Geography and Anthropology
Student Organizations/Clubs:
Parkside Geography Club
Anthropology Club
Career Possibilities:
Geography and anthropology are dynamic liberal arts majors / concentrations that combine cross-cultural perspectives and analytical skills. Students who major in geography are well prepared for careers in many fields including environmental analysis and management, geographic information systems (GIS), community development, and urban planning. Opportunities for employment are wide ranging. Employers understand that geography graduates possess a wide variety of professional abilities. Possible employers include mapping firms, environmental agencies, planning departments, site selection companies, marketing departments, school districts, emergency management agencies, nonprofit organizations, and defense agencies.
Anthropology graduates work in a wide range of settings, including cultural resource management and contract archaeology; museum work; forensic anthropology; and ethnographic analysis such as user design for public or private institutions, both in the U.S. and internationally. Opportunities exist to apply anthropological knowledge to many problems of modern society, including the social impact of development, economic and political change, and cultural and natural resource management.
Department Overview
Geography is the study of the distribution, variation, and interrelation of the natural and cultural features of the Earth’s surface. The UW-Parkside geography curriculum is designed to reflect the complexity of society and nature so that students will gain an understanding of the varied spatial factors that influence life in today’s interconnected world. The geography major’s and minor’s mission is to extend geographic knowledge through exceptional educational programs, research projects, and service activities using advanced technology to train students and to solve problems. Geography’s mission is important because aspects of place, area, location, and distribution are essential to resolving issues facing the region, the country and the world. Understanding global, national, and local patterns of economic activity, urban problems, cultural differences, and environmental change is vital and emphasized within the department.
Anthropology focuses on cultural and biological adaptations of all humankind. It is the comparative study of human life and culture in the past and present. It is concerned with human biological and cultural adaptations to physical and social environments in all parts of the world. The basic themes of anthropology include adaptation, evolution, change, and continuity. Anthropology is marked by specific methods from archaeological digs to ethnographic observation, focusing on systematic observations of how people live with each other, their belief systems, and how they make a living.
Students interested in geography have several options. Some students complete a general major in geography; many students include as part of their geography major one or more of the following:
- Concentration in Anthropology
- Concentration in Planning
- Concentration in Applied Environmental Geography
- Geographic Information Systems Minor1
- Certificate in Applied Archaeology
- Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
- Certificate in Museum Studies
- 1
Students cannot earn both the GIS minor and the GIS certificate.
The concentration in anthropology focuses primarily on anthropology and has a slightly different set of core courses.
The department also offers minors in geography, anthropology, and geography for teachers.
Opportunities to assist in faculty research projects permit students to learn research tools used in geography and anthropology, and to apply concepts learned in the classroom. For example, students might learn how to take soil samples in the field, to analyze tree rings in the lab, to measure quality of life in segregated neighborhoods, or to use GIS for mapping, analysis, and decision making; they might collect oral histories to learn about how people think about their communities or participate in an archaeological dig. In addition, students can gain service experiences through community- based learning projects.
Courses in Anthropology
ANTH 100 | Introduction to Anthropology | 3 cr
Introduces the four fields in anthropology: biological anthropology, archaeology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology as well as an overview of applied anthropology.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Meets: Social & Behavioral Science: ANTH, SBS Social & Behavioral Science
ANTH 200 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 cr
Introduces cross-cultural analysis of social structures and cultural systems, as well as changes due to economic, political and cultural globalization. Cross-listed with: INTS 210.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall.
Meets: Social & Behavioral Science: INTS, CP Civics & Perspectives
ANTH 201 | Introduction to Archaeology | 3 cr
Digs into concepts and methods for the scientific study of prehistoric cultures, including field methods, laboratory analysis, archaeological theory, and major trends in world prehistory and historical archaeology.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Meets: Social & Behavioral Science: ANTH, SBS Social & Behavioral Science
ANTH 202 | Human Evolution | 4 cr
Analyzes the fossil evidence for human evolution. Explores modern human genetics, evolutionary theory, and biological variation within the human species. Three-hour lecture; two-hour lab required.
Offered: Fall.
Meets: Natural Science: ANTH, NSWL Natural Science & Wellness w/Lab
ANTH 227 | Indigenous Peoples of the Americas | 3 cr
Surveys Indigenous peoples of the Americas, focusing on various aspects of culture, history and recent culture change. Cross-listed with: SOCA 227.
Offered: Fall (even years).
Meets: CP Civics & Perspectives, Ethnic Diversity
ANTH 228 | Peoples of Southeast Asia | 3 cr
Introduces the peoples and culture of Southeast Asia, including the mainland and islands; focuses on cultures, history, socioeconomic conditions, and the everyday life of people. Cross-listed with: INTS 228.
Offered: Spring.
Meets: Social & Behavioral Science: INTS, CP Civics & Perspectives
ANTH 290 | Special Topics in Anthropology | 3 cr
Explores special topics in anthropology.
Prerequisites: ANTH 100.
Offered: Occasionally.
ANTH 300 | Topics in Data Collection and Analysis: | 3 cr
Develops skills in specific methods of data collection and analysis in anthropology. Topics will vary. May be repeated with a different topic.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
ANTH 302 | Anthropological Theory | 3 cr
Examines historical and contemporary theories in social and cultural anthropology, application of theories in current research and explanation of people's cultures and relationships.
Offered: Spring (even years).
ANTH 310 | Forensic Anthropology | 3 cr
Investigates human osteology involving the identification of human skeletal remains for legal and scientific purposes; including establishing age, sex, biological background, stature, trauma, abnormalities of growth, and details of health and nutritional history. Lecture/lab.
Prerequisites: ANTH 202.
Offered: Spring (odd years).
ANTH 312 | Anthropology of Language | 3 cr
Introduces concepts of linguistics and communication used in anthropology, including phonemics, historical linguistics, language acquisition, cognition, how meaning is formed through linguistic interactions, and modes of communication in different social settings.
Offered: Fall (even years).
ANTH 320 | Heritage and Tourism | 3 cr
Examines heritage, the study of the past in the present, through examples from archaeology, socio-cultural anthropology, and tourism.
Prerequisites: ANTH 100.
Offered: Fall (odd years).
ANTH 327 | Archaeology of North America | 3 cr
Examines evidence for human migration to the New World and subsequent cultural developments in all major regions of North America north of Mexico.
Offered: Spring (odd years).
ANTH 357 | Livelihoods, Exchange, and Globalization | 3 cr
Analyzes comparative economic organizations emphasizing non-state societies from cross-cultural perspective. Emphasizes exchange, diverse ways of making a living, and economic change with colonialism and globalization.
Offered: Spring (even years).
ANTH 362 | Migration and Immigration | 3 cr
Examines migration and immigration as major processes of change in the United States and internationally, focusing on migrant communities, social networks, and work activities. Cross-listed with: SOCA 362.
Offered: Spring (even years).
ANTH 382 | Environmental Anthropology | 3 cr
Examines anthropological human/environmental relations. Discusses ecological concepts and processes in relation to past and present human life, in simple and complex societies. Focuses on anthropological perspectives on current environmental problems as aspects of the cultural adaptation to natural and social environments.
Offered: Spring (even years).
ANTH 390 | Special Topics in Anthropology | 3 cr
Examines special topics in anthropology.
Prerequisites: ANTH 100.
Offered: Occasionally.
ANTH 402 | Advanced Human Evolution | 3 cr
Develops advanced knowledge of evolutionary science specific to Homo sapiens and our immediate ancestors. Applies this understanding to modern-day people and issues.
Prerequisites: ANTH 202.
Offered: Spring.
ANTH 405 | Forensic and Mortuary Archaeology | 3 cr
Explores methods and theories in bioarchaeology. Examines the relationship of bioarchaeology to forensic anthropology and archaeology. Introduces students to new and emerging ways of conceptualizing bioarchaeological investigations and studies. Examines cross cultural funerary practices.
Offered: Fall.
ANTH 455 | International Development and Change | 3 cr
Analyzes comparative social change and international development, focusing on theories of change, the role of development agencies, and case studies of development projects. Cross-listed with: SOCA 455.
Prerequisites: 6 credits of upper-level anthropology or sociology courses.
Offered: Occasionally.
ANTH 490 | Special Topics in Anthropology | 1-3 cr
Delves into special topics in anthropology.
Prerequisites: ANTH 100; 6 credits of upper-level anthropology.
Offered: Occasionally.
ANTH 491 | Anthropology Fieldwork | 1-10 cr
Provides field research experience with faculty supervision.
Prerequisites: ANTH 100; consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
ANTH 494 | Internship in Anthropology | 1-4 cr
Provides opportunities for community experience emphasizing practical application of anthropology in suitable settings.
Prerequisites: ANTH 100, junior standing; consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Occasionally.
ANTH 499 | Independent Study | 1-4 cr
Provides opportunity for independent work on specific problems in anthropology, under faculty supervision.
Prerequisites: ANTH 100, junior standing; and consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Occasionally.
Courses in Geography
GEOG 100 | Physical Geography and the Environment | 4 cr
Investigates the patterns and processes of Earth's physical and biological systems and their influence on human behavior and distribution. Includes human impacts on climate, hydrologic cycle, and ecosystem development. Three-hour lecture; two-hour lab.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Meets: Natural Science: GEOG, NSWL Natural Science & Wellness w/Lab
GEOG 101 | Geography of American Ethnicity and Race | 3 cr
Examines American ethnic and racial patterns from a geographic perspective. Considers historical forces shaping the geographical patterns of race and ethnicity. Explores contemporary issues in ethnic and race relations, including immigration. Cross-listed with: ETHN 101.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Meets: Social & Behavioral Science: GEOG, CP Civics & Perspectives, Ethnic Diversity
GEOG 105 | Contemporary Human Geography | 3 cr
An overview of significant themes in human geography including population issues, cultural differences, globalization, languages, politics and foreign affairs, settlement patterns, migration, and economic organization.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Spring.
Meets: Social & Behavioral Science: GEOG, SBS Social & Behavioral Science
GEOG 108 | Culture and Environmental Sustainability | 3 cr
Explores interrelationships of cultural and natural systems, need for sustainability, and how different cultural groups view nature. Varying perspectives on environmentalism and what going green means to different parts of society. Resolving environmental problems and building sustainable futures.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Meets: Social & Behavioral Science: GEOG, SBS Social & Behavioral Science
GEOG 110 | Introduction to Geography: World Regions | 3 cr
Studies the cultural and physical characteristics of major world regions. Examines how people live in different parts of the world. Emphasizes globalization, environmentalism, and geographic perspectives on current international issues.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall.
Meets: Social & Behavioral Science: GEOG, SBS Social & Behavioral Science
GEOG 250 | Map Use and Analysis | 3 cr
Introduces interpretation, analysis, and function of topographic and thematic maps. Includes hands on experience using maps and GPS in both the classroom and the field. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Occasionally.
GEOG 290 | Special Topics in Geography | 1-4 cr
Selected topics in geography will be examined.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Occasionally.
GEOG 291 | Special Topics in GIS: | 3 cr
Introduces selected topics and applications in Geographic Information Systems.
Offered: Occasionally.
GEOG 306 | Natural Disasters and Society | 3 cr
Exploration of natural disasters and their impacts on humans. Topics include earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, asteroid and comet impacts. Disaster planning and mitigation, GIS applications in disaster management.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Occasionally.
GEOG 308 | Conservation of Cultural and Natural Resources | 3 cr
Examines policies and problems in the use and management of both natural and cultural resources.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Spring (odd years).
GEOG 315 | Geography of Wisconsin | 3 cr
Describes Wisconsin's characteristics and compares the state to the rest of the United States. Explores patterns of history, population, climate, topography, economic activity, transportation, culture, and recreation. Examines current and ongoing statewide issues are examined from a geographic perspective.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Occasionally.
GEOG 323 | Climate and Society | 3 cr
Offers a human-focused perspective on climate change spanning local, national, and international geographic scales. Examines social, cultural, economic, and institutional challenges along with community-based solutions.
Prerequisites: GEOG 100.
Offered: Fall.
GEOG 324 | Landforms and Environmental Processes | 3 cr
Examines the characteristics, processes, and distribution of Earth's landforms. Focuses on historical geology, tectonic events, rock formation, glaciations, river systems, soil development and consequences for humans. Includes field trip, lab applications, and aerial photo interpretation.
Offered: Fall.
GEOG 326 | Biogeography | 3 cr
Focuses on the distribution of biodiversity in space and time. Includes plant identification, ecological and evolutionary patterns, conservation, restoration ecology, paleodynamics, and human impacts on species distributions. Includes field trips.
Offered: Occasionally.
GEOG 350 | Cartography and GIS | 3 cr
Examines cartographic theory and methods as well as GIS technology. Covers the history of cartography, role of maps in society, quantitative and qualitative thematic mapping, and maps as both art and science. Explains digital cartographic design and data processing using GIS. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall (odd years).
GEOG 355 | Field Mapping | 3 cr
Focuses on the collection and analysis of field data using sub-meter Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Community-based learning designation. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: GEOG 350.
Offered: Occasionally.
Meets: Community Based Learning
GEOG 360 | Urban Geography | 3 cr
Focuses on characteristics of urban regions. Analysis of the factors that determine urban development as well as patterns within urban areas. Transportation and housing issues. Ethnic neighborhoods and urban government. Urban planning models and practice are introduced to study urban problems like poverty, congestion, crime and infrastructure.
Prerequisites: A course in geography.
Offered: Fall.
GEOG 365 | Geography in Land Use Planning | 3 cr
Examines the forces and factors shaping contemporary land use patterns in the United States. Presents concepts, theories, and tools of land use planning through selected case studies from southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
Prerequisites: A course in geography.
Offered: Spring.
GEOG 370 | GIS and Planning | 3 cr
Focuses on the application of GIS technology to help planners research, analyze, and to create plans encountered by city planners. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: GEOG 350.
Offered: Occasionally.
GEOG 375 | Geography of Transportation | 3 cr
The significance of transportation within the modern world. Geographic analysis of transportation systems with emphasis on networks, cost, new technologies, commodity flows, traffic patterns, impacts on development, the different modes, and transportation problems. Transportation planning is included.
Prerequisites: A course in geography.
Offered: Occasionally.
GEOG 382 | Soil Ecosystems and Resources | 3 cr
Digs into soils as both natural bodies and as managed resources. Examines physical and chemical properties of soils, plant nutrition from soils, environmental impacts of climate, geomorphology, organisms on soils, and how soils are managed. Includes lab and field experience.
Prerequisites: GEOG 100.
Offered: Occasionally.
GEOG 384 | Landscape Ecology | 3 cr
Examines the effects of spatial structure on ecosystem processes and biodiversity. Covers landscape scale, natural disturbances, animal movements, patch dynamics, design of nature reserves, and the wildland-urban interface. Includes labs and outside field trips. Multi-career cross-listing: MAPS 584.
Offered: Fall.
GEOG 390 | Special Topics in Geography | 3 cr
Selected topics in geography will be examined.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Occasionally.
GEOG 391 | Special Topics in Geographic Information Systems | 3 cr
Investigates selected topics and applications in Geographic Information Systems.
Prerequisites: GEOG 350 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
GEOG 396 | Field Methods in Geography | 3 cr
Provides opportunity to apply geographic concepts, scientific inquiry, methods, and tools in a field setting. Field trip required. May be repeated for credit with a different topic for a maximum of 9 credits.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
GEOG 410 | GIS and Communities | 3 cr
Examines the ethical ways to plan and execute community engaged research using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Explores technical methods of computer-based spatial analysis to solve real-world social problems. Community-based learning designation. Requires fees.
Offered: Occasionally.
Meets: Community Based Learning
GEOG 455 | Remote Sensing | 3 cr
Overview of remote-sensing systems (airborne and satellite). Principles of photographic and electromagnetic remote sensing systems which detect, record and measure distributions of natural and cultural phenomena. Interpretation of aerial and orbital imagery for urban planning and environmental research.
Offered: Occasionally.
GEOG 460 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Analysis | 3 cr
Introduces spatial analysis using GIS technology, including data acquisition, integration and editing. Explores spatial analysis of natural and cultural phenomena using both vector and raster data models. Requires field-based data collection using GPS with a focus on local community issues. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall (even years).
GEOG 465 | Advanced Geographic Information Systems Applications | 3 cr
Delves into advanced topics in GIS concepts and applications including data collection and integration, spatial analysis, project management and terrain analysis using digital elevation models. Focus on local community issues. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: GEOG 460 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring (odd years).
GEOG 490 | Special Topics in Geography | 1-3 cr
Selected topics in geography will be examined.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
GEOG 491 | Special Topics in Geographic Information Systems | 3 cr
Examines selected topics and applications in Geographic Information Systems.
Prerequisites: GEOG 350 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
GEOG 494 | Internship in Geography | 1-12 cr
Practical applications of geographic concepts, methods, and technologies. By working in planning agencies, GIS departments, environmental organizations, or other private of public units, students gain real world experience. Enrollment dependent on availability of suitable placement.
Prerequisites: Junior standing, geography or related major, 2.75 GPA in geography courses; consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
GEOG 495 | Senior Seminar | 3 cr
Provides opportunity to apply knowledge, concepts, and methods of geography and anthropology. Includes completing an original research project and communicating the results, as well as career development activities.
Prerequisites: Senior standing, geography or related major.
Offered: Spring.
GEOG 499 | Independent Study | 1-3 cr
Under instructor supervision, individual investigation of a topic related to geography. Maximum of 6 credits may be applied toward the major.
Prerequisites: Junior standing, 2.25 overall GPA; consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Courses in Museum Studies
MSST 301 | Introduction to Museums | 3 cr
Introduces the multifaceted realm of museum work, including ethical considerations and practical skills. Includes field trips and presentations from local museum professionals.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall (odd years).