Courses in the Committee on Geographical Studies

Courses

The following list is representative of courses which have been offered by committee faculty members in recent years. Individualized reading and research courses on topics of faculty expertise may be arranged as well. The committee also maintains information on related courses in other disciplines.

30100. Cultural Geography

A survey of problems having to do with the relationship of culture and nature as well as culture and nationality.

31900. Historical Geography of the United States

Conzen

Examination of the spatial dynamics of frontier settlement, regional development, the social character of settlement patterns, and evolution of the cultural landscapes of America from pre-European times to 1900. Includes an all-day field trip.

32000. United States in Geographical Perspective

Systematic analysis of contemporary regional organization of American society and its economy, emphasizing the dynamics that explain the locational distribution of people, resources, and economic activity and the settlement pattern; examines regional restructuring of industry and services, transportation, city growth, and cultural consumption.

33500. Urban Geography

Examination of the spatial organization and current restructuring of modern cities in light of the economic, social, cultural, and political forces that shape them.

35300. Seminar: Problems in the Human Geography of the Middle East

Review and cartographic demonstration of habitat types, modes of livelihood, and ethnic distribution followed by student reports on selected aspects of human geography.

36100. Roots of the Modern American City

The economic, social, and physical development of the city in North America from early industrialization to the present. Emphasis is on evolving urban systems and the changing spatial organization of people and land use.

38200. Introduction to Cartography and GIS
Greene

This course provides an introduction to cartographic practices (including map preparation, compilation, construction, and design) using computer-based geographic information system (GIS) techniques. Lab sessions required.

39400. Seminar: Relationship of Nature and Culture

Research and discussion on the logic and pathology revealed in evidence of the human use and misuse of the earth.

39500. Seminar: Culture and Nationality

Examination of the role of language and religion in the integration of nation states and of examples of cultural dissidence and cultural conflict.

41000, 41100. American Landscapes I: 1850-1904

Changes in the natural and man-made environment, focusing on the settings American builders, architects, and their clients developed for work, housing, education, recreation, worship, and travel. Lectures and slides relate physical changes to social values, technological skills, and social structure.

41700. Seminar: History of Geography

42400. Urban Landscapes as Social Text

In relation to the fundamental approaches in the analytical literature on landscapes (normative, historical, and communication modes of conceptualization), the course explores the meanings to be found in varieties of urban landscapes, both in the context of individual elements and composite structures.

42500. Seminar: The Geography of American Urbanization

Advanced graduate research seminar for students interested in any aspect of urbanism and urban processes in North America, either contemporary or historical.

47000. Seminar: Problems in Teaching Geography

This list was last revised on 7/31/2001.