Course Listings - Spring 2003

GEOG 101S
Cultural Geography
(4 credits)
Keiffer, Artimus
The objective of this course is to provide knowledge and understanding of the cultural patterns created through human interactions with the environment and the processes responsible for cultural change. Topics will include: origins of culture in prehistory, human adaptations to the natural environment, the impact of different resource systems (hunting-gathering, agrarian, industrial) on nature in historical and spatial perspective, the creation of culture areas of the world, how states influence cultural survival, and the impact of globalization. The course will follow a lecture/discussion format to enhance critical thinking and writing abilities. Prerequisites: None.

GEOG 220N
Physical Geography
(4 credits)
Lenz, Ralph
Climate, vegetation, soils, and landform formation processes all influence human activity in any region; they are the focus of this process-oriented study of the physical environment. Heat and water budgets and their influence upon ecosystem development as well as fluvial, glacial, and coastal land shaping processes will be studied. Relationships between human activity and various physical environments of the world provide a central theme. Evaluation will be based on four exams and numerous in-class lab exercises. Prerequisite: Math Placement 22.

GEOG 222B
Weather and Climate
(5 credits)
Lenz, Ralph
Climate patterns pose fundamental limits to ecosystem development, and therefore control the ways people can interact with the environment. Global climate patterns are the focus of this course, and there are two main goals. In the first part of the course, we will seek an understanding of the processes responsible for climate through study of atmospheric dynamics that create weather patterns across the globe. Then we will consider climatic classifications, and relate them to real-world responses of vegetation regimes to global climate patterns. Laboratory work is scheduled for Thursdays from 8:00AM to 11:00AM. Ten lab exercises and four exams will be the basis for evaluation. Prerequisite: Math Placement 22.

GEOG 250 C W
Geography of Southeast Asia
(4 credits)
Lenz, Ralph
Southeast Asia is an enormously interesting region, with diversity and contrasts in ethnicity, religion, political orientation, and economic development. Set between South Asia and East Asia, and influenced by each, it retains its own underlying unique heritage. Geographical concepts relating to culture, ethnicity, colonization, population growth, environmental limits, resources, green revolution, urbanization, and political systems will be emphasized. A lecture/discussion format is anticipated, and there will be four exams, several quizzes and outside exercises, and a research paper. Writing intensive, other cultures course. Prerequisites: None

GEOG 280 N
Environmental Geography
Keiffer, Artimus
This class looks at spatial patterns of environmental problems on a global, regional and local level. Students will be introduced to the various environmental cycles that help maintain life here on earth. Through lectures, videos, and guest speakers, the basic concepts of environmentalism will be shown. Students will gain hands on experience by working on a project that interests them. Data gathering and its analysis will result from fieldwork and field trips. Overall, it is the goal of this course to increase awareness of human impact and our relationship with the systems that sustain us as a species.

GEOG 280 S
Geography of Ohio
Keiffer, Artimus
For anyone raised, living or intending to stay in Ohio, this course is a must. Understanding one's place in space is a fundamental aspect of Geography. This course will examine Ohio, its physical development, how it was forged out of the Northwest Territory, settled by scores of Europeans and Africans, and later became an important component of the industrial power of the United States. Also, the importance of Ohio in developing the American culture: its innovations, traditions and perceptions. This is shown in its economic activity, its peoples, its visual landscape, and its architecture. Ohio is a prominent point in the American way of life. It is considered the "heart" of the Midwest and is a major transportation corridor to other points in the Midwest. Its early importance in supplying its neighboring states with raw materials, its available resources to aid in manufacturing and its people, all reflect and symbolize the dedication and devotion of those who settled here and continue to live here. To understand one's place in space is to understand who one is.

GEOG 280 S
Local Politics & Urban Planning:
Hudson, George

POLI 209 S
Moscow & St. Petersburg
(4 credits)
This course introduces the student to the processes of governing and conducting urban planning in two large, complex cities-Moscow and St. Petersburg. The emphasis of the class will be placed upon Moscow. By the end of the course the student will be able to analyze a range of issues in these two cities, including their histories, contemporary planning, environmental control social issues, architecture, and governance. Toward the end of the class, we will be conducting group projects applying the innovative software, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to the study of specific issues in Moscow. Students will be evaluated according to the results of two examinations, a class project, and a number of assignments and panel discussions. The course is also cross-listed with the Geography Department as Geog 280. The class may be used to fulfill major or minor requirements in Political Science, Geography, or Russian Area Studies. Students will be prepared to pursue an optional, follow-up field research experience to take place in Moscow and St. Petersburg for about three-four weeks in May-June 2003.