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Duluth Campus

Environment, Sustainability & Geography B.A.

Geography & Philosophy
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2023
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 45 to 49
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
The purpose of this degree is to prepare students to create sustainable communities for present and future generations. This program provides students with the tools to understand the physical and social systems of the earth and to become informed change makers locally and globally. Sustainability challenges are all around us: from climate change, to vulnerabilities in the industrial food system, to the way we design cities. One of the fundamental hurdles in a transition toward sustainability is bridging the ecological and social sciences with decision-making. The program trains students to analyze the interwoven nature of social and ecological systems, and translate that knowledge into policies to enact change. Meaningful engagement with the world outside the classroom prepares students to comprehend and address these challenges. To this end, the program provides students with theoretical and hands-on instruction in ecological and social processes, mentoring, as well as opportunities for professional and real-world experiences through internships and applied research.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
General Requirements
  1. Students must meet all course and credit requirements of the departments and colleges or schools in which they are enrolled including an advanced writing course. Students seeking two degrees must fulfill the requirements of both degrees. However, two degrees cannot be awarded for the same major.
  2. Students must complete all requirements of the Liberal Education Program or its approved equivalent.
  3. Students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credits completed in compliance with University of Minnesota Duluth academic policies with credit limits (e.g., Satisfactory/Non-Satisfactory Grading Policy, Credit for Prior Learning, etc).
  4. At least 30 semester credits must be earned through UMD, and 15 of the last 30 credits earned immediately before graduation must be awarded by UMD.
  5. At least half of upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits that satisfy major requirements (major requirements includes all courses required for the major, including courses in a subplan) through UMD.
  6. If a minor is required, students must take at least three upper division credits in their minor field from UMD.
  7. For certificate programs, at least 3 upper-division credits that satisfy requirements for the certificate must be taken through UMD. If the program does not require upper division credits students must take at least one course from the certificate program from UMD.
  8. The minimum cumulative University of Minnesota (UMN) GPA required for graduation is 2.00 and includes only University of Minnesota coursework. A minimum UMN GPA of 2.00 is required in each UMD undergraduate major, minor, and certificate. No academic unit may impose a higher GPA standard to graduate.
  9. Diploma, transcripts, licensure, and certification will be withheld until all financial obligations to the University have been met.
Program Requirements
1. A second field of study (e.g. minor, major, degree) is required for this major. 2. A sub-plan is required. For most students, the General sub-plan provides a broad background in the fields of environment, sustainability, and geography. Students interested in pursuing a career in urban planning or municipal government may consider the Urban and Regional Studies sub-plan. 3. Global experience is a UMD goal for all students, international study is encouraged. Talk with an academic or faculty advisor to explore academic options for fulfilling your degree requirements through study abroad.
Learning in Community (1 cr)
The Learning in Community requirement will be waived for transfer students with at least 30 credits taken post-high school and for UMD students who started in a UMD program where this was not required. First-year students who have completed 30 PSEO credits may request a waiver to the student’s primary college.
UST 1000 - Learning in Community (1.0-2.0 cr)
or EHS 1000 - Into the World [GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
or ES 1000 - Global Cultural Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability [GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
or LING 1000 - Language and Culture in the U.S. What does it Mean to Speak American [CDIVERSITY] (3.0 cr)
or PSY 1100 - Living Your Best Life: Applying Positive Psychology [CDIVERSITY] (3.0 cr)
Advanced Writing (3 cr)
WRIT 31xx - Adv Writing (3 cr)
Core (9 cr)
ES 2005 - Environment and Sustainability [SUSTAIN] (3.0 cr)
GEOG 1205 - Our Globalizing World [SOC SCI, GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
GIS 2552 - Mapping Our World [LOGIC & QR] (3.0 cr)
Science (4 cr)
GEOG 1414 - The Physical Geography [LE CAT, NAT SCI, SUSTAIN] (4.0 cr)
or EES 1110 - Geology and Earth Systems [LE CAT, NAT SCI, SUSTAIN] (4.0 cr)
Internship (4 cr)
ES 4090 - Internship Preparation & Career Development (1.0 cr)
ES 4097 - Internship (3.0 cr)
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
General
Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120 Required credits within the major: 45 - 47 This track emphasizes the breadth of inquiry related to environment, sustainability, and geography through related courses in human geography, physical geography and earth sciences, and human-environment interactions. This sub-plan also provides flexibility for students to apply and explore their topical interests within these areas. This experience culminates with a capstone experience that integrates these perspectives.
Electives (24-26 cr)
1) At least 1 course (3-4 credits) must be taken from each of the following groups: Group A, B, C, and D. 2) No more than 1 course (4 credits) may be taken from Group E and no more than 3 courses (3 credits) from Group F.
Take 6 - 10 course(s) totaling 24 or more credit(s) from the following:
Group A Human Geography
Take 1 - 4 course(s) from the following:
· GEOG 2313 - Economic Geography [LE CAT6, SOC SCI] (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 2406 - Race, Place, Identities and Territories [RACE JUST] (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3334 - Urban Geography (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3335 - Urban Planning (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3370 - Geographies of Development (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3395 - Special Topics: Human Geography (various titles assigned) (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 4393 - Political Geography (3.0 cr)
· Group B Physical Geography and Earth Sciences
The EES courses have course prerequisites and students should plan accordingly.
Take 1 - 4 course(s) from the following:
· GEOG 3401 - Weather and Climate (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3495 - Special Topics: Physical Geography (various titles assigned) (3.0-4.0 cr)
· GEOG 4401 - Climate Science (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 4446 - Water Processes and Management (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 4451 - The Geography of Soils (4.0 cr)
· EES 3203 - Environmental Hydrology (3.0 cr)
· EES 3301 - Meteorology and Climatology for the Earth Sciences (3.0 cr)
· EES 4280 - Principles of Soil Science (3.0 cr)
· Group C Human Environment Interactions
Take 1 - 4 course(s) from the following:
· ES 2100 - Western Lake Superior Sustainable Food Systems (4.0 cr)
· ES 2803 - Issues in Global Ecology [LE CAT] (3.0 cr)
· ES 3100 - Sustainable Food Systems (4.0 cr)
· ES 3200 - Environmental and Ecological Justice (3.0 cr)
· ES 3300 - Anthropocene Stories: Geology, Human Histories and Possible Futures (3.0 cr)
· ES 3500 - Ecological Economics (3.0 cr)
· ES 3595 - Special Topics: Environment and Sustainability (various titles assigned) (3.0 cr)
· ES 4005 - Environmental Policy (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3411 - Human Environment Interactions (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3422 - Natural Hazards (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3461 - Geography of Global Resources (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3481 - The Ecology of Cities (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3712 - Geography of Latin America (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 5101 - Water Policy (3.0 cr)
· Group D Capstone
Take 1 - 4 course(s) from the following:
· ES 4010 - Seminar (4.0 cr)
· ES 4200 - Sustainable & Resilient Communities (3.0 cr)
· ES 4612 - Field Techniques and Research Design (3.0 cr)
· EES 4102 - Environmental Assessment (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3995 - Special Topics: (various titles to be assigned) (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 4803 - Geographic Thought (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 4806 - Beaver, Moose, Wolf: Environmental Management in Northeastern Minnesota through three Animals (3.0 cr)
· GIS 4612 - GIS Data Capture & Management (4.0 cr)
· URS 4001 - Cities and Citizenship (3.0 cr)
· Group E Geographic Information Sciences (GIS)
Take 0 - 1 course(s) from the following:
· GIS 3563 - Geographic Information Science I: Theory and Analysis (4.0 cr)
· GIS 3564 - Geographic Information Science II: Applied GIS (4.0 cr)
· GIS 3580 - Earth Imagery (4.0 cr)
· Group F Individualized Experiences
Take 0 - 3 course(s) totaling 0 - 3 credit(s) from the following:
· ES 4091 - Independent Study (1.0-3.0 cr)
· ES 4910 - Teaching Assistantship (1.0-3.0 cr)
· ES 4999 - Honors Project (1.0-3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3991 - Independent Study (1.0-3.0 cr)
· GEOG 4910 - Teaching Assistantship (1.0-3.0 cr)
· GEOG 4999 - Honors Project (3.0 cr)
· URS 3991 - Independent Study (1.0-3.0 cr)
· URS 4910 - Teaching Assistantship (1.0-3.0 cr)
· URS 4999 - Honors Project (1.0-3.0 cr)
Urban and Regional Studies
Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120 Required credits within the major: 45 - 49 This track emphasizes the social and cultural dimensions of urbanization, addressing how our increasingly urban world can organize in just and cohesive societies. Students who find this sub-plan useful are interested in a career in urban planning or municipal government.
Core (6 cr)
GEOG 3334 - Urban Geography (3.0 cr)
GEOG 3335 - Urban Planning (3.0 cr)
Cities (3 cr)
ARTH 2300 - The City as a Work of Art [LE CAT, HUMANITIES] (3.0 cr)
or GEOG 3481 - The Ecology of Cities (3.0 cr)
Communities (3 cr)
ES 4200 - Sustainable & Resilient Communities (3.0 cr)
or URS 4001 - Cities and Citizenship (3.0 cr)
Electives (12-16 cr)
1) Take 4 courses (12-16 credits) across Groups A-C. At least 2 courses (minimum 6 credits) must come from Group A. 2) No more than 1 course (4 credits) from Group B and no more than 3 courses (3 credits) from Group C.
Group A
Take 2 - 4 course(s) from the following:
· EES 4102 - Environmental Assessment (3.0 cr)
· ES 2100 - Western Lake Superior Sustainable Food Systems (4.0 cr)
· ES 3100 - Sustainable Food Systems (4.0 cr)
· ES 3200 - Environmental and Ecological Justice (3.0 cr)
· ES 3300 - Anthropocene Stories: Geology, Human Histories and Possible Futures (3.0 cr)
· ES 3500 - Ecological Economics (3.0 cr)
· ES 3595 - Special Topics: Environment and Sustainability (various titles assigned) (3.0 cr)
· ES 4005 - Environmental Policy (3.0 cr)
· ES 4010 - Seminar (4.0 cr)
· ES 4612 - Field Techniques and Research Design (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 2313 - Economic Geography [LE CAT6, SOC SCI] (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 2406 - Race, Place, Identities and Territories [RACE JUST] (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3370 - Geographies of Development (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3395 - Special Topics: Human Geography (various titles assigned) (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3401 - Weather and Climate (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3411 - Human Environment Interactions (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3422 - Natural Hazards (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3461 - Geography of Global Resources (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3495 - Special Topics: Physical Geography (various titles assigned) (3.0-4.0 cr)
· GEOG 3995 - Special Topics: (various titles to be assigned) (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 4393 - Political Geography (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 4401 - Climate Science (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 4446 - Water Processes and Management (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 4451 - The Geography of Soils (4.0 cr)
· GEOG 4803 - Geographic Thought (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 4806 - Beaver, Moose, Wolf: Environmental Management in Northeastern Minnesota through three Animals (3.0 cr)
· GEOG 5101 - Water Policy (3.0 cr)
· GIS 4612 - GIS Data Capture & Management (4.0 cr)
· ARTH 2300 - The City as a Work of Art [LE CAT, HUMANITIES] (3.0 cr)
or GEOG 3481 - The Ecology of Cities (3.0 cr)
· ES 4200 - Sustainable & Resilient Communities (3.0 cr)
or URS 4001 - Cities and Citizenship (3.0 cr)
· Group B Geographic Information Sciences (GIS)
Take 0 - 1 course(s) from the following:
· GIS 3563 - Geographic Information Science I: Theory and Analysis (4.0 cr)
· GIS 3564 - Geographic Information Science II: Applied GIS (4.0 cr)
· GIS 3580 - Earth Imagery (4.0 cr)
· Group C Individualized Experiences
Take 0 - 3 course(s) totaling 0 - 3 credit(s) from the following:
· ES 4091 - Independent Study (1.0-3.0 cr)
· ES 4910 - Teaching Assistantship (1.0-3.0 cr)
· ES 4999 - Honors Project (1.0-3.0 cr)
· GEOG 3991 - Independent Study (1.0-3.0 cr)
· GEOG 4910 - Teaching Assistantship (1.0-3.0 cr)
· GEOG 4999 - Honors Project (3.0 cr)
· URS 3991 - Independent Study (1.0-3.0 cr)
· URS 4910 - Teaching Assistantship (1.0-3.0 cr)
· URS 4999 - Honors Project (1.0-3.0 cr)
 
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UST 1000 - Learning in Community
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: EHS 1000/UST 1000/ ES 1000
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Facilitates the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD. Credit will not be granted if already received for EHS 1000.
EHS 1000 - Into the World (GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EHS 1000/UST 1000/ ES 1000
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. Facilitates the transition into college learning and student life at UMD and the College of Education and Human Service Professions. Introduces the promise and peril of global challenges in the 21st century and relates these challenges to local communities. pre-req: 1st semester CEHSP student
ES 1000 - Global Cultural Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability (GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. This course explores the global cultural context of sustainability while facilitating the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD. Examine the topic of environmental sustainability through the context of global culture and affairs. Explore different cultural approaches to solving environmental issues, compare and contrast these approaches with those taken in the US. Investigate the concept of outsourcing with respect to the peoples and ecosystems that are impacted by the practice. pre-req: less than 30 credits earned
LING 1000 - Language and Culture in the U.S. What does it Mean to Speak American (CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. Facilitates the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD while simultaneously fulfilling other core requirements. Examines the topic of Cultural Diversity in the U.S. through the context of language and dialect in American English. Explores the impact language has on the broad spectrum of American culture, and conversely, the ways in which various American cultures and their diverse heritages have influenced the many ways language is spoken in the United States. Investigates concepts of linguistic competency, perceptions and biases toward language, power structures manifested in language, and influences of class, race, ethnicity, and heritage on spoken language. pre-req: less than 30 credits
PSY 1100 - Living Your Best Life: Applying Positive Psychology (CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. Facilitate the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD; applications of positive psychology across cultures and positive behavior change; the examination of diverse perspectives in positive psychology; the promotion of student well-being, community and inclusivity, and time- and stress-management techniques. pre-req: less than 30 credits
ES 2005 - Environment and Sustainability (SUSTAIN)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ES 1001/ES 2005
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course will cover human impacts on their natural environments (resource depletion and pollution) and the complex notion of Sustainable Development. Students will analyze resource depletion (i.e., fossil fuels, forests, fisheries, water and soil) and pollution (i.e., climate change, ocean acidification, and oceanic garbage patches and dead zones) trends over the past century to better understand our growing impacts on the natural environment. Students will also analyze a wide variety of solutions (i.e., local food systems, renewable energy systems and water systems) from the emerging field of Sustainable Development aimed at mitigating these alarming resources depletion and pollution trends. Finally, students will be introduced to policy considerations regarding the implementation of these solutions and new economic approaches to help transition from economic growth to Sustainable Development.
GEOG 1205 - Our Globalizing World (SOC SCI, GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course analyzes the relationship between the environment, economic development, culture, and politics by examining human geography in the context of global regions. This course introduces core concepts in human geography such as space, place, and scale, and globalization, and applies those concepts to understand the diversity of our globalizing world. Topics from the impact of climate change, to colonialism, the geography of agriculture, urbanization, geopolitics, and ethnic and national identities are explored.
GIS 2552 - Mapping Our World (LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: GIS 2552/GEOG 2552
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course starts with the definition of what a map is and considers maps as tools for communication. Students are led to explore the effects of scale, projection, cartographic symbolization and generalization on the mapping process and resulting digital databases. Students are introduced to spatial data models, types of spatial data and representation, and study alternative or non-tradition map representations provided by GIS and Remote Sensing. The course includes hands-on map activities; map reading/interpretation, map use, and map production where students will use their laptops to create online web mapping services.
GEOG 1414 - The Physical Geography (LE CAT, NAT SCI, SUSTAIN)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
The environment is highly dynamic and is continually modified by human and environmental processes. This course examines these processes to better understand how the Earth's landscapes were formed and how they are currently being transformed. Specifically, students will understand the fundamental processes that govern the physical environment including Earth-sun relations, water resources, landforms, weather and climate, natural vegetation, and soils.
EES 1110 - Geology and Earth Systems (LE CAT, NAT SCI, SUSTAIN)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: EES 1110 FST 1409
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Earth systems science is an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the processes operating within and the interactions between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. In this course we investigate the changing nature of the Earth; its composition, architecture, and antiquity; the internal and external processes that shape it through time; cycles of energy and matter; the development of life and impact of human activity; and both local environmental issues and global change. For students using a 2012-2021 LEP catalog year, the GEOL subject is now EES. If you took GEOL 1610, EES 1110 will not fulfill the requirement of a different subject. Credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 1110
ES 4090 - Internship Preparation & Career Development
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Various employers and members of environmental/social organizations from Duluth and northern Minnesota will speak to describe how their organization supports a transition towards sustainability in the region. Students will work together under the guidance of their instructor to assess, reflect, and prepare for graduation and the job market. prereq: ESG major
ES 4097 - Internship
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Experience in the field of environment and sustainability with direct supervision in public agencies or relevant private firms. prereq: instructor consent; no grad credit
GEOG 2313 - Economic Geography (LE CAT6, SOC SCI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Contemporary geographic pattern analysis of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Development of geographic theories and models that attempt to explain spatial variations of economic activities such as agriculture, manufacturing, and trades and services.
GEOG 2406 - Race, Place, Identities and Territories (RACE JUST)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course explores the interactions between human identities and the geographic spaces humans inhabit, shaping them into places and claiming them as territories in the process. By analyzing those dynamic interactions through geographical lenses, we will come to a clearer understanding of which groups are privileged by socio-territorial systems, and how. We will think about the consequences of inequalitarian and exclusionary processes, and potential remedies.
GEOG 3334 - Urban Geography
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
As the world becomes more urbanized there seems to be less distinction between global problems and urban problems. Analysis of the relationship between urbanization and other aspects of our modern world such as economic globalization, increased levels of international migration, and warfare. Examine how global dilemmas can be seen in the national and international issues. Pay particular attention to the everyday struggles that occur in the households and neighborhoods of cities as people attempt to care for themselves and their families in this rapidly changing world. prereq: Minimum 30 credits or instructor consent
GEOG 3335 - Urban Planning
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Urban planning explores the purpose, practice, and theories of modern community planning for the promotion of social and economic well-being. The causes of urban problems, and the tools planners can use to solve them will be investigated. Special focus will be paid to citizen participation and how the voices of community members can be heard in the planning process. prereq: Minimum 30 credits
GEOG 3370 - Geographies of Development
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
This class examines the global geography of wealth and poverty, i.e., why some places are very rich while others are very poor. The impacts of colonialism, the Cold War, globalization, overpopulation, and ecological and climate change are explained, and the prospects for a more just future are considered. prereq: Minimum 30 credits
GEOG 3395 - Special Topics: Human Geography (various titles assigned)
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Special topics in human geography that are not offered in the regular curriculum.
GEOG 4393 - Political Geography
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course examines the geography of social power from international geopolitics, to protest politics in public space, to theories of hetero-normativity and patriarchy. The central focus of this course is the spatial organization of politics, i.e., how people organize themselves into groups, and how those groups police themselves and vie with each other in various places and at multiple scales. prereq: Minimum 60 credits including or instructor consent
GEOG 3401 - Weather and Climate
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Weather and climate are critical to both Earth systems and human societies, yet they are frequently misunderstood. The goal of this course is to develop a scientific understanding of atmospheric processes and how they are responsible for weather events and climatic patterns. Atmospheric composition, structure, and motion are studied, along with precipitation processes, air masses, fronts, cyclonic storms, and the the distribution and classification of climates. prereq: 1414 or GEOL 1110 or 1130 or instructor consent
GEOG 3495 - Special Topics: Physical Geography (various titles assigned)
Credits: 3.0 -4.0 [max 8.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Special topics in physical geography that are not offered in the regular curriculum.
GEOG 4401 - Climate Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course examines the complex relationship between the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere over space and time, and how they relate to Earth's climate. Specifically, this course will study the basic forces that drive Earth's climate systems, how climate differs between the equator and the poles and between oceans and continents, and how these difference results in variations in Earth's climate. In addition, we will explore the global balance and distribution of energy and the transfer of that energy throughout the atmosphere, the role of land and ocean surfaces in climate forcing, how global atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns are related, and examine long-term climate forcing (ENSO, NAO, MJO, etc.) Lastly, we will understand how these processes have varied in the past, and how current variations are leading to fundamental changes to our climate system. pre-req: GEOG 3401
GEOG 4446 - Water Processes and Management
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to the surface water processes and water resources management, including precipitation, runoff generation, channel processes, spatial and temporal variations in water distribution, aspects of water quantity and quality, and watershed management problems. Prereq: Geog 1414 or Geol 1110 or Graduate students or Instructor consent.
GEOG 4451 - The Geography of Soils
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course gives students a fundamental understanding of the soil as a living resource. The course covers basic soil science and the critical need for sustainable soil management in the context of current agricultural and climate change. The course includes outdoor field excursions, hands-on soil study both in the field and in the lab. Course includes a weekend field trip. prereq: 1414 or Geol 1110 or grad student or instructor consent
EES 3203 - Environmental Hydrology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Water at the Earth?s surface is constantly exchanged between wetlands, streams, lakes and shallow groundwater reservoirs. Human activities alter drainage patterns and impact surface water, runoff, and infiltration. Drainage of wetlands and construction of impervious surfaces increases the rate of storm water runoff and can lead to increases in flood frequency. Agricultural activities introduce fertilizers and pesticides into the soil, which can then contaminate surface water and groundwater reservoirs. Surface water is intimately connected to ground water through complex hydraulic interactions that are difficult to observe and measure and therefore are often ignored in water management policy implementation. This course examines the natural processes of groundwater and surface water interaction; classification of lakes, streams, and wetlands; sources, measurement and interpretation of hydrologic and geochemical data; and, through numerous case studies, the impacts of human activities on surface water and groundwater. pre-req: pre-req: EES or GEOL 1110 or 1610 or GEOG 1414 and EES or GEOL 2010 or ESCI 2010 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 3203
EES 3301 - Meteorology and Climatology for the Earth Sciences
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course addresses the fundamentals of meteorology and climatology with an emphasis on weather systems in the humid, temperate climate of central North America. Topics covered include: Large-scale atmospheric circulation and associated fluxes of heat and water vapor; formation and evolution of mid-latitude cyclones; convective precipitation and severe weather; tropical cyclones; forensic analysis of historical weather events; and fundamentals of weather forecasting. A significant course component focuses on the weather and meso-scale climatology that characterize the Great Lakes region, where there exists a fascinating juxtaposition of continental and maritime climates. pre-req: MATH 1290 or 1296 or 1596 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 3301
EES 4280 - Principles of Soil Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
This course covers basic concepts on all aspects of soil science including soil genesis and taxonomy; physical, chemical, and biological properties; vadose zone hydrology; soil conservation and management; and soil fertility. pre-req: EES or GEOL 1110 or 1610 or GEOG 1414; CHEM 1153; or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 4280
ES 2100 - Western Lake Superior Sustainable Food Systems
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Summer
This course covers issues in sustainable agriculture including relationships between food, environmental quality, human health and nutrition, social justice and economic imperatives. It is designed for student interested in hands-on, interdisciplinary field work, and community engaged learning. The course brings a systems-thinking approach to sustainable farming methods and healthy, equitable food systems. This course maximizes time: outside on the University's Land Lab (Sustainable Agriculture Project Farm), in the greenhouses, fields, orchard, forests and greenhouse. The training is rounded out with field trips, service learning, reading, assignments, and team projects.
ES 2803 - Issues in Global Ecology (LE CAT)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
An examination of our most pressing global environmental problems and their most promising solutions.
ES 3100 - Sustainable Food Systems
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Historical and contemporary food systems within sustainability framework. Understands food within social, political, economic and environmental contexts. Looks at sustainable production, consumption and processing issues. Lab time is spent at the UMD Land Lab and include experiential learning opportunities within the Duluth community.
ES 3200 - Environmental and Ecological Justice
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Integrated study of justice issues as it relates to both the distribution of pollution and related negative impacts of contemporary society and of the natural world and non-human life. Emphasis on identifying how fairness is imagined, debated, determined via structure and/or legislated.
ES 3300 - Anthropocene Stories: Geology, Human Histories and Possible Futures
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Study of Anthropocene discourse and social ecological reality from scientific, social science and humanities point of view. Explore this rupture in geological history that collective and cumulative human activity has created, contemporary social and political movements that has arisen to meet the challenges this unprecedented reality, and possible futures that it may bring. Focus on comparing the assumptions and implications of these frameworks.
ES 3500 - Ecological Economics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Examine the basic principles and assumptions of Micro and Macro Economics, and their relevance in our modern global economic system. Examine the environmental/social consequences of deviations from these assumptions, and alternative economic models/analyses and policies consistent with sustainable development. prereq: [ES major or minor or URS major] and [Econ 1022 or Econ 1023] or instructor consent
ES 3595 - Special Topics: Environment and Sustainability (various titles assigned)
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Special topics in environment and sustainability that are not offered in the regular curriculum.
ES 4005 - Environmental Policy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course explores the creation and implementation of environmental policy in the United States. Major environmental policies and laws at the federal and state level. Particular attention will be paid to air and water pollution, climate change, and natural resource use. pre-req: minimum 60 credits or instructor consent
GEOG 3411 - Human Environment Interactions
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course examines the interactions between humans and their physical environments. Topics covered include the physical components of the natural environment, human population growth and movement, natural resource use, and human impact upon vegetation, soil, water, landforms and climate. pre-req: Minimum 30 credits or instructor consent
GEOG 3422 - Natural Hazards
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Geography of natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and droughts; human-physical environment interrelationships under extreme geophysical conditions; causes, characteristics, and consequences of natural hazards; human adjustment to natural hazards. Prereq: 1414 or Geol 1110, or minimum 30 credits or instructor consent.
GEOG 3461 - Geography of Global Resources
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Spatial distribution and uses of global natural resources addressed through models of resource management, focusing on energy, non-fuel minerals, population, food, and technology. Theoretical approach and political perspective applied to trade, international economic development, and environmental issues. prereq: Minimum 30 credits or instructor consent
GEOG 3481 - The Ecology of Cities
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
By 2050, over three-quarters of the world's population will live in urban environments. To accommodate this transition, it is critical that we understand the relationship between nature and people within cities. This course will introduce the theoretical, practical, and policy-related aspects of urban systems, and the challenges and solutions to developing sustainable cities. prereq: Minimum 30 credits or instructor consent
GEOG 3712 - Geography of Latin America
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Considers the social, physical and political landscapes of Latin America and the Caribbean before, during and after the European invasion and colonial times. Examines contemporary dynamics in the region from a political ecology perspective. prereq: Minimum 30 credits or instructor consent
GEOG 5101 - Water Policy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CE 5201/GEOG 5101/WRS 5101
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Socio-cultural, legal, and economic factors that affect water resources management. Historical trends in water policy, resulting water laws in the United States. Federal, state and local institutional structures for water management. pre-req: Grad student or instructor consent
ES 4010 - Seminar
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Compare and contrast global free market capitalism and democratic socialism. Identify political and economic barriers to achieving the goal of sustainable development. Examine the recent history of the move towards global free market capitalism around the world and its implications for sustainable development. Develop sustainable development projects and write proposals to targeted funders. prereq: ES major or minor, 90 credits; credit will not be granted if already received for 5001
ES 4200 - Sustainable & Resilient Communities
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Sustainability is a normative concept, that is, it is oriented toward a state or set of conditions that ought to be. As such, a transition toward sustainability is perceived and experienced differently based on local context. This is especially true in rural regions, where the majority of environmental impacts associated with fulfilling human needs have occurred. This course will focus on the spatial and temporal patterns of human-environment interactions in a rural context, and the sustainability of linked human (social and economic) and natural systems. Specifically, this course will explore demographic, economic, cultural, and environmental changes in rural regions; the implications of natural resource use and reliance, and the challenges of sustainability to rural livelihoods and communities. pre-req: ESG major or minor
ES 4612 - Field Techniques and Research Design
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ES 4612/GEOG 4612
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course is an introduction to qualitative research methods in environmental sustainability, and is designed to equip students to plan, analyze, and present original research. Students will follow the complete research design process, including funding and grant proposals internal review board applications, and how to use these leverage employment and graduate school applications. Specifically, students will learn to collect data through interviews, focus groups, textual analysis, and participant observation; how to analyze data through these techniques; and how to prepare sound scientific arguments based on these analyses. Based on the collection of data throughout the semester students will produce original research that will be presented to the public. no grad credit
EES 4102 - Environmental Assessment
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Environmental issues identification and investigation. Review of case studies of environmental investigations and the components of environmental impact statements. Selection of local or regional environmental issues and evaluation of the environmental problems from a multidisciplinary perspective. Preparation of draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). prereq: instructor consent; no grad credit; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 4102
GEOG 3995 - Special Topics: (various titles to be assigned)
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Special topics in geography that are not offered in the regular curriculum. Topics may involve specialties of professional staff or visiting faculty.
GEOG 4803 - Geographic Thought
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Development and significance of geographic concepts and thought. History and intellectual roots of contemporary geography, geographers, and geographic institutions. prereq: 60 credits or grad student or instructor consent
GEOG 4806 - Beaver, Moose, Wolf: Environmental Management in Northeastern Minnesota through three Animals
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course examines human modification of the environment in Northeastern Minnesota through the examination of three mammals - Beaver, Moose, and Wolves - that have, at various time faced extirpation. This course will consider the consequences of social, economic, and cultural forces on species and ecosystems. The course will meet on a regular meeting pattern for discussion and may include 1-2 weekend field trips. pre-req: minimum 60 credits or instructor consent; no grad credit
GIS 4612 - GIS Data Capture & Management
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This class focuses on data problems GIS professionals commonly face. Students will learn to evaluate existing data, operate common field collection instruments, solve georeferencing issues, conceive and implement spatial databases, and optimize queries. pre-req: GIS 3563 recommended additional course prereq: GIS 3564
URS 4001 - Cities and Citizenship
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course explores the relationship between urbanization and democracy by examining how urban policy is created in cities around the world. The course examines the questions given the increasing pace of urban growth and the growing multiculturalism in cities around the word, how are cities responding, and how are community voices being included in the decision making process? Particular attention will be paid to infrastructure, transportation, participatory democracy, sustainability and urban resiliency, urban activism, tensions between the urban, national, and global scales, multiculturalism, and modernization. no grad credit
GIS 3563 - Geographic Information Science I: Theory and Analysis
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
GIS 3563 emphasizes the concepts needed to use GIS effectively for acquiring, editing, querying, analyzing and visualizing spatial data. This course is an introduction to GIS and trains basic skills with industry standard GIS software in a wide variety of applications in both the natural and social sciences. The course covers basic data modeling, data manipulation, analytical methods and implications of geospatial technologies on society. prereq: credit will not be granted if already received for GEOG 3564 or 4563 and 4564 or GIS4565.
GIS 3564 - Geographic Information Science II: Applied GIS
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
GIS 3564 follows 3563 and provides more hands-on skills with industry standard GIS software in a wide variety of applications in both the natural and social sciences. It covers more advanced analytical methods for both raster and vector data. Lastly, the course questions ethics regarding geospatial information and introduces the code of ethics for GIS professionals. prereq: 3563; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOG 3564 or 4563 and 4564 or GIS4565.
GIS 3580 - Earth Imagery
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
his course is a selective overview of the methods used for imaging the Earth and its atmosphere. The objective is to expose students to the common methods of Earth imaging and provide them with hands-on experiences in exploring these rich datasets. This course introduces aerial photographs, satellite imaging (active and passive forms), and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). By the end of the course students will be able to comfortably analyze mulitspectral Earth imagery, handle a LiDAR point cloud, and create a variety of informative outputs from an image. prereq: 2552; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOG 3580
ES 4091 - Independent Study
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed readings and projects for students who wish to do independent advanced study or work on topics not normally covered in other courses. prereq: 60 credits, instructor consent; no grad credit; credit will not be granted if already received for ES 4001
ES 4910 - Teaching Assistantship
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Practical experience in teaching beginning courses in the program. Students serve as intern teachers assisting with the administration of the course. pre-req: instructor consent
ES 4999 - Honors Project
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Advanced individual project in any area of environment and sustainability demonstrating sound theoretical and research foundations and resulting in a written report or other expression of scholarly production. pre-req: instructor consent
GEOG 3991 - Independent Study
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
For students interested in doing advanced work in selected fields of geography. prereq: instructor consent
GEOG 4910 - Teaching Assistantship
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Practical experience in teaching beginning courses in the program. Students serve as intern teachers assisting with the administration of the course. pre-req: instructor consent
GEOG 4999 - Honors Project
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Advanced individual project related to geography demonstrating sound theoretical and research foundations and resulting in a written report. prereq: minimum 90 credits and instructor consent
URS 3991 - Independent Study
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
For students interested in doing advanced work in the area of urban and regional studies. prereq: instructor consent
URS 4910 - Teaching Assistantship
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Practical experience in teaching beginning courses in the program. Students serve as intern teachers assisting the instructor with the administration of the course. pre-req: instructor consent
URS 4999 - Honors Project
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Advanced individual project in any area of urban and regional studies demonstrating sound theoretical and research foundations and resulting in a written report or other expression of scholarly production. pre-req: instructor consent
GEOG 3334 - Urban Geography
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
As the world becomes more urbanized there seems to be less distinction between global problems and urban problems. Analysis of the relationship between urbanization and other aspects of our modern world such as economic globalization, increased levels of international migration, and warfare. Examine how global dilemmas can be seen in the national and international issues. Pay particular attention to the everyday struggles that occur in the households and neighborhoods of cities as people attempt to care for themselves and their families in this rapidly changing world. prereq: Minimum 30 credits or instructor consent
GEOG 3335 - Urban Planning
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Urban planning explores the purpose, practice, and theories of modern community planning for the promotion of social and economic well-being. The causes of urban problems, and the tools planners can use to solve them will be investigated. Special focus will be paid to citizen participation and how the voices of community members can be heard in the planning process. prereq: Minimum 30 credits
ARTH 2300 - The City as a Work of Art (LE CAT, HUMANITIES)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
The city as a work of art and center of culture. A study of artistic representations combined with references to primary texts. Use of case studies of particular urban centers to explore the rise of the city and the history of urban planning around the globe.
GEOG 3481 - The Ecology of Cities
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
By 2050, over three-quarters of the world's population will live in urban environments. To accommodate this transition, it is critical that we understand the relationship between nature and people within cities. This course will introduce the theoretical, practical, and policy-related aspects of urban systems, and the challenges and solutions to developing sustainable cities. prereq: Minimum 30 credits or instructor consent
ES 4200 - Sustainable & Resilient Communities
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Sustainability is a normative concept, that is, it is oriented toward a state or set of conditions that ought to be. As such, a transition toward sustainability is perceived and experienced differently based on local context. This is especially true in rural regions, where the majority of environmental impacts associated with fulfilling human needs have occurred. This course will focus on the spatial and temporal patterns of human-environment interactions in a rural context, and the sustainability of linked human (social and economic) and natural systems. Specifically, this course will explore demographic, economic, cultural, and environmental changes in rural regions; the implications of natural resource use and reliance, and the challenges of sustainability to rural livelihoods and communities. pre-req: ESG major or minor
URS 4001 - Cities and Citizenship
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course explores the relationship between urbanization and democracy by examining how urban policy is created in cities around the world. The course examines the questions given the increasing pace of urban growth and the growing multiculturalism in cities around the word, how are cities responding, and how are community voices being included in the decision making process? Particular attention will be paid to infrastructure, transportation, participatory democracy, sustainability and urban resiliency, urban activism, tensions between the urban, national, and global scales, multiculturalism, and modernization. no grad credit
EES 4102 - Environmental Assessment
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Environmental issues identification and investigation. Review of case studies of environmental investigations and the components of environmental impact statements. Selection of local or regional environmental issues and evaluation of the environmental problems from a multidisciplinary perspective. Preparation of draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). prereq: instructor consent; no grad credit; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 4102
ES 2100 - Western Lake Superior Sustainable Food Systems
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Summer
This course covers issues in sustainable agriculture including relationships between food, environmental quality, human health and nutrition, social justice and economic imperatives. It is designed for student interested in hands-on, interdisciplinary field work, and community engaged learning. The course brings a systems-thinking approach to sustainable farming methods and healthy, equitable food systems. This course maximizes time: outside on the University's Land Lab (Sustainable Agriculture Project Farm), in the greenhouses, fields, orchard, forests and greenhouse. The training is rounded out with field trips, service learning, reading, assignments, and team projects.
ES 3100 - Sustainable Food Systems
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Historical and contemporary food systems within sustainability framework. Understands food within social, political, economic and environmental contexts. Looks at sustainable production, consumption and processing issues. Lab time is spent at the UMD Land Lab and include experiential learning opportunities within the Duluth community.
ES 3200 - Environmental and Ecological Justice
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Integrated study of justice issues as it relates to both the distribution of pollution and related negative impacts of contemporary society and of the natural world and non-human life. Emphasis on identifying how fairness is imagined, debated, determined via structure and/or legislated.
ES 3300 - Anthropocene Stories: Geology, Human Histories and Possible Futures
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Study of Anthropocene discourse and social ecological reality from scientific, social science and humanities point of view. Explore this rupture in geological history that collective and cumulative human activity has created, contemporary social and political movements that has arisen to meet the challenges this unprecedented reality, and possible futures that it may bring. Focus on comparing the assumptions and implications of these frameworks.
ES 3500 - Ecological Economics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Examine the basic principles and assumptions of Micro and Macro Economics, and their relevance in our modern global economic system. Examine the environmental/social consequences of deviations from these assumptions, and alternative economic models/analyses and policies consistent with sustainable development. prereq: [ES major or minor or URS major] and [Econ 1022 or Econ 1023] or instructor consent
ES 3595 - Special Topics: Environment and Sustainability (various titles assigned)
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Special topics in environment and sustainability that are not offered in the regular curriculum.
ES 4005 - Environmental Policy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course explores the creation and implementation of environmental policy in the United States. Major environmental policies and laws at the federal and state level. Particular attention will be paid to air and water pollution, climate change, and natural resource use. pre-req: minimum 60 credits or instructor consent
ES 4010 - Seminar
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Compare and contrast global free market capitalism and democratic socialism. Identify political and economic barriers to achieving the goal of sustainable development. Examine the recent history of the move towards global free market capitalism around the world and its implications for sustainable development. Develop sustainable development projects and write proposals to targeted funders. prereq: ES major or minor, 90 credits; credit will not be granted if already received for 5001
ES 4612 - Field Techniques and Research Design
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ES 4612/GEOG 4612
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course is an introduction to qualitative research methods in environmental sustainability, and is designed to equip students to plan, analyze, and present original research. Students will follow the complete research design process, including funding and grant proposals internal review board applications, and how to use these leverage employment and graduate school applications. Specifically, students will learn to collect data through interviews, focus groups, textual analysis, and participant observation; how to analyze data through these techniques; and how to prepare sound scientific arguments based on these analyses. Based on the collection of data throughout the semester students will produce original research that will be presented to the public. no grad credit
GEOG 2313 - Economic Geography (LE CAT6, SOC SCI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Contemporary geographic pattern analysis of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Development of geographic theories and models that attempt to explain spatial variations of economic activities such as agriculture, manufacturing, and trades and services.
GEOG 2406 - Race, Place, Identities and Territories (RACE JUST)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course explores the interactions between human identities and the geographic spaces humans inhabit, shaping them into places and claiming them as territories in the process. By analyzing those dynamic interactions through geographical lenses, we will come to a clearer understanding of which groups are privileged by socio-territorial systems, and how. We will think about the consequences of inequalitarian and exclusionary processes, and potential remedies.
GEOG 3370 - Geographies of Development
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
This class examines the global geography of wealth and poverty, i.e., why some places are very rich while others are very poor. The impacts of colonialism, the Cold War, globalization, overpopulation, and ecological and climate change are explained, and the prospects for a more just future are considered. prereq: Minimum 30 credits
GEOG 3395 - Special Topics: Human Geography (various titles assigned)
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Special topics in human geography that are not offered in the regular curriculum.
GEOG 3401 - Weather and Climate
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Weather and climate are critical to both Earth systems and human societies, yet they are frequently misunderstood. The goal of this course is to develop a scientific understanding of atmospheric processes and how they are responsible for weather events and climatic patterns. Atmospheric composition, structure, and motion are studied, along with precipitation processes, air masses, fronts, cyclonic storms, and the the distribution and classification of climates. prereq: 1414 or GEOL 1110 or 1130 or instructor consent
GEOG 3411 - Human Environment Interactions
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course examines the interactions between humans and their physical environments. Topics covered include the physical components of the natural environment, human population growth and movement, natural resource use, and human impact upon vegetation, soil, water, landforms and climate. pre-req: Minimum 30 credits or instructor consent
GEOG 3422 - Natural Hazards
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Geography of natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and droughts; human-physical environment interrelationships under extreme geophysical conditions; causes, characteristics, and consequences of natural hazards; human adjustment to natural hazards. Prereq: 1414 or Geol 1110, or minimum 30 credits or instructor consent.
GEOG 3461 - Geography of Global Resources
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Spatial distribution and uses of global natural resources addressed through models of resource management, focusing on energy, non-fuel minerals, population, food, and technology. Theoretical approach and political perspective applied to trade, international economic development, and environmental issues. prereq: Minimum 30 credits or instructor consent
GEOG 3495 - Special Topics: Physical Geography (various titles assigned)
Credits: 3.0 -4.0 [max 8.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Special topics in physical geography that are not offered in the regular curriculum.
GEOG 3995 - Special Topics: (various titles to be assigned)
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Special topics in geography that are not offered in the regular curriculum. Topics may involve specialties of professional staff or visiting faculty.
GEOG 4393 - Political Geography
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course examines the geography of social power from international geopolitics, to protest politics in public space, to theories of hetero-normativity and patriarchy. The central focus of this course is the spatial organization of politics, i.e., how people organize themselves into groups, and how those groups police themselves and vie with each other in various places and at multiple scales. prereq: Minimum 60 credits including or instructor consent
GEOG 4401 - Climate Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course examines the complex relationship between the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere over space and time, and how they relate to Earth's climate. Specifically, this course will study the basic forces that drive Earth's climate systems, how climate differs between the equator and the poles and between oceans and continents, and how these difference results in variations in Earth's climate. In addition, we will explore the global balance and distribution of energy and the transfer of that energy throughout the atmosphere, the role of land and ocean surfaces in climate forcing, how global atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns are related, and examine long-term climate forcing (ENSO, NAO, MJO, etc.) Lastly, we will understand how these processes have varied in the past, and how current variations are leading to fundamental changes to our climate system. pre-req: GEOG 3401
GEOG 4446 - Water Processes and Management
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to the surface water processes and water resources management, including precipitation, runoff generation, channel processes, spatial and temporal variations in water distribution, aspects of water quantity and quality, and watershed management problems. Prereq: Geog 1414 or Geol 1110 or Graduate students or Instructor consent.
GEOG 4451 - The Geography of Soils
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course gives students a fundamental understanding of the soil as a living resource. The course covers basic soil science and the critical need for sustainable soil management in the context of current agricultural and climate change. The course includes outdoor field excursions, hands-on soil study both in the field and in the lab. Course includes a weekend field trip. prereq: 1414 or Geol 1110 or grad student or instructor consent
GEOG 4803 - Geographic Thought
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Development and significance of geographic concepts and thought. History and intellectual roots of contemporary geography, geographers, and geographic institutions. prereq: 60 credits or grad student or instructor consent
GEOG 4806 - Beaver, Moose, Wolf: Environmental Management in Northeastern Minnesota through three Animals
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course examines human modification of the environment in Northeastern Minnesota through the examination of three mammals - Beaver, Moose, and Wolves - that have, at various time faced extirpation. This course will consider the consequences of social, economic, and cultural forces on species and ecosystems. The course will meet on a regular meeting pattern for discussion and may include 1-2 weekend field trips. pre-req: minimum 60 credits or instructor consent; no grad credit
GEOG 5101 - Water Policy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CE 5201/GEOG 5101/WRS 5101
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Socio-cultural, legal, and economic factors that affect water resources management. Historical trends in water policy, resulting water laws in the United States. Federal, state and local institutional structures for water management. pre-req: Grad student or instructor consent
GIS 4612 - GIS Data Capture & Management
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This class focuses on data problems GIS professionals commonly face. Students will learn to evaluate existing data, operate common field collection instruments, solve georeferencing issues, conceive and implement spatial databases, and optimize queries. pre-req: GIS 3563 recommended additional course prereq: GIS 3564
ARTH 2300 - The City as a Work of Art (LE CAT, HUMANITIES)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
The city as a work of art and center of culture. A study of artistic representations combined with references to primary texts. Use of case studies of particular urban centers to explore the rise of the city and the history of urban planning around the globe.
GEOG 3481 - The Ecology of Cities
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
By 2050, over three-quarters of the world's population will live in urban environments. To accommodate this transition, it is critical that we understand the relationship between nature and people within cities. This course will introduce the theoretical, practical, and policy-related aspects of urban systems, and the challenges and solutions to developing sustainable cities. prereq: Minimum 30 credits or instructor consent
ES 4200 - Sustainable & Resilient Communities
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Sustainability is a normative concept, that is, it is oriented toward a state or set of conditions that ought to be. As such, a transition toward sustainability is perceived and experienced differently based on local context. This is especially true in rural regions, where the majority of environmental impacts associated with fulfilling human needs have occurred. This course will focus on the spatial and temporal patterns of human-environment interactions in a rural context, and the sustainability of linked human (social and economic) and natural systems. Specifically, this course will explore demographic, economic, cultural, and environmental changes in rural regions; the implications of natural resource use and reliance, and the challenges of sustainability to rural livelihoods and communities. pre-req: ESG major or minor
URS 4001 - Cities and Citizenship
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course explores the relationship between urbanization and democracy by examining how urban policy is created in cities around the world. The course examines the questions given the increasing pace of urban growth and the growing multiculturalism in cities around the word, how are cities responding, and how are community voices being included in the decision making process? Particular attention will be paid to infrastructure, transportation, participatory democracy, sustainability and urban resiliency, urban activism, tensions between the urban, national, and global scales, multiculturalism, and modernization. no grad credit
GIS 3563 - Geographic Information Science I: Theory and Analysis
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
GIS 3563 emphasizes the concepts needed to use GIS effectively for acquiring, editing, querying, analyzing and visualizing spatial data. This course is an introduction to GIS and trains basic skills with industry standard GIS software in a wide variety of applications in both the natural and social sciences. The course covers basic data modeling, data manipulation, analytical methods and implications of geospatial technologies on society. prereq: credit will not be granted if already received for GEOG 3564 or 4563 and 4564 or GIS4565.
GIS 3564 - Geographic Information Science II: Applied GIS
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
GIS 3564 follows 3563 and provides more hands-on skills with industry standard GIS software in a wide variety of applications in both the natural and social sciences. It covers more advanced analytical methods for both raster and vector data. Lastly, the course questions ethics regarding geospatial information and introduces the code of ethics for GIS professionals. prereq: 3563; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOG 3564 or 4563 and 4564 or GIS4565.
GIS 3580 - Earth Imagery
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
his course is a selective overview of the methods used for imaging the Earth and its atmosphere. The objective is to expose students to the common methods of Earth imaging and provide them with hands-on experiences in exploring these rich datasets. This course introduces aerial photographs, satellite imaging (active and passive forms), and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). By the end of the course students will be able to comfortably analyze mulitspectral Earth imagery, handle a LiDAR point cloud, and create a variety of informative outputs from an image. prereq: 2552; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOG 3580
ES 4091 - Independent Study
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed readings and projects for students who wish to do independent advanced study or work on topics not normally covered in other courses. prereq: 60 credits, instructor consent; no grad credit; credit will not be granted if already received for ES 4001
ES 4910 - Teaching Assistantship
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Practical experience in teaching beginning courses in the program. Students serve as intern teachers assisting with the administration of the course. pre-req: instructor consent
ES 4999 - Honors Project
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Advanced individual project in any area of environment and sustainability demonstrating sound theoretical and research foundations and resulting in a written report or other expression of scholarly production. pre-req: instructor consent
GEOG 3991 - Independent Study
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
For students interested in doing advanced work in selected fields of geography. prereq: instructor consent
GEOG 4910 - Teaching Assistantship
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Practical experience in teaching beginning courses in the program. Students serve as intern teachers assisting with the administration of the course. pre-req: instructor consent
GEOG 4999 - Honors Project
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Advanced individual project related to geography demonstrating sound theoretical and research foundations and resulting in a written report. prereq: minimum 90 credits and instructor consent
URS 3991 - Independent Study
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
For students interested in doing advanced work in the area of urban and regional studies. prereq: instructor consent
URS 4910 - Teaching Assistantship
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Practical experience in teaching beginning courses in the program. Students serve as intern teachers assisting the instructor with the administration of the course. pre-req: instructor consent
URS 4999 - Honors Project
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Advanced individual project in any area of urban and regional studies demonstrating sound theoretical and research foundations and resulting in a written report or other expression of scholarly production. pre-req: instructor consent