Course Descriptions

GEOG 101 - World Regional Geography

• 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.

GEOG 107 - Our Dynamic Earth

• 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.

GEOG 111 - The Power of Maps

• 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.

GEOG 208 - Our Human World

• 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.

GEOG 250 - Resource Exploitation and Conservation

• 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

• 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.

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

• 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.

GEOG 290 - Cooperative Education Field Experience

GEOG 298 - Special Topics

GEOG 299 - Seminar

GEOG 301 - Introduction to GIS and Maps

• 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.

GEOG 303 - GIS and Data Management

• 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.

GEOG 304 - Economic Geography

• 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.

GEOG 305 - Introduction to Land Use Planning

GEOG 306 - Transportation Geography and Planning

• 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.

GEOG 308 - Cultural Geography

• 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.

GEOG 311 - Qualitative Methods in Geography

• 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.

GEOG 325 - Field Methods in Geography

• 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.

GEOG 330 - Airphoto Interpretation

• 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.

GEOG 346 - Political Geography

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

• 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.

GEOG 355 - Geography of the Pacific Northwest

• 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.

GEOG 361 - Soils

• 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.

GEOG 366 - Geography of the Middle East

• 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.

GEOG 368 - Geography of Middle America

• 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.

GEOG 370 - Geography of South America

• 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.

GEOG 371 - Geography of Europe

• 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.

GEOG 372 - Geography of Russia

• 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.

GEOG 373 - Water Resources

• 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).

GEOG 375 - Geography of Asia

• 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

• 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.

GEOG 381 - Urban Geography

GEOG 382 - Environmental Hydrology

• 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.

GEOG 386 - Geomorphology

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.

GEOG 387 - Biogeography

• 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.

GEOG 388 - Weather and Climate

• 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.

GEOG 396 - Individual Study

GEOG 397 - Honors

GEOG 398 - Special Topics

GEOG 399 - Seminar

GEOG 404 - GIS Analysis

• 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.

GEOG 405 - Advanced Topics in Land Use Planning (Put on Reserve 9/1/2020)

GEOG 408 - Advanced Topics in Human Geography (Put on reserve 9/16/18)

GEOG 409 - Quantitative Methods in Geography

• 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.

GEOG 411 - GIS Programming

• 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.

GEOG 417 - Workplace GIS

• 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

GEOG 422 - Geography of Food and Agriculture

• 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.

GEOG 427 - Environmental Archaeology

• 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.

GEOG 430 - Remote Sensing

• 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.

GEOG 432 - Heritage Preservation (Put on reserve 9/16/19)

• 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.

GEOG 440 - Ecology and Culture

• 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).

GEOG 441 - Climate Change: Human and Biophysical Dimensions

• 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.

GEOG 442 - Alternative Energy

• 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

GEOG 444 - Mineral Resources (Put on reserve 9/16/18)

• 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.

GEOG 445 - Environmental Law

• 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.

GEOG 449 - Environmental Hazard Analysis and Management

• 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.

GEOG 450 - Arid Environments

• 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.

GEOG 451 - Mountain Environments

• 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.

GEOG 452 - Coastal Environments

• 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.

GEOG 453 - Riparian and Wetlands Analysis

• 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.

GEOG 454 - Forest Environments

• 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.

GEOG 455 - Pyrogeography

• 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.

GEOG 456 - Recreational Resources: Analysis and Management

• 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.

GEOG 458 - People, Parks, and Protected Areas

• 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.

GEOG 461 - Soils

• 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.

GEOG 479 - Geography of the West

GEOG 482 - Environmental Hydrology

• 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.

GEOG 483 - Snow

• 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.

GEOG 485 - Topics in GIS or Remote Sensing

• 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.

GEOG 486 - Geomorphology

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.

GEOG 487 - Biogeography

• 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.

GEOG 488 - Weather and Climate

• 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.

GEOG 489 - Geography Capstone

• 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.

GEOG 490 - Cooperative Education

GEOG 491 - Workshop

GEOG 492 - Geography Teaching Experience

GEOG 493 - Geography Field Experience

GEOG 494 - Applied GIS Project

GEOG 496 - Individual Study

GEOG 497 - Honors

GEOG 498 - Special Topics

GEOG 499 - Seminar

GEOL 101 - Introduction to Geology

• 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.

GEOL 101LAB - Introductory Geology Laboratory

• 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.

GEOL 103 - Geology of Washington

• 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.

GEOL 107 - Earth’s Changing Surface

• 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.

GEOL 108 - Earth and Energy Resources

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.).

GEOL 188 - Geology and Environmental Geology Field Trips

• 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.

GEOL 200 - Earth’s Evolution and Global Change

• 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.

GEOL 201 - Climate and Water

• 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.

GEOL 202 - Natural Hazards and Tectonics

• 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.

GEOL 203 - Earth History

• 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.

GEOL 210 - Introduction to Geologic Field Methods

• 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.

GEOL 296 - Individual Study

GEOL 298 - Special Topics

GEOL 299 - Seminar

GEOL 302 - Oceans and Atmosphere

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.

GEOL 303 - Water: Science and Society

• 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

GEOL 304 - Geological Sciences Seminar

• 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.

GEOL 305 - Quantitative Reasoning for Geoscientists

• 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.