An introduction to the forces that shape Earth's landforms, landscapes, and water resources and the benefits and hazards that our dynamic planet poses to human society. This course uses theoretical principles and field experiences to analyze and understand the character, behavior and evolution of landforms and considers the responses of these systems to human disturbance. Topics include a study of tectonic forces, erosion and deposition by water wind and ice, and humans as agents of change.

Geography of World Regions is an exploration of the critical, interrelated, and diverse characteristics of the world's major geographic regions. This course will explore issues of global and regional significance facing our planet through the diverse lenses of geography. Our primary focus is on globalization and the linkages between places, the impact of globalization on diversity, and the importance of "local" and "global," unevenness in development, the legacy of colonialism, capitalism, and imperialism on world regions, and the relationships between societies and environments at various scales.

This course will introduce students to Japanese culture and society while traveling in Japan on J-term. The topics and reading materials closely relate to each destination and include literature, history, religion, social systems, and current issues. Students will deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and society by having classroom study combined with firsthand experience, observation, and interaction with people living in Japan. Taught in English. 

This course encapsulates much of traditional geography and how we can apply the "geographers perspective" to our work and research.  Within this course I gained skills in using library resources, digital maps, and fieldwork to address geographic questions. Amongst all of this, this course displayed how geography can always be applied in a multitude of ways from all kinds of different perspectives, which contain their own unique value. 

This course focuses on the use of a geographic information system to acquire, evaluate, and analyze spatial data.  Learn key concepts and components of GIS and essential skills of operating a GIS through the use of ArcGIS Pro. Emphasis is placed on the use of GIS to solve problems related to the social sciences. Students will learn how GIS is used in fields such as public health, sociology, urban planning, environmental studies, and/or business. Course includes a community-based GIS project.

Analysis of problems in the use of water and land resources, including land use planning, soil and water conservation, recreational uses of resources, urban open space and runoff, flood plain management, wetlands preservation and solid waste disposal. Course uses decision-making approaches to these problems and includes an introduction to environmental perception, resource economics and environmental law. 

This course is an introduction to cartographic concepts and skills, focused on the art and science of communicating spatial information. You will learn cartographic design techniques to create the most common types of maps. You will learn to manipulate and classify spatial data, select appropriate map types, and develop map designs that - - accurately and effectively communicate spatial information. 

This intermediate-level GIS course will explore the use of drones for mapping and GIS data creation. Students will learn the basics of drone piloting, flight safety, mission planning, photogrammetry, and application of drone data in ArcGIS Pro software. The course will prepare students to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) commercial drone pilot's test.