This course is a global approach to the study of the geographic factors affecting historical events associated with the human exploration and settlement of the planet. The influence of geography on economic and political changes over time is reviewed for selected historical phenomena.

This course is an introduction to the processes and technology of cartography, the science and art of map making. The foundations of map construction and design are presented from theoretical and applied perspectives. Students use hands-on and computerized mapping, leading to a basic appreciation of the map as the integral component of geographic information systems data analysis. This course does not count as an upper-division GEOG requirement toward the degree program for SSED majors.

This course offers a geographic analysis of global resources and economic growth. The underlying theme of the course is the impact of space (location, distance, area, boundaries) on economic decision-making. Topics discussed include population, transportation, rural and urban land use, industrial location, natural resource management, and development/underdevelopment. Differing spatial theories are employed to explain the global economy in transition.

This course is designed to give students an overview of the human dimensions of US environmental issues and is a core course for the environmental studies minor. From a geographical perspective, the course explores how US environmental laws, ethics, viewpoints and economics interact, shape, and manifest themselves across the landscape. Students are introduced to technologies, such as geographic information systems and satellite images, used by geographers to study environmental issues. The course examines spatial patterns arising from the ways in which we manage our natural resources and environment. Natural resources such as water, air, soil, energy and fossil fuels are used as examples in the discussion of spatial patterns arising from resource extraction, transportation and us