[geogu-l] Spring '10 geog course descriptions

[Richard Roth]

Here is the first version of descriptions for Geography's Spring, 2010
courses. I will update this as necessary on our website:

 

http://depts.washington.edu/geog/undergrad_courses.html

 

Always check the Time Schedule for current info. Hard copies of these
descriptions are available in the racks in the main hallway outside Smith
415.

 

Spring registration begins Feb. 19. Graduating seniors wanting registration
priority should see me or Tish  (in Smith 415 A & B) to complete a
graduation application no later than Feb. 16.

 

Thanks

 

-Rick Roth

Geog Advising

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************

 


Geography, Spring, 2010  course descriptions


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GEOG 205          (5 credits)

Physical Environment
Craig ZumBrunnen
MWF lecture,  11:30-12:20, quiz sec Th

We live on an extraordinary planet. The activities and conveniences of
modern civilization often dull our sensitivity to the miraculous workings of
our planet. The majority of us spend most of our time indoors, living in
cities, and because of this our dependence on natural processes is not very
obvious.  This reduced sensitivity to nature in our everyday lives is a
downside of civilization.  On the positive side, over the past couple of
decades the application of scientific methods has yielded an explosion of
knowledge about the earth.  Accordingly, the objective of this course is to
provide you with a broad introduction to a spectrum of dynamic knowledge
about the Earth and the impact of humans upon it, such as global warming. We
believe that the better you understand the Earth, the more you will be
sensitive to it, the more you will appreciate it, and the more you will
wonder about it. Renewed appreciation, and particularly a rekindled sense of
wonder, can help motivate all of us to live more carefully within the limits
of our remarkable planetary home.

 I hope to be able to achieve our objective by making use of selected
aspects and processes of the physical environment and selected examples of
human-environmental interaction.  Emphasis will be placed upon the processes
that account for the spatial patterns and geomorphic forms of the various
elements that constitute the earth's physical environment.  In this respect,
the first half of the course will focus upon geomorphic materials, agents,
processes, landforms and their geographical distribution; while the second
half will focus upon atmospheric phenomena, climatic elements, processes and
their geographical patterns.  At appropriate times practical lab skill
exercises will be used both to reinforce the lecture material and to present
new and/or additional material.  Topographic map reading and interpretation
will also be introduced at appropriate times in the class.

Keywords: systems, tectonics, lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere






GEOG 208   (5)

Geography of The World Economy

Mark Ellis

MWF  9:30-10:20, Quiz sections Th

Examines the relationship between the globalization of economic activity and
regional development. Topics include international trade, colonialism,
industrial capitalism, advanced  capitalism, and the globalization of labor
markets. Keywords:  economy, development, globalization, trade, colonialism,
history.

 

GEOG 270

Geographies of International Development and Environmental Change

Kacy McKinney

MTWF 1:30-2:20, Qz sec. on Th

Examines theories and practices of international development,  with
particular reference to recent work in development geography and to the
environment as an issue of global concern.  Students reflect on the
connections between development issues - such as climate change, poverty,
food production, education, and health - and their own lives. Emphasis will
be on cases drawn from Brazil, India, Haiti, South Africa and the US.
Keywords: development, sustainability, climate change, poverty, agriculture,
Brazil, India 

 

GEOG 271      (5)

Geography of Food & Eating

Lucy Jarosz

MTWTh 1:30-2:20 quiz  sec. TH & F
Food is something none of us can live without.  It is essential for life,
and it also shapes our environment and our relationships to other people and
places.  Where is our food grown and how?  Where and what do we eat?  How
does food identify people and places?   These questions are fundamentally
geographic.  Exploring how food is grown and consumed leads to a deeper
understanding of societies and environments and their complex relationships.
This course examines food production, distribution, and consumption issues
across geographic scales, spanning the microcosm of the individual body to
the national and global scales.  We explore the political, social, cultural
and economic dimensions of food and eating in particular spaces, places,
environments, contexts and regions in order to introduce key concepts and
modes of analysis in human geography.

Keywords:  food, agriculture, sustainability, globalization

GEOG 315    (5)

Explanation and Understanding in Geography

Michael Brown

MWF 9:30-10:20 am, Quiz T Th

The objectives of this course are fourfold: 

1.) to design your own geographic research effectively, 

2.) to evaluate critically the research designs of others, 

3.) to develop your appreciation of how knowledge is acquired, and 

4.) to prepare you for your future courses in geographic data analysis (425
and 426 for example). 


By the end of this course, you will come to appreciate the diversity of
methods in geography, the appropriateness of different methods for different
research questions, and the standards by which each method should be
evaluated. Keywords: research design, geography, quantitative, qualitative

GEOG 335

Geography of the Developing World (5)

Ron Smith

MW, 2:30-4:20
Characteristics and causes, external and internal, of Third World
development and obstacles to that development, with a critical development
focus. Special attention to social processes, disasters and disaster
recovery, NGOs, resource development, and geopolitics, drawing on specific
case studies from the Middle East, Africa,  and Latin America and the
Caribbean

 

GEOG 342  (5 credits)

Geographies of Inequalities

Kim England

TTh 9:30-11:20

What roles do poverty and social/economic polarization play in capitalist
societies such as the USA?  Why are certain groups 'excluded' from
'mainstream' social life?  Why is there uneven access to jobs? housing?
education?  These questions, among others are addressed in this course.
Particular emphasis is placed on the US experience, although examples are
drawn from other regions of the world, especially Canada and the UK.
Prerequisites: Must be of sophomore standing or higher. Social Science
background recommended, some geography background recommended. Keywords:

.poverty, wealth, exclusion, social justice, diversity, social/economic
restructuring

 

 

GEOG 350    (5)      "W" course

Geographies of Marketing and Retail

JW Harrington

TTh 11:30-1:20

Even in the age of the seemingly "placeless" internet, marketing,
distribution, and retailing remain fundamentally geographic activities.  To
whom are what services and products marketed?  How do physical products get
from producer to consumer?  What demographic and regulatory issues influence
the location and layout of retail outlets?  The answers to all these
questions rely on geographical differences, analyses, and perceptions.
Students will use readings, discussion, exercises, and small research
projects to increase awareness of these differences, analyses, and
perceptions. Keywords: consumption, geodemographics, market areas,
marketing, retailing, site selection, store location

 

 

GEOG 360  (5)

Principles of GIS Mapping

Tim Nyerges

MWF 8:30-9:20 am  Quiz MW or TTh

Presents the purpose and methods of making maps using geographic information
systems (GIS).  The focus is on principles of data representation and map
design

for thematic and topographic mapping. Students are provided with an
introduction to the use of computers for mapping. Several map making
assignments throughout the quarter give students hands-on experience using
GIS for mapping.  Course assumes students have previous experience using
personal computers, particularly with the Microsoft Windows operating
system.

 

GEOG 378    (5)

Policing the City

Steve Herbert

MWF 12:30 am-1:50 pm 
Offered jointly with LSJ 378A

Examines the multiple ways that order is generated in the city.  Urban
residents are indeed policed via social processes that are both formal (laws
and public policing) and informal (gossip, ostracism, peer pressure), with
significant consequences for the experience of life in cities.  The course
first reviews the general problem of order and the basic dynamics of urban
areas, before considering the various processes by which urban order is
generated.   Coursework includes three field assignments, two exams, and
numerous small group exercises.  




GEOG 380  ("W" Course)  (5)
Geographic Patterns of Health 
Jonathan Mayer 

TTh 4:30-6:20 pm, plus Th quiz sections

Geography of infectious and chronic diseases at local, national, and
international scales; environmental, cultural, and social explanations of
those variations. Special emphasis is given to the social, cultural,
epidemiologic and  geographic issues surrounding HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis,
waterborne diseases, and urban slum health.

 

GEOG 395/ GEOG 317

Special Topics: GIS and Statistics

Suzanne Withers 

MW, 1:30-3:20

(Advising note: this course may substitute for Geog 326 towards  satisfying
the "Methods" requirement)

Provides a conceptual and practical introduction to spatial data analysis
and geographic information systems in human geography. The goal is to
provide a practical understanding of the application of data analysis to
geographic problem solving. Emphasis is placed on the appropriate selection
of methods to analyze geographic data, procedures for research design, and
interpretation of results. The student will gain practical experience via
weekly assignments that require the application of spatial data analysis to
specific geographic research questions using SPSS and ArcMap software.
Topics include descriptive and inferential methods, spatial patterns and
statistics, correlation and spatial autocorrelation. Priority is given to
the application and interpretation of methods, over the technical nature of
these techniques.   

There are two main objectives to this course: comprehension and application.

Comprehension: By the end of the course students will be able to read and
comprehend reports and research in Human Geography.   Students will have a
working knowledge of the main techniques and procedures used within the
discipline, such that they can interpret and understand the literature,
critically.

Application: By the end of the course students will be able to independently
integrate data analysis and GIS. Students will have gained experience
applying and interpreting various quantitative methods.

As well the course aims to: 1) introduce students to the distinct challenges
of spatial data and geocoded information; 2) help students integrate
geographic information science and quantitative methods;  3) help students
visualize spatial distributions and variations; 4) prepare students for the
study of more advanced quantitative methods; and 5) ground students in the
theoretical | methodological | substantive trilogy of geographic research.

GEOG 426/ Geog 526   "W" course

Advanced Quantitative Methods

Suzanne Withers

MTWTh 11:30 am-12:20 pm

Provides a conceptual and practical introduction to elementary spatial
statistics and advanced statistical techniques in quantitative human
geography. Methods reviewed include geographic applications of multiple
regression analysis, elementary spatial statistics and spatial
autocorrelation, factor analysis, discriminant analysis, logistic regression
and geographically weighted regression techniques. Priority is given to the
interpretation and application of methods, rather than the technical nature
of these techniques. Students will learn to apply these methods using
various statistical and GIS software. The course aims to expose students to
the breadth of quantitative methods found in Human Geographic research; help
students integrate geographic information science and quantitative methods;
prepare students for the study of more advanced quantitative methods; and
ground students in the theoretical | methodological | substantive trilogy in
geographic research.  Recommended: GEOG 326.

 

GEOG  431       (5)

Reading Seminar: Gender, Sexuality  and Geography
Michael Brown

T 9:30-12:20

This course is an advanced reading seminar on the links between gender,
sexuality and urban space.  We will read 7 urban historical geographies
about the emergence of lesbian, gay and queer social movements in several
American cities during the 20th Century including: New York, Los Angeles,
San Francisco, Provincetown, Portland, and Seattle. We will explore concepts
in urban, political and cultural geography through them. Your assessment
will be based on weekly seminar participation, weekly journals, leading at
least one seminar and a research paper.  Pre-req. Geog. 315 or permission of
instructor ( <mailto:michaelb at u.washington.edu> michaelb at u.washington.edu).
Keywords: urban, political, cultural, gender, sexuality, Seattle,

 

GEOG 435

Industrialization & Urban China (5)

Kam Wing Chan

TTh 12:30-2:20 pm

This course examines the relationships between economic development and
spatial development in post-1949 China. China was once held up as a model
for developing countries. In this course we will examine post-1949 Chinese
dual economy and society, industrialization strategy and resulting
socioeconomic and spatial impacts. The course focuses on a set of related
issues: industrial location, rural industrialization, the hukou system,
urbanization policies, rural-urban relations, migration and urban
development. Students will gain a deeper understanding the complex issues of
industrialization and urbanization in a transitional economy now closely
linked to the world. Prerequisite: Geog 236 or 336, or a background course
on contemporary China.  Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of
China.  Keywords: China, development, economics, industry, cities,
migration, labor, globalization

 

 

GEOG 440  ("W" Course)  (5)

Regional Analysis

Bill Beyers

MWF 11:30 am - 12:50pm

This course covers a number of frequently used methods of regional analysis,
including descriptive techniques such as location quotients, coefficients of
regional specialization, indices of industrial concentration, and
shift-share analysis. Regional economic models are considered in-depth,
including economic base models, survey and non-survey regional input-output
models, and regional econometric models. Extensions of the accounting
systems for these models are considered, including environmental,
demographic, and optimization approaches. Descriptive techniques used in 

regional development studies are also covered. The emphasis is on methods
which are frequently used in the "real world" as well as in scholarly
research. The course follows up classroom presentations of methods with
exercises which provide a learning experience with these techniques. Five
exercises will be required, utilizing methods taught in this class.
Students will also form teams to pursue a quarter project, which will be
presented to the class during the last week.  There will be a take home
final. The exercises will account for 60% of the grade, 20% group project,
and 20% take home exam. 

 

 

GEOG 469   (5)   

GIS Workshop

Tim Nyerges
T Th 12:30 - 2:20 pm

As the capstone experience in our GIS curriculum, the goal of this course is
for you to become an independent and effective GIS user who can develop and
use GIS databases for spatial analysis and problem solving, meeting the
needs of project partners. The course is an intensive workshop that involves
hands-on experience in which student teams will develop GIS analysis and
applications in collaboration with local partners (who may be from the
University, community agencies, or local government). You will be involved
in a range of tasks associated with GIS application: working with your team
members and project partners to identify project goals, acquiring and
preparing spatial data for GIS analysis, communicating with clients to
assess progress, managing spatial data, and producing necessary maps and
analyses. In lecture and readings, we will examine GIS project management
strategies (in a variety of organizational and application contexts), and
concepts and skills for data acquisition, data preparation, and database
design. Please note: To enroll in this course, Geography 462 or 461 required
(or equivalent GIS experience) Qualified non-geography majors should email
rroth at u. to get on waiting list.

 

GEOG 480  (W)   (5)

Environmental Geography, Climate and Health
Jonathan Mayer
MW 12:30-2:20 pm

Demonstrates and investigates how human-environment relations are expressed
in the context of health and disease. Local and global examples emphasize
the ways medical geography is situated at the intersection of the social,
physical, and biological sciences. Examines interactions between individual
health, public health, and social, biological, and physical phenomena.
Specific examples include global climate change and health; air pollution
and respiratory diseases; environmental contamination with lead and adverse
effects on children's development; industrial pollution of the environment
and cancers. Reading includes primary research articles, and there is an
emphasis on study design and methods of analysis Prerequisite: geog 280 or
Geog 380 or epidemiology course.

 

GEOG 515  (5 credits)
Evidence and Explanation
Matt Sparke
Th, 2:30-5:20 pm
Intended as a geography foundations course for first-year doctoral students
and advanced MA students. The course explores the main debates over the
epistemological foundations and theoretical interrogations of geographic
description and explanation. It examines such issues as: the ways
contemporary geographers use and re-shape theories from outside the
discipline; the bases of effective explanation in geography; and, the ethics
of abstraction and representation in geographical research. Throughout, the
course examines the institutionalization of these debates over epistemology
and explanation, both within the discipline and the academy more broadly.
Keywords: explanation, abstraction, representation.

GEOG  541   (5 credits)
Seminar: Feminist Geography
Kim England
Wed, 2:30-5:20 pm
Explores major research themes in feminist geographies. Particular attention
is paid to the co-constitutive relations of gendered identities and spaces.
Emphasizes recent feminist scholarship that emphasizes difference, as well
as the intersections between gender, 'race', 
ethnicity, sexuality, dis/abilities, national identity, class, and other
social identities and divisions. Typically the seminar covers questions to
do with the home, gendering everyday spaces, workplaces, the body, and the
nation and globalization.





GEOG 553 (5)

Seminar: Advanced Topics in Cultural Geog. 

Katharyne Mitchell

Monday,  2:30-5:20 pm

Please email instructor for course description at kmitch at u.washington.edu

 

Release 1.0,

rr

2/4/10

 

 

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