Dec 03, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 Courses numbered from 101–299 are lower-division courses, primarily for freshmen and sophomores; those numbered from 300–499 are upper-division courses, primarily for juniors and seniors. The numbers 296, 396, 496, and 596 designate individual study courses and are available for registration by prior arrangement with the course instructor and approval of the department chair.

The number in parentheses following the course title indicates the amount of credit each course carries. Variable credit courses include the minimum and maximum number of the credits within parentheses.

Not all of the courses are offered every quarter. Final confirmation of courses to be offered, information on new courses and programs, as well as a list of hours, instructor, titles of courses and places of class meetings, is available online in My CWU which can be accessed through the the CWU home page, and go to www.cwu.edu/registrar/course-information

 

Geography (GEOG)

  
  • GEOG 101 - World Regional Geography


    Description:
    An introduction to the dynamic landscapes of the world’s major regions, examining socioeconomic, political, demographic, cultural and environmental patterns, processes, and issues. SB-Perspectives on World Cultures. Course will be offered every year (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer).

    Credits: (5)

    General Education Category: SB-Perspectives on World Cultures. K4 - Global Dynamics

    General Education Pathways: P2 Health & Well-being, P3 Perspectives on Current Issues, P4 Social Justice

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Recognize the key factors shaping contemporary demographic, environmental, social, cultural, political, and economic issues in major world regions.
    • Apply course concepts and disciplinary language to interpret how ethnic diversity, social inequality, and similar dimensions of difference are manifest in economic and political systems in major world regions.
    • Propose ways in which the student can participate meaningfully and ethically in the economy, politics, and the environment at the global scale.
    • Use the concepts of geography generally and ideas taught in world regional geography in particular to analyze development problems.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    11/2/17

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 107 - Our Dynamic Earth


    Description:
    The complex weather, climate, water, landforms, soils, and vegetation comprising Earth’s physical environments over space and time. Incorporates map interpretation and scientific analysis in understanding various landscapes and human impacts upon those landscapes. NS-Patterns and Connections Natural World. Course will be offered every year (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer).

    Credits: (5)

    General Education Category: NS-Patterns and Connections Natural World. K7 - Physical & Natural World

    General Education Pathways: P3 Perspectives on Current Issues, P5 Sustainability, P6 Ways of Knowing

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

     

    • Describe how geographic research provides greater understanding of Earth’s physical environment and its implications for human sustainability and decision-making at various scales. 
    • Describe how physical geographers use the scientific method to generate testable hypotheses about real-world physical phenomena using such tools as maps, remotely-sensed images, and field observations. 
    • Gather and statistically analyze quantitative data regarding the spatial and temporal variability of the Earth’s physical systems and environments, and evaluate the validity those findings.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental processes and components of each of the five spheres of the physical environment (i.e., atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and pedosphere) and how they affect current issues and sustainability at local to global scales.
    • Apply knowledge of physical geography concepts gained in the classroom to propose solutions to current real-world problems and address issues of sustainability.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    11/2/17

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:

  
  • GEOG 111 - The Power of Maps


    Description:
    Investigates the problem-solving potential and societal implications of maps and location technologies, including online maps, GPS, geographic information systems (GIS), Google Earth, and virtual reality. Discusses critical map reading, privacy, and mapping for social justice. Course will be offered every year (Fall and Winter).

    Credits: (4)

    General Education Category: K8 - Science & Technology

    General Education Pathways: P3 Perspectives on Current Issues, P4 Social Justice, P6 Ways of Knowing

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Explain how people make maps using digital technology, and discuss possibilities for addressing real-world problems using digital and online maps.
    • Discuss and put in practice the science of how maps communicate, including the elements of measurement, spatial reference, database technology, and artistic design that allow the earth to be represented digitally and on paper.
    • Demonstrate how GPS and other satellite-based navigation systems can operate in tandem with spatial databases to solve problems.
    • Tell what a geographic information system (GIS) is and list career opportunities that use GIS, maps, and other location technologies.
    • Use an online mapping and analysis program to demonstrate how GIS can support decision making
    • Explain how social and cultural contexts and design choices by a cartographer influence maps. Interpret maps from the news and current events with a critical eye.
    • Discuss privacy and surveillance issues associated with maps and location technology.
    • Explain how maps can empower. Give examples of how maps have been used for social justice, sustainability, and crisis response.
    • Explain how maps can endanger and marginalize. Give examples of how maps have been used for earning money, obtaining power, instigating conflict, and enabling violence.
    • Use virtual reality and 3D visualizations to enhance an understanding of a place or tell a story more effectively through maps.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    11/16/17

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 208 - Our Human World


    Description:
    Explores the historical diffusion and contemporary spatial distribution of cultures, religions, and languages. Evaluates how these features interact with economic and political systems to create distinctive places at scales ranging from local to global. Formerly GEOG 108, student may not receive credit for both. SB-Foundations of Human Adaptations and Behavior. Course will be offered every year (Fall, Spring and Summer).

    Credits: (5)

    General Education Category: SB-Foundations of Human Adaptations and Behavior. K6 - Individual & Society

    General Education Pathways: P4 Social Justice, P6 Ways of Knowing

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

     

    • Define the role of space, place, scale, environment, and location in shaping the cultures of the world including religious faith, language, and other attributes.
    • Explain the relevance of geographical theories including territoriality, the demographic transition, and the new international division of labor to the relationships among places, individuals, and society.
    • Employ human geography techniques taught in class to analyze real-world data.
    • Apply theories and concepts taught in the course with information collected by the student to examine a cultural phenomenon.
    • Analyze the ways in which people organize space to foster either greater equality or greater inequality in societies.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    11/2/17

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:

  
  • GEOG 250 - Resource Exploitation and Conservation


    Description:
    Explores the historical, cultural, political, socio-economic perspectives of natural resource use, extraction, and sustainability at local to global scales. Students will examine resources and decision-making as citizens of campus, the Pacific Northwest, and the World. Course will be offered every year (Fall, Spring, Summer).

    Credits: (4)

    General Education Category: K2 - Community, Culture, & Citizenship

    General Education Pathways: P1 Civic & Community Engagement, P2 Health & Well-being, P5 Sustainability

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify the variety of natural resources present in our world today (for example, perpetual, renewable, non-renewable, and potential resources) and the principal methods of extraction, exploitation, and conservation.
    • Identify and explain the physical, social, economic, technological, and political factors that determine natural resource availability, consumption, and conservation.
    • Interpret local and regional landscapes in terms of historical processes, policy, and patterns of natural resource extraction
    • Assess specific resources (agriculture/food production, energy, water, forest, marine resources) in terms of the factors fostering overexploitation and to assess alternative solutions for conservation.

     
    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    12/7/17

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:

  
  • GEOG 273 - Geography of Rivers


    Description:
    Drawing on local, regional, and global case studies, this course examines rivers as bio-physical systems, impacted by natural and anthropogenic forces. Focus is placed on human development of floodplains and ecosystem functioning within riparian areas. Course will be offered every year (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer).

    Credits: (5)

    General Education Category: NS-Applications Natural Science. K6 - Individual & Society

    General Education Pathways: P1 Civic & Community Engagement, P2 Health & Well-being, P5 Sustainability

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

     

    • Recognize the variety of diverse cultural, social, political, and economic drivers and institutions present in modifying riparian corridors.  Students will analyze how these diverse stakeholders and institutions affect issues of equality, access to resources, and human well-being.
    • Define and explain the economic impacts, social processes, and political factors that influence floodplain development and management.  Students will analyze how these modifications affect the sustainability and ecologic viability of floodplain ecosystems.
    • Analyze the relevant laws and policies governing water management and how they affect water allocations, and ecological conditions.  Students will describe the adaptation of environmental laws and management policies that impact riverine infrastructure and its use.
    • Describe the adaptation of environmental laws, the theories behind the creation of those management policies that impact riverine infrastructure, their use, and their impact on sustainability and ecologic viability of floodplain ecosystems.  
    • Recognize the ecological impacts anthropogenic modification of riparian habitats has on various species.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    11/2/17

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:

  
  • GEOG 279 - Geography of the West (Put on Reserve 9/1/2020)


    Description:
    In-depth field examination of the complex, physical, human, and resource issues of one or more of the varied sub regions of western North America. May be repeated for up to 12 credits under a different topic. (Put on reserve 9/1/2020, will go inactive 8/24/23)

    Credits: (1-12)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify and describe the physica, human, and resource geography of the area studied.
    • Collect and analyze data on physical, human, and resource issues of the area studied, then communicate the results of the analysis to their peers.
    • Demonstrate proficiency in functioning as a member of a group in an outdoor setting.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    01/20/2010

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 290 - Cooperative Education Field Experience


    Description:
    Individualized field experience with business, industry, government, or other agency. Requires a student learning plan, cooperating employer supervisors, and faculty coordinator. By permission. May be repeated for up to 10 credits. Grade will either be S or U.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: sophomore standing or above.

    Credits: (1-5)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 298 - Special Topics


    Description:
    May be repeated if subject is different.

    Credits: (1-6)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 299 - Seminar


    Description:
    May be repeated if subject is different.

    Credits: (1-5)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 301 - Introduction to GIS and Maps


    Description:
    Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with an emphasis on cartographic communication, map use in a digital environment, and the basics of ESRI GIS software. Formerly GEOG 203, students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered every year (Fall, Winter, and Spring).

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Demonstrate knowledge of basic cartographic principles such as scale, direction, and symbolization.
    • Provide evidence of competence in describing location using standardized coordinate systems and datums.
    • Show ability to interpret basic terrain symbolization on maps (e.g. contour lines).
    • Exhibit knowledge of GIS software, including basic data management and display.
    • Provide evidence of cartographic interpretation skills that may be used in a variety of other geography classes.
    • Combine knowledge learned through lecture, labs, reading, and software skills.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    03/03/2016

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 303 - GIS and Data Management


    Description:
    Geographic Information Systems (GIS), focusing on data acquisition, data management, data errors, classification, and implementation considerations. Applied experience using GIS software. Course will be offered every year (Fall and Winter).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisites: GEOG 301 (Formerly GEOG 203).

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Demonstrate knowledge of data representation in GIS (raster, vector, attributes, time, topology), data types, data quality, metadata, and data capture).
    • Have knowledge of general GIS functionality, including display, overlay, and analysis.
    • Interpret basic terrain symbolization on maps (e.g. contour lines).
    • Demonstrate knowledge of computer-based skills using modern GIS software.
    • Have knowledge of the general context of GIS , including: What is GIS and how is it used? History and trends in GIS.
    • Combine knowledge learned through lecture, labs, reading, and software skills.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    03/31/2016

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 304 - Economic Geography


    Description:
    Geographic survey of human livelihood and interaction with the environment. Agriculture, industry, and urbanization are examined in the context of an increasingly interdependent world system. Course will be offered on even numbered years (Winter).

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Learn the differences between primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary economic activities, particularly the different factors that affect how they are located.
    • Develop knowledge of economic models of how different activities are located within and among regions.
    • Learn how human activities have transformed the environment and how these activities are motivated by economic incentives.
    • Gain computer skills through lab exercises to obtain information and data from on­line sources and learn how to use computer technologies in appropriate ways to present and analyze that data.
    • Obtain knowledge of an economic issue in the region by doing a research paper on a topic within the Pacific Northwest, taking pictures/slides for final project presentation. This written and oral presentation will improve their research, writing, and presentation skills.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    03/01/2001

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 305 - Introduction to Land Use Planning


    Description:
    Investigation into the process and practice of urban and regional planning. Emphasis on historical development, legal foundations, and techniques of planning in the United States. Course will be offered every year (Winter).

    Credits: (5)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 306 - Transportation Geography and Planning


    Description:
    Introduction to the planning and spatial analysis of transportation networks. Evaluation of the economic, environmental, and social consequences of major transportation modes. Application of transportation planning principles at the local, regional, and national scales. Course will be offered on on odd numbered years (Fall).

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Analyze a transportation problem from a spatial perspective.
    • Perform and interpret transportation network analyses.
    • Evaluate the role of transportation in affecting contemporary patterns of economic development.
    • Develop a viable urban or regional transportation plan.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    2/15/18

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 308 - Cultural Geography


    Description:
    Spatial aspects of human cultures and landscapes. Course will be offered on odd numbered years (Spring).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisites: GEOG 208 (Formerly GEOG 108) or instructor permission.

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify key elements of human culture and their manifestations in the landscape at a variety of scales.
    • Identify and analyze the socio- economic, political, religious, and technological forces affecting the connections between places.
    • Describe the diffusion and adaptation of a cultural trait or technological innovation effectively using concepts taught  in the course.
    • Develop an understanding of the emergence of cultural geography as a sub discipline, including major paradigms and approaches to the geography of culture.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    4/7/2016

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 311 - Qualitative Methods in Geography


    Description:
    Introduces students with qualitative research methods in geography with particular attention to participatory observation, interviews, data transcription, oral histories, focus groups, descriptive narrative, archival research, document analysis, data coding and interpretation strategies.

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Explain how qualitative research contributes to scientific knowledge.
    • Master data collection and analysis skills to conduct qualitative research independently and proficiently.
    • Demonstrate knowledge about research ethics and know how to practice them when conducting research.
    • Identify the need for engaged scholarship, and community based research.
    • Conduct sensitive research that acknowledges  power dynamics in the research relationship, and to mitigate imbalances through strategies of reflexivity, situation, transparency, accountability and reciprocity.
    • Survey critical insights from post-structural, postcolonial and feminist literature on qualitative methodologies.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    3/19/20

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 325 - Field Methods in Geography


    Description:
    Introduction to geographic field research. Survey and application of techniques and methods in physical and/or human geography. Includes research design, data collection and organization, interpretation and analysis of results. Permission of instructor. Course will not have an established scheduling pattern.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Demonstrate knowledge of the basic tools, techniques, and methods used for field data collection in physical and/or human geographic inquiry.
    • Explain the key techniques and theoretical approaches of different geographic field research methods.
    • Demonstrate the ability to evaluate appropriate data collection methods for specific types of field research.
    • Design a field‐based study, collect, organize, and analyze data, and integrate scientific literature to interpret and summarize results.
    • Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a group in a field context.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    3/15/18

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 330 - Airphoto Interpretation


    Description:
    Introduction to airborne photography and the tools and techniques to apply this photography to geographical issues. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. Course fee required.  Formerly GEOG 410, students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered every year (Fall).

    Prerequisites:
    Corequisite: GEOG 301 (Formerly GEOG 203).

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Demonstrate knowledge of scale, projections, theories and physics of light by applying them on specific assignments.
    • Interpret topographic maps and aerial photographs using metadata and physical keys of scale.
    • Explain how and where to access analog and digital maps and aerial photos on the CWU campus, in the public and private sphere for use in different projects.
    • Collect field data and then construct a dataset overlaying field data on aerial photographs, and maps.
    • Calculate height, distance, and area using aerial photo and digital imagery.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    3/15/18

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 346 - Political Geography


    Description:

    The spatial structure of political units. The effect of political, economic, social, and Earth resource factors on the areas, shapes, and boundaries of these units, and on the distribution of populations and institutions. Course will be offered every year (Winter).

    Credits: (4)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:

  
  • GEOG 352 - Geography of North America


    Description:
    Examination of the physical and cultural geography, human-environment interactions, landscapes, and regional diversity of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Course will be offered on even numbered years (Winter).

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify the locations of main cultural and political features of North America.
    • Identify the physical features and processes that characterize North American sub regions.
    • Analyze the interconnection of physical and human systems in North America.
    • Interpret the causes and frameworks of contemporary political, social, economic, and environmental issues in North America.
    • Identify and interpret the historical foundations of North American culture, society, politics, economies, and landscape change.
    • Analyze the complexity of North American cultural landscapes at multiple scales.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    04/18/2013

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 355 - Geography of the Pacific Northwest


    Description:
    Examination of the physical and cultural geography, human-environment interactions, landscapes, and regional diversity of the Pacific Northwest. Course will not have an established scheduling pattern.

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Learn locations of major physical and human geographic features of the United States Canada and Mexico, including mountain chains, rivers and lakes, urban areas, and political units such as states and provinces.
    • Develop knowledge of diverse environments of the three countries, including geologic and geomorphologic conditions, climate and weather patterns, and floral and faunal assemblages.
    • Develop a knowledge of aboriginal (First Nations) population distributions and lifeways on the continent, of colonial invasion and settlement, natural resource exploitation schemes, and subsequent economic and political developments leading to transportation improvements, industrialization, and urbanization.
    • Learn the art of map interpretation using both physical and thematic cartography.
    • Improve their research, writing and presentation skills.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    03/01/2001

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 361 - Soils


    Description:
    Properties, factors, processes, and classification of Earth’s soils, past and present. Four hours lecture and three hours of laboratory or field trips each week. GEOG 361 and GEOG 461 are layered courses; students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered every year (Spring).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 107.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify the various soil processes and factors, and the resulting soil properties.
    • Communicate in the language of the discipline.
    • Apply the basic concepts of soils to the various pedogenic processes.
    • Demonstrate the use of the various tools and techniques of soils.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    02/17/2011

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 366 - Geography of the Middle East


    Description:
    Examination of the physical and cultural geography, human-environment interactions, landscapes, and regional diversity of the Middle East. Course will be offered on even numbered years (Fall).

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify and interpret the principal physical, environmental, demographic, cultural, economic and geopolitical characteristics of the Middle East.
    • Identify place names and major physical and cultural features of the Middle East.
    • Describe and interpret issues surrounding the Arab Israeli conflict, including social, political, and economic characteristics.
    • Redraw the maps of the Middle East to reflect knowledge learned about the region using computer mapping programs.
    • Analyze current issues relevant to a Middle Eastern country of their choice, keep a well written journal of these events and be prepared to report on this in class.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    03/21/2013

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 368 - Geography of Middle America


    Description:
    Examination of the physical and cultural geography, human-environment interactions, landscapes, and regional diversity of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Course will not have an established scheduling pattern.

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify the locations of main cultural and political features of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
    • Identify the physical features and processes that characterize middle America as a region.
    • Analyze the interconnection of physical and human systems in the region.
    • Analyze contemporary political, social, economic, and environmental issues in Middle America.
    • Link the historical foundations of Middle American culture, society, politics, economies, and landscape change to contemporary regional characteristics.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    03/21/2013

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 370 - Geography of South America


    Description:
    Examination of the physical and cultural geography, human-environment interactions, landscapes, and regional diversity of South America. Course will be offered on odd numbered years (Fall).

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify the locations of main cultural and political features of South America.
    • Identify the physical features and processes that characterize South America as a region.
    • Analyze the interconnection of physical and human systems in the region.
    • Analyze contemporary political, social, economic, and environmental issues in South America.
    • Link the historical foundations of South American culture, society, politics, economies, and landscape change to contemporary regional characteristics.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    1/19/2017

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 371 - Geography of Europe


    Description:
    Examination of the physical and cultural geography, human-environment interactions, landscapes, and regional diversity of Europe. Course will be offered on odd numbered years (Winter).

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify the locations of the main economic, cultural and political features of Europe
    • Identify the geophysical features and processes that characterize Europe as a distinct region.
    • Analyze the interconnection of physical and human systems in the region.
    • Analyze contemporary economic, political, cultural, and environmental issues in Europe.
    • Link the historical foundations of European society, economics, politics, culture, and landscape change to contemporary regional characteristics.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    04/18/2013

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 372 - Geography of Russia


    Description:
    Examination of the physical and cultural geography, human-environment interactions, landscapes, and regional diversity of Russia. Course will be offered on odd numbered years (Fall).

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Demonstrate knowledge of the principal physical, environmental, demographic, cultural, economic and geopolitical characteristics of Russia and its neighbors.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of place names, and major physical and cultural features of the region.
    • Give a coherent, concise, and effective oral presentation describing and analyzing a place, problem or trait in the region.
    • Analyze the impact of the historical geography of the Soviet Union on the new countries that have replaced it.
    • Analyze an issue concerning Russia and its neighbors through careful research and writing.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    03/21/2013

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 373 - Water Resources


    Description:
    Foundation course for understanding the physical and social dimensions of water resource use on a global scale. Special attention paid to issues in the American West. GEOG 107 is recommended. Course will be offered every year (Winter).

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Know the flows and storages of water through the hydrologic system and how it is measured.
    • Know the temporal and spatial variations in the water resources of different areas.
    • Know the history of US. water development and its legal framework.
    • Know the alternative water management strategies and their consequences.
    • Know the selected contemporary water resource issues (i.e. interbasin transfers. Snake River dam breaching).

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    11/16/2000

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 375 - Geography of Asia


    Description:
    Examination of the physical and cultural geography, human-environment interactions, landscapes, and regional diversity of Asia.  Formerly GEOG 475, students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered on even numbered years (Spring).

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Demonstrate knowledge of the principal physical, environmental, demographic, cultural, economic, and geopolitical characteristics of Northeast and Southeast Asia and the interaction among those systems.
    • Analyze the economic, cultural, political, demographic, and technological forces affecting specific places in Northeast and Southeast Asia.
    • Give a coherent, concise, and effective oral presentation describing and analyzing a place, problem or trait in Asia.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of the basic place name geography of Northeast and Southeast Asia.
    • Analyze a complex issue in the context of Asia through careful research and writing.

     
    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    04/18/2013

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:

  
  • GEOG 379 - Geography of the West


    Description:
    In-depth field examination of the complex physical, human, and resource issues of one or more of the varied sub-regions of western North America. May be repeated for up to 12 credits under a different topic.

    Credits: (1-12)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify and describe the physica, human, and resource geography of the area studied.
    • Collect and analyze data on physical, human, and resource issues of the area studied, then communicate the results of the analysis to their peers.
    • Demonstrate proficiency in functioning as a member of a group in an outdoor setting.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    01/20/2010

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 381 - Urban Geography


    Description:
    The spatial and size distribution of cities as explained by their historical development and major functions. Analysis of the internal structure of cities and the results of urban growth.  Formerly GEOG 481, students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered on even numbered years (Fall).

    Credits: (4)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 382 - Environmental Hydrology


    Description:
    Provides a comprehensive introduction to both the global and local hydrologic cycle. Covers constituent processes, their measurements and quantitative relationships, plus basic water quality parameters. GEOG 382 and GEOG 482 are layered courses; students may not receive credit for both.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 107, BIOL 360, ENST 201, GEOL 101, GEOL 107, or GEOL 108.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Interpret the emergence of cities in both historical and contemporary eras. They will identify the benefits (and costs) of cities in regards to a wide variety of issues, including: economies, the environment, cultures, etc.
    • Compare the urbanization process around the globe, and discuss bow it is changing global cultures and economies.
    • Identify the processes of urban change and growth, and analyze the economic, social, cultural, and political forces that shape urban landscapes.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    1/23/20

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Fall Locations: Ellensburg
  
  • GEOG 386 - Geomorphology


    Description:
    Descriptive and interpretive examination of the Earth’s landforms and the processes and factors that shape these features over space and time. Four lectures and three hours laboratory or field trips each week. GEOG 386, GEOG 486, and GEOL 386 are cross-listed courses; students may not receive credit for more than one.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisites: (either GEOL 101 or GEOL 103 or GEOL 107 or GEOL 108) and GEOL 101LAB, or SCED 102, or GEOG 107.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:

    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Collect, analyze and interpret their own field observations and measurements of geomorphic and forms.
    • Identify landforms from glacial, fluvial, eolian, and tectonic processes and describe the processes by which they formed.
    • Design and carry out an investigation of a geomorphic process in which they propose and test a measureable hypothesis.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    1/9/2020

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Spring Locations: Ellensburg

  
  • GEOG 387 - Biogeography


    Description:
    Investigates the functional relationships between biophysical processes and their spatial and temporal patterns at various scales. Introduces approaches to land systems analysis focusing upon ecosystems. GEOG 387 and GEOG 487 are layered courses, students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered every year (Spring).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 107.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify and describe various principal biogeographical processes and systems.
    • Communicate in the language of the discipline.
    • Describe and analyze the physical processes that generate biogeographical patterns of life on Earth.
    • Research a topic related to biogeography, write a scientific paper about that research, and articulately present the research to the class.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    02/02/2012

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 388 - Weather and Climate


    Description:
    Elements, factors and processes affecting Earth’s climates, present, past, and future. Four hours lecture and two hours laboratory/field per week. Course fee required. GEOG 388 and GEOG 488 are equivalent courses, students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered on even numbered years (Winter).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 107.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Analyze, describe, and diagram the basics of the Earth’s atmosphere and major atmospheric processes including energy, pressure, wind, precipitation, air masses, fronts, and storms.
    • Communicate in the language of the discipline.
    • Recognize the relationships and linkages between the parts· of the Earth’s energy budget and explain the factors controlling temperature and precipitation patterns on Earth and to describe the distribution of climates of the World.
    • Describe the impacts of weather on human activity and impacts of humans on climate.
    • Understand the tools and technologies used to produce weather forecasts and to be able to locate and interpret weather maps and satellite images available on the www.
    • Describe and analyze past, present, and future trends in natural and anthropogenic climate change.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    03/21/2013

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 396 - Individual Study


    Description:
    May be repeated if subject is different.

    Credits: (1-6)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 397 - Honors


    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: admission to department honors program.

    Credits: (1-12)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 398 - Special Topics


    Credits: (1-6)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 399 - Seminar


    Credits: (1-5)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 404 - GIS Analysis


    Description:
    This course development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) use; emphasis is placed on analysis of geo-spatial datasets. Lecture and practical applications. GEOG 404 and GEOL 404 are cross-listed courses; students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered every year (Winter and Spring).

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Demonstrate ability to use GIS software to create and model solutions to problems.
    • Demonstrate ability to define, analyze, and solve a particular geographic problem.
    • Ability to apply geospatial analysis to knowledge from the disciplines of Geography, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, and/or Computer Science.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of computer-based skills using modern GIS software.
    • Recall and integrate knowledge gained through lecture, labs, reading, and software skills.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    4/7/2016

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 405 - Advanced Topics in Land Use Planning (Put on Reserve 9/1/2020)


    Description:
    Selected issues and problems in land use planning and environmental control. Topics may include growth management, small town and rural planning, or coastal zone management. May be repeated for credit under a different subtitle. Course will be offered on odd numbered years (Spring). (Put on reserve 9/1/2020, will go inactive 8/24/23)

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 305.

    Credits: (3)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 408 - Advanced Topics in Human Geography (Put on reserve 9/16/18)


    Description:
    Focuses on the content of GEOG 308 in greater detail with particular emphasis on land use in non industrial societies. Topics will vary; consult with instructor. (Put on reserve 9/16/18, will go inactive 8/24/21)

    Credits: (3)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 409 - Quantitative Methods in Geography


    Description:
    Quantitative analysis assessment in geography and resource management. Emphasis on spatial statistics. Formerly GEOG 309, students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered every year (Winter).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: MATH 130 or post-baccalaureate/graduate student standing.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Apply various sampling methods, descriptive statistics, and spatial descriptive statistics to a wide variety of geographical problems.
    • Decide which inferential statistical test is most appropriate for a particular research question /problem.
    • Use a standard statistical computer package for a variety of descriptive and inferential statistical tests.
    • Test for assumptions that need to be met before applying a specific parametric or nonparametric statistical test.
    • Interpret and present output from a standard statistical computer package for a variety of descriptive and inferential statistical tests.
    • Evaluate and critique geographical research which uses statistical techniques.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    02/19/2015

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 411 - GIS Programming


    Description:
    Customization and automation of geographic information systems (GIS) software using programming in the Python language. Previous programming experience is helpful, but not required. Course will be offered every year (Spring).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 303.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Explain how automation through computer programming makes GIS easier, faster, and more accurate.
    • Use fundamental constructs of computer programming, such as variables, loops, counters, decision trees, and functions.
    • Write programs that automate GIS data processing tasks
    • Write programs that read and modify GIS databases
    • Write programs that perform analysis with grid-based GIS datasets (i.e., rasters).
    • Write programs that create GIS datasets from text-based files (such as spreadsheets or GPS files)
    • Explain how Python and other languages could be used to customize the look and feel of a GIS program, and the benefits this would bring.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    11/2/17

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 417 - Workplace GIS


    Description:
    Hands-on experience with addressing the types of unstructured technical GIS problems encountered in the workplace. Skills for working with real-world datasets and adapting them to software projects spanning multiple weeks. Strategies for ethical GIS practice. GEOG 417 and GEOL 417 are cross-listed courses; students may not receive credit for both.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisites: GEOG 404 or GEOL 404.

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Make and execute a plan to solve a geographic problem of multiple week scope using real-world data and appropriate analysis methods
    • Synthesize GIS techniques learned in previous coursework
    • Find, clean, make, or adapt datasets to meet GIS project needs
    • Adapt to new or unfamiliar GIS methods and software tools in response to project needs or requirements
    • Recognize different ways in which GIS can be applied in a variety of fields
    • Understand skills and experience required in today’s GIS job market

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    3/5/20

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Fall Locations: Ellensburg Spring Locations: Ellensburg
  
  • GEOG 422 - Geography of Food and Agriculture


    Description:
    Overview of food and agriculture as it relates to specific geographic regions, production regimes, trade, and cuisine. Domestic and international issues explored through lecture and field study. Course will be offered on even numbered years (Spring).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: junior standing or above.

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify source regions for globally important staple and commercial crops.
    • Understand local food production and agricultural issues.
    • Understand the major components of the global food system.
    • Interpret current social debates concerning food and food production.
    • Develop in-depth understanding of specific issues and themes in food and agricultural production.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    02/03/2011

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 427 - Environmental Archaeology


    Description:
    Analyses of sediments and plant and animal remains from archaeological sites are used to explore relationships between humans and their environments. Case studies combine natural and physical sciences to study long-term change in landscapes and ecosystems. ANTH427/527 AND GEOG427/527 are cross-listed courses. Graduate credit requires an additional research paper to be specified in syllabus.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisites: ANTH 120 or GEOG 107.

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Stimulate thinking about human and environment relationships using landscape and ecosystem concepts and long-term perspectives.
    • Foster appreciation for the knowledge necessary for successful interdisciplinary research.
    • Evaluate and understand concepts and methods integral to environmental archeology.
    • Engage students in the recovery, analysis, interpretations, and reporting of paleoenvironmental data.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    02/16/2006

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 430 - Remote Sensing


    Description:
    Principles of acquisition, processing, analysis, and use of remotely sensed data from airborne and satellite systems (Landsat, SPOT, Ikonos, LiDAR, etc.). Applied experience using image processing software.  Four hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. GEOG 430, GEOL 430, and GEOL 530 are cross-listed courses; students may not receive credit for more than one course. Course will be offered every year (Spring).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisites: GEOG 330 or GEOL 210.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Recognize theory and concepts regarding data acquisition from airborne and space-based remote sensing platforms.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and EMR interactions with Earth’s atmosphere and surface.
    • Acquire, analyze, and visually present a variety of remotely sensed imagery. 
    • Apply image interpretation and processing techniques such as image enhancement, corrections, spectral signature analyses, ratios, filters, spatial statistics, and classifications.
    • Evaluate methods and analyses of remotely sensed data as they are applied to a variety of biophysical and social problems.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    3/15/18

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 432 - Heritage Preservation (Put on reserve 9/16/19)


    Description:
    Students will discuss the merits of preserving heritage buildings and landscapes, and question what is deemed worth of heritage designation. Techniques will be developed for investigating a building’s history and experience gained in writing proposals and policies to preserve heritage resources. ANTH 432 and GEOG 432 are cross-listed courses; students may not receive credit for both. Course will not have an established scheduling pattern. (Put on reserve 9/16/19, will go inactive 8/24/22)

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 305 or enrollment in REM Program or permission of instructor.

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Document an individual building’s history, including its owners, uses, values, remodels, and situation.
    • Prepare a nomination for historic designation of either a structure or a district.
    • Identify architectural styles found in the Pacific Northwest specifically, and North America in general.
    • Contextualize local buildings and districts in the broader cultural, social, and economic conditions that framed their development.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    12/06/12

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 440 - Ecology and Culture


    Description:
    Investigation into interdependent environmental and human cultural systems. Traditional agroecologies and subsistence strategies; contemporary problems of resource management, social equity, political ecology, and sustainable development. GEOG 440 and ANTH 440 are cross-listed courses; students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered every year (Spring).

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify and describe differing adaptive strategies among human populations.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of how environmental management is mediated through culture.
    • Demonstrate sophisticated knowledge of one cultural ecology issue of the students choice.
    • Demonstrate general knowledge of contemporary issues relevant to cultural ecology (e.g. land degradation, land tenure, sustainable development).

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    12/02/04

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 441 - Climate Change: Human and Biophysical Dimensions


    Description:
    A critical analysis and examination of past, contemporary and future scenarios of climate change with a particular focus on the biophysical environment and human societies. Course will not have an established scheduling pattern.

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Develop a working knowledge of how the global climate system functions and how both natural and anthropogenic factors influence the system.
    • Critically evaluate the science behind global climate change, including observations of past change and projections of future change.
    • Explore techniques used to reconstruct past trends in climate.
    • Read scientific literature, glean the most important information, and be able to discuss it in a classroom setting.
    • Successfully research a topic related to climate change and write a scientific paper about that research.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    1/23/20

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Winter Locations: Ellensburg
  
  • GEOG 442 - Alternative Energy


    Description:
    Critical understanding of alternative energy resources from a geographical perspective, with focus on wind, biomass, solar, biofuels, geothermal, and sustainable energy systems. The course includes energy production, transition, conversion, and consumption. Field trips. Course will be offered every year (Winter).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: junior standing or above.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify and understand the spatial and temporal arrangements of social, political, environmental, and economic processes that produce different ‘energy landscapes’ in different locations
    • Explain contemporary issues regarding consumption, production, and transmission of alternative energy resources and technologies in a globalized world
    • Critically investigate how alternative energy resources and technologies shape society, and the problems and challenges they present in different settings
    • Outline realistic possibilities for alternative energy sources given ongoing energy challenges
    • Write effectively and analytically about contemporary nature-society relations, especially society’s relationships to energy
    • Collect and organize data on alternative energy resources as a basis for further analysis and evaluation
    • Present an original project in front of their peers

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    03/31/2016

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 444 - Mineral Resources (Put on reserve 9/16/18)


    Description:
    Foundation course for understanding the physical, social, economic, and legal dimensions of mineral resource use on a global scale. Emphasis paid to issues in the American West. Course will not have an established scheduling pattern. (Put on reserve 9/16/18, will go inactive 8/24/21)

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 107 or GEOL 101 or GEOL 103 or ENST 201.

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Describe mineral resources, their formation, use, and global distribution.
    • Describe the legal issues surrounding mining in the United States.
    • Describe the environmental and social issues surrounding mineral extraction, processing, and transport.
    • Describe the different types of mines, their limitations, benefits, and consequences.
    • Relate the above to mining in Washington State.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    03/07/2013

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 445 - Environmental Law


    Description:
    This course explores the key state and federal laws governing environmental management, their formation, and the legal boundaries of these acts and the ancillary administrative rules. ENST 460 and GEOG 445 are equivalent courses; students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered on even numbered years (Spring).

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify the variety of socio-political drivers present and the principal methods of creating legislative change.
    • Identify and explain the economic, social, and political factors that influence laws and administrative rules.
    • Analyze significant legislative articles, and identify administrative gaps using legal analysis.
    • Describe the adaptation of environmental laws effectively using concepts taught in the course.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    5/5/2016

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 449 - Environmental Hazard Analysis and Management


    Description:
    Physical, human and resource geography of environmental hazards. Includes examination of the techniques and methodologies used for the assessment, and management of environmental hazards from a variety of perspectives.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify the principal causes, associated physical processes, related socio-economic problems/issues. and analytical techniques used for a wide variety of environmental hazards such as drought, flooding, shoreline erosion and ground failure, tornadoes and hurricanes, avalanches, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and nuclear disasters.
    • Describe and analyze various theoretical constructs and related methods which provide the basis for the evaluation and management or environmental hazards, and understand the benefits and limitations of each.
    • Critique a variety of techniques/methodologies which have been developed from a variety of perspectives for the management and evaluation of environmental hazards.
    • Describe environmental hazard management practices and policies related various case studies in the United States and Washington State.
    • Describe and analyze the physical processes that generate a particular environmental hazard, as well as related socio economic problems/issues.
    • Demonstrate the use of the various environmental hazard analysis tools and techniques.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    1/9/20

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Spring Locations: Ellensburg
  
  • GEOG 450 - Arid Environments


    Description:
    Physical, human, and resource geography of Earth’s arid settings. Course will be offered on odd numbered years (Fall).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 107.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify arid landscapes.
    • Determine the interrelated factors and processes shaping, and the resulting physical and human features occurring, in arid environments.
    • Demonstrate proficiency in geographic research and writing.
    • Demonstrate the use of the various tools and techniques of arid environments geographer.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    02/17/2011

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 451 - Mountain Environments


    Description:
    Physical, human, and resource geography of mountain settings. Course will be offered on odd numbered years (Winter).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 107.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify mountains and mountain landscapes
    • Determine the interrelated factors and processes shaping, and the resulting physical and human features occurring, in mountain environments.
    • Demonstrate proficiency in geographic research and writing.
    • Demonstrate the use of the various tools and techniques of mountain geography.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    02/17/2011

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 452 - Coastal Environments


    Description:
    Physical, human, and resource geography of coastal environments. Emphasis on physical processes, resource issues, and environmental management of coastal environments.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 107 or ENST 201 or GEOL 101 or GEOL 107 or GEOL 108.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Demonstrate knowledge of the interrelated factors and processes shaping, and the resulting physical features occurring, in coastal environments.
    • Identify the diversity and spatial distribution of Earth’s coastal landforms on exams and exercise maps based on various definitions in the literature.
    • Differentiate and analyze various fundamental coastal resource issues and conflicts, including the physical processes that generate a particular coastal phenomenon, as well as related socio-economic problems/issues.
    • Examine and summarize coastal resource management practices and policies related to various coastal resource issue case studies in the United States and Washington State.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    1/9/20

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Spring Locations: Ellensburg
  
  • GEOG 453 - Riparian and Wetlands Analysis


    Description:
    Physical, human, and resource geography of wetland environments. Emphasis on physical processes, resource issues, and environmental evaluation and management of wetland environments.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 107 or BIOL 360 or GEOL 101 or GEOL 107 or GEOL 108 or ENST 201.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Demonstrate knowledge of various related hydrologic, soil, and vegetation processes and factors, and the resulting wetland types and characteristics.
    • Identify the diversity and spatial distribution of Earth’s wetland types on exams and exercise maps based on various definitions in the literature.
    • Differentiate and analyze various fundamental wetland resource issues and conflicts, including the physical processes that generate a particular wetland phenomenon, as well as related socio-economic problems/issues.
    • Demonstrate the use of various tools and techniques used in riparian and wetland analysis.
    • Examine and summarize riparian and wetland management practices and policies related to various coastal resource issue case studies in the United States and Washington State.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    1/9/20

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Spring Locations: Ellensburg
  
  • GEOG 454 - Forest Environments


    Description:
    Examinations of topics related to global forest including forest ecology, disturbance regimes, biogeography, and management issues. Case studies will focus on western U.S. forest and highlight the use of geospatial techniques to study forest change. Course will be offered on even numbered years (Spring).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisites: GEOG 107.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to:

    • Describe the distribution of different forest types and explain their distribution in terms of climatic, geomorphic, and human controls.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of what constitutes a forest environment, both ecologically and theoretically.
    • Explain how different geospatial technologies (aerial photos, remotely sensed images, GIS maps) are used to study forest environments.
    • Identify the dominant tree species in Pacific Northwest forests and some components of the understory vegetation; to become familiar with field methods used to study forests.
    • Read scientific literature, glean the most important information, and be able to discuss it in a classroom setting.
    • Research a topic related to forests, write a scientific paper about that research, and articulately present the research to the class.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    02/17/2011

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 455 - Pyrogeography


    Description:
    An investigation of patterns of fire on Earth: past, present, and future. Topics covered include fire ecology, the history of fire, ecosystem impacts, human use of fire, fire management, and fire and climate change. Course will be offered on odd numbered years( Fall).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisites: GEOG 107 and upper-division standing, or permission of instructor.

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Describe the ecological and climatic conditions under which fire occurs globally and moves across landscapes.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of past fire regimes in different regions of the world and the techniques used to determine those histories.
    • Identify fires of different severity and intensity in the Pacific Northwest and investigate the ecological impacts of those fires; students will also gain experience in field methods used to study past fire events.
    • Read scientific literature, glean the most important information, and be able to discuss it in a classroom setting.
    • Explain how current fire regimes of the western United States and other fire-prone regions of the world have changed as a result of climate change and fire management policies.
    • Research a topic related to pyrogeography and write a scientific paper about that research.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    03/21/2013

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 456 - Recreational Resources: Analysis and Management


    Description:
    Provides a geographically-based understanding of recreational resource use and management in diverse outdoor environments. Includes study of factors influencing supply and demand of recreational resources, recreational land use, socio-economic and ecological impacts, and introduction to resource management and analytical techniques.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify the principal factors influencing the supply and demand, distribution, and use of recreational resources, including associated ecological and socio-economic problems/issues, as well as related analytical techniques, for outdoor recreation in diverse environments.
    • Describe and analyze various theoretical constructs and related methods which provide the basis for the evaluation and management of recreational resources, and understand the benefits and limitations of each.
    • Critique a variety of techniques/methodologies which have been developed from a variety of perspectives for the management and evaluation of recreational resources (this is only expected as an additional assignment for graduate students enrolled in the 400-level).
    • Describe recreational resource conflicts, management practices and policies related to various case studies in the United States and Washington State.
    • Describe and analyze the ecological and/or socio-economic processes and factors that generate a particular recreation resource conflict or issue.
    • Demonstrate the use of the various recreational resource analysis tools and techniques through application to a local recreation resource problem.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    1/23/20

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Fall Locations: Ellensburg
  
  • GEOG 458 - People, Parks, and Protected Areas


    Description:
    This course explores historical and contemporary, scientific, and socio-ecological principles associated with parks and protected areas in the world. Concepts explored will include: biodiversity, sustainability, resilience, conservation techniques and methodologies for establishing protected area boundaries, adaptive management, and park-people conflicts. Course will be offered on even numbered years (Spring).

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Demonstrate a working knowledge of history, principles, and philosophies of park and protected area management.
    • Training in real-world conservation methodologies and techniques by obtaining practical experience in various tools and strategies for protected area management
    • Obtain knowledge on the political, socio-ecological, and economic issues and conflicts associated with conservation and protected area management.
    • Identify the legal and classification differences associated with various land management strategies.
    • Use methods of evaluation of participation, management, and evaluation of parks and protected areas.
    • Distinguish public lands and the agencies Involved in managing landscape units based upon their use, conservation or management classification.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    01/30/2014

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 461 - Soils


    Description:
    Properties, factors, processes, and classification of Earth’s soils, past and present. Four hours lecture and three hours of laboratory or field trips each week. GEOG 361 and GEOG 461 are layered courses; students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered every year (Spring).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 107.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify the various soil processes and factors, and the resulting soil properties.
    • Communicate in the language of the discipline.
    • Apply the basic concepts of soils to the various pedogenic processes.
    • Demonstrate the use of the various tools and techniques soils.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    2/17/2011

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 479 - Geography of the West


    Description:
    In-depth field examination of the complex physical, human, and resource issues of one or more of the varied sub regions of western North America. May be repeated for credit under a different title by permission of department chair. Course will not have an established scheduling pattern.

    Credits: (1-12)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 482 - Environmental Hydrology


    Description:
    Provides a comprehensive introduction to both the global and local hydrologic cycle. Covers constituent processes, their measurements and quantitative relationships, plus basic water quality parameters. GEOG 382 and GEOG 482 are layered courses; students may not receive credit for both.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 107, BIOL 360, ENST 201, GEOL 101, GEOL 107, or GEOL 108.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify and describe various principal hydrologic processes and factors, and the resulting hydrologic types and characteristics.
    • Communicate in the language of the discipline.
    • Describe and analyze the physical processes that generate hydrologic phenomenon, as well as as-well=a4I the methods and analyses used.
    • Demonstrate the use of various tools and techniques used in hydrologic analysis.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    1/23/20

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Fall Locations: Ellensburg
  
  • GEOG 483 - Snow


    Description:
    Processes and factors resulting in snowfall, snowfall patterns over space and time, snowpack development and metamorphosis, snowfall and snowpack measurement, impacts of snowfall and snowpack on avalanches, landforms, vegetation, and runoff, and snowfall and snowpack in a warming world. GEOG 483 and GEOG 583 are layered courses; a student may not receive credit for both.  Formerly GEOG 383, students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered on even numbered years (Winter).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 107 or permission of instructor.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Recognize processes and factors resulting in snowfall.
    • Map spatial and temporal patterns of snowfall and snowpack.
    • Analyze snowpack development and metamorphosis.
    • Measure snowfall and snowpack.
    • Examine the impacts of snowfall and snowpack on avalanches, landforms, vegetation, and runoff.
    • Estimate the impacts of a warming world on snowfall and snowpack.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    5/18/2017

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 485 - Topics in GIS or Remote Sensing


    Description:
    Variable topics in GIS or remote sensing. Applied experience using GIS or image processing software. May be repeated up to 12 credits.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 303 or permission of instructor.

    Credits: (1-5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of GIS and/or remote sensing software, including data management, display, and analysis.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of graphic and text presentation /communication skills.
    • Recognize different ways in which specific GIS and/or remote sensing techniques can be applied in a variety of fields.
    • Recall and integrate knowledge learned through lecture, labs, reading, and software skills.
    • Provide evidence of geospatial data interpretation/management skills that may be used in a variety of other classes.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    1/23/20

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 486 - Geomorphology


    Description:
    Descriptive and interpretive examination of Earth’s landforms, and the processes and factors that shape these features over space and time. Four lectures and three hours laboratory or field trips each week. GEOG 386, GEOG 486, and GEOL 386 are cross-listed courses; students may not receive credit for more than one. By permission only.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: by permission of instructor.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:

    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Collect, analyze and interpret their own field observations and measurements of geomorphic and forms.
    • Identify landforms from glacial, fluvial, eolian, and tectonic processes and describe the processes by which they formed.
    • Design and carry out an investigation of a geomorphic process in which they propose and test a measureable hypothesis.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    1/9/2020

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Spring Locations: Ellensburg

  
  • GEOG 487 - Biogeography


    Description:
    Investigates the functional relationships between biophysical processes and their spatial and temporal patterns at various scales. Introduces approaches to land systems analysis focusing upon ecosystems. GEOG 387 and GEOG 487 are layered courses, students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered every year (Spring).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 107.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Identify and describe various principal biogeographical processes and systems.
    • Communicate in the language of the discipline.
    • Describe and analyze the physical processes that generate biogeographical patterns of life on Earth.
    • Research a topic related to biogeography, write a scientific paper about that research, and articulately present the research to the class
    • Facilitate an in-class discussion of a scholarly article that pertains to your research topic.
    • Synthesize data gathered during lab exercises.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    02/02/2012

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 488 - Weather and Climate


    Description:
    Elements, factors and processes affecting Earth’s climates, present, past, and future. Four hours lecture and two hours laboratory/field per week. Course fee required. GEOG 388 and GEOG 488 are equivalent courses, students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered every year (Winter).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: GEOG 107.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Analyze, describe, and diagram the basics of the Earth atmosphere and major atmospheric processes including energy, pressure, wind, precipitation, air masses, fronts, and storms.
    • Communicate in the language of the discipline.
    • Recognize the relationships and linkages between the parts of the Earth’s energy budget and explain the factors controlling temperature and precipitation patterns on Earth and to describe the distribution of climates of the World.
    • Describe the impacts of weather on human activity and impacts of humans on climate.
    • Understand the tools and technologies used to produce weather forecasts and to be able to locate and interpret weather maps and satellite images available on the www.
    • Describe and analyze past, present, and future trends in natural and anthropogenic climate change.
    • Provide peer-reviewed sources to support interpretations made in the final term paper.
    • Articulately present research to the class.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    03/21/2013

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 489 - Geography Capstone


    Description:
    Assessment of past coursework in Geography and related fields and the General Education program and exploration of future opportunities in Geography and related fields. Course will be offered every year (Fall and Spring).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisites: senior standing and admission to a geography major.

    Credits: (2)

    General Education Category: CE - Culminating Experience

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

     

    • Synthesize information, ideas, concepts and methodologies from the student’s General Education program and major in Geography or related fields to provide an original analysis of a problem or place.
    • Reflect upon General Education program and coursework in Geography and/or related fields.
    • Demonstrate the capacity to summarize in writing the student’s credentials and achievements, especially as they pertain to Geography and/or related fields, in a resume and cover letter.
    • Demonstrate the capacity to articulate the student’s credentials and achievements, especially as they pertain to Geography and/or related fields, in an interview setting.
    • Apply key ideas and methods from Geography and/or related fields to answer short questions.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    12/7/17

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:

  
  • Learning Agreement Forms

    GEOG 490 - Cooperative Education


    Description:
    An individualized, contracted field experience with business, industry, government, or social service agencies. This contractual arrangement involves a student learning plan, cooperating employer supervision, and faculty coordination. May be repeated for credit. Grade will either be S or U.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: prior approval required.

    Credits: (1-12)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 491 - Workshop


    Credits: (1-6)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 492 - Geography Teaching Experience


    Description:
    Experience in classroom, laboratory, and/or field teaching. May be repeated for credit with permission of department chair.

    Credits: (1-3)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 493 - Geography Field Experience


    Description:
    Individual or group off-campus experience in the field study of geographical phenomena. May be taken more than once by permission of department chair under a different title.

    Credits: (1-12)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 494 - Applied GIS Project


    Description:
    GIS projects in anthropology, biology, geography, geology, and resource management. ANTH 494, GEOL 494 and GEOG 494 are cross-listed courses; students may not receive credit for more than one.

    Credits: (2-6)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  
  • GEOG 497 - Honors


    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: admission to department honors program.

    Credits: (1-12)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 498 - Special Topics


    Credits: (1-6)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOG 499 - Seminar


    Credits: (1-5)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:

Geological Sciences (GEOL)

  
  • GEOL 101 - Introduction to Geology


    Description:
    An introduction to geology emphasizing the origin and nature of the common rocks, plate tectonic theory, earthquake and volcanoes, and geologic time. NS-Fund Disc Phys and Biological Sciences.

    Prerequisites:
    Co- or prerequisite: GEOL 101LAB.

    Credits: (4)

    General Education Category: NS-Fund Disc Phys and Biological Sciences. K7 - Physical & Natural World

    General Education Pathways: P6 Ways of Knowing

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Gain a basic understanding of Earth composition and physical processes on a broad range of scales.
    • Understand how geologists apply scientific discovery in their many roles as professionals.
    • Understand the steps in basic scientific investigation and be able to collect and analyze data.
    • Understand how scientific investigation has developed over the past several centuries and how it has been applied to questions related to the nature of Earth through history. This will give students an appreciation for the “evolutionary” nature of science inquiry.
    • Distinguish data from interpretation.
    • Understand the steps in basic scientific investigation and be able to collect and analyze data.
    • Gain a basic understanding of Earth composition and physical processes on a broad range of scales.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    11/16/17

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Fall Locations: Ellensburg Winter Locations: Ellensburg Spring Locations: Ellensburg Summer Locations: Ellensburg
  
  • GEOL 101LAB - Introductory Geology Laboratory


    Description:
    Application of map study to geological processes and land forms, identification of rocks and minerals, and local field trips. Two hours laboratory per week. NS-Fund Disc Phys and Biological Sciences (L) or NS-Patterns and Connections Natural World (L).

    Credits: (1)

    General Education Category: NS-Fund Disc Phys and Biological Sciences (L).

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Use maps and cross sections to describe and understand geological relationships.
    • Make field observations and interpret these observations in terms of geological processes.
    • Make inquiry-driven laboratory and field observations.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    2/4/2016

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOL 103 - Geology of Washington


    Description:
    Fundamentals of geology applied to the state of Washington. Topics include Washington’s volcanic, earthquake, tectonic, and glacial activity. Four lectures per week. Course will be offered every year (Fall, Winter). NS-Patterns and Connections Natural World.

    Prerequisites:
    Corequisite: GEOL 101LAB.

    Credits: (4)

    General Education Category: NS-Patterns and Connections Natural World. K7 - Physical & Natural World

    General Education Pathways: P6 Ways of Knowing

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

     

    • Demonstrate a basic understanding of Earth composition and physical processes on  a broad range of scales, with particular application to the state of Washington.
    • Describe how geologists generate testable hypotheses to explain and predict natural hazards in Washington State, with a particular emphasis on earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunami and landslides.
    • Describe how geologic investigation has developed over the past several centuries and analyze how it has been applied to questions related to the nature of Earth through history, particularly with respect to earthquake and volcanic natural hazards and glacial flooding events in the state of Washington.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    11/2/17

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:

  
  • GEOL 107 - Earth’s Changing Surface


    Description:
    The role of natural geologic processes in shaping the earth’s surface; includes hydrologic cycle, rivers and flooding, landslides, coastal processes, and climate cycles. Four hour lecture per week plus required field trips. Course will be offered every year (Fall, Winter, Spring). General Education: NS-Patterns and Connections Natural World.

    Credits: (4)

    General Education Category: NS-Patterns and Connections Natural World. K7 - Physical & Natural World

    General Education Pathways: P3 Perspectives on Current Issues, P4 Social Justice, P5 Sustainability

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Demonstrate an understanding of prediction, measurement and mitigation for a variety of natural hazards including floods, landslides, and tsunamis.
    • Describe the role of plate tectonics in controlling Earth surface processes.
    • Describe changes to the Earth’s surface through all of geologic time, including recent time.
    • Describe ways in which the climate and hydrologic cycles shape the Earth’s surface.
    • Distinguish data from interpretation. 
    • Explain the concept of recurrence interval for geologic hazards and evaluate risks.
    • Describe the causes and impacts of natural climate variability.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    11/16/2017

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOL 108 - Earth and Energy Resources


    Description:
    Exploration of the earth’s mineral and energy resources, how they are formed, harnessed, and the environmental impacts of their extraction and use. Course will be offered every year (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer). NS-Applications Natural Science.

    Credits: (4)

    General Education Category: NS-Applications Natural Science. K8 - Science & Technology

    General Education Pathways: P3 Perspectives on Current Issues, P4 Social Justice, P5 Sustainability

    Learner Outcomes:
     

    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Explain the ways that humans affect their natural environment (e.g. add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, regulate rivers, use resources, and pollute air, water and soil systems).
    • Analyze topics related to the Earth and earth resources, using the scientific method.
    • Describe processes and conditions that give rise to earth resources such as mineral deposits and exploitable energy.
    • Distinguish data from interpretation. 
    • Use a geologic understanding of a given setting to determine where an oil or mineral deposit might be located.
    • Analyze topics related to the Earth and earth resources, using scientific method.
    • Present different views of complex environmental issues (e.g. carbon emissions, off-shore drilling, nuclear energy, etc.).

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    11/16/17

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:

  
  • GEOL 188 - Geology and Environmental Geology Field Trips


    Description:
    Afternoon and weekend field trips to introduce students to the geology and environment of the Pacific Northwest as well as the breadth of study options in the geological sciences. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Grade will either be S or U. Course will be offered every year (Fall, Spring).

    Credits: (1)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Experience a topical field trip in order to learn more about the geological and environmental sciences.
    • Interact with faculty members in the department of geological sciences.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    2/15/18

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOL 200 - Earth’s Evolution and Global Change


    Description:
    Evolution of Earth, plate tectonics, life, and climate over the last 4.5 billion years. Three lectures, four hours laboratory per week. Course will be offered every year (Winter).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisites: (either GEOL 101 OR GEOL 103 OR GEOL 107 OR GEOL 108) and GEOL101LAB, OR SCED 102.

    Credits: (5)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Apply geologic knowledge to interpret geologic maps and cross-sections.
    • Determine and calculate relative and absolute ages of rocks and fossils.
    • Evaluate paleomagnetic and other geologic data to reconstruct past plate motions.
    • Describe the geologic history of planet Earth and the development of the study of geology.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    2/15/18

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOL 201 - Climate and Water


    Description:
    Students examine Earth’s climate system and water resources to develop their skills in geoscience data analysis and interpretation, make connections to societal concerns, and explore academic and career pathways in the geosciences.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisites: ((either GEOL 101 or GEOL 103 or GEOL 107 or GEOL 108) and GEOL101LAB) or SCED 102.

    Credits: (3)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Describe key components of the climate system and Earth’s hydrosphere.
    • Compare quantitatively the hazards and risks associated with flooding, sea-level rise, and landslides in different locations around the world.
    • Collect, plot, and analyze spatial data using appropriate techniques to make claims about hydrologic and climatic processes.
    • Describe careers in which the knowledge and skills developed in this course are critical to success.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    1/23/20

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Fall Locations: Ellensburg
  
  • GEOL 202 - Natural Hazards and Tectonics


    Description:
    Students examine earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunami, and other tectonic hazards to develop their skills in geoscience data analysis and interpretation, connect these phenomena to societal concerns, and explore academic and career pathways in the geosciences.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisites: ((either GEOL 101 or GEOL 103 or GEOL 107 or GEOL 108) and GEOL101LAB) or SCED 102.

    Credits: (3)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Describe key components of plate tectonics and the hazards associated with tectonic processes.
    • Compare quantitatively the hazards and risks associated with different tectonic settings in different locations around the world.
    • Collect, plot, and analyze spatial data using appropriate techniques to make claims about tectonic processes.
    • Describe careers in which the knowledge and skills developed in this course are critical to success.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    1/23/20

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Winter Locations: Ellensburg
  
  • GEOL 203 - Earth History


    Description:
    Students examine the evolution of Earth and life over time to develop their skills in geoscience data analysis and interpretation, connect these phenomena to societal concerns, and explore academic and career pathways in the geosciences.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisites: ((either GEOL 101 or GEOL 103 or GEOL 107 or GEOL 108) and GEOL101LAB) or SCED 102.

    Credits: (3)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Describe key components of the evolution of Earth and life over time.
    • Compare quantitatively the timing and magnitude of events in Earth history to human activities.
    • Collect, plot, and analyze spatial data using appropriate techniques to make claims about rates of change, scale and proportion, and fluxes.
    • Describe careers in which the knowledge and skills developed in this course are critical to success.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    1/23/20

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Spring Locations: Ellensburg
  
  • GEOL 210 - Introduction to Geologic Field Methods


    Description:
    Introduction to geologic field investigation, emphasizing geologic mapping.  Class comprises two weeks in the field during summer or as arranged by the instructor; credits are carried during the subsequent academic year quarter. Extra fees required. Course will be offered every year (Fall).

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisites: (GEOL 101, or GEOL 103, or  GEOL 107, or  GEOL 108) and GEOL101LAB, or SCED 102, or instructor permission. GEOL 200 recommended.

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Collect and record data using common geologic field methods and tools.
    • Synthesize geologic data collected in the field through producing geologic maps and cross-sections.
    • Use multiple lines of evidence from their use field data and geologic maps as well as existing literature to develop a reasonable geologic history for their field area.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    5/17/18

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOL 296 - Individual Study


    Credits: (1-6)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOL 298 - Special Topics


    Credits: (1-6)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOL 299 - Seminar


    Description:
    May be repeated if subject is different.

    Credits: (1-5)

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOL 302 - Oceans and Atmosphere


    Description:
    Introduction to Earth’s climate and the hydrologic cycle through study of the ocean-atmosphere system. Chemical and physical changes will be studied over time scales ranging from millions of years to days. Will include a field trip. Course will be offered every year (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer).  NS-Patterns and Connections Natural World.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite: sophomore standing or above.

    Credits: (4)

    General Education Category: NS-Patterns and Connections Natural World. K8 - Science & Technology

    General Education Pathways: P2 Health & Well-being, P3 Perspectives on Current Issues, P6 Ways of Knowing

    Learner Outcomes:
     

    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Describe some of the major environmental issues associated with the atmospheres and oceans.
    • Describe the physical structure, composition and circulation of the oceans, and how actual/predicted changes in the system may affect Earth’s climate and Biosphere.
    • Identify the main reservoirs in the Earth’s water and energy cycles and describe the main conduits for transfer of mass and energy between reservoirs.
    • Describe the physical structure, composition and circulation of the oceans, and how actual/predicted changes in the system may affect Earth’s climate and Biosphere.
    • Critique, with the support of scientific evidence, different viewpoints regarding complex environmental issues.
    • Discuss how anthropogenically-induced changes, including global warming, could affect the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    11/16/17

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:

  
  • GEOL 303 - Water: Science and Society


    Description:
    An investigation of the importance of water to the existence of life on Earth. This course will provide a basic scientific background on water and examine the relationships between water and human activities. Course will be offered every year (Spring).

    Credits: (5)

    General Education Category: K7 - Physical & Natural World

    General Education Pathways: P2 Health & Well-being, P4 Social Justice, P5 Sustainability

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Describe how scientific research and data is used to inform water policy
    • Effectively describe the two-way relationship between water resources and human society: how water availability and quality affect economic opportunities and human well-being, and how human activity affects water resources
    • Knowledgeably explain the distribution and dynamics of water at the surface and in the subsurface of Earth and how the distribution and characteristics are expected to change over the next 50 years
    • Identify appropriate data collection practices for a variety of hydrologic data, synthesize and analyze data from multiple sources, and interpret the results.
    • Develop strategies and best practices to decrease water stress and increase water quality
    • Thoughtfully evaluate information and policy statements regarding the current and future predicted state of water resources and communicate their evaluations in terms that can be understood by the general public

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    11/2/17

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
  
  • GEOL 304 - Geological Sciences Seminar


    Description:
    Guest speakers and discussion on topics relevant to research and careers in the geosciences. May be repeated for 6 credits. Grade will either be S or U. GEOL 304 and GEOL 504 are layered courses; a student may not receive credit for both.

    Credits: (1)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Question visiting speakers about their research and careers in the geosciences.
    • 304 only: Identify key concepts and challenges in geoscience research and careers
    • 504 only: Examine their own research in the context of visiting speakers’ work and modify research questions or presentations accordingly.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    2/20/20

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Fall Locations: Ellensburg Winter Locations: Ellensburg Spring Locations: Ellensburg
  
  • GEOL 305 - Quantitative Reasoning for Geoscientists


    Description:
    An introduction to quantitative methods commonly used for observation, analysis, and interpretation of geologic features and processes.

    Prerequisites:
    Prerequisites: [(either GEOL 101 or GEOL 103 or GEOL 107 or GEOL 108) and GEOL101LAB, or SCED 102], and MATH 100C or above.

    Credits: (4)

    Learner Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Recognize and apply a range of mathematical concepts to quantify fundamental Earth properties and processes.
    • Solve quantitative problems associated with geological questions.
    • Recognize and apply concepts and quantification of uncertainty and errors in geologic data.

    Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
    1/9/2020

    Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
    Fall Locations: Ellensburg
 

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