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Chair: Francis J. Magilligan
Professors M. Domosh, F. J. Magilligan, R. A. Wright; Associate
Professors L. E. Conkey, S. E. Freidberg, C. S. Sneddon; Assistant Professors
J. L. Fluri, X. Shi; Instructor S.L. Mollett; Visiting Assistant Professors M.
Davidson, C. A. Fox; Adjunct Professor D. E. Lawson; Research Associate
Professor G. R. Brakenridge; Research Fellow M. Hunter.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR
There are three major streams within the Geography
curriculum: (1) Physical and Human Dimensions of Global Change, (2) Critical
Urban and Identity Studies, and (3) International Development. The following
courses within the curriculum correspond to the streams:
Physical and Human Dimensions of Global Change:
GEOG 3: The Natural Environment
GEOG 4: Landscape and Environments of New England
GEOG 5: Global Climate Change
GEOG 12: Wilderness, Culture, and Environmental Conservation
GEOG 13: Population, Culture and the Environment
GEOG 14: Global Water Resources
GEOG 18: Urbanization and the Environment
GEOG 19: Gender, Space, and the Environment
GEOG 31: Plant and Animal Geography
GEOG 33: Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Critical Urban and Identity Studies:
GEOG 21: The North American City
GEOG 22: Urban Geography
GEOG 23: Power, Territoriality, and Political Geography
GEOG 24: American Landscapes and Culture
GEOG 25: Social Justice and the City
GEOG 27: Race, Identity and Rights: Geographic Perspectives on Law
GEOG 28: Immigration, Race, and Identity
GEOG 52: Urban Applications of GIS
International Development:
GEOG 6: Geographies of Development
GEOG 15: Food and Power
GEOG 16: Political Economy of Development
GEOG 17: Geopolitics of Third World Development
GEOG 26: Women, Gender and Development
GEOG 40: Africa: Ecology and Development
GEOG 41: Gender, Space and Islam
GEOG 43: Latin America
GEOG 44: Environment and Politics in Southeast Asia
GEOG 47: The Czech Republic in the New Europe
GEOG 81: Field Research in the Czech Republic
GEOG 82: Independent Study in the Czech Republic
The major in Geography consists of seven courses in addition to the
prerequisite courses.
Prerequisite: Geography 1 or 3; and any two techniques courses from
the following: Geography 10 (or its equivalent), 11, 52, 55, 58 or 59.
Required courses:
1. Geography 90; this serves as the culminating activity in the geography
major.
2. One course from each of the following three themes: Nature-Society,
Human-Social Geography, and Physical Geography.
Courses consisting of Nature-Society Geography include:
6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 40, 44, 48
Courses consisting of Human-Social Geography include:
2, 9, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 41, 43, 45, 47, 81, 82
Courses consisting of Physical Geography include:
4, 5, 31, 32, 33
3. Three additional courses.
NOTE: The Chair of the department is responsible for signing major cards and
all major advising.
THE MODIFIED MAJOR
Because of its interdisciplinary nature, Geography lends itself to a wide
combination of modified majors, such as Geography/Environmental Studies or
Geography/Economics. Students contemplating careers in urban and regional
planning, government service, medicine, law, business, or teaching should
consult with the Chair in arranging modified major programs designed to best
meet their professional objectives. Normally, the modified major program in
Geography will include the following:
Prerequisite: Geography 1 or 3; and any two technique courses from
the following: Geography 10 (or its equivalent), 11, 52, 55, 58 or 59.
Geography 90 and one course each consisting of nature-society, human-social
and physical (see above).
One other geography course.
Four courses beyond the other department's prerequisites, chosen in
consultation with the Geography Chair.
THE GEOGRAPHY MINOR
Prerequisite: Geography 1 or Geography 3; and any one techniques
courses from Geography 10 (or its equivalent), 11, 52, 55, 58 or 59; plus five
additional courses. (Note: for those using the Geography FSP towards the minor,
only two courses, Geography 47 and Geography 81, can be used.)
GEOGRAPHY HONORS PROGRAM
Upon application to and approval by the Department, qualified majors (pages
XXX) will be accepted as members of a special honors group. Requests for
admission to the honors group will normally be considered at the close of the
fall term of the senior year. No application for participation in the Honors
Program will be accepted from students with less than two full terms remaining
before their expected graduation. The Honors Program in Geography will consist
of the regular major program with the following modifications:
1. An Honors thesis (Geography 87) will be submitted.
2. There will be an oral examination on the research.
3. A special reading program related to the field of investigation covered
by the research will be required.
4. Honors students will be required to present their research ideas in at
least one formal meeting to be determined by the Chair.
PREPARATION FOR GRADUATE STUDY
The Department encourages able students to continue work in the field of
geography. To this end the Department will give special assistance in planning
a program and in helping with the arrangements for graduate study to those
students wishing to go on to graduate work. Interested students should consult
with a member of the staff.
INTRODUCTORY COURSES
1. Introduction to Human Geography
06F, 07W, 07F, 08W: 10
The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of how human
societies organize their geographic space and why certain patterns emerge in
the resulting human landscape. Principles of location, place, territoriality
and geopolitics, migration, gender, economic change, and power are used to
examine the geographic distribution of human activity. Geographic comparisons
are drawn between North and South, and on global, regional, and local issues.
Dist: SOC or INT. Class of 2008 and later: WCult: CI. Fox
(06F, 07F, 08W), Mollett (07W).
2. Global Health and Society
07W, 08W: 2A
Only a few decades ago, we were ready to declare a victory over infectious
diseases. Today, infectious diseases are responsible for the majority of
morbidity and mortality experienced throughout the world. Even developed
countries are plagued by resistant "super-bugs" and antibiotic
misuse. This course will examine the epidemiology and social impact of past and
present infectious disease epidemics in the developing and developed world. The
introduction of drugs to treat HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa will be
considered from political, ethical, medical, legal and economic perspectives.
Lessons from past and current efforts to control global infectious diseases
will guide our examination of the high-profile infectious disease pathogens
poised to threaten our health in the future.
Open to all students. Limited to 50 students. Dist: INT or SOC.
Adams, Butterly.
3. The Natural Environment
07S, 08S: 11; Laboratory W or Th 2:00-4:00 or 4:00-6:00
Our natural environment results from an array of climatic, biogeographic,
and other physical processes that have changed dramatically over time in
response to natural and human-induced disturbance. This course begins by
presenting the fundamentals of atmospheric processes; then examines the
physical controls on the resulting global pattern of landforms, soils, and
vegetation biomes across spatial and temporal scales; and ultimately explains
the form and pattern of the earth's physical geography. Emphasis is also placed
on demonstrating the role of human disturbance on these natural processes
through shifts in global climate, land use, deforestation and other
anthropogenic mechanisms. The media of presentation will be lecture and both
field and laboratory exercises. Dist: SLA. Conkey (08S), Magilligan
(07S).
4. New England Landscapes and Environments
06F, 07F: 11
Small enough to know well, New England boasts an enormous variety of human
and physical features in a dynamic setting of change. In this class we focus on
the physical aspects of the landscape, learning about its geology, flora,
fauna, and climate as they set the stage for and are affected by human
activities. The class includes two field trips, visitors, films, and readings
from a variety of sources. Dist: SCI. Conkey.
5. Global Climate Change
07W, 08W: 11
Climate changes frequently occur on both large and small spatial scales and
over both short-term and longer timescales. Society and policy-makers do not
usually notice those changes unless they menace us directly-yet we ignore these
changes at our peril. In this introductory course we will examine causes and
potential effects of both long- and short-term climatic changes and the
interactions of climate and human agents of change. Some of the topics
addressed in this course may include the 'greenhouse effect,' the ozone hole,
atmospheric aspects of acid rain, El Ni-o phenomenon, and effects of volcanic
dust and airborne pollutants. The format is a combination of lectures, class
discussion, films and guest speakers, and hands-on simulation exercises. Open
to all classes. Dist: SCI. Conkey.
6. Geographies of Development
06F, 07F: 10A
Why are some countries rich and others so persistently poor? What can and
should be done about this global inequity and by whom? We address these
development questions from the perspective of critical human geography.
Focusing on the regions of Latin America, Africa and Asia, we examine how
development meanings and practices have varied over time and place, and how
they have been influenced by the colonial history, contemporary globalization
and international aid organizations. Dist: SOC or INT; WCult: NW.
Freidberg.
7. First-Year Seminars in Geography
Consult special listings
9. Women, Gender and Science (Identical to Women's and Gender Studies
62.1)
07W: 10
Women played a small role in western science, and their gradual inclusion
influences what we know and how we know it. We explore what science is, and how
"what we know" has been affected by societal ideas, past and present.
Evaluating scientific critiques ranging from Kuhn and Berry to feminists such
as Fox Keller and Haraway, we ask: how many women are in science, what are the
obstacles, and how feminist critique changed science? Our work will include
evaluation of date concerning women's participation in science, visits with
feminists and scientists, and discussion of at least one film. Dist:
SOC. Class of 2008 and later: WCult: CI. Conkey.
11. Qualitative Methods and the Research Process in Geography
07W, 08W: 2A
Questions about how knowledge is produced, who produces it, and what
"counts" as knowledge are fundamental to the research process. This
course focuses on building understandings of qualitative research methods and
methodologies employed by geographers to produce knowledge about social
relations, human perceptions, and human-environment interactions. The course
introduces several of the main qualitative methods available for geographic
analysis and interpretation, and places these methods within broader questions
of how research is conceived and carried out. Dist: SOC. Fluri (07W),
Sneddon (08W).
HUMAN-ENVIRONMENT RELATIONS
12. Wilderness, Culture and Environmental Conservation
07W: 10A
The purpose of this course is to describe and examine the manifold ways that
environmental alterations have occurred-over both geologic and historical
timescales. Considerable research over the past several decades has shown that
anthropogenic disturbance has significantly modified natural processes
frequently leading to degraded conditions. The goal of the course is first to
establish that shifts in climate, vegetation, and landscapes are
"natural" and have occurred over geologic time and that the timing
and magnitude of these shifts provides the necessary background to evaluate the
type, magnitude, and frequency of anthropogenic disturbance. The second, and
major theme is to present and examine the types of human-induced changes in
biotic, atmospheric, and terrestrial conditions (e.g. logging, grazing,
urbanization), and to evaluate the social and management issues resulting from
these anthropogenic disturbances. Lastly, the third part of the course will
focus on the human dimensions of global change by exploring the social aspects
of environmental change. In the last part of the class, we will focus on how
global environmental changes generate impacts at the local scale, and how
small-scale transformations propagate into large-scale global environmental
issues. Dist: SOC. Magilligan.
13. Population, Culture, and Environment
07S: 10 08W: 2
The growth and spatial distribution of human population is becoming one of
the most important global security issues. This course argues that a geographic
perspective on overpopulation, immigration, environment degradation, abortion,
human rights, and cultural genocide is both illuminating and important. After
covering fundamentals of fertility, morality, migration, and composition, the
course details a series of national and international case studies. Where
appropriate, attention is given to the public policy aspects of these
population issues. Dist: SOC or INT. Fox.
14. Global Water Resources
07W: 2
This course is designed to provide students with a general background to the
issues confronting water resource management. The course covers the political,
social and legal aspects confronting effective water policy decision making.
One of the goals is to demonstrate that the technical aspects of hydrology
occur within a socio-political arena. The material also covers the
environmental aspects of water issues and the manner in which these issues are
handled by regulatory agencies and the legal sector. Dist: SOC or INT.
Fox.
15. Food and Power
06F, 08S: 2A
In a world glutted with food, why do millions still suffer chronic hunger?
In an international community committed to free trade, why is food the most
common source of trade wars and controversies? In a country where less than
five percent of the population farms, why does the "farm lobby"
remain so politically powerful? In societies where food has never been faster
or more processed, why are organic and "slow" foods in such demand?
These are among the questions this course will consider, drawing on the
insights of both political economy and cultural analysis. Dist: SOC or INT;
WCult: NW. Freidberg.
16. The Political Economy of Development
08S: 10A
This class will examine the political economy of development in the Third
World. Beginning with a historical overview of the making of the "Third
World" and notions of "development," it will take a critical
look at some of the key transitions associated with development-namely agrarian
and ecological change, urbanization, industrialization, and recent economic
liberalization - and their relationship to poverty and other problems typically
associated with Third World conditions. Dist. SOC or INT; WCult: NW.
Freidberg.
17. Geopolitics and Third World Development
07W: 10A 08W: 12
Political geographers have recently recovered a critical understanding of
"geopolitics" in order to highlight how geographical
representations-and the construction of spaces and places-are a constitutive
part of politics from the global to the local scale. In keeping with this, this
course will examine the mutual constructions of places, identities, and
politics from a Third World perspective. The course will begin with an overview
of geopolitical discourses that underpinned the processes of Western
imperialism and colonialism such as "civilization" and "social
darwinism." It will then examine contemporary geopolitical (dis)orders
through the lens of topics such as globalization, gender, environmental
security, humanitarian aid, and terrorism. Finally, the course will examine
alternative geopolitical imaginations as constructed through social movements
and grassroots politics. Dist. SOC or INT; WCult, NW. Sneddon.
18. Urbanization and the Environment
Not offered in the period from 06F through 08S
Over half the world's population live in urban areas. The 1992 Rio Summit
raised awareness of the potentially serious environmental, health, and social
implications of continuing urbanization. This course explores the environmental
effects of urbanization from an international comparative perspective. How do
the environmental consequences of urbanization in the developing world (Global
South) differ from those associated with the developed world (Global North)?
How are notions of environment socially constructed as "nature," and
how does this translate into political action in different places? The course
critically assesses the ability of planners to make lasting improvements in the
urban environment. Dist. SOC or INT.
19. Gender, Space and the Environment (Identical to Women's and Gender
Studies 37)
Not offered in the period from 06F through 08S
This course is meant to help students understand the relationships between
the gendered construction of our society, and the ways we have organized our
spaces and places, including our homes, places of work, cities, nations and
environments. Accordingly, the course will be organized around these different
spatial scales, examining everything from the ways we organize our living
rooms, to the ways we have shaped empires, to the way Western society has dealt
with environmental issues. Dist. SOC. Class of 2008 and later:
WCult: CI.
HUMAN GEOGRAPHY COURSES
20. Economic Geography and Globalization
06F, 07F: 12
The new global economy has become integrated across national boundaries,
profoundly altering the fortunes of countries, regions, and cities. This course
addresses questions that stem from these changes: for example, why do
industries locate where they do? What is the impact of foreign investment on
local and regional economies? Why are rates of international migration
increasing? What can workers and communities do after disinvestment and
deindustrialization has occurred? Particular attention is devoted to the United
States and the effects on minorities and labor of differential regional
economic expansion, renewal, and decline. Dist: SOC. Wright.
21. The North American City
Not offered in the period from 06F through 08S
For generations of immigrants America's cities were representative of the
American Dream. While its streets may not have been 'paved with gold,' they led
to factories and jobs and the opportunity to rise up the socioeconomic ladder.
The city was America's vehicle for advancement and assimilation-the classic
melting pot. Today, most Americans live and work in the suburbs that stretch
for miles away from the central city. For that portion of the population denied
this opportunity (the poor, minorities), the American Dream remains unrealized.
This course will examine the North American city, from its poorest and most
violent inner city neighborhoods to its most affluent suburbs. Special emphasis
will be placed upon the impact that demographic, economic, and technological
changes have had upon its spatial and social structure. Dist: SOC.
Class of 2007 and earlier: WCult: NA. Class of 2008 and later:
WCult: W.
22. Urban Geography
07W: 11
This course examines the historical, cultural, and socio-economic
geographies of cities. We begin by tracing the process of urban development
from its inception over 5,000 years ago, to industrial modern cities, to
postmodern urban forms, using case studies to illuminate certain key features
and processes. We then focus on understanding the particular dynamics that
shape cities today. Examples are widely drawn but particular attention will be
given to American urban patterns and processes. Dist: SOC.
Davidson.
23. Power, Territoriality, and Political Geography
Not offered in the period from 06F through 08S
Territoriality, the geographic expression of power, is one of the most
common strategies for exercising political control. This course explores the
interaction of geography and politics, including the origin and function of
nations and states, policing and social control, federalism, the role and
status of racial and ethnic minorities, political representation and electoral
redistricting. Through such topics, the class addresses questions regarding the
nature of power, identity, democratic theory and the relationship between the
individual and the state. We will focus particular attention on issues of
scale, or how the application of territorial strategies at different spatial
levels affects political relationships. Dist: SOC or INT. Class of
2008 and later: WCult: CI.
24. American Landscapes and Cultures
07W: 2
Someone once said that Americans are a people in space rather than a people
in time. A political configuration of relatively recent vintage, the United
States, nevertheless, occupies a vast amount of space. The occupation and
ordering of that space has produced distinctive landscapes with many regional
variations. This course will examine the formation of these cultural landscapes
beginning with those produced by Native Americans, and following the settlement
process up to contemporary, post-modern America. Along the way, we will
explore, among other things, the development of such American landscape
elements as grid-pattern towns, cowboy ranches, skyscrapers, shopping malls,
and corporate office parks. Dist: SOC. Class of 2007 and earlier:
WCult: NA. Class of 2008 and later: WCult: CI. Domosh.
25. Social Justice and the City
06F: 11 08W: 10A
This course explores issues of social justice and cities in terms of the
spatial unevenness of money and power within and among cities, between cities
and their hinterlands, and between cities of the world. We will examine how
multiple dynamic geographic processes produce spatial and social inequalities
that make cities the locus of numerous social justice issues. We will also look
at how urban communities and social groups are engaged in working for social
change. Dist: SOC. Class of 2008 and later: WCult: CI.
Davidson (06F), Mollett (08W).
26. Women, Gender and Development (Identical to Women's and Gender
Studies 30.1)
07W, 07F: 10
This course examines gender as it relates to both women and men and as
constituted by multiple factors such as place, space, class, sexuality, age,
race, ethnicity, nationality, and culture-what some call categories of
"difference." We will explore how these categories of difference
shape women's and men's daily lives, our institutions, the spaces and places we
live in, and the relationships between social groups in different places and
between different places in the world. Dist. SOC. Class of 2008 and
later: WCult: CI. Fluri.
27. Race, Identity, and Rights: Geographic Perspectives on Law
(Identical to African and African American Studies 26)
Not offered in the period from 06F through 08S
This course examines the role of law and the legal system in the creation,
maintenance, and transformation of racial identity in the United States and
Canada. As one of the most powerful institutions in American society, law
exerts a pervasive influence on our conceptions and practices of identity. Yet
how has a legal system purportedly based on the recognition and protection of
individual rights been implicated in the creation of racial categories and
inequality? The class explores this question by examining debates over two
important legal controversies: segregation and affirmative action. In both
instances, legal disputes over the allocation of resources, rights, and
privileges have been articulated both in terms of race and geography. Legal
precedents and the legacies of racial segregation are both extremely resistant
to change, and can affect social and geographic interactions in unexpected ways
for long periods of time. In addition to addressing these substantive issues,
the class provides an introduction to legal research, the Federal court system,
and Constitutional law. Dist. SOC. Class of 2007 and earlier:
WCult: NA. Class of 2008 and later: WCult: CI.
28. Immigration, Race, and Ethnicity (Identical to Latino Studies 40
and Sociology 64)
06F, 08S: 10
This course examines 20th century immigration to the United States and pays
special attention to issues of race and ethnicity. The course begins with a
brief history of US immigration and then thematically covers specific topics
such as economic impacts and costs, social mobility, citizenship,
transnationalism, assimilation, and religious issues and their relationship to
the immigrant experience. We feature nativist reactions to immigration and
highlight differences within and between Latino, Asian, and European groups
throughout the course. Dist. SOC. Class of 2007 and earlier:
WCult: NA. Class of 2008 and later: WCult: CI. Wright.
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY COURSES
31. Plant and Animal Geography
08S: 10; Laboratory-Field To Be Announced
Global patterns of plant and animal distribution are related to the
evolutionary history and present biological needs of each species, to the
history of continental movement and climatic fluctuations, to the species'
interaction with the physical environment, and to the history of human-induced
modifications. Using a combination of field projects and classroom discussion,
this course will examine the dynamics of these patterns and processes at both
local and global scales. Dist: SLA. Conkey.
33. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms (Identical to Earth Sciences
33)
07S: 12 Laboratory: Monday 3-5
This class is concerned with surficial landforms on the earth's surface, the
processes responsible for their formation, and their spatial and temporal
distribution. The course is designed to present a wide overview of geomorphic
principles and processes. Dist: SLA. Magilligan.
REGIONAL COURSES
40. Africa: Ecology and Development (Identical to African and African
American Studies 45)
08W: 10A
This course is intended as an introduction to contemporary political,
economic, social, and environmental issues in Sub-Saharan Africa. It will begin
with a brief historical overview, focusing on the legacies of the colonial era.
It will then look critically at a number of modern-day concerns, including
agriculture and food security, environmental degradation, health and disease,
urbanization, economic aid and restructuring, and the politics of ethnicity and
democratization. While we will examine each subject by way of select case
studies, emphasis throughout will be on the diversity and changing nature of
the African continent. This course will also consider how Africa's problems are
portrayed and understood (and often misunderstood) by the rest of the world.
Dist: SOC or INT; WCult: NW. Freidberg.
41. Gender, Space and Islam (Identical to Women's and Gender Studies
37.2)
06F: 10
We will address various aspects of Feminism, Islam and Space. This course
will seek to answer various questions about space, gender and Islam such as:
What constitutes a Muslim Space and the "Muslim World"? Who decides
and defines these spaces? How are these spaces generated and influenced by
Islam or Islamic practices? How do such gendering of spaces differ by place?
Additionally we will explore the readings of several Islamic feminist scholars
that address several gender related topics such as women's right, gender roles,
honor and Sharia (Islamic law). Dist: SOC. Class of 2007 and earlier:
WCult: NW. Class of 2008 and later: WCult: CI. Fluri.
43. Geographies of Latin America
07S, 07F: 10A
This course provides a survey of Latin America geography from pre-colonial
times through to the present, encompassing the region's physical features,
diverse cultural histories, the economic and political powers that have shaped
and re-shaped its national boundaries, and the current influence of global
processes on society and the environment. Special attention will be paid to the
20th century development issues-industrialization, urbanization, resource
exploitation and regional integration-and their implications for the region's
future. Dist: SOC; WCult: NW. Mollett.
44. Environment and Politics in Southeast Asia (Identical to
Environmental Studies 44)
06F, 07F: 2
Over the past several decades, the people and environments of Southeast Asia
have confronted a host of political, economic and cultural processes commonly
grouped together under the heading "development". As witnessed by
recent media reports detailing massive forest fires in Indonesia and dam
controversies in Malaysia and Thailand, these development processes have
resulted in drastic transformations in the landscapes, forests, and river
systems of the region. These processes have likewise produced dramatic
alterations in the livelihoods of the people who depend on and interact with
the region's ecological systems.Dist: SOC or INT; WCult: NW. Sneddon
(06F), Fox (07F).
46. Urban Politics and Policies: Tranatlantic Perspectives (Identical
to, and described under, Public Policy 81.3)
07W: 2A
Dist: SOC or INT. Class of 2007 and earlier: WCult: NA or
EU. Class of 2008 and later: WCult: W. Davidson.
47. The Czech Republic in the New Europe
07S, 08S: D.F.S.P. (Prague, Czech Republic)
This course seeks to develop an understanding of the physical morphology and
cultural landscape of the contemporary Czech Republic. Special attention will
be given to the dialectic of transnational integration and decentralist
reaction common in Europe today.
Prerequisites: Geography 1 or 3 and one course numbered between 12 and 41,
or permission of the instructor. A minimum of one methods course (Geography 10,
11, 55, 58) is strongly recommended. Dist: SOC. Class of 2007 and
earlier: WCult: EU. Class of 2008 and later: WCult: W.
Sneddon, Wright (07S), Domosh (08S).
48. Geographies of the Middle East
07X: 12
This course examines the geography and geopolitics of the Middle East by
identifying the physical and ideological borders of this region. We will
discuss the linkages between the physical geography and the social, political,
economic, and cultural geographies of this region and how economic and
political interests in and outside the region complicate these geographies.
Analyzing gender relations as they intersect with social, political, religious,
and economic systems are also central to this course. Dist: INT. Class
of 2008 and later: WCult: CI. Fluri.
SPATIAL ANALYSIS COURSES
52. Urban Applications of GIS
07S, 08S: 2
This course is about how to use GIS technology to solve urban problems. The
application problems that will be discussed in the class are from areas
including urban planning and design, public administration, business
decision-making, environment assessment, landuse change, and social and
political issues. The data, spatial analytical techniques, and GIS software
that have been used in these applications will be examined through studying
real-world examples. The class contains three components: the lectures, the lab
exercises and the term project. The software packages used for the lab
exercises include ArcGIS and MapInfo. Prerequisite: Geography 58. Dist:
TAS. Shi.
55. Remote Sensing (Identical to Earth Sciences 55)
07W: 10A; Laboratory: W 1:00-4:00 or Th 1:00-4:00
Remote sensing involves the acquisition of information about the earth from
airborne and spaceborne sensors. Both vector (GIS and GPS) and raster (image
data will be treated with an emphasis on their interpretation for various
geographic and earth science applications. A significant part of the course
will be devoted to practical exercises; there will be a final project involving
the computer processing and interpretation of these data.
Prerequisite: Geography 3 or Earth Sciences 1, 2, 5, or 6. Dist:
TLA. Birnie (Earth Sciences).
58. Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
06F, 07S, 07F, 08W: 12
Geographical information systems (GIS) are computer-based systems that
process and answer questions about spatial data relative to concerns of a
geographic nature. This course focuses on the basic principles of GIS,
including data capture and manipulation, methods of spatial interpolation, and
GIS trends and applications. The course is not intended to train students to be
GIS operators; rather, to explain the fundamentals of this rapidly growing
technology. A series of laboratory exercises will expose the students to GIS
systems. Dist: TAS. Shi.
59. Environmental Applications of GIS
07W, 08S: 12
This course focuses on the uses of GIS techniques in solving practical
environmental problems. The ideas of how GIS can be applied to various fields
of environmental studies and applications will be presented, and this is
achieved through examining real application examples concerning soils,
watershed hydrology, vegetation, landuse/land cover, climate, pollutions,
landscape ecology, and natural hazards. The students will also learn
fundamental knowledge and techniques required in application projects for
solving environmental problems, including the methodology of starting and
running such projects, and spatial analytical techniques that are frequently
used in such projects. The course is made of three components: the lectures,
the lab exercises, and the term project. The software packages used for the lab
exercises include ArcGIS and IDRISI. Prerequisite: Geography 58 or
Geography/Earth Sciences 55, or permission of the instructor. Dist:
TAS. Shi.
ADVANCED COURSES
80. Seminar in Geography
Not offered in the period from 06F through 08S
This course focuses on topics in advanced human geography that are not
regularly taught as part of the curriculum. Course content will vary and
reflect the interests and expertise of the instructor. Prerequisite: Geography
1 or permission of the instructor. Dist: SOC.
81. Field Research in the Czech Republic
07S, 08S: D.F.S.P. (Prague, Czech Republic)
This course involves a dozen or so lectures by members of the Charles
Geography faculty. These case studies will vary depending (to a degree) on
expertise, but might include topics such as: forest decline in the Czech
Republic and its relation to industrial pollution, the effect of land-use on
sedimentation regimes of the Elbe River and its tributaries, the impact of
international migration on sending and receiving nations, comparative research
on the spatial organization of industrial production in market and
formally-centrally planned economies, the effects of the political division of
the Czech and the Slovak Republic on service areas (medical, administrative,
etc.) in the border region, the geography of Foreign Direct Investment in the
Czech Republic before and after the Velvet Revolution. The goal of the course
is to expose students to the research interests of European geographers and to
potential topics for their own independent research topics. Fieldwork comprises
a significant portion of this course with both human and physical geographical
site visits.
Prerequisites: Geography 1 or 3 and one course numbered between 12 and 41,
or permission of the instructor. A minimum of one methods course (Geography 10,
11, 55, 58) is strongly recommended. Sneddon, Wright (07S), Domosh (08S).
82. Independent Study in the Czech Republic
07S, 08S: D.F.S.P. (Prague, Czech Republic)
This course offers the qualified student an opportunity to research a topic
of special interest in the Czech Republic under the joint direction of a
Dartmouth staff member and Charles University staff. This course is taken as
part of a three course sequence by FSP participants (Geography 47, 81, 82).
Prerequisites: Geography 1 or 3 and one course from 12-41 or permission of
the instructor. Dist: SOC. Class of 2007 and earlier: WCult:
NA. Class of 2008 and later: WCult: W. Sneddon, Wright (07S),
Domosh (08S).
85. Advanced Reading in Geography
All terms: Arrange
This course offers the qualified student an opportunity to pursue a subject
of special interest under the direction of a member of the staff. An outline
for the reading program must be approved by the instructor prior to the first
day of classes of the term in which it is to be taken. Prerequisite: permission
of the instructor and the Chair.
87. Senior Thesis
All terms: Arrange
A thesis on a geographic topic selected by the student with the instructor's
approval.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor and the Chair. Open to seniors,
and required of honors majors. The staff.
90. Research in Geography
06F, 07F: 10A
This capstone course exposes students to the elements of conducting
geographic research. Students synthesize their knowledge of geography by
exploring the epistemological and methodological methodological foundations of
geographic research. The course involves the preparation of a research proposal
on a topic each student chooses in consultation with the geography faculty.
Prerequisites: Geography 1 or 3, two courses from Social Science 10 (or
equivalent), Geography 11, Geography 55/58, or permission of the instructor.
Dist: SOC. Domosh (06F), Wright (07F).
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