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• Undergraduate Spring 2026
• Geography

Undergraduate Geography

2026 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.

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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

GEOGRAPHY OF LATIN AMERICA

GEOGRPY 365

In this course we examine the people and places of Latin America - including Mexico, Central America, South America, and the West Indies - from a variety of perspectives using key geographical concepts. As a general education course, we borrow from economics, history, demography, political science, and environmental studies, among other disciplines, to get a well rounded understanding of how Latin America has been shaped over the last five centuries. Informed by history and geography, we pay special attention to current events and conditions in the region.

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

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.

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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

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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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.

Class Schedule

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.

Class Schedule

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.