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Course Criteria
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4.00 Credits
This course challenges students to critically examine global population issues from a local-scale perspective and to understand the local context in which regional and international population patterns emerge. Using the lens of Geography, we will investigate the dynamic interplay between individual, local, regional, national, and international scales and the implications of scale, culture and perspective in dissecting current population issues. We will also use individual countries as case studies to examine population policies. Students will acquire a working knowledge of the data and methods used by population geographers to describe and analyze changes in human populations at sub-national scales, and will implement these skills in an independent research project. Offered as a first year course in 2008-2009. Not offered 2008-2009. (4 credits)
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3.00 Credits
This course uses two theoretical approaches from geography to make sense of health-related issues. First, we consider ecological approaches to recognize ways in which human interactions with their environments can shape human health. For instance, how can deforestation or the development of irrigation schemes alter disease patterns Second, we turn to social approaches, including political economy and recent humanist approaches, to ask how patterns of human organization affect health and health care. For instance, how do race, socioeconomic status, or political structures influence who gets sick and who stays healthy The course will also consider various geographical methods for assessing health-related questions, particularly how we can employ maps and spatial statistics to identify patterns across space. Two sub-themes-environmental issues and international perspectives-are emphasized throughout the course. No prerequisite. Spring semester. (4 credits)
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3.00 Credits
The study of environmental hazards stands at a key point of intersection between the physical and the human worlds. Once commonly referred to as "natural hazards," environmental hazards are increasingly beingrecognized as critically influenced by human behaviour, broadening our understanding of how such hazards can and should be addressed. Additionally, many now argue that natural events only become 'disasters' oncehuman communities become involved, emphasizing the importance of considering human vulnerability in any approach to studying hazards. Geography, with its focus on human-environment interactions, provides key theoretical approaches that can help to elucidate these complexities. Recognizing this key shift in hazards thinking, this course considers environmental hazards largely from a human perspective. A brief background to the basic geophysical processes that underlie environmental hazards is provided to develop sufficient grounding for a thorough understanding of relevant issues, but the remainder of the course focuses on how people influence and are influenced by hazards. This human approach considers three main themes related to hazards geography. First, what influences vulnerability to environmental hazards, focusing on issues of inequality at global, regional, and local scales Second, how might planning for and mitigation of disasters associated with hazards be undertaken more effectively in the context of such understandings of vulnerability Finally, how can geographic methods and approaches best be employed to reduce people's vulnerability to environmental hazards No prerequisite. Spring Semester. (4 credits)
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4.00 Credits
This course is focused on the development of the global urban system. Primary topics include the rise of nonindustrial cities in Africa and Asia, rise and expansion of the industrial urban network in Europe, colonial cities and the growth of "world cities," those large urban areas that are command and control points in the worldeconomy. In addition, models of the internal spatial structure of cities in various parts of the world will be examined. Special emphasis will be given to the comparison of socialist and capitalist urban planning. Students will be responsible for conducting research on specific urban systems in different regions. Students are required to use the internet for research and creation of a course web site on the geography department home page. Not Offered 2008-2009. (4 credits)
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3.00 Credits
This course discusses the foundations of American urban life and metropolitan development today, and examines how and why urban housing markets operate as they do within American metropolitan regions. Topics covered in the course include: the metropolitan economy, land use patterns, urban housing supply and demand, the geography of urban housing markets, suburbanization, transportation, and public policy debates. By the end of the course, students will have mastered some of the methods used to describe metropolitan organization and change, and be able to analyze how changes in the economy and society relate to metropolitan land use. No prerequisite. Fall semester. (4 credits)
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3.00 Credits
Urban social geography is the study of social and spatial dimensions of city life. In this course, we will explore some of the ways in which urban society is organized geographically. We will also consider how the spatial patterns of urban life influence public policy issues in the American context. Topics covered in this course include causes of racial segregation, debates about gentrification, sustainable suburban development, the transition from government to governance in cities, and the delivery of urban services that affect the education, health and economic welfare of urban populations. Students will learn current research, engage debates about critical urban issues, and learn techniques useful for analyzing spatial patterns in the urban landscape. Prerequisites: Geography 112, 241, or 262 or permission of instructor. Fall semester. (4 credits)
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3.00 Credits
This course provides students with the basic concepts and principles essential in applying geographic information systems (GIS) to practical project development in areas such as natural resource management, urban studies, and geographic education. Topics covered in the course include data collection, data quality and metadata, data structures, visualization, and spatial analysis and modeling. Students work with a community partner to complete a collaborative class project. Lab section is required. Three lecture hours and one laboratory hour per week required. Materials fee is required. Prerequisites: Geography 225 or permission of the instructor. Fall semester. (4 credits).
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3.00 Credits
This course allows students to participate in a "real world" application of their GIS knowledge and skills in acollaborative research project setting. Project focus is on urban GIS and questions developed by and for neighborhoods and other community research organizations. Content of the course includes development of the research project, acquisition and utilization of data used in urban analysis, data manipulation and analytical techniques unique to urban GIS, and geographical data visualization. Laboratory work is required. Materials fee is required. This course plays an active role in Macalester's Civic Engagement initiatives. In addition, this course fills the Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Prerequisites: Geography 225 and permission of instructor. Alternate years; Spring semester. (4 credits)
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3.00 Credits
This course explores the ways in which different qualitative research methods in the social sciences contribute to geographical research. The course introduces students to research design principles, to methods for qualitative data collection (including interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and archival research), and to analysis techniques (including textual analysis and landscape interpretation). The course also considers how qualitative research methods can be used to analyze geographical concepts, such as scale, landscape, and place, and improve our understanding of spatial processes. Students will enhance their research skills by conducting original research-the class will involve collecting and analyzing qualitative data and preparing and presenting research reports. Prerequisite: Geography 111. Spring semester. (4 credits)
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3.00 Credits
A survey of quantitative methods and techniques in the discipline of geography. Geography as an integrating discipline in the social sciences, statistical research methods to describe and analyze spatial problems, preparation and presentation of research reports, discussions of geographic study. This course fills the quantitative reasoning requirement. No prerequisite. Spring semester. (4 credits)
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