Geography

Introduction to the study of human geography and the major themes of the discipline. Topics include human-environment interaction, population and migration, cultural diffusion, patterns of health and nutrition, industrialization, economic development, and political geography. These will be approached in the context of regional difference and globalization.

Examines the diversity of the world's human and physical landscapes using a regional approach. Geographic concepts and the dynamics of development are discussed within the context of 10 major geographic realms. Regional disparities and interdependencies provide an important focus for understanding the global complexity of social systems.

Survey of the field of economic geography, including globalization, economic development, location analysis and economic clusters, rural and urban land use, and spatial aspects of retail. Economic debates and alternative theories examined in historical and current context. Global, regional and local scales employed to explore how production, distribution and consumption of goods and services are geographically organized.

Introduction to sustainability and issues that impact sustainable development globally, nationally and locally. Examines our role in natural resource depletion and waste both in urban and rural spaces while envisioning ways to sustain ecosystems, support social justice, and reduce our ecological footprint. Includes a service learning component.

Introduces Geographic Information Systems (GIS) which display, store, edit, and analyze spatial information. Topics will include data input, management, and manipulation to create maps and perform spatial data analyses using ArcGIS.  Previous GIS experience is not required, but students must be proficient with Windows OS.