Undergraduate Geography
Undergraduate Geography
2015 Fall Term
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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.
GENDER AND GEOGRAPHY (GS)
GEOGRPY 245
Human geographies will be studied through the lens of gender along with gender relations at home and abroad. Content is organized according to a variety of spatial scales including the body, home, city, and world. Cases investigated at the global scale include gendered livelihoods and migration, nationalism and war, and environmental issues.
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.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES (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.
GIS I: INTRODUCTION TO GIS AND 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.
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.
GEOMORPHOLOGY (LANDFORMS)
GEOGRPY 310
A study of topographic landscapes and their evolution. Two hours per week of lecture and map study. Field trips are normally taken.
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.
GEOGRAPHY OF RELIGION (GI)
GEOGRPY 333
This course examines the role of religion in contemporary American society and in communities around the globe from a geographic perspective. Significant places and spatial patterns associated with religions will be investigated along with the relationship between religion and the political landscape. Students will be expected to identify, visit, and analyze two religious sites in their community.
HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRPY 334
An analysis of the evolution of the historical-geographic patterns of population and human activities in major United States regions. Emphasis is placed upon the identification and preservation of historical landscapes.
GEOGRAPHY OF POPULATION AND MIGRATION (GS)
GEOGRPY 335
This course examines the economic, social, and political processes that contribute to spatial patterns of population and migration throughout the world. Case studies are used to understand contemporary issues of population growth, labor migration, refugee resettlement, immigration policy, and transnational identity.
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 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 LATIN AMERICA
GEOGRPY 365
A study of the activities of the peoples of Mexico, Central America, South America and the West Indies, including means of addressing historical and contemporary issues of economic, social, cultural and political development across the Americas.
GIS II: SPATIAL DATA AND ANALYSIS
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.
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.
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.
RIVERS AND FLOODS
GEOGRPY 423
Streams and rivers are nested into a hierarchy that is organized by landscape characteristics. This course addresses how watersheds and stream processes influence channel form, the linkages among geomorphology and ecology, and flood magnitude and river management. Inferences are made using spatial and temporal scales.
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.
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.
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)
GIS IN WATER RESOURCES
GEOGRPY 460
The course focuses on the use of GIS to develop solutions to problems associated with water resources. Practical applications will include using GIS to spatially and temporally examine the relationship of watershed characteristics on soil erosion, wetlands, water quality, streamflow, and in-stream habitat. The course combines traditional lectures with computer time in labs equipped with the latest GIS software. Grading is heavily based on completion of projects/technical reports and the 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.
ADVANCED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)
GEOGRPY 477
The goal of Advanced GIS is to expose students to advanced topics needed in professional GIS careers including data modeling and geodatabases, differential GPS, and web-based cartography. Skills are developed through lab work and real-world experience using ESRI's ArcGIS software.
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.
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.
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.
GEOGRAPHY THESIS
GEOGRPY 499
A substantial research project written as a thesis. Two credits are taken in the first semester and three in the second semester. A proposal must be submitted at the midpoint of the first term and an oral defense takes place at the end of the second term. Available only for senior students.