Courses

Scientific study of the connection between working systems of the Earth, their characteristics, patterns and shaping processes. Topics include rocks and minerals, theory of plate tectonics, and landform created by rivers, glacier, wind and ocean processes. Tools used include topographic maps, aerial photographs and spatial analysis software. Course includes a brief analysis of landform regions of the United States in regional approach. Includes laboratory with required materials fee. Also offered in hybrid format.

Study of the major characteristics, patterns and processes of dynamic change that distinguish the Earth’s weather and climate and its related influence on the biosphere. Topics include: solar and earth radiation, air temperature, air pressure and winds, precipitation, air masses and fronts, circulation patterns, severe weather occurrences, storms and climate. The impact of human technology on weather and climate and biosphere is discussed as a major social and ethical issue. Includes laboratory with required materials fee. Also offered in online format.

A geographic overview of the distinctive characteristics, patterns, problems and trends that distinguish life in the modern, industrial areas of the world where Western cultural influence has been pervasive, e.g., United States, Canada, Europe, Russia, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

A geographic overview of life in the traditional societies of Latin America, Africa and Asia. The distinctive identities of these regions and the current issues that influence their development are examined in light of major concepts and theories in geography, the cultural heritage of each region, and the global political-economic structure of the world.

An introduction to spatial cognition, conceptualization and representation. Students explore physical and cultural landscapes using various mapping and geovisualization techniques and software tools. The geographic perspective is used to examine a broad range of topics including retail location, crime patterns, access to health care and environmental justice. No prerequisites.

This course approaches the diversity of practice and belief of the major world religions from a geographical perspective. Key topics include development of religious hearths, processes in the diffusion of religion, the role of place within and among religious systems, their sub branches and denominations, religious efforts to exert cultural territoriality over secular space, and the meanings and uses of sacred space at various scales. The relationship between religion and place is examined with emphasis on how religions change and adapt to new locales, particularly in the U.S. Contested religious spaces will be analyzed along with the geographical implications of religious fundamentalism.

Examination of urban infrastructure systems, problems and environmental concerns from a spatial perspective. Urban infrastructure systems include water systems, air pollution concerns and land issues as well as population migration trends in the form of urban sprawl. Case studies of resources in northeastern Illinois and field trips. Use of GIS methodology is stressed.

The first portion of the spatial analysis sequence of GEO 309 and GEO 400, this intermediate/advanced GIS course emphasizes real-world applications. Topics include: cartographic communication skills, working with projections, integrating disparate data sources, geometrical operations on discrete and continuous data, techniques for proximity and overlay analysis and basic spatial statistical analysis methods. Students will complete a portfolio of exercises demonstrating broad GIS technical skills.

Prerequisites: GEO 207 or consent of instructor. Fall Term.

A geographic analysis of Europe, excluding the former Soviet Union. The analysis includes the physical and cultural characteristics of Europe. Emphasis is placed on the development of cultural spatial patterns, especially language, religious, political, urban and economic patterns. Fall Term, even-numbered years.

A systematic/regional analysis of the United States and Canada. Major emphasis on the relationship of the physical environment to the economic, political and social characteristics, patterns, problems and trends of the region. Spring Term, even-numbered years.

A systematic/regional study of Latin America that emphasizes the relationship of the physical environment to economic, political and social patterns, problems and trends of the region. Latin America’s increasing role in Western Hemispheric relations is also examined.

Place and sexuality are mutually constituted. Sexuality has a profound effect on the way people live in, and interact with, space and place. In turn, space and place affect people’s sexuality. This statement underlies the focus of this course, which examines the interrelationships, influences and consequences of space and place on the development and experience of sexuality and gender identities in various cultures and at various spatial scales around the world. At a basic level, all social relations including those involving sexuality and gender are spatial. It matters where things are and take place. The uneven distribution of LGBTQ people and identities across space is fundamental to understanding who they are and what being “queer” means. This course examines these themes as well as the political, economic and social landscapes associated with both hetero and non-heteronormative gendered and sexed spaces/places. In addition, the intersectionalities of race, class, ethnicity/nationality and citizenship status as they relate to sex and gender and how they impact the creation and experience of specific gendered and sexed spaces/places will be discussed. Other topics that relate to the relationship between gender, sexuality and space/ place that will be examined include sexual citizenship, queer migration, sexual politics, queer gentrification, so-called “pink” economies and gender and sexual rights.

Directed field and travel study of geographical topics with a cultural theme determined by faculty experience and student interest. Australia and Hawaii are course destinations. Experiential learning course if a Study-Away offering. Offered as needed.

The second portion of the spatial analysis sequence, this advanced GIS course extends the analytic use of geospatial information through basic spatial analysis techniques, including explorative spatial data analysis, global and local analyses of spatial data, spatial regression, point pattern analysis and surface trend analysis. This course exposes students to a variety of spatial analysis applications, including crime mapping, epidemiology and demographics. Students learn the key concepts and principles of spatial data analysis, develop spatial data manipulation and analysis skills, and gain hands-on experiences through the use of Geoda, ArcGIS Spatial Statistics and Geostatistical Analyst tools.

Prerequisites: GEO 207, GEO 309 and MTH 345 or MTH 346; or consent of instructor.

This course is a theoretical and practical inquiry into the geographic principles that influence the size, spacing, internal organization and external relations of cities. Specific attention is given to the spatial structure of cities, their transportation systems, and their political and economic roles and organizations. This course is of specific interest to urban studies and logistics and supply chain management students.

A study of how geographic factors, concepts and theories influence political decisions and government policies at the local, national and international levels. Also, attention is given to how political decisions and policies, in turn, impact people and their environments. This course may be of special interest to political science and international business majors.

An examination of the principles and factors that influence the development and spatial organization of agriculture, mining, manufacturing and retail activities. Location models are emphasized to help explain contemporary economic land use patterns and practices. Of special interest to business and economics majors.

Allows students and faculty to study topics that are not included in the normal course offerings of the department. Topics very from semester to semester based on the interests of faculty and students as well as current trends in the discipline. Depending on the topic, consent of the instructor may be required. Consult appropriate term schedules for specific topic offerings and possible prerequisites.

Prerequisites depend on the course topic. Offered as necessary.

.50 credit

A geography internship designed to allow junior/senior majors the opportunity for work experience with private or governmental planning agencies. Required of GIS majors. Pass/No Pass only.

Prerequisites: Major in geography or GIS and consent of department chair. Upon request.

.50 credit

A course required of all majors in the Department of Geography and GIS. In a seminar setting, students will learn to undertake research and use various means to compile information and data required to undertake a formal research project. The student will develop a research project from the initial stages incorporating methods of geographic research and knowledge gained as a geography or GIS major. To be taken in the first term of the senior year.

Prerequisites: Major in geography or GIS and consent of department chair; senior standing.

Required of all majors in the Department of Geography and GIS. Senior capstone project based on research proposal developed in GEO 470. Students are expected to work closely with a department advisor. Final project will be delivered in a format suitable for presentation at a professional conference or publication in an academic journal. To be taken in the final term of the senior year.

Prerequisites: Major in geography or GIS and consent of department chair; senior standing; GEO 470. Concurrent enrollment in ENG 303 is strongly recommended.

.50 or 1.00 credit

An opportunity to pursue additional research in topics of interest raised in any other geography course. The form of this offering is determined by nature of topic, student and instructor. The student may receive transcript credit for this course more than once, with a maximum of two courses.

Prerequisite: Consent of the department chair. Upon request.

.50 credit

This course gives Honors Program students the opportunity to design and implement a significant research project in the field of geography and GIS, culminating in an appropriate public dissemination of research methods and findings. This course must be taken concurrently with another 300- or 400-level course in the major or minor, facilitating faculty supervision and guidance. Repeatable for credit. Permission of the faculty supervisor and the director of the Honors Program required prior to registration. Fall Term, January Term, Spring Term, Summer Term.