GES Undergraduate Upper-Divison Courses

An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a research tool. Students will use ESRI software to complete a series of geographic projects. A basic understanding of cartography and computer use is expected.  Meets with GES 5030.

• 4 Credits

An introduction to the principles and theory of map-making. The emphasis will be on the design of maps for research and publication using advanced computer hardware and software. The course entails the creation of reproducible, thematic maps using the various computer techniques available to the cartographer. Prereq., GES 2050.

• 4 Credits

This course addresses the basic principles of image interpretation and analysis and introduces considerations central to the acquisition and interpretation of aerial photography and satellite imagery. Additionally, students are introduced to the range of remotely sensed data products available and explore the benefits and limitations of using remotely sensed data. Lectures are complimented by lab components which are designed to introduce students to basic image analysis techniques. Meets with ENSC 4060 and GES 5060.

• 4 Credits

Introduces the diverse physical and social geographies of Sub-Saharan Africa. It will examine internal dynamics of the region as related to physical and social geography, and will explore the role of Sub-Saharan Africa within the global context. Approved for LAS Global Awareness requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Inclusiveness (Global/Diversity).

• 3 Credits

Explores the theory of GPS, provides practical experience using GPS units, and explores the interaction between GIS (Geographic Information System) and GPS through use of ESN, and Trimble Pathfinder software. Prereq., GES 2050 or consent of instructor. Meets with GES 5100.

• 3 Credits

Explores approaches to teaching geography in K-12. Includes discussion of important geographic concepts and their integration into the classroom. Students will develop teaching activities and materials for incorporation into their curriculum.

• 3 Credits

Examines basic theories, concepts, and people within the sustainability movement and bioregionalism. Through critical readings, group projects, field trips, and applied research, students will apply ideas and techniques they have learned to real-world case studies. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Sustainability.

• 4 Credits

An introduction to weather and meteorological phenomena. Topics include radiation balance, atmosphere structure, air masses and fronts, clouds, precipitation, storm structure, mesoscale systems, weather map analysis, forecasting, mountain weather, snow and snowpack processes, severe weather, weather hazards, lightning and landscape interactions, and remote sensing technologies in meteorology. Field trips may be required. Approved for LAS Natural Science area requirement. Meets with ENSC 3200

• 4 Credits

Students investigate evidence of climate change from a geographical perspective. The course incorporates the interrelationships of humans and the environmental system by studying global environmental changes in different locations. Approved for LAS Natural Science area requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Sustainability.

• 4 Credits

Explores the intersection of power and geographical space at four scales: the global scale, the national scale, the urban scale, and the scale of the body.

Components:

• Lecture 3 Credits

This is a cross-disciplinary course bridging creative sound art and music practices with geography, naturalism, and environmentalism through the exploration of local geographies, landscapes, and the natural world. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Navigate. Meets with MUS 3410.

• 3 Credits

The relationship between nature and society is one of the pillars of geographic inquiry. This course surveys the relationship between nature and society by examining topics including population, energy, conservation, agriculture, and pollution in the context of geographical studies. Prer., GES 1000 or GES 1010 or instructor consent.

• 3 Credits

Music is ubiquitous in America today. This course will analyze the geographic context of American folk and ethnic music. A variety of geographic concepts and their relationship to the development of American folk and ethnic music will be discussed.

• 3 Credits

Course addresses topics in urban location, urban morphology and design, urban function, and urban social issues. We analyze why cities look as they do and the role cities play in society. Emphasis is on cities in the United States. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Sustainability. Meets with GES 5610.

• 3 Credits

A service-learning, community-based research course in which students, professors, and community members work together to reach community-identified goals. Working in teams, students will learn to apply anthropology and human geography research methods in developing effective community outreach programs. Prer., two courses in anthropology, sociology, geography, or education, or permission of instructor. Meets with ANTH 3660.

• 3 Credits

This course explores the themes, methodology and techniques associated with the spatial aspects of culture, cultural traits and contemporary cultural theory.

• 3 Credits

This course examines international population processes and patterns. First, past, present, and future dynamics of population growth are investigated. Second, varying perspectives on ?overpopulation? (neo-Malthusian, cornucopian, distributionist) are discussed. Third, we show how in-depth case studies of the population geography of particular places and spaces shape the world around us. Meets with GES 5730.

• 4 Credits

The major focus is the application of biological and ecological principles to preserve biodiversity. Ultimate sources and current worldwide losses of biological diversity are emphasized. Because conservation biology demands multidisciplinary approaches, historical, legal, economic, and ethical issues are also included. Consent of instructor required. Meets with BIOL 3750 and BIOL 5700.

• 4 Credits

A regional rather than synoptic approach is taken to the study of two formal regions: the Great Plains and the southern Rocky Mountains, and an informal region to include Colorado Springs, Cripple Creek and the nearby western High Plains.

• 3 Credits

Study of culture and society, and human relationship to the physical environment of Mexico, the Central American countries, and the Caribbean islands. Approved for LAS Global Awareness requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Inclusiveness (Global/Diversity).

• 3 Credits

Historical geography as a method for study of changing and evolving landscapes.

• 3 Credits

Addresses four geographical topics of food: 1) The political economy of food production; 2) food production and the environment; 3) food and cultures; and, 4) food and nutrition. Students will better appreciate our complex relationship with food. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Sustainability. Meets with GES 5920.

• 3 Credits

This advanced world regional course uses contemporary film as a vehicle to explore current global geographic issues. It examines cultural, political and economic issues that shape societies, focusing on marginalized ethnic and racial groups, women and the economically disadvantaged. Approved for LAS Global Awareness requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Inclusiveness (Global/Diversity). Prer., GES 1980 or consent of instructor..

• 4 Credits

The application of statistical and other quantitative techniques to geographically organized data, areal distributions, and the solution of geographic research problems. Meets with GES 5000.

• 4 Credits

The course provides theoretical and practical experience in qualitative methods commonly used in geography and other social sciences. Methods covered include interviewing, participatory action research, observation, discourse analysis, questionnaires, and historical research. Req., GES 1990 or consent of instructor. Meets with GES 5020.

• 3 Credits

Spatial database is essential to any geographic information system (GIS). The first half of this course will be dedicated to database design with an emphasis on relational databases, relational database theory, structured query language (SQL), and relational database management using both GUI and SQL commands. The second part of the course will focus on spatial databases including spatial database construction and management, and geodatabase data models.  Students are expected to spend at least 10 hours/week outside the classroom to complete lab assignments and prepare for quizzes.  The learning objectives are: (1)  gain an understanding of fundamentals in database design and management, (2) develop the skills to design an effective database, (3) develop the skills to implement and manage databases, (4) gain some proficiency in the writing of SQL queries, and (5) gain some proficiency in using PostgreSQL/PostGIS for spatial database. Meets with GES 5040.

• 4 Credits

Students will learn the principles, concepts, methods and applications of geovisualization. Students will have hands-on experience in using highly interactive, dynamic and multidimensional geovisualization systems that offer high levels of user experience. Prer., GES 2050.

• 4 Credits

Continued application of GIS for spatial analysis. Focuses on ESRI software and complete original research projects. Prer., GES 4050 or consent of instructor. Meets with GES 5080.

• 4 Credits

This is a writing intensive course which provides an introduction to the advanced methods of environmental and natural resource data analysis using remotely sensed imagery. Emphasis will be placed on digital image analysis of freely available data sources. This is a project-oriented course in which students will work through the remote sensing process in entirety – from the design of a research question to presentation of results. No previous programming experience required. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Writing Intensive. Prereq., GES 4060 or consent of instructor. Meets with ENSC 4090 and GES 5090.

• 4 Credits

A field-based course that introduces students to the multiple techniques used by geographers for data gathering and analysis. These techniques will include elementary surveying, GPS, hydrologic and landform measurements, map and compass use, dendrochronology analysis, and cultural/economic land use mapping. Field trips required.

• 4 Credits

Students will learn the fundamentals of Internet GIS technology and develop hands-on experience in programming and implementing Internet mapping applications using various tools including ESRI ArcServer, Google Maps, and JavaScript APIs. Prer., GES 4050. Meets with GES 5120.

• 4 Credits

The fundamental concepts of customizing and programming GIS. Students will develop hands-on experience in creating custom and more usable GIS applications using various tools including ESRI’s Arcgis and GIS programming languages such as Python. Prer., GES 4050. Meets with GES 5130.

• 4 Credits

Practicum and/or tutorial, by special arrangement only, in the teaching of geography (for example, serving as small-group leaders or proctors in introductory courses, or developing and/or testing curriculum materials). Consent of instructor required.

• 1 to 4 Credits

Provides multiple opportunities to improve geographic writing skills. Explore, write, map, draw, and photograph. Uses the campus land to develop writing about the “sense of place.” Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Sustainability.

• 4 Credits

An examination of the distribution of life on the Earth’s surface. The relationship between environmental factors and plant and animal distributions will be the central theme. Changes in distributions through time will also be examined. Required field trip. Prer., GES 1000 or consent of instructor. Meets with GES 5260.

• 4 Credits

Covers vegetation dynamics and forest ecosystems, with a focus on the western U.S. Emphasizes forest dynamics and their relation to human societies and management problems. Meets with GES 5280.

• 4 Credits

An examination of plant assemblages in Colorado. Major plant communities will be examined in the context of environmental factors such as climate and land forms. Required field trip. Prer., GES 4260 or consent of instructor. Meets with BIOL 4290, BIOL 5290, and GES 5290.

• 4 Credits

Systematic study of rock weathering, mass-wasting, fluvial, glacial / periglacial, and aeolian processes and the landforms resulting from these processes. Climatic geomorphology, geomorphometry, and data collection technologies (e.g., lidar) are emphasized. Field trips. Prer., GES 1010 or GEOL 1010 or consent instructor. Meets with GES 5310, GEOL 4630, GEOL 5630.

• 4 Credits

Field course emphasizing study of landforms produced by weathering and soils, mass movement, erosional processes under all climatic and altitudinal conditions. Includes Front Range glacial geology and glaciology. Prer., GES 1000 or consent of instructor. Meets with GES 5320.

• 3 Credits

Covers the nature and distribution of soils through an investigation of the basics of soil genesis and development. It will stress the environmental components involved in soil production and the geographic distribution of soil types. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Sustainability. Prer., GES 1010 or GEOL 1010 or consent of instructor. Meets with GES 5340.

• 4 Credits

Inventory, policy, and management of natural resources. Nature, significance, distribution, and problems associated with water, forest, wildlife, soils, and recreational resources. Emphasis is on experience in the United States, but other global problems may be included. Meets with GES 5410.

• 3 Credits

Examines the legacy of public lands in the U.S. and whether management policies have evolved from an emphasis on resource extraction to one focused upon conservation. Topics will include national parks, forests, recreation, and wildlife conservation. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Sustainability. Meets with GES 5420.

• 3 Credits

Field investigations focused on a specific aspect of the landscape in a selected area. Topic and credit vary from year to year. Field trips required. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Summit. Meets with GES 5170.

• 1 to 6 Credits

A descriptive interpretation and detailed inventory of hydroclimatic data, surface water, and ground water.The use of water is critically evaluated with emphasis on problems associated with geographic maldistribution, appropriation, irrigation, industry, pollution, and regional development. Meets with GES 5500.

• 3 Credits

Exploration of the principles of hydrology and their application to environmental investigations. Meets with GES 5510.

• 3 Credits

Considers how ecological conditions and sociopolitical systems are inherently linked. Major topics include environmental narratives, energy development, the role of technology in society, and sustainable development across a range of geographical contexts. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirements: Sustainability; Writing Intensive. Meets with GES 5560.

• 3 Credits

Considers how military activities shape and influence diverse social and physical settings. The course takes a critical look at militarism at home and abroad, during times of war and peace, and the changing role of sustainability in militarization. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Sustainability. Meets with GES 5570.

• 3 Credits

Students will learn to interpret the American cultural landscape, or the everyday surroundings that you frequently take for granted. Emphasis will be placed on learning how the appearance of the world around us, from modifications to the natural terrain to the cities in which we live, provides clues to our culture and society. You will seek to understand meaning in the built environment and learn what landscapes reveal about ourselves as Americans, and how landscapes contribute to a “sense of place." Meets with GES 5600.

• 3 Credits

A geographical perspective of the dynamics and processes of racialization in various U.S. urban contexts. Maps the dynamic relationship between social relationships and the built environment. Meets with WEST 4620.

• 3 Credits

This seminar provides a global perspective on the nature of urbanization, the forces behind these patterns, and resulting effects on social, political, economic, and environmental organization and governance of the world’s largest mega-cities (cities with a total population of 10 million+ people). Approved for LAS Global Awareness requirement. Meets with GES 5640.

• 4 Credits

Examines landscapes of restoration and their environmental, economic, ethical, and practical implications in order to develop a robust understanding of restoration, and its relationship to geography. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Sustainability. Meets with GES 5650.

• 4 Credits

This course explores the human-environment interactions within urban settings. Special consideration is given to measuring patterns of change, and to social and ecological feedbacks in urbanized lands. This is a field-based course which involves collecting and analyzing primary data. Meets with GES 5660.

• 3 Credits

This course identifies how inequality is defined, measured, studied, and understood by geographers. Students will analyze quantitative and qualitative data sources to explain inequality in the U.S., and will conduct research identifying spaces of inequality in Colorado Springs. Approved for LAS Cultural Diversity requirement. Meets with GES 5680, WEST 4680, SOC 4680, and SOC 5680.

• 4 Credits

Geographic perspectives or dimensions of selected areas such as pollution, poverty, world conflict, natural hazards, landscape perception or women’s communities will be presented. Topics vary from year to year.

• 1 to 4 Credits

Examines the historical geographies of recreation and tourism, and the environmental and cultural impacts of the ski industry in Colorado, international ecotourism, and contemporary trends of recreational values and activities. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Sustainability. Meets with GES 5750.

• 3 Credits

The course will focus upon discussions and studies of the development of geographic thought and philosophies. Both past and present literature will be appraised with particular emphasis placed upon the themes and topics significant to the growth of modern geographic philosophy. Meets with GES 5770.

• 3 Credits

Provides a global perspective on the nature of migration, the forces behind these patterns, and their effects in sending and receiving societies. Students will delve into several literatures, lead weekly sessions, and introduce perspectives on international migration. Meets with GES 5780.

• 4 Credits

The Capstone course for the Sustainable Development Minor is designed for seniors in the minor to focus on an inquiry-based project. Independent and small group work is emphasized to contribute to sustainable development efforts on campus and in the community. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Sustainability. Prer., Juniors and Seniors only; at least three courses in the Sustainable Development Minor.

• 3 Credits

Summit (capstone) experience in Geography and Environmental Studies. Includes field-based learning, research proposal writing, and career preparation. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Summit. Prer., GES 1000, GES 1010, GES 1980, GES 1990.

• 3 Credits

Focus on the physical and cultural geography of the world’s grape-producing regions. Coverage will include the study of terrain, soils, climate, and other aspects of physical geography; the historical geography of viticulture; the procedures and processes associated with growing grapes and making wines; and a detailed analysis of specific regions such as the Bordeaux area, the Napa Valley, and German wine regions. Prer., Must be 21 years of age.

• 3 Credits

Prer., GES 4050 or GES 4090 and consent of instructor required.

• 4 Credits

Independent research and thesis for geography majors who have maintained a superior scholastic performance in their overall program and within the department of geography and environmental studies. For superior students who wish to attain honors in the field of geography. May be taken in lieu of GES 4990. Instructor Consent Required. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Summit.

• 3 Credits

Designed experiences involving application of specific, relevant concepts and skills in supervised employment situations. Instructor consent required. Junior or Senior standing preferred.

• 1 to 4 Credits

A one semester research project. The student will write a formal research paper drawing on primary sources and pertinent secondary material. The student will work under the direction of a full time member of the department and have a second member as an additional reader. Instructor Consent Required.

• 3 Credits

Independent work for undergraduates. By special arrangement with faculty only. Only for students presenting strong geography preparation. Instructor Consent Required.

• 1 - 4 Credits
   

Independent work for undergraduates. By special arrangement with faculty only. Only for students presenting strong geography preparation. Instructor Consent Required. Course may include: Running experiments, conducting field work, conducting literature reviews, transcribing original texts, assisting with data analysis, collecting primary sources, creating posters or presentations for conferences, and/or attending research team meetings. For every credit hour taken, students are expected to work three hours per week on the research project. Talk with a GES faculty mentor for more information.

• 1 - 4 Credits