Program Details : University Catalogs : University of Minnesota

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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 3605 - The Irish Landscape in Science and Literature - Study Abroad (GLOBAL PER)

Credits:	4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:	EES 3605/ENGL 3605/FORS 3605
Grading Basis:	A-F or Aud
Typically offered:	Periodic Summer

Study abroad in Ireland. This course focuses on the natural, cultural, and literary history of Ireland, with a particular emphasis on the intersection of science and the humanities. The last Ice Age left its marks on the Irish landscape, and, human communities over millennia have left their imprints as well. The stages of human settlement over time have adapted to postglacial climate change and associated changes of flora and fauna. The evolving landscape and coastlines and the archaeological record of human history from the paleolithic period to modern times make the Irish landscape a fascinating field stie. Moreover, the Irish literary tradition from the ancient oral cultural to the beginning of literacy in the early Middle Ages has a long, rich, often locally-based heritage of nature writing. The assigned literature wll connect postglacial history and climate change to the natural systems and environments and to the history of human adaptation over time. Students will visit important geographic and cultural sites and learn how cultural evolution remains a powerful presence in modern Ireland. pre-req: WRIT 1120 or equivalent, EES or GEOL 1110 or EES or GEOL 1610 or GEOG 1414, instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 3605

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 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 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 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 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 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

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

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

University Catalogs

Environment, Sustainability & Geography Minor