Geography as a discipline is concerned with the location of things. But more importantly, geographers are interested in why things are located where they are and the relationships between different places and processes. This course examines social, economic, and political processes that shape the contemporary global landscape with particular emphasis on the relationships between developed and developing regions of the world. Cartography, population trends, agricultural systems, migration, urbanization, and industrialization are among the topics covered. Cr3.
Students will focus on the ways in which geographers and anthropologists conduct research. We will address the issues of research question formulation, methodological strategies, and analytic techniques. Topics include defining research problems, measurement, sampling, research design, and analysis. Examples, case studies, and data will be drawn from the disciplines of geography and anthropology. Prerequisite: one of the following: ANT 101 J, ANT 102 K, ANT 103 AND one of the following: GEO 1O1 J or GEO 102 K AND mathematics proficiency. Cr3.
Students will survey contemporary patterns of urban and regional development through comparative analysis. Students will examine links between urbanization, employment, and social welfare in different political and economic contexts as the course moves from the global scale to the local. Students will be introduced to a series of research skills including the use of computer databases and spreadsheet programs, many of which will be of use in other courses. Cr 3.
GEO 209 Introduction to Land Use Planning
This course offers an overview of human/land relationships as they influence contemporary patterns of settlement and use of the land. It will discuss the logic of a planning process as a method of decision making; the formulation of goals and evaluation of alternative courses of action; standards and requirements for specific planning objectives (such as land use, energy, recreation, transportation); and the place of the planning function in government and the role of citizens and private groups. Introduction to basic planning tools and techniques including PERT, aerial photography, and methods of inventory and classification will be presented. Cr3.
Students will examine the ways in which the workforce is divided by gender, race, class, and ethnicity and how location and space shape and sustain such divisions. Competing explanations for why women and minorities hold jobs that differ distinctly from jobs held by other workers will be examined. Students will learn how a geographic understanding of gender, race, ethnicity, and class can help explain more fully the current position of women in the economy. Cr 3.
This course examines the intersection between economies and geography. Emphasis is placed on the social, cultural, and political contexts within which economies develop and are regulated and restructured. There are two major objectives: to make available to the student the skills which allow him or her to interpret and understand the present economic landscapes and to evaluate factors and trends that anticipate the future. Cr 3.
Prerequisite: ANT 101J, GEO 101J, GEO 203J, ECO 101J, ECO 102J or permission of the instructor.
Cities are the most human influenced of physical environments and reflect both the best and the worst aspects of a society. Over half the world’s population lives in cities and many of the world’s challenges are urban in nature. This course examines the underlying social, economic, cultural, and political processes that have created and continue to shape the North American urban landscape. The course will combine readings, lectures, discussion, and fieldwork to explore various themes in urban geography. Topics covered may include industrialization, migration, residential segregation, housing, economic development, sustainable growth, urban ecology, and planning policy. Cr 6.
The class meets Fridays from 9-5 and includes fieldwork in Boston, Lowell, Lewiston-Auburn and Portland.Prerequisite: GEO 101J, GEO 203J, or permission of the instructor.