Professor: Harvey K. Flad, Brian J. Godfrey (Associate Chair); Associate Professors: Jill Schneiderman (Chair), Jeffrey R. Walker; Assistant Professors: Kirsten Menking, Kikombo Ngoy, Yu Zhou.
Geography and Geology are unique in combining, within the same
department, the distinctive perspectives of both the social and
natural sciences at Vassar. By examining societies in their spatial
and regional contexts, geography helps explain the human dimensions
of environmental change. By exploring the many processes shaping
the planet, geology provides an understanding of the physical
limits of human activity. The interdisciplinary geographygeology
major creates a cohesive and rigorous focus on the earth as humanity's
home. Pending NYSED approval.
Requirements for Concentration: 12 units, including a common methods course (Geography 220, 222,
or 225), an interdisciplinary senior thesis (GeographyGeology
300b), five units of geology, and five units of geography. In
geography, the five units should include: Geography 105; two 200level
courses; Geography 301; and Geography/Geology 355 or another 300level
geography seminar. In geology, the five units should include:
Geology 105, Geology 106, two 200level courses (preferably Geology
235 and 260), and one 300level course.
SeniorYear Requirements: GeographyGeology 300, Geography 301
Course Offerings
See geography and geology.
300b. Senior Thesis (1)
An original study, integrating perspectives of geography and geology.
The formal research proposal is first developed in Geography 301,
the senior seminar, and then is presented to a faculty member
in either geography or geology, who serves as the principal adviser.
A second faculty member from the other respective discipline participates
in the final evaluation.
399a or b. Senior Independent Work (1)
Geography
Faculty: see geology-geography
Requirements for Concentration: 10 units, including an introductory course (105a or b, or 115),
220 or 222, 300, 301 and at least one additional 300-level seminar.
With the consent of the adviser, 2 of the required 10 units may
be taken from cognate fields, such as anthropology, geology, urban
studies, or international studies, if the courses are clearly
related to the student's focus within geography. After the declaration
of the major, no required courses may be elected NRO.
Senior-Year Requirement: Geography 300; 301.
Recommendations: Geology 120; Field Work (290); and a study-abroad experience.
Students interested in focusing their geography program in areas
such as environmental design, cultural ecology, global studies,
land-use planning, or historic preservation should see the department
for a list of recommended course sequences in geography and related
disciplines.
Advisers: Mr. Flad, Mr. Godfrey, Mr. Ngoy, Ms. Zhou.
Correlate Sequence in Geography: Geography offers correlate sequences which designate coherent
groups of courses intended to complement the curricula of students
majoring in other departmental, interdepartmental, and multidisciplinary
programs. Students pursuing a correlate sequence in geography
are required to complete a minimum of six courses in the department,
including an introductory course and at least one 300-level seminar.
The two suggested concentrations are outlined in detail below.
Environmental Land-Use Analysis: The correlate sequence in geography with a concentration in land-use
analysis is intended for students interested in Environmental
Studies. It offers a succinct program in physical geography for
students interested in science education, urban planning, or environmental
policy. With the consent of the adviser, one unit of geology may
be selected. The six courses taken for this concentration must
be selected from the following list:
Geography 105 Global Geography (1)
Geography 115 Reading the Landscape (1)
Geography 120 Earth Resources and the Environment (1)
Geography 220 Cartography (1)
Geography 222 Geographic Research Methods (1)
Geography 250 Urban Geography (1)
Geography 255 Environmental Perception and Conservation (1)
Geography 265 Population, Environment, and Sustainable
Development (1)
Geography 301 Senior Seminar (1)
Geography 355 Environment and Land-Use Planning (1)
Geography 370 Topics in Social and Urban Geography (1)
Regional Analysis: The correlate sequence in geography with a concentration in regional
analysis is intended for students interested in area studies.
It offers a succinct program in world regional geography for students
interested in social studies education, international studies,
or foreign language or area study. The six courses taken from
this concentration must be selected from the following list:
Geography 105 Global Geography (1)
Geography 220 Cartography (1)
Geography 222 Geographic Research Methods (1)
Geography 230 Africa (1)
Geography 235 East Asia (1)
Geography 240 Latin America (1)
Geography 242 Brazil (1)
Geography 245 North America (1)
Geography 265 Population, Environment, and Sustainable
Development (1)
Geography 275 Economic Geography (1)
Geography 301 Senior Seminar (1)
Geography 340 Advanced Regional Studies (1)
Geography 370 Topics in Social and Urban Geography (1)
I. Introductory
105a or b. Global Geography: Cultural, Political, and Economic
Systems (1)
An introduction to human geography through the spatial analysis
of cultural, political, and socioeconomic systems. Geographical
perspectives on contemporary world issues are studied at the local,
regional, and global scales. Geography's major themes are introduced,
including population growth and distribution, land use and settlement,
cultural landscapes, natural resources, urbanization, economic
development, and geopolitics, along with the analytical tools
of mapping, cartographic communication, and spatial data analysis.
The impacts of increasing global interdependence are examined
in case studies of selected world regions. The department.
115b. Reading the Landscape: Exploration, Travel, and Sense of
Place (1)
Using the literature of discovery, travel, and regional description,
a variety of primary resources is examined, including journals,
travelogues, essays, photographs, regional novels, maps, paintings,
and field observation. Major topics in world regional geography
are investigated through these varied perceptions and methodological
approaches with an emphasis on how geographers can use this data
to analyze spatial patterns and processes. Field trips to selected
localities in the Hudson Valley to examine the natural and cultural
Landscape. Mr. Flad.
Open to freshman only: satisfies college requirement for a Freshman
Course.
Alternate years: offered 1999/00.
[120a. Earth Resources and the Environment] (1)
(Same as Geology 120a)
Not offered in 1999/00.
II. Intermediate
The prerequisite for 200-level courses is 1 unit of introductory
geography.
220a. Cartography (1)
Cartography, the science and art of map making, is integral to
a geographer's craft. The course reviews the history of cartography,
in particular, the making of maps as a primary way for people
to conceptualize and represent space around them. While being
an ancient discipline, cartography is being thoroughly revolutionized
by cutting edge technology. The course is also aimed at enhancing
the ability of students to interpret topographic maps, and to
make thematic maps with the aid of remote sensing, computer aided
graphic design and GIS. Mr. Ngoy.
Prerequisite: by permission, preference given to students concentrating
in geology and geography and those pursuing an independent program
with a member of the departmental staff serving as adviser. Satisfies
college requirement for quantitative reasoning.
Two 75-minute periods; one 2-hour lab.
222a. Geographic Research Methods (1)
A comprehensive overview of the most widely used research methods
in collecting, analyzing, and presenting geographical data, including
both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The course emphasizes
hands-on experience in applying these research methods, and also
critically examines their utilities and limitations. The topics
include archival research, survey design, intensive interview,
preliminary statistical analysis and an introduction to Geographic
Information Systems (GIS). Satisfies college requirement for quantitative
reasoning. Ms. Zhou.
Alternate years: offered in 1999/00.
225b Geographic Information Systems (1)
An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which
use computers to organize, store, and map spatial data. The course
introduces various databases and programs for analysis, along
with the visual display of environmental, urban and social data.
Mr. Ngoy.
Two 75minute periods; two-hour laboratory.
[230b. Africa: Regional Geographic Perspectives] (1)
(Same as Africana Studies 230) A geographic analysis of Africa,
south of the Sahara. The diversity of the African continent is
stressed by examining its physical environment, resources, and
its social, cultural, economic, and political systems. Specific
attention is given to current problems and potentials associated
with environmental and regional differences as they affect traditional
livelihood patterns, economic development projects, urbanization,
inter- and intraregional cooperation, territorial and boundary
conflicts, and social and ethnic spatial patterns. The department.
Alternate years: not offered in 1999/00.
235a. East Asia: People, Culture and Economic Development (1)
An examination of the common and contrasting experiences of East
Asian countries since the late nineteenth century. It emphasizes
the regional contexts in which various environmental, cultural,
social, political and economic forces overlay and interact, constituting
the unique path of each country. Major themes include Japanese
industrial organization, economic development in newly industrialized
countries, transformation of the Chinese economy after 1978, and
regional integration of East Asia. Ms. Zhou.
Alternate years: offered in 1999/00.
240b. Latin America: Population, Development, and Environment
(1)
A study of developmental disparities and environmental modifications
in the making of Latin America's contemporary regional geography.
Special attention is paid to development theory, the impact of
European colonial expansion upon native societies, land tenure
and modernization of the rural sector, the growth of cities, natural
resource use, and the contemporary development schemes in the
Amazon Basin. The course focuses upon the links between Latin
American landscape change and the region's dependent development
within the larger world system. Mr. Godfrey.
Alternate years: offered in 1999/00.
[242b. Brazil: Continuity and Change in Portuguese America] (1)
(Same as Africana Studies 242) An historical geography of Brazil,
by far the largest and the most populous country in Latin America
and a leader in the problems and promise of Third-World development.
The course emphasizes three interrelated themes: the political-economic
linkages between Brazil and the outside world, the distinctive
cultural characteristics of Portuguese America, and the evolution
of Brazilian society in time and space. Specific topics for study
include the legacies of colonial Brazil, race relations and Afro-Brazilian
culture, contemporary urban-industrial growth, regional differentiation
versus national integration, and Brazil's prospects of becoming
a world power. Mr. Godfrey.
Alternate years: not offered in 1999/00.
[245b. The American Landscape: An Historical Geography (1)
of the United States and Canada]
The cultural landscape of the United States and Canada is examined
through studies in historical, physical, regional, and social
geography. The natural environment of North America, as perceived
in early descriptions and as a formative basis for resource and
economic development, is studied with relation to historical settlement
patterns, agriculture, urbanization, and transportation. Regional
diversity is shown both through physical habitat differentiation
and cultural-ethnic patterns. Attitudes towards the North American
environment evolve through a study of the history of conservation
as well as current regional environmental issues. Mr. Flad.
Alternate years: will be offered in 2000/01.
250a. Urban Geography: Spatial Structure of the Metropolis (1)
A geographical exploration of the modern American metropolis,
focusing on the development and transformation of urban space.
Emphasis is given to analysis of the changing geographies of production
and consumption, transportation, residence, community, and the
built environment. Topics for study include: the historical geography
of American urbanization; contemporary changes in urban form and
land-use patterns; social space and mental mapping; suburbs, edge
cities, and urban decentralization; urban renewal and gentrification;
urban segregation by race, ethnicity, and gender; discrimination
in urban design; ecological and sustainable communities; and current
issues in urban planning and social policy. Mr. Godfrey
255a. Environmental Perception and Conservation History (1)
The complex interrelationships and interpretations of nature and
society are explored through literary, philosophical, and scientific
works on conservation, wilderness, preservation, ethics, and aesthetics.
The history of the United States and international conservation
and environmental movements, including legislation and NGO's,
is examined. In addition, studies of environmental perception
focus on the meanings of space and place. Mr. Flad.
Alternate years: offered in 1999/00.
265b. Population, Environment, and Sustainable Development (1)
Complex philosophical and ethical issues surrounding population,
economic development, and their interaction are considered. Geographical
perspectives emphasize the spatial and temporal diversity of demographic
experience in the context of a global network of production and
distribution. Women's role in production and reproduction is investigated
in diverse cultural, political, and economic environments. Themes
include: historical and contemporary demographic patterns; Malthusian-Marxist
debate; the population/resource problem; governments as family
planners; domestic and international migration; and concepts and
practices of sustainable development. Ms. Zhou.
[275a. Economic Geography: Globalization and Regional Development]
(1)
The spatial patterns and dynamics of the world economy are examined
in diverse industrial and regional settings. The focus is on the
spatial distribution of economic activities, the use of resources,
and development of regional economies. Topics may include the
global shift of manufacturing activities, the spatial organization
of post-Fordist production, the spread and impact of agribusiness,
globalization of services, foreign direct investment and multi-national
corporations, and the interdependency between developed and developing
economies. Ms. Zhou.
Alternate years: not offered in 1999/00.
284a. Africa and the World (1)
(Same as Africana Studies 284) Taking a multidisciplinary approach,
this course analyzes the interaction between Africa and other
regions of the world by focusing on European and American Engagement
in Central Africa. Although Western involvement in the slave trade,
colonial conquest, and continuing economic contact have profoundly
affected the region, Western understanding of Central Africa has
advanced little since the publication of Joseph Conrad's notorious
Heart of Darkness nearly 100 years ago. This course uses a wide range of sources,
including novels, oral literature, diaries, and historical and
social scientific texts, to examine the nature and impact of foreign
involvement in Central Africa. African resistance to foreign domination,
and ways in which Europeans and Africans have regarded one another.
Topics include the legacies of the "red Rubber regime" in Leopold's
Congo, the environmental impact of engagement, President Mobutu's
rise and fall, religious innovation, Central Africa in the world
economy, and ethnic conflict in Rwanda and Burundi. Mr. Longman,
Mr. Ngoy
Two 75minute periods
290a or b. Field Work (1/2 or 1)
The department.
Reading Courses
297.01a or b. Geography in the Elementary and (1/2)
Secondary School Curriculum
An introduction to the study of geography in both elementary and
secondary schools as part of the social studies curriculum, stressing
world regional differentiation, and in the earth sciences curriculum
with a focus on the field of environmental education. Mr. Flad.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
297.02a or b. Geography, Ecology, Culture (1/2)
A geographic perspective on the environment and man, examining
primitive and peasant subsistence patterns, their processes of
resource utilization, and the resulting modification of the landscape.
Mr. Flad.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
298a or b. Independent Work (1/2 or 1)
Open to qualified students in other disciplines who wish to pursue
related inde-pendent work in geography. The department.
III. Advanced
300b. Senior Thesis (1)
The department.
301a. Senior Seminar: Issues in Geographic Theory and Method (1)
A review of the theory, method, and practice of geographical inquiry.
The seminar traces the history of geographic thought from early
episodes of global exploration to modern scientific transformations.
The works and biographies of major contemporary theorists are
critically examined in terms of the changing philosophies of geographic
research. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are discussed,
along with scientific, humanist, radical, feminist, and other
critiques in human geography. Overall, alternative conceptions
of geography are related to the evolution of society and the dominant
intellectual currents of the day. The student is left to choose
which approaches best suits his or her own research. The seminar
culminates in the presentation of student research proposals.
The department.
One 2-hour period.
[340b. Advanced Regional Studies] (1)
This seminar examines a selected world region, regions, or global
regional interactions. Topics may vary from year to year. May
be repeated for credit if the region or topic has changed.
This seminar examines a selected world region, regions, or global
regional interactions. Topics may vary from year to year. May
be repeated for credit if the region or topic has changed.
Not offered in 1999/00.
350a New York City as a Social Laboratory (1)
(Same as Urban Studies 350) In a classic essay on urban studies,
sociologist Robert Park once called the city "a laboratory or
clinic in which human nature and social processes may be conveniently
and profitably studied." The scale, dynamism, and complexity of
New York City make it a social laboratory without equal. This
seminar provides a multidisciplinary inquiry into New York City
as a case study in selected urban issues. Classroom meetings are
combined with the fieldbased investigations that are a hallmark
of Urban Studies. Site visits in New York City allow meetings
with scholars, officials, developers, community leaders and others
actively involved in urban affairs.
Topic for 1999/00: Urban redevelopment and gentrification. An examination of urban redevelopment projects and related processes
of gentrification in the historical contexts of social change,
immigration, economic restructuring, and planning in New York
City. The seminar focuses on the impacts of government and corporatesponsored
urban renewal in Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village, Times Square,
Harlem, the South Bronx, and Brooklyn. After visiting these areas
and discussing relevant issues with experts, students carry out
independent field research. Mr. Godfrey.
Prerequisite. Geography 250 or permission of instructor.
One 3hour session; field trips to N.Y.C.
355b. Environment and Land-Use Planning (1)
(Same as Geology 355) This seminar focuses on such land-use issues
as social and environmental impact studies, open-space planning,
conservation and resource management, agriculture, housing, and
recreation and tourism. Case studies may be drawn from either
North America or the Third World; local examples will include
analysis of state and federal regulations and field work. Topics
for study may include the changing rural American landscape, including
farmland preservation; local and state environmental review in
locational conflicts, such as water quality or the siting of landfills;
or sustainable development and ecotourism. Mr. Flad.
Prerequisite: Geography 245, 255, 265 or permission of instructor.
One 2-hour period.
Alternate years: offered in 1999/00.
[370b. Topics in Social and Urban Geography] (1)
An inquiry into the spatial expressions of social relations in
modern urban societies. The seminar focuses on the geographic
interrelationships of class, ethnicity, race, gender, and sexuality.
The specific topic for study varies from year to year. Previous
seminar themes include the urban-industrial transition, the urban
frontier, urban poverty, cities of the Americas, segregation in
the city, and global migration. May be repeated for credit if
the topic changes.
Prerequisite: One of the following: Geography 250, Sociology 262
or 361, an Urban Studies course, or permission of instructor.
One 2-hour period.
Alternate years: will be offered in 2000/01.
382b. Advanced Regional Studies (1)
(Same as Anthropology 382 and Asian Studies 382) This seminar
examines a selected world region, regions, or global regional
interactions. Topics may vary from year to year. May be repeated
for credit if the region or topic has changed.
Topic for 1999/00: Asian Diasporas. Focusing on Asian Diasporas, this course engages the current
surge of interest in diaspora studies from both anthropological
and geographical perspectives. Attention will be given to issues
of colonial and post colonial struggles, formation and transformation
of ethnic identities, roles of middlemen minorities, and nationalism
and transnationalism of Asian diasporas. The principal cases will
be drawn from East Asian and South Asian communities in Southeast
Asia, the Pacific islands, and the United States. Students will
write a substantial research paper on a topic of their choice.
Ms. Zhou and Ms. Kaplan.
One 2-hour period.
385a. Seminar in Urban Planning (1)
(Same as Urban Studies 385)
399a or b. Senior Independent Work (1/2 or 1)
The department.
Geology
Faculty: see geology-geography.
Requirements for Concentration: 10 units including 105, 106, 232, 2 units of graded work at the
300-level, and not more than 1 additional unit at the 100 level.
After declaration of the major, required courses in geology may
not be taken NRO.
Senior-Year Requirement: One graded 300-level course.
Recommendations: At least one course in geography and one course in computer science.
Students interested in graduate study in geology or environmental
science should also take one year of laboratory chemistry and
one year of laboratory biology or physics, depending on whether
one's interests tend toward the biogeochemical or the geophysical.
In addition, calculus is highly recommended. Appropriate courses
from these departments include: Biology 151, 152, 241; Chemistry
108/109, 244, 245; Computer Science 122; Geography 105, 220, 222,
265, 355; Math 115, 116; Physics 111, 112. All geology majors
are urged to attend a six-week geology summer field camp. The
choices of locations, times, and university sponsors of such field
work are numerous, and geology department faculty will help select
an appropriate summer field experience.
Independent Research: The geology department encourages students to engage in ungraded
independent research with faculty advisers and offers 198 (for
freshmen and sophomores), 298 (for juniors), and 399 (for seniors).
The department also offers 300, a graded research-based senior
thesis experience for majors. Geology majors are encouraged to
engage in such senior-year research. Only those who do so are
eligible for department honors upon graduation.
Because there are so many applications of geology to a variety
of different careers, we urge potential majors to consult with
a faculty member in the geology department as soon as possible
upon arrival at Vassar in order to decide on the most appropriate
sequence of required and recommended courses. Also, each year
the geology department offers courses at the 100-level designed
for students who may not intend to pursue geology at more advanced
levels. These courses are appropriate for students curious about
the earth and its life. They are especially relevant for students
with concerns about environmental degradation and its impact on
people living in both urban and rural settings.
Advisers: Ms. Menking, Ms. Schneiderman, Mr. Walker.
Correlate Sequence in Geology: Geology offers a correlate sequence which can complement the
curricula of students majoring in other departmental, interdepartmental,
and multidisciplinary programs. Students pursuing a correlate
sequence in geology are required to complete a minimum of five
courses in the department including 105, 106, and at least one
300-level course. Students should carefully note the prerequisites
required for enrollment in some of the courses within the correlate
sequence.
I. Introductory
105a and b. Earth, Environment, and Humanity (1)
(Same as Environmental Studies Development Project 105a) An introductory
level course covering basic physical processes of the Earth including
plate tectonics, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, and biogeochemical
cycles; geologic hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and volcanic
eruptions; human impacts on the environment including ozone depletion
and acid rain; and sustainability. Ms. Menking.
Two 75-minute periods; one 3-hour laboratory. Several laboratory
sessions are devoted to off-campus field trips.
106b. The Evolution of Earth and its Life (1)
An examination of the origin of the earth and the evolution of
life on this planet particularly in relation to global environmental
change today. Topics include systematic paleontology, evolution
and creationism, the profound depth of geologic time and its ramifications
for life on earth, and mass extinctions of dinosaurs and other
organisms. Ms. Schneiderman.
Two 75-minute periods; one 3-hour laboratory. Several laboratory
sessions are devoted to off-campus field trips.
115b. Oceanography (1)
Marine provinces, major features of ocean basins and evolution
of individual oceans within the framework of global plate tectonics.
Distribution of marine sediments, properties of seawater, waves
and tides, and the influence of air-sea interaction and oceanic
circulations on regional climate changes are discussed. Instructor
to be announced.
Three 50-minute periods.
[120a. Earth Resources and the Environment] (1)
(Same as Geography 120) An introduction to the basic principles
needed to understand humankind's use and abuse of soil, water,
fuels, and other resources. Mr. Walker.
Three 50-minute periods.
Not offered in 1999/00.
130a. Geology and Society (1)
(Same as Environmental Studies Development Project 130) Geology
controls the landscape, and Landscape has a profound influence
on history. Through readings drawn from history, literature, science,
and contemporary observers, supplemented by writing, discussions,
and field trips, this course explores the relationships between
geology, landscape, and cultural history in the midHudson Valley
region. Topics to be explored include: changing patterns of settlement;
changing vegetation patterns in response to climate change; land
use and resource exploitation; and current environmental issues
such as power generation and disposal of municipal and toxic wastes.
Mr. Walker.
One 2hour discussion period.
150b. Earth System Science and Environmental Justice (1)
(Same as Environmental Studies Development Project 150) Exploration
of the roles that race, gender, and class play in contemporary
environmental issues and the geology that underlies them. Examination
of the power of governments, corporations and science to influence
the physical and human environment. We critique the traditional
environmental movement, study cases of environmental racism, and
appreciate how basic geological knowledge can assist communities
in creating healthful surroundings. Examples come from urban and
rural settings in the United States and abroad and are informed
by feminist analysis. Ms. Schneiderman.
Two 75-minute periods.
198a or b. Special Projects in Geology (1/2 or 1)
Execution and analysis of a laboratory or field study. Project
to be arranged with individual instructor. The department.
Open to first-year students and sophomores only.
II. Intermediate
232b. Earth Materials: Minerals, Rocks, and Soils (1)
The earth is made up of many different materials, including minerals,
rocks, soils, and ions in solution, all of which represent the
same atoms recycled continually by geological and biogeochemical
cycles. This course takes a wholistic view of the earth in terms
of the processes which lead to the formation of different materials.
The class will involve study in the field as well as in the laboratory
using hand specimen identification along with the optical microscope,
X-ray diffractometer, and electron microscope. Instructor to be
announced.
Prerequisite: Geology 105 or 106 or permission of instructor.
Two 75-minute periods; one 3hour laboratory, field trips.
[235b. Geology of Soils and Terrestrial Ecosystems] (1)
Soils form an important interface between the lithosphere, hydrosphere,
atmosphere, and biosphere. As such, they are critical to understanding
terrestrial ecosystems. This course studies soil formation, and
the physical and chemical properties of soils especially as related
to natural and altered ecosystems. One important topic of discussion
is the relationship between soils and agriculture with emphasis
on the possibilities and limitations implied by the notion of
"sustainable agriculture." Field trips and laboratory work focus
on the description and interpretation of local soils. Mr. Walker.
Prerequisite: Geology 105 or 106 or permission of instructor.
Two 75-minute periods; one 2hour laboratory/field session.
Not offered in 1999/00.
240a. Global Geophysics and Tectonics (1)
Examination of the physical phenomena that control the composition,
structure, properties, and dynamics of the solid Earth. Students
learn about geophysical techniques used to probe Earth's deep
interior, such as gravity measurements, seismology, and measurements
of Earth's magnetic field; in addition, how earthquakes and past
reversals in the magnetic field led to the discovery of the plate
tectonic paradigm on which modern geology is grounded. Instructor
to be announced.
Prerequisite: Geology 105 or 106 or permission of instructor.
Two 75minute periods; one 3hour laboratory.
250a. Sediments, Strata, and the Environment (1)
Detailed study of modern sedimentary environments and their use
in interpreting ancient sedimentary rocks. The chemical and physical
processes leading to weathering, erosion, transport, deposition,
and lithification of sediments are considered. Field interpretation
of local Paleozoic, Pleistocene, and Holocene sediments are carried
out through field study. Laboratories include the study of sediments
in hand sample and using the petrographic microscope. Ms. Schneiderman.
Prerequisite: Geology 106 and 232 or permission of instructor.
Two 75-minute periods; one 3-hour laboratory/field session.
260a. Geomorphology: Surface Processes and Evolution of Landforms
(1)
Quantitative study of the geological processes and factors which
influence the origin and development of Earth's many landforms.
Topics include hillslope and channel processes, sediment transport,
physical and chemical weathering and erosion, role of regional
and local tectonics in the construction of marine terraces, mountain
ranges and basins, and the role of climate in landscape modification.
Instructor to be announced.
Prerequisite. Geology 105 or 106 or permission of instructor.
Two 75-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory/field session.
270b. Structural Geology and Tectonics (1)
The study of the processes and products of crustal deformation
and study of the plate tectonic paradigm. Topics include the mechanics
of deformation, earthquakes, mountain-building, geophysical principles,
and neotectonics. Ms. Menking.
Prerequisite: Geology 105 or 106 or permission of instructor.
Two 75-minute periods; one 31/2-hour laboratory/field session.
280a. Geology and Field Ecology of the Bahamas (1)
(Same as Environmental Sciences 280a.)
290a or b. Field Work (1/ 2or 1)
298a or b. Independent Work (1/2 or 1)
Execution and analysis of a field, laboratory or library study.
The project, to be arranged with an individual instructor, is
expected to have a substantial paper as its final product. The
department.
Permission of instructor is required.
III. Advanced
Prerequisite: 2 units of 200-level geology; see specific additions
or exceptions for each course.
300a or b. Senior Research and Thesis (1)
Critical analysis, usually through observation or experimentation,
of a specific research problem in geology. A student electing
this course must first gain, by submission of a written research
proposal, the support of a member of the geology faculty with
whom to work out details of a research protocol. The formal research
proposal and a final paper and presentation of results are required
parts of the course. A second faculty member participates in the
final evaluation. Work on the thesis should begin in the fall
semester. The department.
Permission of instructor is required.
[320a. Advanced Topics in Environmental Geology] (1)
Selected topics in environmental geology such as quaternary geology,
climate change, water in environmental planning, contaminant transport
in aqueous systems, and the geology of natural resources. Mr.
Walker.
Prerequisite: 232, 250, 260 or permission of instructor.
Two 75-minute periods; one 3-hour laboratory/field session.
Not offered in 1999/00.
330b. Mineral Structures and Geochemistry (1)
This course teaches the techniques of crystal structure analysis
including X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and surface-analytical
methods in order to understand how the internal and surface structures
of minerals control chemical reactions at all scales. Mr. Walker.
Prerequisite: Geology 232.
Two 75-minute periods; one 3-hour laboratory.
340b. Field Geophysics (1)
Applied geophysical techniques are used to solve a variety of
environmental problems. For example, shallow seismic refraction
and measurements of electrical conductivity can be used to unearth
leaking underground storage tanks and buried landfills, and gravity
measurements reveal underground void spaces such as caves, allowing
developers to determine if sites are suitable for construction.
This course introduces these and other methods of geophysical
investigation; also included are field exercises, computer work,
and special projects.
Prerequisite: Geology 240 or permission of instructor.
Two 75minute periods; one 3hour laboratory.
[350a. Advanced Sedimentology] (1)
This course will focus on the petrographic and geochemical aspects
of a current environmental problem that can be approached sedimentologically.
We will use the primary literature to discover the wide range
of tools available to the modern sedimentologist and their application
to one of many significant problems in the field. Laboratory will
give hands on practice with the collection and evaluation of sedimentologic
and geochemical data. Instructor to be announced.
Prerequisite: Geology 232 and 250 or permission of instructor.
Two 75-minute periods; one 3-hour laboratory or field session.
Not offered in 1999/00.
355b. Environment and Land Use Planning (1)
(Same as Geography 355b)
360b. Paleoclimatology: Earth's History of Climate Change (1)
This course discusses how Earth's climate system operates and
what natural processes have led to climate change in the past.
We examine the structure and properties of the oceans and atmosphere
and how the general circulation of these systems redistributes
heat throughout the globe. In addition, we study how cycles in
Earth's orbital parameters, plate tectonics, and the evolution
of plants have affected climate. Weekly laboratory projects introduce
students to paleoclimatic methods and to real records of climate
change. Ms. Menking.
Prerequisite: Geology 232, 250, and 260 or permission of instructor.
One 3-hour laboratory or field session.
399a or b. Senior Independent Work (1/2 or 1)
Execution and analysis of a field, laboratory, or library study.
The project, to be arranged with an individual instructor, is
expected to have a substantial paper as its final product. The
department.
Permission of instructor is required. |
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