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Undergraduate Courses

ENST 94101: Planet in Peril: Environmental Science in the 21st Century

In this multidisciplinary course students will examine basic scientific principles underlying environmental problems such as climate change, sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution among many others. Reasons for these problems, as well as possible solutions will be explored. Environmental concerns in New Jersey and the mid-Atlantic region will be highlighted but national and global examples will also feature prominently. In addition, students in this course will learn some of the basic skills necessary for scientific inquiry, including the scientific method, critical thinking, and evaluating data to draw valid scientific conclusions

ENST 94102: Human Nature: Intro to Environmental & Sustainability Studies

This course examines relationships between human society and the natural environments that sustain our lives. Embracing an interdisciplinary perspective, this course offers students a foundation in the exciting field of environmental and sustainability studies.

ENST 94201: Sustainability Assessment

Prerequisite(s): STAT 02260 and ENST 94101 and ENST 94102

“Sustainability” is a popular term these days. But, where does it come from, and how do we know if we have achieved it? In this course, we examine the origins and historical development of the sustainability concept. We also introduce approaches for setting sustainability goals, measuring progress towards sustainability outcomes, and managing so-called “sustainability transitions”. This course may not be offered annually.

ENST 94202: Environmental Science Research Methods & Data Analysis

Prerequisite(s): ENST 94101 and STAT 02260

In this course students will build upon basic statistical concepts introduced in Statistics I with applications to the environmental disciplines. Emphasis is placed on developing valid sampling approaches, hypothesis testing, experimental design, and analysis of environmental data. A variety of parametric and non-parametric statistical approaches will be covered. Methods used to collect environmental data from the field will be introduced. Computer software will be used regularly to manipulate and analyze data and present results

ENST 94301: Environmental Ethics

This is a multidisciplinary course that addresses ethical issues and concerns regarding the environment; the relationships between individual, society and the natural environment; the importance of common attitudes and prevailing world-views for understanding and responding to environmental challenges; and the need to for changes in those attitudes and world-views. Students will be encouraged to think about the profound ethical, political, economic, religious, scientific, and technological implications of these environmental challenges.

ENST 94302: Technology and the Environment

Prerequisite: ENST 94102

This course examines the relationships between technology and both natural and human environments. We will consider multiple spatial and temporal scales ranging from huge infrastructure projects like dams and the sweeping environmental impacts they introduce to the frontiers of genetic modification, working on individual cells. The format of the course emphasizes discussion, active learning, multimedia analysis, critical & analytical writing, and conducting a research investigation into a topic of your choice related to the class. Students will develop fluency in the critical assessment of technologies, the policies and practices creating them, and the impacts they make on the human environment relationship.

ENST 943023: Environmental Advocacy

Prerequisite: ENST 94102 or permission of the instructor

In this course, we explore different ways of “doing something about the environment,” including analysis of environmental movements in the US and abroad; understanding the functions of government agencies that have an environmental mission; and considering the relationship between civil litigation and environmental policy and management. In this course, we consider these issues as a means to understand the development and operation of environmental interest groups ranging from non-profits to professional lobbying firms, with the intent of building foundational skills needed to be successful in a career focused on environmental advocacy.This course may not be offered annually.

ENST 94400: Environmental Impact Assessment

Prerequisites: Must have completed any 4-credit lab course as well as two other courses housed within the Department of Geography, Planning, & Sustainability

This is a three-credit, senior-level course designed to introduce students to a systematic process for predicting and evaluating the significant environmental consequences of a proposed action or undertaking. The range of environmental impact assessments and techniques including infrastructure projects, such as power plants, highways, pipelines, dams, mines, airports, incinerators and landfills will be explored. Assessment processes have also been used to consider the implications of new technologies, plans, and policies that may result in significant social, economic and biophysical effects. Finally, the course focuses on how assessment processes and techniques are designed or should be designed to be effective, efficient and fair.

ENST 94401: Senior Seminar In Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Prerequisite: ENST 94121

Students participate in planning a research project, collecting data, and preparing a report suitable for publication. Research topics are selected according to student interests.

ENST 94402: Seminar In Environmental Studies II

Students participate in planning a research project, collecting data, and preparing a report suitable for publication. Research topics are selected according to student interests.

ENST 94403: Independent Study - Environmental Studies 1 to 6 s.h.

GEOG 16100: Earth, People, And The Environment

This course provides a broad survey of the geographic approach to knowledge about the world and the field of geography. The course introduces the natural order of the physical environment, human modification of environments, organization of society, and regional studies. The course places particular emphasis on contemporary environmental problems and the role of geography in helping to understand and address local, regional, and global issues.

GEOG 16110: Cultural Geography

This course focuses upon the varied and changing cultural environments of the world. Through a synthesis of data from many disciplines (i.e., anthropology, ecology, earth sciences, history, etc.), major cultural differences and areal patterns are identified and analyzed.

GEOG 16130: Earth Sciences Laboratory I

Intended to develop an understanding of the physical factors of the Earth as human habitat and human adjustments to them, this course emphasizes the analysis of world distributional patterns of landforms, climate, vegetation, soils, and water features, and causes of relationships of these patterns. The integrated laboratory components provide student participation and experiences in observing, measuring, gathering data, analyzing underlying principles in such sub-fields as geomorphology, climatology, pedology, remote sensing, hydrology, geology, and mapping sciences. Students will be exposed to field techniques during one mandatory Saturday field trip. This course fulfills the General Education laboratory science requirement.

GEOG 16131: Principles Of Earth Science

This course examines the basic concepts of astronomy, meteorology, geology and the principles derived from these concepts.

GEOG 16133: Meteorology

This course studies the basic principles of meteorology, acquainting students with the physical principles underlying weather phenomena. Students use weather instrumentation in weather observations and analyze weather maps and observe and record daily weather changes.

GEOG 16140: World Regional Geography

A survey of the entire world that uses the regional approach to geographical analysis, this course provides students with a basic foundation of geographic knowledge and concepts applicable to the contemporary world. It stresses resource distribution, environmental characteristics, population problems, food and water supplies, cultural variations and developmental strategies.

GEOG 16160: Intro To Mapping And Geographic Information Sciences

This course provides the student with the conceptual tools required for intelligent and critical use interpretation and analysis of maps. In addition, the course furnishes the student with an introduction to and overview of the mapping sciences. Students learn the concepts, methods, and techniques common to the several branches of the mapping sciences and are introduced to cartography, satellite remote sensing, computer-assisted cartography, and geographical information systems. Because of its increasing importance, special emphasis is placed on geographical information systems.

GEOG 16240: US & Canada

A regional study of the United States and Canada in terms of the areal distribution of physical features, population patterns and economic activities, this course stresses an analysis of the forces stimulating change within the regional patterns.

GEOG 16241: Geography Of New Jersey

A systematic and regional approach to the geography of this, the most densely populated state, this course analyzes the physical environment and cultural milieu in terms of their complex interactions. The course highlights problems of resource utilization and environmental concerns.

GEOG 16250: Selected Topics In Geography And Environment

This course is designed to introduce students to emerging topics in the Geography and Environmental Studies. The content will vary based on the topic chosen by the instructor. However, a given topic will not be repeated sooner than 3 years. Consent of the instructor is necessary, and prerequisites are determined by the nature of the topic.

GEOG 16260: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Prerequisites: GEOG 16160

Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems introduces students to the concepts and applications associated with creating, maintaining, analyzing, displaying, and interpreting geospatial data. Through the completion of activities and assignments, students gain experience with the fundamental tools for geospatial analysis, coupled with the knowledge of how best to apply them to real-world issues in the natural and human landscapes.

GEOG 16261: Cartography

Prerequisite: GEOG 16160

This course studies the elements of cartography with emphasis on the map as a basic form of communication. It explores contemporary design concepts and various graphic techniques. Students create cartographic compositions using the latest in geographical information system and cartographic software using the facilities of the department's computer teaching laboratory.

GEOG 16290: History & Methods of Modern Geography

Prerequiste:Any two of the following courses:GEOG 16100,GEOG 16110,GEOG 16130,GEOG 16140,GEOG 16160

This course provides the theoretical foundation to the field of geography. It explores the different bodies of thought and methodological practices which have shaped the character of geography from the late 19th century to the present. This exploration will cross the traditional sub-disciplinary divisions of human geography, physical geography and GIScience, examining the ways in which all three have been woven together and pulled apart by broad intellectual trends in the discipline. When the course is finished, students should be able to place their own research into disciplinary context, and gain a useful perspective on the similarities and differences between contemporary geographic subfields, and their methods, as contingent, historical products.

GEOG 16301: Natural Resources, Capitalism, and Society

Prerequisite(s): GEOG 16290 or ENST 94102 or ECON 04101 or ECON 04102 or POSC 07200

This course is a survey of world patterns of economic development, including the distribution patterns of population, natural and agricultural resources, and manufacturing and service endeavors. Emphasis is placed on spatial variations in types of economic organization and patterns of land and resource utilization. This course may not be offered annually.

GEOG 16302: Urban Geography

A study of the geographic principles related to the distribution, growth, function, structure and regional setting of urban centers, this course emphasizes spatial aspects of contemporary urban problems in the U.S.

GEOG 16303: Political Geography

Studying political units as spatial phenomena, this course focuses upon the wide range of geographic factors affecting past and present variations of world political organizations and the interrelationships of regional political units. It analyzes "Geopolitik," "The Heartland Theory," and other political-geographic concepts, as well as selected problem areas. This course may not be offered annually.

GEOG 16304: Population Geography

This course provides a spatial analysis of population parameters as they exist in the contemporary world, examining demographic, cultural and economic variables and how they affect certain population groups. This course may not be offered annually.

GEOG 16307: Geography Of Transportation

GEOG 16308: Sensing the Sustainable City

This course explores the role of sensory experience in environmental design, planning, and practice. Beginning with the assertion that sustainable cities must be designed for people (not cars), this course carefully examines the human dimension in the making of healthy, happy, and just human habitats. Timely topics in sustainable urbanism will be examined through the senses, including, for example, biophilia, walkability, happy cities, green aesthetics, and universal design.

GEOG 16312: Cultural Landscapes

GEOG 16331: Geography of the National Parks

This travelling geology course introduces students to the geology, and along the way geography, of the western United States using national parks and national monuments as field laboratories. Students will learn the basics of western geology while visiting some of the most spectacular natural regions in the world including Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Crater Lake and Yosemite National Parks.

GEOG 16332: Geomorphology

Prerequisite: GEOG 16330 OR GEOL 14100

A study of the evolution of land forms, this course examines the processes and physical factors which determine the development of the various types of landscape throughout the world by using case studies.

GEOG 16334: The Geography of Natural Disasters

There are thousands of examples in which the forces of nature have suddenly claimed human lives and destroyed manmade constructions on a large scale. This course will introduce the nature, causes, risks, effects, and prediction of natural disasters including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, subsidence, global climate change, severe weather, coastal erosion, floods, mass extinctions, and meteorite impacts. It will cover geologic principles and case histories of natural disasters and human responses (societal impact, mitigation strategies, and public policy).

GEOG 16335: Field Studies In Geography

This course provides students with field research skills necessary to geographic research. It emphasizes techniques of field observation and recording, using a combination of lecture-discussion and field practice. This course may not be offered annually.

GEOG 16338: Climatology

A study designed to develop an understanding of the elements and controls associated with various climatic phenomena, this course examines the consequences of climatic variations and interrelationships with other physical and cultural environmental features. It focuses on the physical and applied aspects of climatology. This course may not be offered annually.

GEOG 16342: Geography Of Europe 3 s.h.

An intensive study of the physical and cultural characteristics of the European continent and the individual countries of which it is comprised, this course examines such topics as regional integration, international problems, changing patterns of economic development, political stability and shifting population patterns. This course may not be offered annually.

GEOG 16343: Geography Of Asia 3 s.h.

This course examines the major environmental features of Asia, stressing problems of population pressure and land utilization. The course studies individual culture realms and selected countries intensively. This course may not be offered annually.

GEOG 16344: Geography Of Latin America

This course studies the physical and cultural bases of Latin America's geographic patterns, giving special emphasis to problems of resource development, population trends, and economic activity. This course may not be offered annually.

GEOG 16345: Geography Of Africa 3 s.h.

An analysis of the diverse environmental factors, cultural groupings and national states comprising the African continent, this course emphasizes the problems of resource development and political stability of the newly emerging nations. This course may not be offered annually.

GEOG 16346: Geography of Russia and Its Neighbors

This course studies in depth the geography of the former Soviet Union by focusing on regional variations in population distribution, cultural and ethnic inputs and physical environmental constraints. It emphasizes the respective roles of past centralized planning under Communist doctrine, practical experiences and resource distribution as they influenced economic development and, in effect, changed the geography of the area to a major degree in the 20th century. It further examines the consequences of the break-up of the U.S.S.R. on the 15 separate countries. This course may not be offered annually.

GEOG 16347: Geography Of The Middle East

This course is a survey of the physical environmental factors as they affect the patterns of settlement, land utilization and economic development of the regions and individual countries that comprise the Middle East. This course emphasizes the geographic bases for the current Arab-Israeli dispute. This course may not be offered annually.

GEOG 16350: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods

This course introduces quantitative and qualitative techniques designed especially for analysis of spatial patterns and distributions. Students will learn a variety of inferential statistical methods, including basic elements of sampling, analysis of variance, and probability. Students will also learn how to combine knowledge learned from these methods with qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, and observation.

GEOG 16355: Foundation In Geographic Knowledge

This course will develop a deep and fluent understanding of geography and its evolution in America's intellectual and educational landscape. It will focus on the themes and essential elements in geography education with the goal of facilitating students' understanding of geography's evolutionary history and the relationships between geographic phenomena and other programs and disciplines. Students will learn how to include geographic thinking to solve real-world problems. The course may not be offered every semester.

GEOG 16360: Applications of Geographic Information Systems

Prerequisite(s): GEOG 16260

Applications of Geographic Information Systems builds upon the foundational concepts introduced in pre-requisite courses to examine the concepts and techniques of advanced geospatial analysis. Building upon series of techniques, coupled with real-world applications, students employ geospatial data and methods to complile, analyze, visualize, and interpret results, as well as examine critical issues related to data management and maintenance. The course is intended to prepare the student for both the professional GIS workforce and advanced research with GIS.

GEOG 16361: Geovisualization

Prerequisite: GEOG 16160

This course explores geovisualization and related GIS and cartographic techniques. Geovisualization communicates geospatial information in ways that allow for data exploration and decision-making processes. Techniques covered include temporal modeling of processes over time and 3D fly-thru of virtual terrain. The techniques are applied to real-world problem solving in fields such as environmental modeling, planning, archeology, crime mapping and natural resource management.

GEOG 16365: Geospatial Measurement and Environmental Modeling

Prerequisite: GEOG 16160

This course introduces advanced techniques in the GIS data manipulation, geostatistics and geospatial modeling. The fundamental theories behind the analytical and modeling techniques are covered in detail. The theoretical knowledge will be enforced by a series of intensive computer exercises using real data sets. It covers descriptive and predictive GIS modeling techniques, including logit modeling (logistic regression), spatial statistics, geo-statistics, environmental diversity indices, Boolean logic, and map algebra.

GEOG 16370: Drones, Planes, and Satellites

Prerequisite: GEOG 16160

This course introduces students to techniques of spatial analysis using satellite imagery and aerial photography. It intersperses practical exercises in photo interpretation and digital image processing with demonstrations that include a wide range of photographic and non-photographic source material, including infra-red thermal and micro-wave images, digital orthographic photos as well as LANDSAT and other satellite platforms.

GEOG 16371: Remote Sensing II

This course emphasizes the integration of remotely sensed data into geographic information systems (GIS). It includes applications of advanced remote sensing techniques and data processing for use in regional planning and land resource management. This course may not be offered annually.

GEOG 16375: Remote Sensing Of The Environment

Prerequisite: GEOG 16260

This course emphasizes the integration of remotely sensed data into geographic information systems (GIS). It includes applications of advanced remote sensing techniques and data processing for use in environmental planning and land resource management. This course may not be offered annually.

GEOG 16390: Geography Research Clinic/Studio

This course presents a project-based experience for students working with a faculty mentor. Modeled on the engineering clinic and a traditional planning studio, students apply knowledge gain through their previous coursework to solve a particular research, policy or planning problem. Projects will be solicited from local agencies and businesses and students will work as individuals or within teams to provide viable solutions.

GEOG 16391: Directed Geographic Field Experiences

This course offers an introduction to geographic field research methods, class field trips to places chosen by instructor and students. Students will complete a field research project taken on a topic chosen in consultation with the instructor. This course may not be offered annually.

GEOG 16460: Intro Geo Info Sys

GEOG 16462: Web-Based Gis Mapping

Prerequisite: GEOG 16260 OR GEOG 06360

This course introduces web-based mapping technologies and applications. Students will gain the skills of creating their own map services which can then be used to create custom web-based maps. The course will focus on both open-source and commercial software packages to produce mapping and data services. Students will also explore the client-side offerings to produce mapping applications. The course culminates in a final web mapping project.

GEOG 16490: Undergraduate Research Seminar In Geography-Wi(Senior Seminar)

Prerequisites: COMP 01112 and GEOG 16290

Students participate in planning a research project, collecting data and preparing a report suitable for publication including cartographic materials. Research subjects are selected according to student interest. This course is regularly offered and may be available as a hybrid or online format.

GEOG 16491: Independent Study in Geography 1 to 4 s.h.

Students have an opportunity to pursue individual specialized topics under the guidance of a staff member. This course may not be used as a substitute for a course offered by the department.

GEOG 16553: Workshop In Geography

This course is designed for in-service teachers who wish to further develop their competencies in new teaching techniques and technologies in geography, including computer-assisted instruction and computer cartography. Contemporary geographic topics will be explored within a regional context of each major world region. Students will actively participate in applying new concepts, current data, and innovative techniques in geography by designing and presenting sample lessons at their grade level. (Summer only)

GEOG 16565: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Topics And Applications

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Topics and Applications provides an extended exploration into Geospatial science and analysis at the graduate level. Students develop advanced GIS skills through a project-based approach culminating in a final project and presentation. The course deepens the understanding of raster and vector data structures as well as the ability to work with computational algorithms used in GIS analysis. Students learn through lectures, demonstrations, computer laboratory sessions and a project paper and presentation.

GEOG 16591: Independent Study in Geography 3 s.h.

This course provides individual enrollment semester hours in directed study and/or research under the supervision of a faculty member. Topics will vary.

PLAN 31280: Foundations of Planning & Environmental Design

This course provides students with a conceptual foundation to the field of planning. Topics include the history and development of planning, the politics of planning, planning analysis and implementation, urban design, environmental planning and planning implementation process and management. Particular emphasis is placed on the current trends in the field including ecological based planning, redevelopment and sustainable communities.

PLAN 31380: City Planning I

Prerequisite: PLAN 31280

This course presents an overview of the field of planning as practiced in today's American Society. Topics include the history and development of planning, the politics of planning, planning analysis and implementation, urban design, and environmental planning. Particular emphasis is placed on the changing trends of planning including green building and sustainable communities.

PLAN 31382: Foundations of Planning & Environmental Design

PLAN 31383: Metropolitan/Regional Planning

Prerequisite: PLAN 31280

This course studies the philosophy, history, techniques, and problems of metropolitan and regional planning. Although it focuses on large scale-planning in the United States, the course makes some comparative analysis of planning in other countries. It emphasizes geographic techniques in regional analysis, as well as the roles of federal, state, and local agencies in planning. Students learn and use simulation and gaming techniques in the preparation of regional plans. This course may not be offered annually.

PLAN 31384: Water Resources Planning

Prerequisite: PLAN 31280

This course explores water management planning and the public decision making process in metropolitan areas. Topics covered include analysis of systems, resources and issues affecting water supply and treatment.

PLAN 31385: New Jersey Applied Planning Practice

Prerequisite: PLAN 31280

This course will cover planning in New Jersey, its legal basis and how it is practiced. It will cover the specifics of the local planning boards, zoning board of appeals, master planning, planning procedures and processes. Topics such as affordable housing, regional planning coordination, smart growth, and physical design will be addressed.

PLAN 31386: Land Use And Conservation

Prerequisite: PLAN 31280

This course examines people's changing perceptions of the economic use potential of land focusing on how land is a combination of physical, economic, political and cultural interactions. The course explores the basics of land use law, property rights, land use conflicts and the various avenues for land conservation and open space preservation.

PLAN 31387: Food Systems Planning

This course explores the food supply chains within the US that brings food from the field to the table and describes the ways that planners are utilizing traditional planning tools to build more sustainable and resilient regionally based food systems. Students will compare both conventional and alternatives supply chains identifying the benefits and limitations of both, as well as examine the policy and programmatic initiatives taken by planners to maximize these benefits and minimize these limitations. Additional topics include land conservation, food access, urban agriculture and economic development.

PLAN 31389: Environmental / Sustainable Planning

Prerequisite: PLAN 31280

Environmental/Sustainable Planning addresses the advances and trends that are occuring related to environmental and sustainability issues within the field of planning from a local to global perspective. The course will explore some of the national trends of environmental and sustainable planning focusing on programs such as the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) programs for fostering green building and smart growth development. The course will also cover some specific New Jersey environmental planning issues such as the Pinelands, open space preservation and smart growth initiatives.

PLAN 31486: Community Planning & Site Design

Prerequisite: PLAN 31280

This course focuses on the design, arrangement, appearance, and functionality of building sites, neighborhoods, towns and cities, as well as the shaping and uses of safe public spaces. It explores sustainable design principles, techniques, and practices related to physical or spatial planning and urban design. Students explore design elements at both macro and micro scales that make up public and private realms of the built environment and learn to incorporate those elements in workable urban design projects and community plans.

PLAN 31495: Planning Studio-WI

Prerequisites: GEOG 16.160 AND PLAN 31.280 AND PLAN 31.385 AND PLAN 31.486

Undergraduate planning students produce a "plan" in this studio course. Under direct supervision of planning faculty, students undertake a planning project in collaboration with a local, regional, national, or international client. Working in small groups, students apply their relevant knowledge and skills gained from previous coursework. As appropriate, students engage community stakeholders and assess their interests. The final product of this studio course is a professional-level plan or a policy report.

Graduate Courses

ENST 94501: Sustainable Commerce 3 s.h.

Students will examine the historical and philosophical origins of sustainability and competing/related concepts like sustainable development, resilience, ecological modernization, de-growth, the pollution-as-externality concept, and environmental justice. These critiques of market capitalism are examined as an entry point for understanding not only environmental problems themselves, but also the positive contributions to sustainability that business and commerce can make, if properly structured. The impacts of "green" industries, products, and business practices are also examined. This course may be offered online.

ENST 94502: Sustainability Assessment 3 s.h.

Students will learn different approaches for setting sustainability goals, measuring progress towards sustainability outcomes, and managing so-called "sustainability transitions." Students will learn about the increasingly important role of sustainability officers in different firms, and gain exposure to concepts and practices in sustainability reporting for both shareholder, regulatory, and scientific purposes. This course may be offered online.

ENST 94503: Perspectives on Environmental Regulation, Policy, and Law 3 s.h.

Students will engage in an intensive overview of state, federal, and international environmental policies, regulatory structures, and laws. Students will learn the history of environmental law and policy in the US and around the world, as well as the environmental regulatory toolkit and how it relates to commercial activity. Topics will include command-and-control regulation, market-based incentives, consumer education, and 'nudges' towards behavioral change. This course may be offered online.

ENST 94504: Topics in Sustainability Innovation and Problem Solving 3 s.h.

Students in this seminar/practicum type class will study the implementation of sustainability transitions, in the context of current events and emerging ideas related to sustainability studies. Students will identify industries and/or societal challenges that could benefit from sustainability thinking and develop plans for implementing a new product, system, or structure. This course may be offered online.

GEOG 06501: Independent Study Geography 3 s.h.

This course provides individual enrollment semester hours in directed study and/or research under the supervision of a faculty member. Topics will vary.

GEOG 06553: Workshop In Geography 1 to 3 s.h.

GEOG 16100: Earth, People, And The Environment 3 s.h.

GEOG 16110: Cultural Geography 3 s.h.

GEOG 16140: World Regional Geography 3 s.h.

GEOG 16160: Intro To Mapping And Geographic Information Sciences 3 s.h.

This course provides the student with the conceptual tools required for intelligent and critical use, interpretation and analysis of maps. In addition, the course furnishes the student with an introduction to and overview of the mapping sciences. Students learn the concepts, methods, and techniques common to the several branches of the mapping sciences and are introduced to cartography, satellite remote sensing, computer-assisted cartography, and geographical information systems. Because of its increasing importance, special emphasis is placed on geographical information systems.

GEOG 16260: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 4 s.h.

Prerequisites: GEOG 16160

GEOG 16261: Cartography 3 s.h.

Prerequisite: GEOG 16160

GEOG 16290: History & Methods of Modern Geography 3 s.h.

Prerequiste:Any two of the following courses:GEOG 16100,GEOG 16110,GEOG 16130,GEOG 16140,GEOG 16160

GEOG 16307: Geography Of Transportation 3 s.h.

GEOG 16334: The Geography of Natural Disasters 3 s.h.

GEOG 16350: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods 3 s.h.

GEOG 16360: Applications of Geographic Information Systems 3 s.h.

Prerequisite(s): GEOG 16260

Applications of Geographic Information Systems builds upon the foundational concepts introduced in pre-requisite courses to examine the concepts and techniques of advanced geospatial analysis. Building upon a series of techniques, coupled with real-world applications, students employ geospatial data and methods to complile, analyze, visualize, and interpret results, as well as examine critical issues related to data management and maintenance. The course is intended to prepare the student for both the professional GIS workforce and advanced research with GIS.

GEOG 16361: Geovisualization 3 s.h.

Prerequisite: GEOG 16160

GEOG 16370: Drones, Planes, and Satellites 3 s.h.

Prerequisite: GEOG 16160

GEOG 16371: Remote Sensing II 3 s.h.

GEOG 16375: Remote Sensing Of The Environment 3 s.h.

Prerequisite: GEOG 16260

This course emphasizes the integration of remotely sensed data into geographic information systems (GIS). It includes applications of advanced remote sensing techniques and data processing for use in environmental planning and land resource management. This course may not be offered annually.

GEOG 16390: Geography Research Clinic/Studio 1 to 6 s.h.

This course presents a project-based experience for students working with a faculty mentor. Modeled on the engineering clinic and a traditional planning studio, students apply knowledge gained through their previous coursework to solve a particular research, policy or planning problem. Projects will be solicited from local agencies and businesses and students will work as individuals or within teams to provide viable solutions.

GEOG 16391: Directed Geographic Field Experiences 3 s.h.

GEOG 16460: Intro Geo Info Sys 3 s.h.

GEOG 16462: Web-Based GIS Mapping 3 s.h.

GEOG 16553: Workshop In Geography 1 to 3 s.h.

GEOG 16565: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Topics And Applications 3 s.h.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Topics and Applications provides an extended exploration into geospatial science and analysis at the graduate level. Students develop advanced GIS skills through a project-based approach culminating in a final project and presentation. The course deepens the understanding of raster and vector data structures as well as the ability to work with computational algorithms used in GIS analysis. Students learn through lectures, demonstrations, computer laboratory sessions and a project paper and presentation.

GEOG 16591: Independent Study in Geography 3 s.h.

This course provides individual enrollment semester hours in directed study and/or research under the supervision of a faculty member. Topics will vary.

GEOG 16661: Geovisualization 3 s.h.

Prerequisite: GEOG 31660

This course explores geographic visualization (Geovisualization) and related cartographic and graphic design techniques. The course content is primarily focused on GIS-based spatial planning, design, analysis, and 2D/3D visualization techniques. Students are exposed to the basic knowledge of using GIS and Geovisualization in site analysis, site design, public participatory GIS (PPGIS), and design charrettes. The concepts of qualitative Geovisualization and other emerging tools and techniques are also introduced.

GEOG 31660: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems 4 s.h.

This course introduces students to the concepts and applications associated with creating, maintaining, analyzing, displaying, and interpreting geospatial data. Through the completion of activities and assignments, students gain experience with the fundamental tools for geospatial analysis, coupled with the knowledge of how best to apply them to real-world issues in the natural and human landscapes. This course is suitable for planners, geographers, and relevant professionals.

PLAN 31280: Foundations of Planning & Environmental Design 3 s.h.

PLAN 31383: Metropolitan/Regional Planning 3 s.h.

Prerequisite: PLAN 31280

PLAN 31386: Land Use And Conservation 3 s.h.

Prerequisite: PLAN 31280

PLAN 31580: Introduction to Planning: Past, Present, and Future 3 s.h.

This course focuses on the comprehension, representation, and use of ideas and information in the planning field, including appropriate perspectives from history, social science, and the design professions. Course content offers the primary reasons planning is undertaken by communities, cities, regions, and nations, and the impact planning is expected to have. Specific topics include history of human settlements, planning history, planning theory, global dimensions of planning, and planning processes to influence the future.

PLAN 31587: Graduate Seminar in Food Systems Planning 3 s.h.

This graduate level course explores the food supply chains within the US that brings food from the field to the table and describes the ways that planners are utilizing traditional planning tools to build more sustainable and resilient regionally based food systems. Students will compare both conventional and alternative supply chains identifying the benefits and limitations of both, as well as examine the policy and programmatic initiatives taken by planners to maximize these benefits and minimize these limitations. Additional topics include land conservation, food access, urban agriculture and economic development.

PLAN 31589: Environment and Sustainability Planning 3 s.h.

Prerequisite: PLAN 31580

This course offers a broad understanding of sustainability and environmental factors in planning from a local to global perspective. It explores environmental, economic, and social/political factors that contribute to sustainable communities, and investigates the role of planning processes in the creation of sustainable futures. The course examines planning’s implications on individual and community health within the built environment. Course materials also discuss key issues in equity, diversity, and social justice that emphasize the planner's role in expanding choice and opportunity for all.

PLAN 31590: Research Methods in Planning 3 s.h.

This course introduces quantitative and qualitative methods and modeling tools, and their applications to planning research and planning practice, including forecasting, policy analysis, and design of projects and plans. Students learn how to pose clear and researchable questions relevant to urban and regional planning, collect and process data, analyze data using quantitative or qualitative research tools, and present results using clear, accurate, and compelling text, graphics, and maps to a variety of audiences, including other planners, citizens, and public or elected officials. They also learn tools for assembling and analyzing ideas and information from prior practice and scholarship.

PLAN 31593: Planning Communication 3 s.h.

The aim of this course is to prepare students for planning and relevant professions by ensuring that they are aware of and trained in proper professional communications standards. Students recognize the need for appropriate outreach strategies for communicating with the public and gain knowledge to develop and utilize tools for effective in-person or virtual stakeholder engagement. In addition to basic written, oral, and graphical communication skills, this course introduces skills related to leadership, team building, facilitation, mediation, community motivation development, and strategic decision making.

PLAN 31685: Planning Practice, Law, and Ethics 3 s.h.

Prerequisite: PLAN 31580

This three-module course prepares students for the professional planning field by introducing topics related to planning practice, planning law, and planning ethics. The first module is focused on the roles of officials, stakeholders, and community members in planned change. It also introduces economic, infrastructure, social, and cultural factors to urban and regional growth and change. The second module provides legal and institutional contexts within which planning occurs. The final module presents key issues of planning ethics and related questions of the ethics of public decision-making, research, and client representation.

PLAN 31686: Community Planning and Site Design 3 s.h.

Prerequisite(s): PLAN 31580 and PLAN 31589

PLAN 31695: Planning Studio 6 s.h.

Prerequisite(s): PLAN 31580 and PLAN 31590 and PLAN 31593 and GEOG 31660 and PLAN 31589 and PLAN 31685 and PLAN 31686

Graduate planning students produce their capstone projects in this studio. Under direct supervision of planning faculty, students undertake a planning project in cooperation with a local, regional, national, or international client. Students apply their relevant knowledge and skills gained from all required as well as elective courses in this project. They work in small groups focusing on different aspects of planning. Whenever appropriate, students get engaged with community stakeholders and assess their interests. The final product of this studio is a professional-level plan or a policy report.