Prerequisite and/or recommended courses are listed as 'P' and 'R', respectively after each course title.
Short Courses
G111 Hurricanes (1 cr.) Introduction to processes involved in the initiation and development of hurricanes, forecasting and modeling tools used to predict their effects, and impacts on the natural environment and humans. For further information contact Geography Department.
G112 Thunderstorms and Tornadoes (1 cr.) Introduction to the processes involved in the initiation and development of thunderstorms and tornadoes, forecasting and modeling tools to predict their spatial pattern and effects, and impacts on the natural environment and humans. For further information contact Geography Department.
G113 The Ozone Hole (1 cr.) Introduction to the role and significance of the stratospheric ozone layer and the nature and extent of its depletion. Attention will focus on the development of our understanding, human intervention, and major points of controversy. For further information contact Geography Department.
G114 The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming (1 cr.) Introduction to the greenhouse effect and global carbon cycle. Attention will be directed to how, when and where humans have altered this cycle and the implications for future climates. Methods for monitoring climate change will be studied and areas of greatest uncertainty identified. Particular attention will be directed to the spatial pattern of projected effects produced by global climate models. For further information contact Geography Department.
G123 Soil Survey (1 cr.) An introduction to soil geography. Soil development processes, USDA soil survey map interpretation, physical and mechanical soil properties, and land use analysis. [see also G404: Soils]. For further information contact Dr. Rick Bein.
Undergraduate Courses
G107 Physical Systems of the Environment (3 cr.) An introduction to the physical geography - how and why the natural environment varies from place to place, and how it is impacted by human activities. Topics covered include weather and climate, climate change, severe storms, landforms, soils, and vegetation. Significant emphasis on current environmental issues. This course fulfills natural science requirements in most schools. For further information contact Dr. Timothy Brothers.
G108 Physical Systems of the Environment: Laboratory (2 cr.) Laboratory session to complement Geog 107. Field, lab and web-based exercises that involve the collection and analysis of data on weather and climate, hydrology, maps, vegetation, soils, and landforms. This laboratory session is optional for students enrolling in G107 and fulfills the lab science requirement in many schools. [G107 must be taken prior to or concurrently with G108]. For further information contact Geography Department.
G110 Introduction to Human Geography (3 cr.) An introduction to the principles, concepts, and methods of analysis used in the study of human geographic systems. Examines geographic perspectives on contemporary world problems such as population growth, globalization of the economy, and human-environmental relations. This course fulfills both social science requirements AND comparative world culture requirements. G110 is now offered in two different formats. For the web-based class, click here. For further information contact Dr. Owen Dwyer.
G130 World Geography (3 cr.) An analysis of the existing and emerging geographic patterns in the world and of the processes and trends producing such patterns. An examination of the global scale of human activities and interaction with the environment and the linkages tying the various regions of the world into a single, global system. This course fulfills socials science requirements. For further information contact Dr. Tom Fedor.
G300 The World of Maps (3 cr.) P: G107. Acquaints students with the practical use and evaluation of various types of maps and charts and introduces the basic analysis and interpretation of this medium of communication. Attention to the history of maps; types, compilation, and presentation of information on maps; mapping the earth; cognitive and thematic mapping; and an introduction to air photos and remote sensing. For further information contact Dr Rick Bein.
G303 Weather and Climate (3 cr.) R: G107. Systematic study of atmospheric processes and interrelationships, with a focus on understanding the physical basis of weather and climate. Emphasis on components of radiation and energy balances, atmospheric circulation, global weather systems, human effects on climate, and climate change. Not open to students who have had G304. For further information contact Geography Department.
G305 Environmental Change: Nature and Impact (3 cr.) R: G107 or consent of instructor. An integrated study of the causes and effects of environmental change. Areas covered include: climate variability (short and long term), environmental chemistry (ozone layer, greenhouse gases, and pollution), and anthropogenic impact that lead to environmental change. For further information contact the Dr. Tim Brothers
G307 Biogeography: The Distribution of Life (3 cr.) A survey of the present and past distributions of the world's plants and animals, emphasizing ecological explanation of species distributions. Topics include evolution and distribution of major plant and animal groups, world vegetation, plant and animal domestication, introduction of plant and animal pests, destruction of natural communities, and extinction. For further information contact Dr. Tim Brothers
G309 Frontiers in Geographic Thought (3 cr.) Provides a survey of the development of philosophical frameworks and theories used in physical and human geography. For further information contact Dr. Owen Dwyer
G310 Human Impact on Environment (3 cr.) P: 107. A systematic examination of how people have altered patterns of climate, hydrology, land forms, soils and biota. Course emphasizes that understanding human impacts requires knowledge of both the sociocultural forces that drive human activity and the natural processes that determine environmental patterns. For further information contact Dr. Timothy Brothers
G311 Introduction to Research Methods in Geography (3 cr.) Introduction to geographic research questions and methodologies. Focus on special characteristics of geographic problems in the realms of both physical and human geography. Study of scientific versus non-scientific methods, the nature of geographic data, methods of data analysis, interpretation and presentation. For further information contact Dr. Rudy Banerjee
G312 Gender and Geography (3 cr.) Covers major themes of human geography with a focus on women and gender relations. The spatial variations in the economic and social situations of women both globally and within the North American context will be documented. A survey of gender differences in urban areas, in access to facilities, in political participation, and in environmental perception will be provided.
G314 Urban Geography (3 cr.) Study and interpretation of urban spatial structures, design, policies and problems with and emphasis on geographic perspective. Topics include urban housing markets, racial segregation, homelessness, urban crime. For further information contact Dr. Owen Dwyer
G315 Environmental Conservation (3 cr.) R: 3 credit hours in geography or junior standing. Conservation of natural resources including soil, water, wildlife, and forests as interrelated components of environmental quality. For further information contact Dr. Rick Bein
G321 Geography of Europe (3 cr.) Geographical analysis of the physical features of the European environment and the spatial patterns and interrelationships of the cultural, economic, and political landscapes. Emphasis placed on human impact on the environment through long-term occupancy. For further information contact Dr. Tom Fedor
G322 Geography of Russia and Adjacent Lands (3 cr.) Spatial analysis of the economic, social and political structure of Russia and the other new countries of the former Soviet Union. Examination of the physical environment and its potential for human utilization. Special emphasis on problems regarding the stability of these new states, current efforts at political and economic reform, and environmental pollution. For further information contact Dr. Tom Fedor
G323 Geography of Latin America (3 cr.) P: 3 credit hours of geography or junior standing. National and regional variations in terrain, climate, natural resources, and economic and social life in Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and South America. For further information contact Dr. Rick Bein
G324 Geography of the Caribbean (3 cr.) Geographic introduction to the Caribbean, stressing global and regional political and economic relationships, physical, and natural environments, human activities and human-environmental relationships which give coherence and identity to the diversity of Caribbean landscapes, peoples, and cultures. For further information contact Dr. Tim Brothers
G326 Geography of North America (3 cr.) P: G110 and junior standing. Continental and regional variations in terrain, climate, and economic and social life of the United States and Canada, with emphasis on geographical principles, sources of data, and techniques of investigation. For further information contact Dr. Bob Beck
G327 Geography of Indiana (3 cr.) A geographical analysis of the state of Indiana. Emphasis placed on the interrelationship of the state's physical and human geography. For further information contact Dr. Bob Beck
G328 Rural Landscapes of North America (3 cr.) Rural geography of the United States and Canada, focusing on rural settlements, culture, economic activities, and land subdivision. The spatial impacts of economic and technological changes on land use are considered through an examination of relict structures and urban expansion into rural areas. For further information contact Dr. Bob Beck
G330 North American House Types (3 cr.) Houses are a visible semi-permanent record of human values, political ideas, historical settlement, and community development. This record is reflected in the types of houses built during a particular time period, by certain groups of people, or in a certain area of the country. This course examines house types for the purpose of identifying and analyzing geographic patterns that occur in North America. For further information contact Dr. Bob Beck
G331 Economic Geography (3 cr.) Geographical examination of the spatial dynamics and location patterns of economic activities. Acquiring an understanding of the main issues and characteristics of economic systems in different regions of the world and how the process of globalization affects the dynamics of these economic systems. For further information contact Dr. Tom Fedor
G336 Introduction to Remote Sensing (3 cr.) Fundamental principles involved in remote sensing, including radiation character, instrumentation, and applications. Technologies of data collection, platforms utilized, and imagery examination. For further information contact Dr. Jeffrey Wilson
G337 Cartography and Graphics (3 cr.) Compilation, design, reproduction, and evaluation of maps and related graphic materials. Includes cartometric procedures, symbolization selection, map typography, photographic manipulations, editorial process. Lectures and laboratory. For further information contact Dr. Owen Dwyer
G338 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3 cr.) Overview of the principles and practices of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The course will deal with issues of data acquisition and quality, analytical operations, and real-world applications of geographic modeling. Laboratory exercises will provide significant hands-on experience for students. Lecture and laboratory. For further information contact Dr. Jeffrey Wilson
G345 Field Study in Geography (3 cr.) P: 12 credit hours in geography, consent of instructor. Faculty-supervised fieldwork in selected areas of geography. May be repeated up to a maximum of 6 credit hours. For further information contact Dr. Tim Brothers
G355 Political Geography (3 cr.) An examination of the spatial organization of political systems and the interaction of geographical area and political processes. Emphasis on the geographical characteristics of states and the geographical dimensions of international relations. For further information contact Dr. Tom Fedor
G360 Geography of Wine (3 cr.) An introduction to the spatial distribution and patterns of viniculture in the world. Emphasis is placed on understanding the complex and often subtle relationships that exists between environmental variables, such as climate, soils and landforms, and human factors, such as viticulture practices and vilification techniques, in producing different types of wines and variations in their qualities. Also the geographic origins and diffusion of viniculture are examined along with an analysis of the locations, development and characteristics of the main wine regions or landscapes of the world. For further information contact Dr. Tom Fedor
G390 Topics in Geography (1-3 cr.) An examination of selected problems and issues in geography or from a geographic perspective. Topics vary from semester to semester. For further information contact Geography Department.
G404 Soils Geography (3 cr.) P: G107, Mathematics M110 or permission of instructor. Soil genesis, morphology, and classification; soil physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological properties. Soil maps and related data in land use analysis and the planning process. For further information contact Dr. Rick Bein
G421 Environments of Tropical Lands (3 cr.) A geographical analysis concerned with developing countries and focusing on issues related to development and the environmental consequences. Concern for the natural environment is expressed with regard to how it is affected by population pressures, economic advancement and urbanization. An understanding of the people and their cultures in these regions is presented. For further information contact Dr. Rick Bein
G436 Advanced Remote Sensing (3 cr.) P: G336 or equivalent. Fundamental principles involved in remote sensing, including radiation character, instrumentation, and applications. Technologies of data collection, platforms utilized, and imagery examination. Practical applications to research of spatial, environmental phenomena. For further information contact Dr. Jeffrey Wilson.
G438 Advanced Geographic Information Systems (3 cr.) P: G338 or consent of instructor. Students use microcomputer workstations to build geographic information systems and analyze spatial data layers. This advanced course is for upper-division undergraduates and graduates who seek a greater understanding of this rapidly developing field and to learn how to construct, manage and analyze their own GIS models. For further information contact Dr. Rudy Banerjee
G439 Seminar in Geographic Information Science (3 cr.) Integration of GIS, remote sensing, and GPS technologies. Review of current literature on techniques, theory, technology, and applications. Discussion, laboratory, and research project. Prerequisites: G336, G338, and G436 or G438. For further information contact Dr. Jeffrey Wilson.
G446 Cultural Biogeography (3 cr.) P: G107; R: G307. Examines human alterations of natural plant and animal distributions. Topics include deforestation, extinction, plant and animal domestication, and introduction of alien organisms. Seminar format. For further information contact Dr. Tim Brothers.
G450 Undergraduate Readings and Research in Geography (1-3 cr.) Research in selected problems, papers are ordinarily required. Course primarily for advanced Majors. An application form must be completed and submitted to Dr. Jeffrey Wilson for departmental approval approximately three weeks before registration.
G460 Geography Internship (1-6 cr.) P: 12 credit hours of geography and departmental approval. Supervised field experience in geography, normally in conjunction with approved work at a government agency or private firm. Requires 40 hours of work per 1 hour of credit. Student may not accumulate more than 6 credit hours of internship. Course primarily for advanced Majors. An application form must be completed and submitted to Dr. Jeffrey Wilson for departmental approval approximately three weeks before registration.
G465 Field Methods in Geography (6 cr.) P: G107 and G311 or consent of instructor. A survey of the methods and equipment basic to field research in physical geography, including climatology, hydrology, soil geography and biogeography. Normally taught jointly by two instructors. May include a one-week field trip. For further information contact Dr. Tim Brothers More about the course with photos.
G475 Climate Change (3 cr.) P:G107; R: G303. Advanced course on the evidence for the theories of climate change over a range of time scales, focusing on the period before the instrumental record. For further information contact the Geography Department.
G488 Applied Spatial Statistics (3 cr.) Extension of traditional statistical analysis to two-dimensional earth space. Examination of centers, dispersion, nearest neighbor analysis, quadrat methods, contiguity analysis. Problems of analyzing areally-aggregated spatially distributed data. For further information contact Dr. Rudy Banerjee.
G491 Capstone Experience in Geography (1 cr.) An independent project for senior-level students, applying geographic theory and techniques to a topic of geographic interest beyond the limits of the regular curriculum. Open to majors or non-majors with appropriate preparation, including G309 and G311. May be taken alone or concurrently with another course. An application form must be completed and submitted to Dr. Jeffrey Wilson for departmental approval approximately three weeks before registration.