GEOG-105 World Regional Geography
This course surveys the major geographic regions of the world in terms of environmental features and resource distributions, economic mainstays, population characteristics, cultural processes, social relationships, and patterns of urbanization and industrial growth. In addition to these topical foci, we use various sub-fields of geography to animate different regions. This approach provides a sense of depth while we also pursue a breadth of knowledge about the world.
GEOG-107 Introduction to Physical Geography
This course provides a foundational understanding about how the Earth and its processes work, how they impact and control the habitability of our planet, and how vital they are to our very existence. These foundations are important for all of us to gain a holistic view of our integrated geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and cryosphere. At the same time, we will explore the notion of scientific thinking and analysis. We will discuss how researchers collect data, for ideas, and then test those ideas to help us understand Earth's processes and history. Scientific research can help evaluate the impact of human activity on our home planet and it can have a direct impact on public policy.
GEOG-202 Cities in a Global Context
Cities are dynamic landscapes informed by myriad economic, political, social, environmental, and cultural processes. This course delves into the forces of urbanization and examines how cities have been investigated, built, experienced, and lived in throughout history and around the globe. By accenting a geographic perspective and drawing upon an array of theoretical ideas and empirical examples, this class grapples with the fascinating complexities of the urban context.
GEOG-205 Mapping and Spatial Analysis
Provides a comprehensive introduction to maps, including their design, compilation, and computer production. Introduces students to the principles of abstracting the Earth's surface into spatial databases using GIS, remote sensing, and Global Positioning Satellites.
GEOG-206 Political Geography
Systemically studies political phenomena and their geographic expression, at a variety of spatial scales -- national, regional, and international. Major themes include nation-state formation, boundary, territory, and ethnic issues, regional blocs and spheres of influence, and conflicts over access to and use of resources.
GEOG-208 Global Movements: Migrations, Refugees and Diasporas
The voluntary and involuntary movement of people around the globe is the focus of this course on migrations, refugees, and diasporas. Questions of borders, nativism, transnationalism, the global economy, and legality thread through this course as we consider the many social, cultural, environmental, economic, and political factors shaping decisions to leave a home or homeland. Historical and contemporary case studies, compelling theoretical texts, and geographic perspectives on these topics collectively animate our discussions.
GEOG-210 GIS for the Social Sciences and Humanities
This course introduces the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other geospatial technologies in the social sciences and the humanities. The student will learn to collect, process, and analyze quantitative data within the spatial (geographic) context where they occur. Course content may include research topics from current faculty.
GEOG-224 Atmosphere and Weather
This course provides a detailed introduction to the earth's atmosphere with particular emphasis on the troposphere extending from the surface to 10km in elevation. Topics include the earth's solar energy budget, atmospheric pressure and wind systems, global and local meteorological processes, and weather forecasting. The class will make significant use of meteorological data and satellite imagery taken from NOAA's National Weather Service to study seasonal weather patterns, rain and snow events, and catastrophic hurricanes.
GEOG-230 Environmental Soil Science
Introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils and their relationship to environmental quality, agricultural production, and land management. This course will also describe the processes of origin and development of soils as natural entities and how they affect the different ecosystems where they are located. Some field work required.
GEOG-261 Collaborative Research Experience
Collaborative research experiences combine direct mentorship from faculty, group discussions and learning, and independent inquiry that leads to substantive student research projects. The thematic focus of these experiences varies. Students can develop research projects on a topic of their choice related to the class theme or participate in the faculty member's research in the field.
GEOG-261CT Collaborative Research Experience: 'Cities'
This collaborative research experience focuses on cities and their dynamism. It affords students the opportunity to combine aspects of both a typical course and of an independent study to examine numerous facets of urban life, such as, the impacts of urban planning and design, lived experiences in cities, and the possibilities for just and regenerative urban futures. Steeped within geographic and urban theories and scholarship, by the end of the semester, students will have produced a substantive research project (on a topic of their choice or aligned with the professor's research), experienced direct mentorship from the professor, and participated in group discussions and collaborative learning.
GEOG-261MG Collaborative Research Experience: 'Human Migration'
This collaborative research experience focuses on human migration and invites students to consider, for example: the spatial and temporal patterns of migration and settlement, migrant representations and their implications, and the impacts of borders and bordering. The class uses geographic and migration theories as analytical guides and combines aspects of a typical course with independent study to examine human migration. By the end of the semester, students will have produced a substantive research project (on a topic of their choice or aligned with the professor's research), experienced direct mentorship from the professor, and participated in group discussions and collaborative learning.
GEOG-295 Independent Study
GEOG-311 Seminar in Geography
These seminars present selected topics in geography that reflect contemporary problems, current geographical ideas, philosophical and methodological trends in geography, and/or the history and development of geographical thought.
GEOG-311CU Seminar: 'Critical Urban Geography'
This seminar engages with the evolving field of critical urban geography. We will consider contemporary issues in cities around the world by examining scholarship related to environmental, political, economic, social and spatial themes.
GEOG-312 Seminar in Geography
These seminars present selected topics in geography that reflect contemporary problems, current geographical ideas, philosophical and methodological trends in geography, and/or the history and development of geographical thought.
GEOG-395 Independent Study
