Geography
http://www.uwgb.edu/geography/
Geography is an academic discipline that systematically studies the location, variation and interrelations of natural and cultural features of the earth. Its study exemplifies the University’s mission to emphasize interdisciplinary, problem-focused education because Geography examines the world and its problems with a view to comprehensive understanding and critical thinking.
Geography students gain a broad education encompassing the sciences and the liberal arts.
Geography offers technical training for students who wish to work as professional geographers in government or industry, and provides background for advanced work in business, economics, history, planning, political science, the humanities, or in the biological and earth sciences, depending upon a student’s individual needs. Students who want preparation to teach should seek advice early from advisers in Geography and Education to make sure they complete all requirements.
Depending on their career goals, students might effectively combine Geography with programs in Business Administration, Environmental Policy and Planning, Urban Studies, Human Development, Democracy and Justice Studies, or Humanistic Studies.
Students in Geography can expect to become acquainted with current technology in the field through courses introducing them to the concepts and uses of geographic information systems (GIS). In addition, students develop spatial analytical skills that are applied to problem solving projects. In this light, students are encouraged to gain practical experience through internships with local agencies and organizations in the region and through practical course projects.
Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities offered in the two travel courses offered under Urban and Regional Studies that will satisfy the Geography minor. Students apply what they learn in the classroom to the international experience. Geography minors study urban and regional issues in Ecuador, South America and the Galapagos Islands. Students seeking information on teacher certification should contact the Education Office.
Marcelo P Cruz; Associate Professor; Ph.D., University of California - Los Angeles
Laurel E Phoenix; Associate Professor; Ph.D., State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry, chair*
Courses
GEOG 102. World Regions and Concepts: A Geographic Analysis. 3 Credits.
Introduction to regional geography, exploring the relationship between physical ecologies and human ecologies. The course covers the regional geographies of the earth’s major geographic realms.
Fall Only.
GEOG 103. Environment and Society Lab. 1 Credit.
A natural science course describing the human alteration of the physical environment with the resulting effects on air, water, soils, vegetation, animal life, & humans. Field trip(s) may be required. Meets DPI requirements for environmental education at some UW baccalaureate institutions.
Spring.
GEOG 210. Human Geography and Concepts. 3 Credits.
This course introduces you to some of the major topics and models studied in human geography. Specifically, this course will examine the global patterns of population, culture, economic and political systems, and the interconnectedness at the international, national, and sub-national scales.
Fall Only.
GEOG 211. American Ethnic Minorities. 3 Credits.
The geography of American ethnic minority groups. An introduction to ethnic geography that examines the experience of people of African, Asian, Hispanic, and Native heritage in the United States and Canada. These ethnic minorities are studied using the major themes of cultural geography such as spatial distribution, migration patterns and locational patterns.
GEOG 250. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 2 Credits.
Computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) represent revolutionary software advancement that allow sophisticated information management, analysis and mapping with computer systems. In this class you will learn basic principles for creation and analysis of digital maps, cartographic concepts, and experience an intensive introduction to GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS).
Fall and Spring.
GEOG 299. Travel Course. 1-6 Credits.
Travel courses are conducted to various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. May be repeated to different locations.
P: cons of instr & prior trip arr & financial deposit.
GEOG 321. Coastal Resources Policy and Management. 3 Credits.
The importance of coastal resources, ranging from Wisconsin to the Great Lakes to our Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts. We will study issues of development, overuse, risk, and their consequent human, environmental, aesthetic and economic impacts.
Fall Only.
GEOG 341. Urban Geography. 3 Credits.
The course will focus on the different perspectives within contemporary urban geography and introduce students to social constructions of urban morphology and the interaction between social forces and spatial organization.
Spring.
GEOG 350. GIS in Public and Environmental Policy. 2 Credits.
Uses state-of-the-art software to integrate digitized data maps, transfer data, manage relational data bases, overlay maps, display, query, edit interactive graphics, and geocode addresses. Focus is upon GIS applications tailored to public and environmental policy, e.g., tax base analysis, property mapping, natural resources inventory, crime demography, transportation routing, natural hazards, and emergency management.
P: PU EN AF 250
Fall and Spring.
GEOG 351. Elements of Cartography. 3 Credits.
Principles of basic cartography, including problem identification and clarification, data collection and analysis, compilation, generalization, and symbolization; presentation of data on medium and large scale maps.
P: sophomore standing
Spring.
GEOG 353. Air Photo Interpretation. 3 Credits.
Techniques for the interpretation of human and natural land use. Wide variety of aerial photo formats and scales are used. Vertical and oblique photos, satellite images, and Internet web sites incorporated into course material.
P: sophomore standing
Fall Only.
GEOG 370. Geography of South America. 3 Credits.
A survey course which will explore the physical features, resources, people, and the political economy of the American southern hemisphere.
Fall Even.
GEOG 421. Geoscience Field Trip. 1-3 Credits.
Intensive three or four-day field study tour of the geology, soils, and landscapes of Wisconsin and/or surrounding states. Each offering will focus on a different geological theme and will focus on a specific region. Cost of transportation, guidebook, meals and lodging borne by student. Course is repeatable for credit if topics differ; may be taken 6 times for a total of 9 credits.
P: GEOSCI 202 with at least a C grade OR Consent of the instructor.
Fall Odd.
GEOG 450. Advanced Geographic Information Systems. 3 Credits.
Project-based course using ArcGIS. Students define a project, develop a database, analyze spatial data, and develop GIS maps displaying results of their analysis.
P: GEOG 350 or PU EN AF 350.
Spring Even.
GEOG 470. Glacial Geology & Landscapes. 3 Credits.
This course explores the extremes in environmental behavior which characterize the last 2.6 million years of Earth's history during the Pleistocene and Holocene Epochs. The course will provide students with the skills necessary to be able to recognize and describe glacial landforms, the materials of which they are composed, and the geologic processes by which they form.
P: GEOSCI 202 with at least a C grade; REC: GEOSCI 203.
Fall Even.
GEOG 497. Internship. 1-12 Credits.
Supervised practical experience in an organization or activity appropriate to a student's career and educational interests. Internships are supervised by faculty members and require periodic student/faculty meetings.
P: jr st.
Fall and Spring.
GEOG 498. Independent Study. 1-4 Credits.
Independent study is offered on an individual basis at the student's request and consists of a program of learning activities planned in consultation with a faculty member. A student wishing to study or conduct research in an area not represented in available scheduled courses should develop a preliminary proposal and seek the sponsorship of a faculty member. The student's advisor can direct him or her to instructors with appropriate interests. A written report or equivalent is required for evaluation, and a short title describing the program must be sent early inthe semester to the registrar for entry on the student's transcript.
P: fr or so st with cum gpa > or = 2.50; or jr or sr st with cum gpa > or = 2.00.
Fall and Spring.
GEOG 499. Travel Course. 1-6 Credits.
Travel courses are conducted to various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. May be repeated to different locations.
P: cons of instr & prior trip arr & financial deposit.
