Full Course Listing

111 Human Geography

An introduction to the role of geographical location and distribution in the development of culture, cities, languages and religions, and how Geography continues to affect such contemporary issues as overpopulation, environmental degradation, national fragmentation, and poverty. Fulfills both the Social Analysis and Human Diversity requirements in the core curriculum. Offered every semester.

112 Landscapes

This course asks why the natural environment looks and acts the way it does and addresses the interrelationships between climate, soils, water, landforms, and the biosphere. The emphasis of the course is on natural processes with some discussion of how humans interact with their surroundings. Exercises from a lab manual written specifically for this course provide hands-on experiences through inquiry-based learning and GIS. Offered every semester.

113 World Geography

A country-by-country study of the world. The goal of this course is to emphasize whatever best explains the character of each country. This may be population, economics, resources, or any aspect of nature or humanity that gives an insightful understanding of each country. Fulfills both the Social Analysis and Human Diversity requirements in the core curriculum. Offered every semester.

223 Remote Sensing

The principles and techniques of remotely sensed data are presented including photographic and digital sensing. The applicability of these techniques to land use analysis and environmental studies will be emphasized. Students will become familiar with aerial photography and digital imagery interpretation through inquiry-based learning. Usually offered alternate years.

230 Weather and Climate

The causes and consequences of weather and climate, from global-scale processes of climate dynamics, the greenhouse effect and El Nino to regional and local-scale processes of fronts, thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes. Students are introduced to weather map analysis and simple forecasting and observational techniques. Offered every J-term.

242 Latin America

A country-by-country tour of Latin America, this course addresses the physical geography and resources, as well as key features of history, ethnicity, government, economy, and modern issues of each country.  Such issues may include land tenure, social conditions, environmental problems, indigenous movements, or any topic that is important to understand a particular country.. 

244 Africa

A broad tour of Africa, including geography, history, and political economy.  The course addresses both the broad physical and human geography of Africa, and includes specific topics such as indigenous governance, colonialism, independence leaders, Cold War politics, modern governance, ethnic conflicts, and health and environmental problems.

297, 298 Special Topics in Geography

A special topic in geography designed for juniors and seniors. Topics depend on staff expertise and student interests. The specifics of the course will be announced in the yearly schedule of classes. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.

321 Geographic Information Systems

The theme of this course is how to perform data analysis using Geographic Information Systems. Specific topics include spatial database operations, buffers, map overlay, and address matching. The course illustrates the principles of Geographic Information Systems using a variety of real-world applications from demography to environmental studies. Usually offered Spring semester.

322 Geographical Analysis

This course uses quantitative methods to explore questions of geographic concern. It focuses on collecting, organizing, analyzing and presenting spatial data. Statistical methods are applied in a real-world context - in the spheres of population, production, pollution, and climate change. Usually offered alternate years.

330 Geography for Business and Planning

Geographic techniques for business and planning applications include demographic analysis of customer characteristics, consumer's geographic behavior, trade areas, patterns of retailing, store location problems, site appraisals, and using census data. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. Offered every semester.

331 Conservation Geography

This course uses basic Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to study a wide range of conservation issues. GIS is ideal platform for exploring the relationships between the economic, political and environmental processes shaping our landscapes.  Typical class projects include locating the best lands in Minnesota for carbon sequestration projects and helping the Minnesota Nature Conservancy target valuable forest habitat for conservation purchases. Usually offered alternate years.

340 Geography of the U.S. and Canada

What does the notion of "America" mean? This course explores the historical creation and expansion of North America from European, African, Native American, and Asian influences. It then explores the contemporary geography of the continent: different cultural regions, economic characteristics, political variations, and places both special and commonplace that help define the North American experience. 

384 Field Study in Geography

The course teaches geographical analysis through field experience. Includes study abroad courses. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.

421 Applied Geographic Information Systems

A sequel to GEOG 321, this project-based course is designed around individual student interests to utilize advanced ArcGIS functions and analysis. Principles of geographic information systems will be implemented in a wide variety of applications. Usually offered Fall semester. Prerequisite: GEOG 321 or consent of the instructor.

422 GIS Customization and Programming

This course is an introduction to customization and programming based on Python for Geoprocessing in ArcGIS, and is designed for geography students. Basic concepts of object-oriented programming and scripting will be presented. Students will develop skills in customization techniques to explore, manipulate, and model spatial data using the Geoprocessor methods. Prerequisite: GEOG 321 or consent of the instructor. Usually offered Spring semester.

480 Seminar in Geography

In this seminar, we will explore the nature of geography as a discipline. The areas to be covered: history of geographic thought, the position of geography relative to the arts and sciences, different ways of interpreting geographic phenomena, and geography as a vocational and academic career. Research projects will cover these themes and be tailored to the student's own interests. Prerequisite: four courses in geography, including one methods course.

484 Advanced Field Study in Geography

A geographic analysis through field experience. Designed for advanced students in geography. Includes study abroad courses. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.

495, 496 Individual Study in Geography (1/2 Course)

Directed study of a geographic topic approved by the supervising instructor and Department Chair. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.

497, 498 Individual Study in Geography

Directed study of a geographic topic approved by the supervising instructor and Department Chair. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.

489, 490 Advanced Special Topics in Geography

A special topic in geography designed for seniors. Topics will be dependent on staff expertise and student interests. The specifics of the course will be announced in the yearly schedule of classes. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.