GES Undergraduate Lower-Divison Courses

A general introduction to energy, atmospheric motion, solar radiation, the hydrologic cycle and climate change. Includes consideration of climatic elements as they interact with vegetation, animals, and humans in ecosystems. This class is taught in a variety of learning situations, including lecture, laboratory, web-based and tutorials. Approved for LAS Natural Science area requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Sustainability; Explore-Physical and Natural World.

• 4 Credits

An introductory survey primarily concerned with the agents and processes of landform shaping and soil genesis. Major emphasis is on the genesis, distribution, and utility of surface features in a variety of learning situations, including lecture, web-based, laboratory, tutorials, and field trips. Approved for LAS Natural Science area requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Physical and Natural World.

• 4 Credits

A basic introduction to topographic maps will be given. This will include the process involved with making and field-checking maps; discussion of symbolization, scale, and landform representation. The development of the compass will be outlined and basic skills will be taught. Approved for LAS Natural Science area requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Physical and Natural World.

• 4 Credits

A survey of world regions that explores the diversity of human cultures and environments within the wider global context. This issues-oriented class examines the cultural, political, economic and environmental forces that shape each region and the impacts of globalization on our increasingly interconnected world. Approved for LAS Social Science area and Global Awareness requirements. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirements: Inclusiveness (Global/Diversity); Explore-Society, Health and Behavior.

• 4 Credits

A systematic introduction to the broad field of human-land interactions and spatial order. Emphasis is placed on the major themes of geographic inquiry including use of thematic maps, population numbers and distribution, development, changing resource and land use, culture regions, location decisions, settlements and cities, transportation, political units, and human-environment interactions. Approved for LAS Social Science area and Global Awareness requirements. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirements: Inclusiveness (Global/Diversity); Explore-Society, Health and Behavior. GT-SS2.

• 4 Credits

An introduction to the world’s geographic realm and their human and physical characteristics. A variety of geographic themes (such as population growth, urbanization, economic development and environmental deterioration) are set in their regional contexts.

• 3 Credits

Introductory consideration of the location of resources, the role of natural resources in economic and technological development and resource utilization and the future. Use of the theory of spatial organization and behavior in economic activity including agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, service activities, urban location, systems of cities, and growth patterns. Case studies.

• 3 Credits

Introduces several technologies used to collect, store, manage, analyze, and disseminate information about the earth. These technologies include geographic information systems (GIS), web maps services (WMS), global positioning systems (GPS), cartography, geovisualization, and remote sensing.

• 4 Credits

An overview of global environmental issues including climate change, sustainable agriculture, waste management, deforestation, population and energy. Individual, local, state, regional, national and international decision making tools and implications will be explored through case studies in industrialized and nonindustrialized countries.

• 3 Credits

Designed experiences involving application of specific, relevant concepts and skills in supervised employment situations. Instructor Consent Required.

• 1 to 6 Credits