Courses for next semester

GEO 200: 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. 

Satisfies General Education 04 Requirement: International and Multicultural Studies

Core Requirement for all Geography majors and for the Human and Environmental Geography minor

Available Lecture Sections and instructors:

ESC 101: Earth Environments

This course concentrates on understanding the earth’s dynamic environments through the study of processes and physical and human interactions related to the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. A scientific approach is used to examine fundamental concepts in earth and environmental science related to topics such as plate tectonics, landform development, atmospheric processes, global climate, and water resources, in order to provide an understanding of how the earth system functions and the human role in these phenomena.

Satisfies General Education 05 Requirement: Understanding the Natural World

Available Lab and Corresponding Lecture Sections and Instructors:

GEO 110: 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. 

Satisfies General Education 04 Requirement: Global and Multicultural Studies

Available Sections and Instructors:

GEO 200: 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. 

Satisfies General Education 04 Requirement: Global and Multicultural Studies

Available Sections and Instructors:

GEO 305: Geographic Information Systems and Science I (GISS I)

Students will acquire fundamental knowledge and learn key concepts underlying spatial data, different map types and uses, thematic symbolization and visualization, and spatial analytical techniques. They will learn how to critically assess and communicate knowledge concerning spatial environments. Students will also learn how to use GIS and Web mapping technologies.

Available Sections and Instructors:

GEO 401: 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. 

Available Sections and Instructors:

GEO 405/505: Geographic Information System and Science II (GISS II)

Building upon lessons learned in GEO 305, this course focuses on geospatial analysis and database development. The course includes both theoretical and applied aspects of GIS analysis. GIS software, with an emphasis on ArcGIS, will be used to explore geographic questions. Hands-on exercises pertaining to environmental science, natural resource management, business, and urban planning will be used to complement lecture material. Topics will include data organization, database structure, input and output, data quality, and geographic analysis of spatial and attribute data. This course is taught largely at an undergraduate level. Graduate students will have additional course requirements/expectations. Prerequisite: GEO 305; STAT 145; junior standing. 

Available Sections and Instructors:

ESC 221: Weather and Climate

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.

Available Sections and Instructors:

ESC 211: Global Warming and Climate Change

This course serves as an introduction to causes of natural and human-induced climate change, and the current and future impacts of climate change on environmental systems and society. Actions that could be taken by governments, industry, non-profit organizations, and individuals to mitigate the magnitude and effects of climate change will be addressed. The course will investigate social, cultural, and political aspects associated with climate change policy, including how vulnerability, resilience, and adaptability to a changing climate vary across the globe.

Available Lecture Sections and Instructors:

ESC 221: Weather and Climate

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.

Available Sections and Instructors:

GEO 460/560: Environmental Hazards

Environmental processes are investigated in light of the hazards they might pose for development and how they may be avoided, mitigated and managed. This course is taught largely at an undergraduate level. Graduate students will have additional course requirements/expectations. Prerequisite: ESC 221 or ESC 222; junior standing.

Available Lecture Sections and instructors:

GEO 410/510: Geospatial Field Methods

This course covers fundamental concepts of geospatial data collection, analysis, and representation. Students gain hands-on experience using geospatial technology at field sites in the La Crosse area. It includes reconnaissance and surveys using current methods, including GPS, total stations, sonar, and unmanned aerial systems; and practical integration of field data into a geographic information system. This course is taught largely at an undergraduate level. Graduate students will have additional course requirements/expectations. Lect. 2, Lab 2. Prerequisite: GEO 405 or concurrent enrollment; junior standing. 

Available Sections and Instructor:

GEO 418/518: Map Design and Geovisualization

In this course students will learn about the process of making maps, how to acquire and appropriately manipulate spatial data, and how to design clear, compelling, and beautiful maps. In addition to the key theories underlying the cartographic discipline, students will learn technical skills to enhance their other research interests and make them far more competitive on the job market once they graduate. Students will apply their knowledge about map design using cutting edge software. This course is taught largely at an undergraduate level. Graduate students will have additional course requirements/expectations. Lect. 2, Lab 2. Prerequisite: GEO 305; junior standing. 

Available Sections and Instructor:

GEO 202*: 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. Students may only earn credit in one of the following: ANT 202, GEO 202, HIS 202, POL 202, SOC 202. 

*Note GEO 202 does not fulfill an elective requirement in the Humans and the Environment category of the GEO: Humans and the Environment Emphasis, but it does in the GEO: GIS Concentration and the GEO: Environmental Science Concentration.

Available Lecture Section and Instructor:

GEO 307: Political Geography

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.

Available Lecture Sections and Instructor:

*section 02 is writing emphasis

GEO 340: Earth's Polar Regions

The geography of the Arctic and Antarctic. Physical environment, climate, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, natural resources and development, exploration, governance, indigenous peoples, and anthropogenic impacts. Comparisons and contrasts between the circumpolar northern Arctic region and the southern continent of Antarctica. Connections of the polar regions to global processes and international issues

Available Lecture Sections and Instructor:

*section 02 is writing emphasis