Print This PageCOURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Note: Field trips may be required for any of the following courses. Although few geography classes require prerequisites, a general studies geography course is recommended before attempting advanced courses. Students with little background in geography should consult the appropriate instructor before registering for upper division courses.
GEOGRPY 100 INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY
Introduction to Geography introduces students to the specialties within geography, outlines the academic tracks within the major and associated requirements, and explores public and private career opportunities in the field of geography. Required of all majors at earliest opportunity.
Prereq:Must be a declared Geography major.
This course introduces students to the processes controlling and distinguishing weather and climate. Particular emphasis is on data selection, interpretation, and analysis. The impacts of severe weather and climate change on humans is also emphasized. The labs expose students to the wide range of weather and climate information currently available on the Internet.
Coreq: MATH 141.
A study of selected physical aspects of our geographic environment. Emphasis is given to the origin and characteristic features of topographic, climatic, vegetative and soil regions of the earth and to their interrelationships. The ultimate objective is to provide a foundation upon which to build a better understanding of human interrelationships with the physical environment. Field trips are normally taken.
Coreq: MATH 141.
A systematic study of human land relationships highlighting the diversity of the elements that make up the cultural landscape in various regions.
Human geographies will be studied through the lens of gender along with gender relations at home and abroad. Content is organized according to a variety of spatial scales including the body, home, city, and world. Cases investigated at the global scale include gendered livelihoods and migration, nationalism and war, and environmental issues.
A systematic treatment of physical and cultural geographic phenomena. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships and interactions of these phenomena from place to place within the state.
An introduction to environmental problems and their complexities. Attention is given to alternative solutions to such problems and the implications these alternatives have for the total environment. The course emphasizes the evaluation of the interrelationships between the environmental resource demands of people and the actual resource base of the earth.
A regional survey of the United States and Canada. Special attention is given to the physical, cultural and economic geography of the two countries.
GEOGRPY 270 INTRODUCTION TO MAPPING
An introduction to the quantitative and qualitative mapping techniques applicable to the physical and social sciences. Included are the skills required to create clear, concise and aesthetically pleasing maps, as well as how to derive information from them. Both graphic and cartographic software packages will be utilized to create and evaluate maps. Field trips are normally taken.
GEOGRPY 290 SPATIAL ANALYSIS
An introduction to the presentation and interpretation of data, use of descriptive statistics and measures of spatial patterns, introduction to statistical inference and measures of association, with particular reference to geographic examples. Students will become proficient in using computers to achieve these skills.
Prereq:MATH 141.
GEOGRPY 300 SOIL SCIENCE
Soil science deals with the systematic description, analysis, and understanding of soils and how they interact with and drive environmental processes and ecosystems. This course will examine the properties, formation, classification, and distribution of soil, stressing the connections between environmental controls on their formation and distribution. Field trips required.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 210 or GEOLGY 100.
GEOGRPY 310 GEOMORPHOLOGY (LANDFORMS)
A study of topographic landscapes and their evolution. Two hours per week of lecture and map study. Field trips are normally taken.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 210 or GEOLGY 100 or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 320/520 METEOROLOGY AND CLIMATE
Begins with fundamental relationships among earth, sun and air. Common myths concerning weather phenomena are dispelled through in-depth explanation in everyday language of the physical laws that govern atmospheric functioning. The course terminates with a survey of world climate regions.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 210 or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 323/523 WATER RESOURCES
Class will investigate the pathways and processes of water transfer and storage in the many reservoirs on earth, along with the impact of human activities on water quality and fluxes. Detail is given to shallow groundwater monitoring and soil indicators of saturation for wetland delineation, anthropegenic effects on streams, and land use issues related to water quality. Field trips normally taken.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 210 or GEOLGY 100 or GEOLGY 101 or BIOLOGY 142 or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 330 BIOGEOGRAPHY
This course provides an introduction to biogeography, the study of distributions of organisms. This course will combine both historical and ecological perspectives in analyzing plant and animal distributions. Human impacts on biotic distributions will also be discussed in some detail.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 210 or BIOLOGY 120.
GEOGRPY 332 POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY
A geographical study of international conflicts and relations, geopolitical strategies and processes, and the variation of political phenomena from place to place in relation to changing economic and cultural environments in the national as well as global contexts.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 230 or Junior standing or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 333 GEOGRAPHY OF RELIGION
This course examines the role of religion in contemporary American society and in communities around the globe from a geographic perspective. Significant places and spatial patterns associated with religions will be investigated along with the relationship between religion and the political landscape. Students will be expected to identify, visit, and analyze two religious sites in their community.
GEOGRPY 334 HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY
An analysis of the evolution of the historical-geographic patterns of population and human activities in major United States regions. Emphasis is placed upon the identification and preservation of historical landscapes.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 230 or Junior standing or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 340 ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY
The study of the spatial organization of economic activities, including patterns of production, exchange and consumption. A broad introduction to locational behavior is presented and applied examples are stressed.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 230 or junior standing or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 344 URBAN GEOGRAPHY
The intraurban consideration of various land-use and population characteristics of cities, their patterns, interrelations and changes is followed by the interurban study of locations, size, spacing, types and functions of urban settlements. Field trips are normally taken.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 230 or junior standing or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 346 GLOBALIZATION AND THE CITY
This course will focus on understanding the processes of globalization, urban and regional development theories, emergence of the global city, and influence of globalization on urban development. This course will examine the role of cities across the world and the relationship between urban change and economic, political, and cultural globalization.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 230.
GEOGRPY 352 GEOHAZARDS
The course will focus on the physical processes that create environmental hazards (e.g. earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather), the primary controls on their frequency and intensity, and how human decision-making can influence the magnitude of impact that they have when they inevitably occur. Comparisons are made between impacts of hazards on developing versus developed countries.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 210 OR GEOLGY 100 OR GEOLGY 101 OR an approved equivalent lab course from another discipline.
A study of contemporary and historical interrelationships between the natural environment and the economic, political and cultural activities in South and Southeast Asia. Countries studied include: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Prereq:GENED 140 or GEOGRPY 230 or consent of instructor.
Unreq: ASIANSTD 361.
GEOGRPY 362 GEOGRAPHY OF EUROPE
A study of the nations, regions, cultures, and traditional and emerging spatial relationships in Europe. Physical and cultural patterns and processes are considered as they relate to the distribution of population and industrial and commercial activities. The European Community and Europe’s international role and linkages are investigated.
Prereq:GENED 140 or GEOGRPY 230 or Junior standing or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 363 GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AMERICA
A study of countries south of the Caribbean with emphasis on their natural resources and economic activities. Considerable attention will be given to problems of cooperation among the Americas.
Prereq:GENED 140 or GEOGRPY 230 or Junior standing or consent of instructor.
A study of contemporary and historical interrelationships between the natural environment and economic, political and cultural activities in East Asia. Countries studied include: China, Taiwan, Mongolia, Japan, and North and South Korea.
Prereq:GENED 140 or GEOGRPY 230 or Junior standing or consent of instructor.
Unreq: ASIANSTD 364
GEOGRPY 365 GEOGRAPHY OF MIDDLE AMERICA
A study of the activities of the peoples of Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies, their problems in relation to their natural environment, and their problems as a transitional area between two large continents.
Prereq:GENED 140 or GEOGRPY 230 or Junior standing or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 368 GEOGRAPHY OF RUSSIA AND THE NEWLY INDEPENDENT STATES
Spatial analyses of physical and cultural phenomena are dealt with topically as well as regionally. Current development projects are given special emphasis.
Prereq:GENED 140 or GEOGRPY 230 or junior standing or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 370 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The basic principles and operations of geographic information systems (GIS) are presented, including the capture, storage, management, analysis and display of geographic referenced data and their attributes. Laboratory exercises provide extensive hands-on experiences with a number of GIS software packages, including both raster and vector systems. Field trips are normally taken.
Prereq: GEOGRPY 270 or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 377 REMOTE SENSING OF THE ENVIRONMENT
An introduction to the images, sensors and techniques used to gather and process data on Earth and other planets, including aerial photography, electro-optical scanners and radar systems. The course will focus on the fundamentals of utilizing remotely sensed data in studying both natural and human induced processes impacting the Earth's surface. Computer applications will be extensively utilized. Field trips are normally taken.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 210 or consent of the instructor.
GEOGRPY 400 CAPSTONE IN GEOGRAPHY
Capstone in Geography prepares students for future options within the various fields of Geography/Geology. Portfolio preparation and presentation is emphasized as an essential element of making the transition to careers in both the public and private sector, as well as graduate studies.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 100, GEOGRPY 210, GEOGRPY 230 OR GEOGRPY 252, GEOGRPY 270 and Senior status, or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 420/620 HUMAN AND CLIMATE INTERACTIONS
The course objective is to distinguish between natural climate change and change induced by human activities. Topics covered include human modifications to cloud cover, global warming, and ozone problems. Another emphasis is to better understand the impacts of severe weather on human activities and the potential threats of future climate change. At least one field trip is usually taken.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 320 or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 423 RIVERS AND FLOODS
Streams and rivers are nested into a hierarchy that is organized by landscape characteristics. This course addresses how watersheds and stream processes influence channel form, the linkages among geomorphology and ecology, and flood magnitude and river management. Inferences are made using spatial and temporal scales.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 210 or GEOGRPY 323 or GEOLGY 101 or GEOLGY 100.
The course will take a geographical approach to the study of ethnic groups in the United States. Native American, African American, Hispanic American, and Asian American groups will be studied systematically. Major topics will include mobility, culture regions, and the cultural landscape created by the various ethnic groups.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 230 or GEOGRPY 261 or GEOGRPY 344 or Junior standing.
GEOGRPY 440/640 APPLIED GIS: APPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
This course will provide the background necessary to apply Geographic Information Systems software to solve applied business problems. The specific educational objectives of this course are: 1) to provide the student with "hands on" problem solving skills emphasizing site location, target marketing, sales territory development and network routing; 2) to work with the most widely used Business GIS software package, ArcView GIS and its major extensions.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 270, GEOGRPY 370 and GEOGRPY 340 or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 444 URBAN LAND USE PLANNING
A study of the historical, social and political framework of the urban land planning process with primary emphasis on the United States. Exposure to professional planning approaches and techniques and a critical analysis of plans and planners are stressed. Field trips are normally taken.
Prereq: GEOGRPY 344 or SOCIOLGY 352 or POLISCI 446 or ECON 438 or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 450 ADVANCED METHODS IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Advanced Methods in Physical Geography focuses on data collection and analysis techniques used by physical geographers. Students will conduct an integrated analysis of a local landscape, including site selection, sample collection, lab analysis, and data assimilation and interpretation for report writing. Roughly one-half of course is taught outdoors, regardless of weather. Four consecutive hours per week.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 300 or GEOGRPY 310 or GEOLGY 301/501.
GEOGRPY 452 CULTURAL ECOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
This course will discuss the history of the subdiscipline of cultural ecology within geography and teach about indigenous and traditional societies’ knowledge systems from a variety of world cultures. It will use ancient and modern examples of indigenous methods of natural resource management and show how these are being applied internationally to present day environmental problems and to sustainable development approaches.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 230 or GEOGRPY 252 or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 455 ADVANCED TOPICS IN HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
In-depth examination of a specific issue or theme in human geography. Topics covered will typically focus on emerging national and global issues with a particular emphasis on current research. May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours (under different subtitles)
Prereq:GEOGRPY 230, GEOGRPY 252, or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 460/660 APPLIED GIS IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
The course focuses on the use of GIS to better understand the physical processes shaping the Earth's surface and characteristics of the atmosphere. Because physical geography covers such a broad range of topics, it will be necessary to review the physical processes associated with each (e.g., landform formation, biogeography, patterns of severe weather, etc.) before applying GIS. Thus, the course combines traditional lecture style format with weekly meetings in departmental computer labs equipped with the latest GIS software. Grading is heavily based on completion of labs on time and quality of GIS outputs.
Prereq:GEOGPRY 210 and GEOGRPY 370.
GEOGRPY 470/670 APPLIED ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE GIS
This course will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize GIS for solving applied environmental analysis problems. Specifically, the course is designed to 1) identify and resolve environmental and natural resource problems in terms of spatial analysis, 2) explore a conceptual understanding of GIS, 3) provide students with technical instruction in current GIS software.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 270 and GEOGRPY 370 or consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 477 ADVANCED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)
The goal of Advanced GIS is to expose students to advanced topics needed in professional GIS careers including data modeling and geodatabases, differential GPS, and web-based cartography. Skills are developed through lab work and real-world experience using ESRI's ArcGIS software.
Prereq: GEOGRPY 370
GEOGRPY 480 APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS
A survey of new and traditional methods used in geographic studies and the application of a variety of these methods in the collection, classification and analysis of data for assigned problems, culminating in individual research reports. Field trips are normally taken. This course fulfills the department’s writing competency requirement.
Prereq:GEOGRPY 210 and GEOGRPY 230 and GEOGRPY 270, and ENGLISH 370 or ENGLISH 372.
GEOGRPY 485 INTERNSHIP IN GEOGRAPHY
Students will be placed in an outside private or governmental agency where they will utilize geographic techniques in approaching practical problems relevant to the agency’s mission. An on-campus seminar with fellow interns and the supervisory instructor is required. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 units in major and 12 units in degree.
Prereq:Students with a major or minor program emphasis in geography must have completed a minimum of 14 units in geography and have the consent of the intern committee. Students of cognate majors must have a minimum of 9 selected units in geography and consent of the intern committee.
Prereq: Consent of instructor.
An introduction to field methods and techniques and their application in the study of a part of the United States or a foreign area. For information about a particular offering, write to the Department of Geography and Geology, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Repeatable.
Prereq: Consent of instructor.
GEOGRPY 494 SEMINAR
Repeatable one time for a maximum of 6 units in major/degree.
GEOGRPY 496/696 SPECIAL STUDIES
Repeatable one time for a maximum of 6 units in major/degree.
GEOGRPY 498 INDEPENDENT STUDIES IN GEOGRAPHY
Repeatable one time for a maximum of 6 units in major/degree.
Prereq: 12 units in geography, 2.75 grade point in geography and consent of department chairperson.
GEOLOGY
Geology is the study of the internal structure, materials, chemical and physical processes, and history of the earth. The geology program offers fundamental geology courses such that: (1) students may develop a thorough understanding of geology in support of their major, or interest or (2) students desiring employment in geology or related fields may (a) qualify directly for admission to a graduate program in geology upon completion of supporting science and mathematics courses available at UW-W or (b) complete a second baccalaureate degree at an institution which offers a geology major with one additional year of study.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
An introduction to the concepts which describe the origin and evolution of the earth. Emphasis is on understanding (1) the material make-up of the earth, (2) the internal and external processes which affect the earth, (3) the scientific method as it applies to the study of the earth. Four hours of lectures and two hours of lab each week.
Coreq: MATH 140 or MATH 141 or consent of instructor.
Unreq: GEOLGY 101.
An introduction to the study of the earth. Emphasis is placed on: (1) the materials which make up the earth, (2) the internal and external processes which affect the earth, (3) the length of geologic time, and (3) the methods of science, especially as they apply to the study of the Earth.
Coreq: MATH 140 or MATH 141.
Unreq: GEOLGY 100.
The course examines the processes that lead to different types of volcanic activities, role of volcanism on the development of continents, oceans, and atmosphere, and its various impacts on the biosphere on planet Earth. Volcanism on other planets and satellites within the solar system will also be explored. Special emphasis will be place on volcanoes as major economic resources and potential alternate energy sources.
Prereq: GEOLGY 100 OR GEOLGY 101.
A study of the changes in Earth’s crust and life through geologic time and the methodology used in reconstructing Earth history, including plate tectonics, organic evolution and stratigraphy. A special fee will be assessed to cover transportation costs for those students selecting to participate on an optional field trip.
Coreq: MATH 140 or MATH 141.
An interdisciplinary introduction to field methods, geology, ecology and natural history. Involves on-line work with additional lectures and labs at Yellowstone National Park and locations en route. Additional course fees apply. Students with disabilities may be accomodated. Biology or Geology/Geography majors take Bio/Geo 451 or see Department Chair. Summers only.
Coreq: MATH 140 or MATH 141.
Unreq: BIOLOGY 250
A study of the physical, chemical, geological and biological aspects of the major water masses of the world and human dependency on these water masses. One field trip to observe shoreline processes is required. A special fee will be assessed to students electing to participate in an optional field trip to cover the transportation costs.
Coreq: MATH 140 or MATH 141.
A study of geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanism, mass movements, river processes, coastal processes etc. and their impacts on society and environment. Special emphasis will be placed on examining remedial measures against geological hazards and how human actions influence natural geological processes. Three lecture hours per week.
The course will examine all aspects of dinosaurs from Earth System Science perspective. Who were the dinosaurs? When, how and where did they live on Earth? What is their relationship to birds? What were the circumstances of their extinction?
Coreq: MATH 140 OR MATH 141.
GEOLGY 310 ROCKS AND MINERALS
This course will study the formation processes of common rocks and minerals, their physical properties and their various uses will be covered in detail. Rock and mineral identification techniques will be especially emphasized during the laboratory sessions. Students will be expected to devote significant amounts of time towards the lab assignments.
Prereq: GEOLGY 100 or GEOLGY 101.
GEOLGY 317 PALEONTOLOGY
A detailed study of the history of life on Earth. Lectures focus on concepts in paleontology including paleoecology, evolution, paleobiogeography, and use of fossils in the solution of geologic problems. Characteristics of common fossils will be the focus of the exercises. One field trip is required; up to two optional field trips possible (fee assessed to cover transportation costs of optional trips).
Prereq: GEOLGY 100 or GEOLGY 101 and GEOLGY 204 or BIOLOGY 142 or consent of instructor.
GEOLGY 318 GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES AND FIELD METHODS
A study of the causes behind the formation of the major structural features of earth as well as identification techniques and description of geologic structures in the field. Emphasis is placed on (1) understanding and quantifying geologic deformation, (2) material response to different conditions of deformation, (3) identification and description of geologic structures in microscopic, macroscopic and regional scale, (4) geologic field and data analyses techniques such as stereographic projections and preparation and interpretation of geologic maps. Offered in Spring semesters. A special fee will be assessed to those students electing to participate on an optional field trip to cover transportation costs.
Prereq: GEOLGY 100 and MATH 152.
GEOLGY 319 STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTATION
Classification and description of the various kinds of sediments and sedimentary rock units, with emphasis on carbonates, cyclic sedimentation and sequence stratigraphy. Techniques of correlating sedimentary rocks will be the focus of the exercises. One field trip is required. A special fee will be assessed to cover transportation costs to those students electing to participate on any optional field trips.
Prereq: GEOLGY 100 or GEOLGY 101, GEOLGY 204.
GEOLGY 352 GEOHAZARDS
The course will focus on the physical processes that create environmental hazards (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather), the primary controls on their frequency and intensity, and how human decision-making can influence the magnitude of impact that they have when they inevitably occur. Comparisons are made between impacts of hazards on developing versus developed countries.
Prereq: GEOGRPY 210 or GEOLGY 100 or GEOLGY 101 or an approved equivalent lab course from another discipline.
GEOLOGY 451/651 NATURAL HISTORY OF YELLOWSTONE NP AND THE UPPER GREAT PLAINS
This is an introductory, multi-disciplinary, summer field course open to all. It is held at Yellowstone National Park and locations in route. Students will learn field methods, geology, ecology and natural history. It is suitable for biology and geology majors and anyone interested in field science or natural history.
Prereq: BIOLOGY 120 or BIOLOGY 141 and consent of instructor.
Prereq: Consent of instructor.
GEOLGY 492 FIELD STUDIES IN GEOLOGY
Field studies of classic geologic regions. Emphasis will be placed on training in the basic techniques and methods of field studies, recognition and interpretation of geologic structures, and the use of field observations to develop both geologic understanding of the region studied and geologic reasoning ability. Students will be responsible for the cost of the university van rental and other trip expenses. Repeatable three times in the major and degree, up to 9 credits total.
Coreq: Enrollment in or completion of GEOLGY 100 or consent of instructor.
An intensive study of one or more philosophical issues that supplement the curriculum. Original research papers may be expected as partial fulfillment of the course requirements.
Prereq: Consent of instructor.
Prereq: Consent of instructor.
Prereq: 8 units in geology or consent of instructor and program coordinator.
Individual research for major writing a thesis under direct supervision of a member of the faculty.
Prereq: Senior status.