GEOGRAPHY
AND EARTH SCIENCE (GEO-ESC)
College
of Science and Allied Health
Department
Chair: George Huppert
e-mail:
huppert.geor@uwlax.edu
Professors:
Ahmed,
Berlin, Cravins, Holder, Huppert, Wilder, D., Wingate;
Associate
Professors:
Chu, Stoelting; Assistant Professor: Aritan.
Major
and minor requirements differ for students in the College of Business
Administration, the College of Liberal Studies, and the College of Science and
Allied Health from those in the School of Education and the College of Health,
Physical Education and Recreation. See separate listings.
(All
colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 36 credits, including ESC
101, GEO 110, 201, 250; ESC 221 or 222; one course in physical geography
elected from GEO/ESC 303, 323, 343, 422, 425, 426, 460; two courses in cultural
geography elected from GEO 202, 300, 306, 307, 309, 324, 329, 409; one course
in techniques elected from GEO/ESC 345, 390, 440, 451; two courses in regional
geography elected from GEO 204, 304, 311, 312, 315, 316, 317, 328, 331; and
electives from those listed above plus 200, 334, 401, 470, 450, 490 and 495.
(All
colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 55 credits, including ESC
101; GEO 110, 201, 250; three courses from ESC 221, 222, GEO/ESC 323, 343, 422,
425, 426, 460; one course from GEO 300, 309, 409; three courses from GEO/ESC
345, 390, 440, 451, 455, 481, 485; one course taken from GEO 450, 490; MTH 151,
205 or 250, 305; C-S 120, and 220 or 224.
(All
colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 56-60 credits, including
ESC 101, GEO 110, 201, 250; five courses from ESC 221, 222, GEO/ESC 303, 422,
323, GEO 324 or 200; GEO/ESC 343, 425, 426, 460, 490; three courses from
GEO/ESC 345, 390, 440, 450, 481, 485; MTH 205 or 250, 305; C-S 101 or
demonstrated skills; and either BIO 101, 204, and 210, or CHM 103, 104, 301.
(Teacher
Certification programs) — 36 credits, including ESC 101; GEO 110, 201, 204,
250, 300, 306, 309, 401, and electives in geography.GEO 200 (if GEO 324 is not
taken), EFN 200, and C-I 381 are statutory/administrative code requirements
that must be taken in addition to the above sequence.
(All
colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 26 credits, including ESC
101; GEO 110, 201; at least one course in physical geography elected from ESC
221, 222; GEO/ESC 303, 323, 422, 425, 426, 343, 460; one course in cultural
geography elected from GEO 202, 300, 306, 307, 309, 324, 409; one course in
techniques elected from GEO/ESC 345, 390, 440, 451; one course in regional
geography elected from GEO 204, 304, 311, 312, 315, 316, 317, 328, 331; and
electives.
(Teacher
Certification programs) — 24 credits, including ESC 101; GEO 110, 201, 204,
306, 309 and electives in geography.
GEO
200 (if GEO 324 is not taken), EFN 200 and C-I 381 are statutory/
administrative code requirements that must be taken in addition to the above
sequence.
(All
colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 24 credits, including ESC
101; three courses from ESC 221, 222; GEO/ESC 303, 323, 343, 422, 425, 426,
460; one course from GEO/ESC 250, 345, 390, 440, 451, and electives in earth
science.
Geography
majors who select the earth science minor must take 18 credits in the courses
listed above in addition to the 36 required for the major.
(Teacher
Certification programs) — 24 credits, including ESC 101; three courses from ESC
221, 222; GEO/ESC 303, 323, 343, 422, 425, 426, 460; one course from GEO/ESC
250, 345, 350, 390, 440, 451, and electives in earth science.
GEO
200 (if GEO 324 is not taken) and C-I 381 are statutory/administrative code
requirements that must be taken in addition to the above earth science
sequence.
Note: The earth science minor may
be used as partial fulfillment of the requirements for a middle/secondary
broadfield science major. See p. 73.
(All
colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 26 credits, including ESC
101, GEO 110 or 201, GEO/ESC 221 or 222 and GEO/ESC 250. Twelve credits from
the following two groups of courses: 1) Applied courses - GEO/ESC 345, 390, GEO
409, GEO/ESC 440, 445, 451, 455, 481, 485. 2) Independent work - (Only 3
credits of course work from this group will be applied toward the minor) -
GEO/ESC 450, 470, 490, 495.
Students
in this minor are required to take MTH 205 or 250. Students who cannot
demonstrate fundamental skills in personal computer operation will be required
to take C-S 101. Students majoring or minoring in Geography/ Earth Science will
not be eligible to obtain the Applied Geography minor.
(All
colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 22 credits, including ARC
200, ESC 222, ARC 310, GEO/ESC 323, 343, 426 and one course from ARC 403 or
404. Geography majors who select the geoarchaeology minor must take 18 credits
in the courses listed above in addition to the 36 required for the major.
Archaeological studies majors who select the geoarchaeology minor must take 19
credits in the courses listed above in addition to the 36 required for the
major.
(Middle/Secondary
Education) —
See
description of this broad field major
on
p. 74.
I. Admission
A. Junior
standing
B. 15
completed credits in the major
C. 3.25 grade point average in the major and a 3.00
cumulative grade point average
D. Recommendation
by two faculty members in the department
II. Program
A. Completion
of the major program in Geography and Earth Science
B. Geography/Earth Science 495 — Seminar in Geography/Earth
Science (Honors Seminar), 1 cr.
C. Geography/Earth
Science 490 — Independent Study, 2-3 cr.
III. Evaluation
A. Cumulative 3.50 grade point average in the major and a
cumulative grade point of 3.00 at graduation
B. Distinguished
performance on a paper/project in GEO 490
C. Presentation
of paper/project to the faculty and students in the
department.
+ above a course number indicates aGeneral Education course.
+
ESC 101 Cr.
4
Introduction
to Earth Science concentrates on a broad understanding of the earth’s
lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere through a scientific approach to
fundamental concepts in earth science such as plate tectonics, slope processes,
atmospheric radiation balance, climate change, and the hydrologic cycle. Lect.
3, Lab. 2.
+
GEO 110 Cr.
3
World
Cultural Regions
This
course provides an understanding of the global distribution of world cultures.
The cultural, economic and natural patterns and their interrelationships are
examined on a global and regional scale. The development and distribution of
cultural regions within countries are included when appropriate.
+
GEO 200 Cr.
3
Conservation
of Global Environments
Introduction
to natural resources, resource management, environmental and land use ethics,
environmental impacts of resource utilization and strategies to resolve
environmental conflicts. Course examines the relationships between society and
the environment from the global to the local scale.
GEO 201 Cr.
3
Geography
of United States and Canada
Physical
and cultural characteristics of United States and Canada. Changing patterns of
land use and the accompanying economic and cultural development of the various
regions.
+
GEO 202 Cr.
3
Contemporary
Global Issues
This
course will offer a contemporary multi-disciplinary perspective regarding the
major issues and trends confronting the global society as it enters the 21st
century. Emphasis will be given to a critical review and assessment of the
origin and present condition of the plethora of situations and problems
affecting modern global society. The student will also learn to critically
evaluate current and future events. The course will incorporate the views and
approaches of the following disciplines: sociology/anthropology, economics,
geography, political science and history. (Cross-listed with SOC, ANT, ECO,
GEO, POL, and HIS 202; may only earn credit in one department)
GEO 204 Cr.
3
Geography
of Wisconsin
Geographic
patterns in Wisconsin. Physiographic regions, climate, population distribution,
resources and their use, agriculture, industry, transportation, and urban
growth. Offered occasionally.
Introduction
to Climate Systems
An introduction to physical principles and the
dynamic processes that govern the behavior of the atmosphere at global and
regional scales. Spatial and temporal variations of energy, moisture,
circulation, and weather systems; and the patterns of the world climate systems
are discussed. Lect. 3, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: ESC 101.
ESC 222 Cr.
4
Landforms:
Process and Regions
An
introduction to the processes that are dominant in forming the landscapes that
are exhibited on the earth’s surface. The spatial variation of these phenomena
will be studied in light of various classification systems in use today. Lect.
3, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: ESC 101.
GEO/ESC
250 Cr.
3
Methods
for the collection of geographic information from various sources. Techniques
of representation on maps. Emphasis on the theoretical/fundamental aspects of
display of cartographic data, symbolization, map design and planning, and map
evaluation through lectures and exercises.
GEO 300 Cr.
3
Population
Geography
A
systematic analysis of the populations of the world and the geographic factors
influencing human existence. A study of the origin and distribution of
populations and the cultural features with which they are associated.
GEO/ESC
303 Cr.
4
Geologic
Evolution of the Earth
The
study of rocks, associated depositional processes and fossils that reveal
environment through geologic time. Emphasis is placed on paleogeographic
reconstructions based on the geologic record. Prerequisites: ESC 101, 222.
Offered Sem. I, odd numbered years.
GEO 304 Cr.
3
Geography
of Europe
Geographic
factors in the changing physical, political, cultural and economic patterns in
Europe. Emphasis on northwestern, central, and southern Europe and their
importance in world affairs. (See GEO 311 for former Soviet Union.)
GEO 306
Cr.
3
Economic
Geography
This
course introduces the global economic patterns which have shaped and
conditioned the world of the 1990s, and the salient economic geography models
and approaches which help to explain such patterns. Elements emphasized include
the evolution of social and economic organization; the globalization of
economic activity since the late 1400s; the interconnectivity of development
and underdevelopment; and the relationship between development and social
environmental problems. Prerequisite: GEO 110 or GEO/ECO/POL/ANT/SOC/HIS 202 or
ECO 110 or HIS 152.
GEO 307 Cr.
3
A
real differentiation and analysis of relationships between geographic factors
and political entities. This includes physical environment, organization of
space, cultural influences, and economic capabilities.
GEO 309 Cr.
3
Urban
Geography
Geographical
study of cities, their form, function, site and situation. Classification of
cities, urban land use patterns, and the role of the city within its region.
GEO 311 Cr.
3
Investigation
of the physical and cultural geographical factors of the former Soviet Union
and its satellite nations. Past and present geographical factors are discussed
and analyzed in looking to the future of the many new nations that rose out of
the ashes of the former Soviet Union. Geographical analysis is based on the
nations as separate entities and their relationships and interaction with the
region and the world community.
GEO 312 Cr.
3
Geography
of Africa
Cultural,
physical and economic characteristics including the bases of problems in
socio-economic development are investigated from a geographic perspective.
Resources, regions, and world-ties are studied.
GEO 315 Cr.
2
Geography
of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania
Physical
and cultural geography of Australia, New Zealand, and the Southwest Pacific.
Emphasis on Australia and its changing economic and cultural development.
GEO 316 Cr.
3
An
examination of the physical and cultural features of South America. Special
attention will be given to pre-Columbian roots of South America. Other topics
include population growth, settlement and regional development of the many
nations of South America.
GEO 317 Cr.
3
Geography
of Middle America
An
examination of the geographical factors important in the cultural and economic
patterns of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Special attention will
be given to pre-Columbian roots of Middle America. Other topics include
population growth, settlement and regional development.
GEO/ESC
323 Cr.
3
Geomorphology
A
systematic analysis of surface processes that shape the origin and evolution of
the earth’s topographic features. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental
principles and methods of geomorphology. Prerequisites: ESC 222 and junior
standing. Offered Sem. I, odd-numbered years.
GEO 324 Cr.
3
Conservation
of Natural Resources
Treatment
of resources such as water, forests, grasslands, soils, minerals, wildlife, and
scenery. Philosophy of conservation. Nature and utilization of the resources
which sustain the world’s population. Prerequisite: junior standing.
GEO 328 Cr.
2
Geography
of the Far East
The
Sino-Japanese Realm. Peninsular and insular Southeast Asia. Human and physical
patterns, economic activities. The Far East in world affairs.
GEO 329 Cr.
3
Historical
Geography of the United States
Reconstruction
and portrayal of the geography of the United States at selected times.
Geographical factors operative as the frontier of white settlement progressed
across the continent. Prerequisite: junior standing. Offered occasionally.
GEO 331 Cr.
3
Geography
of the Middle East, Central and South Asia
Cultural,
physical and economic elements of this predominantly Islamic domain are
examined from a geographic perspective for a better understanding of this
region of the world. Cultural and socio-economic impact of these regions on
other regions and cultures of the world, including their resources, are
investigated.
GEO/ESC
334 Cr.
2-6
Field
Geography
A
study of real landscapes. Experience in observation, study, and evaluation of
human use regions and how people adapt and use differing natural environments.
Conservation of natural resources, geographic understandings of historical
events, and geographic factors affecting changing economics are stressed.
Prerequisite: one semester of geography or earth science.
GEO/ESC
343 Cr.
3
Geoarchaeology
A
pro-seminar on the contribution of earth sciences to the interpretation of
archaeological contexts. Emphasis is placed on the methods of geoarchaeology
and the applications of selected earth science fields to archaeological
problems. Prerequisite: ESC 222 or GEO/ESC 323 or 426; or ARC 205 or 310 or
455. Offered Sem. II, odd-numbered years.
GEO/ESC
345 Cr.
3
Introduction
to remote sensing, emphasizing satellite multispectral observations of the
earth applied to such fields as agriculture, forestry, water resources, urban
and regional planning, and environmental assessment. Upper Midwest and selected
areas worldwide are explored with visual and digital image processing
techniques.
GEO/ESC
390 Cr.
3
Field
Methods
Training
in sampling techniques, interviewing procedures, and field surveying methods.
Includes reconnaissance and detailed surveys using the altimeter, compass, and
plane table. Prerequisite: junior standing.
GEO/ESC
401 Cr.
1
Focus
on Geography: A Capstone Course
A
seminar-style course designed to prepare students for graduate school and/or a
career in geography/earth science. This course will cover the basic concepts of
interviewing, graduate school application, oral presentation of a topic, and
the writing of professional abstracts. The development of the field will be
studied by the reading and discussion of landmark articles in geography and
earth science. Students are expected to actively participate in the assessment
of their major. Prerequisite: senior standing. Pass/Fail grading.
GEO 409 Cr.
3
Geographic
Elements of Land Use Planning
A
study of the spatial organization of land as determined by the physical
limitations placed by the environment, the social needs of the people as
expressed by the population on the land, and the economic forces acting to
change land use. The course focuses on the application of land use planning
processes to a specific case study area wherein students are asked to
demonstrate their ability to integrate geographic determinants in planning land
use. Prerequisites: ESC 222, GEO 309.
GEO/ESC
422/522 Cr.
3
Various
principles and laws which govern the behavior of the atmosphere are
investigated. Laws of gases and radiation, energy exchange between the earth
and the atmosphere, laws of motion, various forces governing atmospheric
motion, atmospheric moisture and psychrometry, condensation, preciptable water and
precipitation, atmospheric stability/instability, thermodynamic characteristics
of the atmosphere, vorticity, and synoptic meteorology are discussed. Surface
and upper-air charts, synoptic patterns, thermodynamic charts, radar and
satellite images, and weather patterns are analyzed for weather forecasting.
Prerequisite: ESC 101 or quivalent. Offered Sem.
II.
GEO/ESC
425/525 Cr.
3
Biogeography
A
systematic analysis of the geographic distribution of organisms from
historical, ecological and regional perspectives. Emphasis is placed on the
principles and the methods of biogeography. Special reference is made to
biogeographic regions, the distribution of organisms in space and time, and
ecological biogeography. Prerequisites: ESC 221 and junior standing. Offered
Sem. II, even-numbered years.
GEO/ESC
426/526 Cr.
3
Soil
Morphology and Genesis
A
systematic analysis of soil morphology, weathering, factors of soil formation
and soil-forming processes. Emphasis is placed on soil landscapes and the field
study of soils. Special reference is made to current systems of soil
classification. Prerequisites: ESC 221 or 222 and junior standing. Offered Sem.
I, even-numbered years.
GEO/ESC
440/540 Cr.
3
Geographic
Interpretation of Aerial Photographs
Systematic
applications of aerial photographs in the interpretation and analysis of
geographic problems. Emphasis is placed on drainage, landforms, vegetation,
soils, urban and rural land use and transportation. Lect.2, Lab 2. Offered Sem.
I, odd-numbered years.
GEO/ESC 445/545 Cr.
3
Advanced
Remote Sensing
Techniques
of digital image processing emphasizing computer-assisted processing of
satellite/airborne, digital data applied to natural resource, agricultural,
land use, archaeological, and environmental problems. Study of data sources,
acquisition, data integrity, manipulation, formatting, storage and retrieval;
integration with a geographic information system for spatial analyses and
decision-making. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: GEO 345. Offered Sem. I.
GEO/ESC
450 Cr.
3-12
Geography
Internship
Practical
experience with a variety of organizations where the student’s graphic
background and training can be utilized to advantage. Students are placed in
carefully selected positions screened by the department. Actual work
supervision is accomplished by personnel of the selected agency and the
department staff coordinator. A maximum of five credits may be counted toward
the non-education major. Prerequisites: geography major, junior standing,
overall grade point of 2.25 with a minimum of 2.75 in geography. Pass/Fail
grading.
GEO/ESC
451/551 Cr.
3
Cartographic
Methods
Application
of the fundamental methods of cartography, including map compilation and
design, thematic mapping, and automated methods of map production. Emphasis on
current techniques of map reproduction such as scribing, photo reproduction,
computer-assisted cartography and introductory geographic information systems.
Prerequisite: GEO/ESC 250 and MTH 205 or 250. Lect. 2, Lab.
2. Offered Sem. I.
GEO/ESC
455/555 Cr.
3
Applied
Map Design and Production in Cartography and GIS
This
course explores both manual and digital methods in cartographic design and
production, map design theory, perceptual aspects of map symbols, methods of
production for small format and large format maps, cost efficiency factors,
design environments in GIS packages, production of both monochromatic and color
maps, map publishing. Prerequisite: GEO 250.
GEO/ESC
460/560 Cr.
3
Environmental
Hazards and Land Use Planning
Environmental
processes are investigated in light of the hazards they might pose for
development and how they may be avoided or mitigated by proper land use
planning. Prerequisite: ESC 221 or 222.
GEO/ESC
470/570 Cr.
1-3
Special
Topics in Geography/ Earth Science
Specifically
selected topics or skills which may be designed for the interest of special
groups will be offered with formalized instruction and methodology appropriate
to geography and/or earth science. May be counted as an elective in the
geography major or earth science minor at the discretion of the Geography/Earth
Science Department. Prerequisite may be required at the discretion of the
department. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6. Pass/Fail grading. Offered
occasionally.
GEO/ESC
476/576 Cr.
1-3
Geography/Earth
Science Topics for Teachers
Selected
topics in geography and/or earth science pertinent to applications in the
teachers’ classrooms. Courses are designed to meet the needs of teachers so
that they may implement the course material into their classroom teaching.
Offered occasionally.
GEO/ESC
481/581 Cr.
3
Introduction
to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
An
introduction to both theoretical and applied aspects of Geographic Information
Systems. GIS software with an emphasis on ARC/INFO will be used to analyze
management of resources, environmental assessment, business location, and
urban/regional planning. Topics will include: data organization, database
structure, input and output, data quality, and geographic analysis of spatial
and attribute data. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisites: GEO 250 and MTH 205 or 250.
Offered. Sem. II.
GEO 485/585 Cr.
3
Advanced Geographic Information Systems
Advanced
theories in GIS database structures,
advanced applications, database transfers, database management, use of census
data, spatial analysis, decision-making. Emphasis on ARC/INFO and its
applications. Integration of GIS with Remote Sensing and GPS. Prerequisite: GEO
481. Offered Sem. II.
GEO/ESC
490/590 Cr.
2-3
Individual
readings and investigation of selected problems in geography. Open to senior
majors and minors with a “B” (3.00) average in geography. Registration with
consent of regular adviser, instructor, department chairperson, and the dean of
the college in which the student is enrolled. Maximum credit applicable to
major— 3; maximum credit from any instructor — 3. Repeatable for credit —
maximum 6.
GEO/ESC
495/595 Cr.
1-3
Seminar
in Geography/ Earth Science
Investigation
into various topics in geography or the earth sciences. Varying topics will be
offered at intervals with a specific title assigned to each. Prerequisite: two
semesters of geography and/or earth science. Additional prerequisites may be
required by the instructor. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6. Variable topics;
check semester timetables. Offered occasionally.