, formation, classification, and distribution of soil, stressing the connections between environmental controls on their formation and distribution. Field trips required.

Class Schedule

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.

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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.

Class Schedule

GIS II: APPLICATIONS AND DATA

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.

Class Schedule

CARTOGRAPHY AND GEOVISUALIZATION

GEOGRPY 380

With the growing use of maps on the web, cartography is experiencing a modern-day renaissance. Our class goals are to learn the principles of map design and apply them to create production-quality maps. We'll also explore advanced techniques for thematic maps and experiment with tools to create interactive web maps. By the course's end, students will have a portfolio of professional maps to share with employers and friends.

Class Schedule

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.

Class Schedule

CLIMATE CHANGE: THE SCIENCE AND IMPACTS

GEOGRPY 420

This course examines the topic of climate change from many perspectives. First, the science behind climate change is explored to determine the various natural and man-made influences on climate change. Second, the impacts are explored and how they are related to climate change; these topics range from the economic, political, cultural, and ecological.

Class Schedule

CITIES AND SUSTAINABILITY

GEOGRPY 444

A study of the historical, social and political framework of the urban and regional planning process with primary emphasis on understanding the links between sustainability and the configuration of urban space. Although American cities are emphasized, course content is placed within a broad global context. Students obtain exposure to professional planning approaches and a field trip is often required.

Class Schedule

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND HUMAN-ENVIRONMENT GEOGRAPHY

GEOGRPY 452

Sustainable development works toward a world in which we balance environmental, social, and economic goals. In this class, you'll learn the origins of sustainable development and how its principles are defined and implemented in different communities. Additionally, we'll learn how human-environment geography helps us better understand human actions, cultures, and values and their impacts on environmental, political, and economic systems.

Class Schedule

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.

Class Schedule

INTERNSHIP IN GEOGRAPHY

GEOGRPY 493

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.

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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.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

GEOGRPY 498R

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.