GEOG 101 S 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 120 S Human Ecology
4 Credits
Keiffer, Artimus
Humans can be considered a threatened
species. Humans have induced this situation by overcrowding cities, exceeding
the carrying capacity of available land, polluting the air, water and land,
and eliminating many of the ecological systems that have evolved over thousands
of years. But as population continues to grow, and more land is converted to
other uses rather than food production, it will soon become apparent that life,
as we know it today, will change in the next 100 years. This course examines
some of the basic ecological systems that help sustain our existence, how humans
have impacted these systems, and how governmental interference and hidden agendas
have hampered efforts to rectify them. It is hope the student will have a better
understanding of what needs to be done in the future, to make the world a better
place for future habitation by our offspring no matter what part of the world
they live in.
GEOG 232S/POLI 208S 01 Moscow: Local Politics & Urban Planning
4 credits
Medvedkov, Olga/Hudson, George
This interdisciplinary course intends
to introduce the student to the processes of governing and conducting urban
planning in one of the largest and most complex cities in the world--Moscow.
By the end of the semester, students will be able to analyze a range of issues,
including Moscow’s history, contemporary planning, environmental control,
social issues, architecture, and governance. The consideration of these and
other issues will help the student to understand how Moscow is facing the difficulties
of the transition from the old, communist system to a new one, based upon principles
of democracy and a market economy. Time will be spent learning and applying
social science methods such as mapping techniques (using Geographical Information
Systems), voting behavior analysis, and the preparation for field research in
Moscow. Following the conclusion of the class, students will have the opportunity
to participate in field research in Moscow for three to four weeks. Students
may receive credit for the class in either Political Science or Geography.
NOTES: The course is also cross-listed with POLI 208S. The class may be used to fulfill major or minor requirements in Political Science, Geography, Russian Area Studies, or Urban Studies. Students will be prepared to pursue an optional, follow-up field research experience to take place in Moscow about three-four weeks in May-June 2006.
GEOG 280 S Geography of Ohio
4 Credits
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 292C/SOCI 292 Population Geography (4 credits)
4 Credits
Medvedkov, Olga
From now until the middle of the
21st century, in only fifty years, the world's population will increase by 50%
from 6 billion at the end of 1999 to close to 9 billion in 2050. October 12,
1999 has been chosen as the official date marking the advent of a planet with
6 billion inhabitants. On October 5, 2005, the total population of the World
had reached 6,470,751,717; an increase by almost half a billion in just six
years. Between 1995 and 2005, the growth rate was 78 million people per year,
the equivalent of a new Egypt added every year. In 2050, Africa and Asia will
be home to 20 and 60% of the world's population respectively. Developed nations
will have twice as many elderly people as youth and the population of many in
between will be in decline. The world's productive land is a constantly changing
resource. Climatic variations, natural disasters, and human intervention are
constantly at work changing the boundaries of productive land. Arable land covers
3% of the world's surface. Despite the fact that this land is continually being
lost to urbanization, the total area under cultivation is rising because of
deforestation.
During this course we would look at demographic data, population distribution and composition, theories of population growth and change. We will focus on basic demographic processes, as mortality, fertility, and migration. This class will be helpful in understanding the demographic processes in different cultural, social, and political settings. Cross-listed as SOCI 292; you may enroll in either SOCI 292 or GEOG 292.
GEOG 390 Geographical Information System
5 Credits
Medvedkov, Olga
Pre-requisites GEOG 230, GEOG 290 or GEOG 304, or an instructor’s permission.
GIS is an advanced course in spatial analysis and computer mapping which is targeted to majors in Geography, but also benefits majors in Biology, Geology, Management, Political Science, and others disciplines. The period since the mid-1980s has seen massive growth in the field of the GIS – computer based systems for the handling of geographically referenced information. Geographic Information systems have been confined mostly to public sector agencies until recently. Now they are becoming as widely used as spreadsheet analysis to a broad spectrum of applications from urban and regional planning and environmental management to homeland security and sustainable development. GIS mapping cuts across many disciplines, provides a common language for discussion, and acts as a means to bring people together in the decision making process. MAP IT OUT! Visualization is a great tool to analyze large data bases. During this course students work in a computer lab environment (new GIS Lab), learning GIS concepts and technology and applying them to real life situations while doing projects for local community. Student will gain skills in digitizing, data base management, multilayer computer mapping, and spatial analysis.
GEOG 250C World Geography: Globalization
4 Credits
Medvedkov, Olga
The world is undergoing a historic
transformation, one of those political, economic and social cornerstone changes
about which we usually read in history books. It is happening today, in front
of our eyes: new alliances are forming, old empires are disappearing, new ideas
are traveling with a speed of the Internet, and old traditions feel vulnerable.
We live in the age of Globalization. The future world order is indeed in the
making: the new world map will look quite different from the old. Our task is
to understand the ongoing processes, to make sense of the new directions our
world is taking. Geography is the most powerful ally in this mission. In this
course we will examine and discuss the pros and cons of globalization and its
consequences for different world regions.
