{"id":9071,"date":"2022-04-04T20:29:36","date_gmt":"2022-04-04T20:29:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rmcwp.ydodev.com\/?page_id=9071"},"modified":"2024-11-27T22:38:03","modified_gmt":"2024-11-27T22:38:03","slug":"geography","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/geography\/","title":{"rendered":"Geography"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"9071\" class=\"elementor elementor-9071\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-66f30d0 elementor-section-column-vertical-align-middle elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-gap-beside-yes elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-content-align-center\" data-id=\"66f30d0\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-extended\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div 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INFO<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-9b1e7a7 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-gap-beside-yes elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-content-align-center elementor-section-column-vertical-align-stretch\" data-id=\"9b1e7a7\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-extended\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-92de88e\" data-id=\"92de88e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b241f0 elementor-tabs-view-horizontal elementor-widget elementor-widget-tabs\" data-id=\"2b241f0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"tabs.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-tabs\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-tabs-wrapper\" role=\"tablist\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-4521\" class=\"elementor-tab-title elementor-tab-desktop-title\" aria-selected=\"true\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-4521\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Overview<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-4522\" class=\"elementor-tab-title elementor-tab-desktop-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-4522\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Courses<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-4523\" class=\"elementor-tab-title elementor-tab-desktop-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-4523\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Faculty<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-tabs-content-wrapper\" role=\"tablist\" aria-orientation=\"vertical\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-tab-title elementor-tab-mobile-title\" aria-selected=\"true\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-4521\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Overview<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-4521\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-4521\" tabindex=\"0\" hidden=\"false\"><p><strong>**The Geography program is currently under moratorium and is not presently accepting new students.**<\/strong><\/p><p>The geography program at Rocky Mountain College integrates a human geography perspective rooted in historical political ecology, economic geography, and development geography; geological and environmental science perspectives on landforms, climate, water, soils, vegetation, and ecosystems; and geographic information systems (GIS) training and practice in a way that fosters student engagement with the multifaceted character of development, conservation, and planning problems.<\/p><p>Through interdisciplinary courses, unique field-work, service-learning, and internship opportunities in the Yellowstone River watershed (and beyond), students learn to use appropriate theoretical frameworks, research techniques, and technology\u2014including spatial statistics, cartography, GIS and GPS, and remote sensing\u2014to extract, analyze, and communicate information about socio-environmental topics from a spatial perspective.<\/p><h3>Major Learning Outcomes<\/h3><p>Students who graduate with a major in geography will be able to:<\/p><ol><li>Explain how social, cultural, and environmental systems develop in response to varying geographical, environmental, and historical circumstances;<\/li><li>Demonstrate knowledge of physical geographic processes and the global distribution of landforms and ecosystems as well as the mutually constitutive relationship between physical and human systems;<\/li><li>Demonstrate a capacity to think critically and communicate effectively about the relationships between global processes and regional and sub-regional scale patterns of socio-environmental change;<\/li><li>Identify and use appropriate geographic research tools and techniques&#8211; including spatial statistics, cartography, GIS and GPS, and Remote Sensing &#8212; to extract, analyze, and present information from a spatial perspective;<\/li><li>Demonstrate a capacity to develop research questions, explain methodology and scholarly literature, conduct research, critically analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and communicate research findings in oral and written formats.<\/li><\/ol><h3>Major in Geography<\/h3><p>A minimum of 49\u00a0semester hours is required, including:<br \/>GPY 102: World Regional Geography<br \/>ESC 118: Montana Rivers<br \/>GPY 302: Sustainable Development Policy and Practice<br \/>ESC 321: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems<br \/>ESC 322: Remote Sensing<br \/>GEO 101: Fundamentals of Geology<br \/>GEO 104: Fundamentals of Geology Laboratory<br \/>GEO 120: Earth&#8217;s Weather &amp; Climate<br \/>ESC 105: Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities<br \/>ESC 106: Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities Laboratory<br \/>ECO 354: Environmental Economics<br \/>GPY 491: Geography Capstone<br \/>GPY 492: Geography Capstone Laboratory<\/p><p>Choose one of the following:<br \/>GEO 218: Evolution of the Earth<br \/>GEO 220: Natural Hazards &amp; Disasters<br \/>GEO 330: Paleoclimate and Global Change<\/p><p>Choose one of the following:<br \/>GPY 224: Environment and Society<br \/>GPY 226: Energy &amp; Society<\/p><p>Choose one of the following:<br \/>ESC 209: Field Survey Techniques in Zoology<br \/>GEO 343: Field Methods for Geoscientists<br \/>MAT 210: Probability and Statistics<br \/>SOC 408: Introduction to Social Research<\/p><p>Choose one of the following:<br \/>ESC 345: Soil Science<br \/>GEO 310: Geomorphology<br \/>GEO 318: Geology of the National Parks and Monuments<br \/>GEO 320: The Geology of Natural Resources<br \/>HST 365: American Environmental History<br \/>PHR 304: Environmental Ethics<br \/>PHR 378: Philosophy of Technology and Modern Culture<br \/>POL 313: Environmental Politics<br \/>SOC 324: Sociocultural Theory<br \/>Elective: Geography-related upper-division elective (300-level) from ESC, GPY, or GEO, approved by GPY faculty<\/p><h3>Minor Learning Outcomes<\/h3><p>Students who graduate with a minor in geography will be able to:<\/p><ol><li>Explain how social, cultural, and environmental systems develop in response to varying geographical, environmental, and historical circumstances;<\/li><li>Identify and use appropriate geographic research tools and techniques &#8212; including spatial statistics, cartography, GIS and GPA, and Remote Sensing &#8212; to extract, analyze, and present information form a spatial perspective.<\/li><\/ol><h3>Minor in Geography<\/h3><p>A minimum of 24 semester hours is required, including:<br \/>GPY 102: World Regional Geography<br \/>ESC 321: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems<br \/>ESC 322: Remote Sensing<br \/>GEO 101: Fundamentals of Geology<br \/>GEO 104: Fundamentals of Geology Laboratory<\/p><p>Choose one:<br \/>GPY 215: Fast Food Nation<br \/>GPY 224: Environment and Society<br \/>GPY 226: Energy and Society<\/p><p>Choose one of the following:<br \/>GPY 302: Sustainable Development Policy and Practice<br \/>ECO 354: Environmental Economics<\/p><p>Also required: three semester hours of upper-division GPY or GEO electives, approved by geography faculty.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-tab-title elementor-tab-mobile-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-4522\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Courses<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-4522\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-4522\" tabindex=\"0\" hidden=\"hidden\"><h3>ECO 354 &#8211; Environmental Economics<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Fall; Odd years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This course introduces the multidisciplinary field of environmental economics. Students will employ a critical geographic framework to examine the basic implications of economic theory related to ecosystems and environmental problems involving water, air pollution, energy, climate change, natural resources, and human health and development.<\/p><hr \/><h3>ESC 105 &#8211; Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Fall and Spring<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>An introductory course designed for students entering the environmental sciences and studies program and for other students who would like to take an ecology course. Topics address the central concepts of ecology including the physical environment in which life exists. Students will explore the properties and processes of populations and communities, ecosystem dynamics, biogeography and biodiversity, as well as issues in conservation and restoration ecology. Three hours of lecture per week. This course may fulfill a natural lab science core curriculum requirement if taken concurrently with ESC 106.<\/p><hr \/><h3>ESC 106 &#8211; Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities Laboratory<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Fall and Spring<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 1<\/p><p>In the laboratory, students will apply environmental science concepts to ecological studies in the natural environment and learn how to present their results in a scientific report. One two-hour laboratory session per week.<\/p><p><em>Corequisite:<\/em> ESC 105<\/p><hr \/><h3>ESC 118 &#8211; Great Plains River Lab<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Fall<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This integrative, field-based course introduces students to the environmental programs at Rocky Mountain College and is a required course for geography, environmental science, and environmental studies. Through hands-on experiences in the outdoor classrooms of the Yellowstone and Missouri River watersheds, students will gain a geographic perspective on key regional environmental issues. Activities include a multi-day canoe trip on the Missouri River or Yellowstone River and outdoor service learning activities, such as the annual Yellowstone River Cleanup. Students will read and keep journals, write papers, examine basic ecology and geology, analyze and communicate effectively about patterns of landscape change and management, and work as part of a team of outdoor professionals. Students will learn basic GPS and mapping (GIS) skills.<\/p><p><em>Corequisite:<\/em> Enrollment in EST 103, ESC 105, and 106; or permission of instructor<\/p><hr \/><h3>ESC 209 &#8211; Field Survey Techniques in Zoology<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring; Even years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 4<\/p><p>A field and laboratory course covering basic field techniques to survey and inventory areas to assess biodiversity, with an emphasis on Montana mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, and fish fauna. Topics include species identification, survey and trapping, experimental design, data analysis, and report completion. Once identification and survey skills are learned, field teams will be formed and assigned to survey and inventory local habitats of concern with the goal of helping guide local management and restoration of these habitats. An additional fee is required.<\/p><p><em>Prerequisite: <\/em>ESC 105 and 106, or BIO 120<\/p><hr \/><h3>ESC 321 &#8211; Introduction to Geographic Information Systems<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Fall<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 4<\/p><p>This course introduces students to the theory and practical application of geographic information systems (GIS). Topics include fundamentals of cartography, GIS data types, data input, GIS database structure and management, analysis of spatially distributed data, and report preparations using GIS.<\/p><hr \/><h3>ESC 322 &#8211; Remote Sensing<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 4<\/p><p>This course introduces the principles of remote sensing to students who are new to the field but who have experience with GIS (particularly with ArcMap). The focus is on hands on application of remote sensing data and workflows to natural resource management, earth science, and environmental systems monitoring.<\/p><hr \/><h3>ESC 345 &#8211; Soil Science<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring; Alternate years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 4<\/p><p>This course provides an introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Lectures, in-class lab activities, and field work will provide students with an overview of soil formation and classification, nutrient cycling, and land resource planning and protection. Students will also have the opportunity to interact with soil science professionals in the classroom and field.<\/p><p><em>Prerequisite:<\/em> CHM 101, GEO 101, and GEO 104<\/p><hr \/><h3>GEO 101 &#8211; Fundamentals of Geology<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Fall and Spring<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This course provides an introduction to the science of earth materials, earth systems, and earth history, including the study of minerals, rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, rock deformation and metamorphism, weathering, and erosion within the modern paradigm of plate tectonics. Special emphasis is placed on interpreting the geologic landscape and history of the Rocky Mountains through an understanding of Earth processes. Three hours of lecture and one recommended two-hour laboratory per week, plus field trips. This course fulfills a natural science core curriculum requirement, and if taken with GEO 104, may fulfill the natural science with lab requirement.<\/p><hr \/><h3>GEO 104 &#8211; Fundamentals of Geology Laboratory<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Fall and Spring<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 1<\/p><p>Focus on description of the earth materials and earth systems within the framework of plate tectonic theory. Introduction to identification of minerals, rocks, geologic maps, and structures.<\/p><p><em>Corequisite:<\/em> GEO 101 or GEO 218<\/p><hr \/><h3>GEO 120 &#8211; Earth&#8217;s Weather and Climate<\/h3><p><em>Semester: <\/em>Fall<br \/><em>Semester hours: <\/em>3<\/p><p>This course introduces students to weather and climate patterns and phenomena from across the globe. Students will be exposed to the forcing mechanisms that drive weather and climate systems including the sources of energy and the interactions among the atmosphere, the behavior of air masses and atmospheric circulation, severe weather, and climate change including human-induced climate modification. Activities will include regular discussions about relevant topics drawing on the scientific literature.<\/p><hr \/><h3>GEO 218 &#8211; Evolution of the Earth<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>A survey of the major geologic events that have shaped the Earth through time, techniques for telling time geologically, and the connections between the evolution of life and geologic processes and\/or events will be covered in this course. Special attention will be given to the regional geologic and environmental history of Montana and the surrounding area. Three hours of lecture per week and several day- or weekend-long field trips to examine local geologic features will be required. This course fulfills a natural science core curriculum requirement, and if taken with GEO 104, may fulfill the natural science with lab requirement. Additionally, this course will provide a temporal context for many geologic features and concepts for geology majors and minors.<\/p><hr \/><h3>GEO 310 &#8211; Geomorphology<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring; Alternate years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 4<\/p><p>Students study landforms and the processes that create them. Topics include surface processes of erosion and deposition by rivers, glaciers, wind, waves, and mass wasting. Field trips are required. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.<\/p><p><em>Prerequisite:<\/em> GEO 218 and GEO 343<\/p><hr \/><h3>GEO 318 &#8211; Geology of the National Parks and Monuments<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring; Alternate years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This course introduces the geology of the national parks of the western United States. Preference is given to the parks and monuments of Montana, Wyoming, and North and South Dakota, given their proximity to the College. The lecture class is structured such that each week a new feature of the geology of the selected park is introduced. Students will choose a topic of interest to investigate for class presentations. There is a required multi-day field trip. This course may be offered during either the fall or the spring semester, depending on the field locale.<\/p><p><em>Prerequisite:<\/em> GEO 101, GEO 104, and GEO 218; or permission of the instructor<\/p><hr \/><h3>GEO 320 &#8211; The Geology of Natural Resources<\/h3><p><em>Semester: <\/em>Spring<br \/><em>Semester hours: <\/em>4<\/p><p>This course involves the study of geologic processes that produce metal ores (e.g., rare earth elements, precious metals), fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), and renewable energy (e.g., geothermal energy). The course will also investigate the environmental issues associated with resource extraction and use. Emphasis is placed on regional deposits with field trips to appropriate sites. Three hours of lecture with two-hour lab.<\/p><p><em>Prerequisite: <\/em>GEO 101, GEO 104, and GEO 218<\/p><hr \/><h3>GEO 330 &#8211; Paleoclimate and Global Change<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring; Alternate years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This course is designed for geology majors, geology minors, upper-level environmental science majors, and other upper-level science majors with interest in the climate of the Earth throughout its history. Scientific literature and other resources will be used to illustrate the current ideas about the mechanisms that drive Earth\u2019s climate system on the plate tectonic timescale, glacial timescale, and short-term timescale. Topics will include Earth\u2019s climate system, paleoclimate proxies and paleothermometers, atmospheric chemistry and climate, controls and effects of oceanic circulation on climate, the effects of geologic features on climate (volcanoes, supercontinents, ice sheets, etc.), and the effects of biologic organisms on climate and vice versa. Three hours of lecture per week.<\/p><p><em>Prerequisite:<\/em> GEO 101, CHM 101<\/p><hr \/><h3>GEO 343 &#8211; Field Methods for Geoscientists<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Fall<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 4<\/p><p>This practical course in basic field techniques focuses on the use of the fundamental tools of geologic field work including topographic and geologic maps, air photos, the Brunton compass, hand-held GPS, and Jacob&#8217;s staff. Students draft cross-sections, geologic maps, and stratigraphic columns, and prepare geologic reports using proper scientific writing and data analysis techniques. This course should be taken during sophomore or junior year. One hour of lecture and a two-hour laboratory per week. This course does not serve as a substitute for GEO 350 or equivalent. Students should expect several mandatory field trips. Some will require camping and strenuous hiking in mountain settings.<\/p><p><em>Prerequisite:<\/em> GEO 101, GEO 104, and MAT 110 or satisfactory score on a math placement exam<\/p><hr \/><h3>GPY 101 &#8211; Spatial Thinking and Technology<\/h3><p><em>Semester: <\/em> Spring; Odd years<br \/><em>Semester hours: <\/em>3<\/p><p>This course introduces students to geographic perspectives on spatial thinking and technology, with an emphasis on how geography and related disciplines think about, analyze, and map different physical and social patterns and processes on the Earth&#8217;s surface. Emphasis is on learning to use no-fee Geographic Information System platforms and apps to integrate information, ideas, and data from multiple disciplines in support of project definitions and research projects in the natural (and social) sciences. Students who complete this class will learn:<\/p><ul><li>Concepts and theoretical frameworks that geographers employ to understand the world around them;<\/li><li>To search for, evaluate, acquire, and explore spatial data and map products maintained by municipal, state, federal, and international agencies;<\/li><li>To use web-based interactive mapping interfaces maintained by city, state, federal, and international agencies to study spatial patterns evident in vector data;<\/li><li>To use web-based interfaces to explore and communicate patterns evident in multispectral and other remotely sensed data;<\/li><li>Basic cartographic literacy and best practices for making and sharing static and online maps projects;<\/li><li>To use spatial thinking and technology to design, execute, and communicate the results of a research project rooted in the scientific method.<br \/><hr \/><\/li><\/ul><h3>GPY 102 &#8211; World Regional Geography<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This introductory geography course is a requirement for students in the environmental programs and may be used to satisfy a core curriculum requirement for the social sciences. The course provides students with tools and knowledge from the social and physical sciences that will help them to think critically about how global systems work and how they connect and transform social activity and bio-geophysical landscapes around the world. Students will learn the cultural, political-economic, and bio-geophysical characteristics that distinguish the world\u2019s diverse regions; how place-specific characteristics shape and are shaped by global processes; and the role of policy in shaping global flows and their local expressions.<\/p><hr \/><h3>GPY 215 &#8211; Fast Food Nation<\/h3><p><em>Semester: <\/em>Fall; Even years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>Through food &#8212; its production and consumption &#8212; humans produce the world. Food mediates human relationships to the environment, other humans, and other living beings. This course integrates concepts and methods from ecology, physical geography, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with a historical geographic perspective to explore how these relationships overlap and intersect to shape food systems and consumption patterns as well as landscapes, health, and development prospects.<\/p><hr \/><h3>GPY 224 &#8211; Environment and Society<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring; Odd years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This course presents a geographic perspective on environmental problems and introduces students to the core ideas, terminology, major controversies, complexities, and scholarly context surrounding contemporary socio-environmental problems. Topics include landscape as a dynamic artifact of human-environment interaction; roots of (mostly American) political ecology thinking; social, environmental, and political-economic factors shaping human environment interaction and environmental problems; and the roles of consumers, markets, governments, policies, science, and collective action in use and conservation of ecosystem resources. This course may be used to satisfy a core curriculum requirement for the social sciences.<\/p><hr \/><h3>GPY 226 &#8211; Energy and Society<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring; Even years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This course introduces students to knowledge, theories, and analytical techniques that will help them better understand and communicate effectively about the scientific, technical, economic, social, political, and environmental dimensions of Earth-Energy-Society interactions. While other energy sources will be discussed, the course focuses primarily on human use of energy from hydrocarbons (fossil fuels). Particular attention will be given to policy tools and technical options for addressing problematic or unsustainable patterns of energy production. Patterns of Earth-Energy-Society interactions will be examined from a historical-geographic perspective.<\/p><hr \/><h3>GPY 299 &#8211; Directed Reading<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Offered at discretion of department<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 1-3<\/p><p>This course allows a student to devise and pursue independent study in an area agreed upon in consultation with, and supervised by, a faculty member. Students should be either a major or minor and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.<\/p><hr \/><h3>GPY 302 &#8211; Sustainable Development Policy and Practice<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Fall; Even years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This course provides students with an understanding of key themes of sustainable development policy and practice. Course materials and activities will track the theory and practice of development as it has evolved from the empire-building focus of the colonial period of human history to the present era of &#8220;sustainable development,&#8221; which, in theory, proposes to meet the needs of the current generation without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Students will critically examine common assumptions regarding sustainable development, and study the effects of particular development theorizations as well as the spatial processes and linkages leading to development outcomes. Students will consider whose needs are best met by orthodox approaches to sustainable development, how to define development success, and how development success can be achieved through policy and practice.<\/p><hr \/><h3>GPY 350 &#8211; Case Studies in International Political Ecology<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring; Offered at discretion of department<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This combination lecture and field study course features travel outside the United States to study a specific landscape (e.g. the Pantanal Wetlands in Paraguay) that is the focus of development or conservation projects. Through lectures, research projects, and in-class and field activities, students will explore political and ecological concepts specific to the case study landscape and development and conservation planning in general. Field activities may include stay at remote field stations, ecological short courses, nature walks, bird watching excursions, and community meetings in local communities. Additional travel fees are required.<\/p><p><em>Prerequisite:<\/em> permission of instructor<\/p><hr \/><h3>GPY 450 &#8211; Internship<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Offered at discretion of department<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 1-12<\/p><p>This course is a guided work experience in an already established place of business. The student must arrange the internship in agreement with a geography advisor and the Office of Career Services. The internship should relate to the student&#8217;s major area of study. Contract is required. Pass\/no pass grading.<\/p><p><em>Prerequisite:<\/em> junior or senior standing<\/p><hr \/><h3>GPY 491 &#8211; Geography Capstone<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring; Even years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This is a seminar-style capstone course for geography majors in their second-to-last semester at Rocky Mountain College. Course discussions will explore production and contestation of environmental knowledge; the use of environmental (particularly spatial) knowledge in decision-making; and understanding the historical, scientific, and policy contexts that shape responses to local and global environmental problems. The theme of the seminar may vary depending on research or service-learning projects chosen.<\/p><p><em>Prerequisite:<\/em> senior standing<br \/><em>Corequisite:<\/em> GPY 492<\/p><hr \/><h3>GPY 492 &#8211; Geography Capstone Laboratory<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 1<\/p><p>In this laboratory-style course, students will participate in long-term research or service learning projects facilitated by geography faculty. Students will critically analyze qualitative and quantitative data, apply appropriate geographic research tools and techniques in order to investigate problems and research questions from a spatial perspective, and communicate information in oral and written formats.<\/p><p><em>Prerequisite:<\/em> senior standing<br \/><em>Corequisite:<\/em> GPY 491<\/p><hr \/><h3>GPY 499 &#8211; Directed Reading<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Offered at discretion of department<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 1-3<\/p><p>This course allows a student to devise and pursue independent study in an area agreed upon in consultation with, and supervised by, a faculty member. Students should be either a major or minor and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.<\/p><p><em>Prerequisite:<\/em> junior or senior standing<\/p><hr \/><h3>HST 365 &#8211; American Environmental History<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Fall; Odd years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This course examines the interrelationship of human society and nature in American history. Topics will include ecology as it relates to European conquest of the Americas, Native American peoples, public lands policies, American national character, technological society, conservation, and the modern environmental movement.<\/p><hr \/><h3>MAT 210 &#8211; Probability and Statistics<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Fall, Spring, and Summer<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This course provides a non-calculus-based study of discrete probability theory and its statistical applications. Distribution theory and its applications in hypothesis testing and setting confidence intervals are discussed.<\/p><p><em>Prerequisite:<\/em> MAT 100 or satisfactory score on a placement exam<\/p><hr \/><h3>PHR 304 &#8211; Environmental Ethics<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Fall; Even years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This course will address issues such as whether natural beings and the natural world have rights or whether only humans have rights. Students will determine what is ethically appropriate for humans in their relationship with the environment as well as what environmental ethics must take account of to be consequential in the world today.<\/p><hr \/><h3>PHR 378 &#8211; Philosophy of Technology and Culture<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring; Even years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>It is often a difficult task to understand one&#8217;s own culture and age. Recent philosophical work offers profound insights into our age and places these insights within a much wider context.<\/p><hr \/><h3>POL 204 &#8211; Political Geography<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Fall; Even years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This course introduces students to political geography as a field of inquiry, including the scholarly context, core ideas, terminology, major controversies, and complexities associated with taking a geographical perspective on political issues. Students will develop tools to think critically about the mutually constitutive relationship between politics and places, as well as the conflict-laden politics of human-environment relations. The readings, videos, music, and other materials used in the course are drawn from political geography, political science, the humanities, government and multi-lateral agencies, and substantive news and media outlets (e.g., Economist, National Geographic, and The World Bank). Course topics include the changing relationships between territory, sovereignty, and identity; globalization and environmental governance; and the paradoxes and contradictions of post-9\/11 geopolitics.<\/p><hr \/><h3>POL 313 &#8211; Environmental Politics<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring; Even years<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>This course explores the political problems associated with the human impact on the natural environment: pollution, natural resources, public lands, land use, energy, cultural\/social justice, and population.<\/p><hr \/><h3>SOC 324 &#8211; Sociocultural Theory<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Fall<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>A study of the historical development of the fields of anthropology and sociology with an emphasis on the contributions of both classical and modern social theorists in the development of key concepts in the study of social and cultural behavior.<\/p><p><em>Prerequisite:<\/em> SOC 101 or SOC 225<\/p><hr \/><h3>SOC 408 &#8211; Introduction to Social Research<\/h3><p><em>Semester:<\/em> Spring<br \/><em>Semester hours:<\/em> 3<\/p><p>Students will complete the tasks necessary for conducting sociological research prior to the collection of data. Students will write a research proposal to include the development of a research question (hypothesis), a literature review of existing research on this topic, identification of a population for study, choice of two research methodologies for data collection, choice of analytical tools, and a statement of expected results. After successful completion of this course students will be prepared for SOC 409: Practicing Social Research.<\/p><p><em>Prerequisite:<\/em> SOC 324<\/p><hr \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-tab-title elementor-tab-mobile-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-4523\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Faculty<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-4523\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-4523\" tabindex=\"0\" hidden=\"hidden\"><ul><li>Tom Kalakay, Professor<\/li><li>Kayhan Ostovar, Professor<\/li><li>Derek Sjostrom, Professor<\/li><li>Megan Poulette, Associate Professor<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0df95c1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-gap-beside-yes elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-column-vertical-align-stretch\" data-id=\"0df95c1\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-extended\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-17a6084 elementor-invisible\" data-id=\"17a6084\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;RMCFadeInUp&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-efdd25e elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-tm-heading\" data-id=\"efdd25e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;RMCFadeInUp&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"tm-heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tm-modern-heading\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"heading-primary-wrap\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-primary elementor-heading-title\">Explore<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c1431a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"c1431a7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d3cc56 elementor-widget__width-auto elementor-absolute unicamp-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-tm-icon\" data-id=\"9d3cc56\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_position&quot;:&quot;absolute&quot;}\" 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class=\"button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"button-text\">Academic Programs <\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e0d410d elementor-widget elementor-widget-tm-button\" data-id=\"e0d410d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"tm-button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tm-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/academic-calendar\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"tm-button-link tm-button style-text tm-button-nm smooth-scroll-link\" role=\"button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"button-text\">Academic Calendar<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-616b9f2 elementor-widget 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data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-245bed16 elementor-section-content-bottom elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-gap-beside-yes elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-column-vertical-align-stretch\" data-id=\"245bed16\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-extended\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ed3bcdf\" data-id=\"2ed3bcdf\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d934a6f elementor-vertical-align-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"2d934a6f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span  >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContact\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-icon-box-description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOffice of Student Records<br\/>\nRocky Mountain College<br\/>\nPrescott Hall<br\/>\n1511 Poly Drive<br\/>\nBillings, MT 59102\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-7be30f73\" data-id=\"7be30f73\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6be6e199 elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"6be6e199\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"tel:+14066571030\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"60px\" height=\"61px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 61\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><path d=\"M8.60841007,32.7790974 C8.60729658,23.9992206 12.6534664,15.7086921 19.5750445,10.3074896 C26.4966227,4.9057304 35.5220086,2.99621444 44.0380048,5.13064133 C34.3757423,-0.347387173 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class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">(406) 657-1169<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"mailto:studentrecords@rocky.edu\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"60px\" height=\"45px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 45\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><path d=\"M31.0985097,28.9059217 C31.3181132,28.0772387 31.753381,27.3214286 32.3599987,26.7148109 L52.5851825,6.4896271 C54.0569196,5.01838235 56.3021927,4.64663206 58.169807,5.56492916 C57.9344472,5.08682382 57.6222755,4.65007878 57.2451089,4.27291235 L55.6803112,2.7081145 C53.7811843,0.809480042 50.7027968,0.809480042 48.8036699,2.7081145 L28.5784861,22.9332983 C27.9718684,23.5394236 27.5366005,24.2957261 27.3169971,25.1244091 L24.6615678,35.1291688 L29.7828585,33.8622637 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and is not presently accepting new students.** The geography program at Rocky Mountain College integrates a human geography perspective rooted in historical political ecology, economic geography, and development geography; geological and environmental science perspectives on landforms, climate, water, soils, vegetation, and ecosystems; and geographic information systems (GIS) training and practice in a way that fosters student engagement with the multifaceted character of development, conservation, and planning problems. Through interdisciplinary courses, unique field-work, service-learning, and internship opportunities in the Yellowstone River watershed (and beyond), students learn to use appropriate theoretical frameworks, research techniques, and technology\u2014including spatial statistics, cartography, GIS and GPS, and remote sensing\u2014to extract, analyze, and communicate information about socio-environmental topics from a spatial perspective. Major Learning Outcomes Students who graduate with a major in geography will be able to: Explain how social, cultural, and environmental systems develop in response to varying geographical, environmental, and historical circumstances; Demonstrate knowledge of physical geographic processes and the global distribution of landforms and ecosystems as well as the mutually constitutive relationship between physical and human systems; Demonstrate a capacity to think critically and communicate effectively about the relationships between global processes and regional and sub-regional scale patterns of socio-environmental change; Identify and use appropriate geographic research tools and techniques&#8211; including spatial statistics, cartography, GIS and GPS, and Remote Sensing &#8212; to extract, analyze, and present information from a spatial perspective; Demonstrate a capacity to develop research questions, explain methodology and scholarly literature, conduct research, critically analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and communicate research findings in oral and written formats. Major in Geography A minimum of 49\u00a0semester hours is required, including:GPY 102: World Regional GeographyESC 118: Montana RiversGPY 302: Sustainable Development Policy and PracticeESC 321: Introduction to Geographic Information SystemsESC 322: Remote SensingGEO 101: Fundamentals of GeologyGEO 104: Fundamentals of Geology LaboratoryGEO 120: Earth&#8217;s Weather &amp; ClimateESC 105: Environmental Science: Sustainable CommunitiesESC 106: Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities LaboratoryECO 354: Environmental EconomicsGPY 491: Geography CapstoneGPY 492: Geography Capstone Laboratory Choose one of the following:GEO 218: Evolution of the EarthGEO 220: Natural Hazards &amp; DisastersGEO 330: Paleoclimate and Global Change Choose one of the following:GPY 224: Environment and SocietyGPY 226: Energy &amp; Society Choose one of the following:ESC 209: Field Survey Techniques in ZoologyGEO 343: Field Methods for GeoscientistsMAT 210: Probability and StatisticsSOC 408: Introduction to Social Research Choose one of the following:ESC 345: Soil ScienceGEO 310: GeomorphologyGEO 318: Geology of the National Parks and MonumentsGEO 320: The Geology of Natural ResourcesHST 365: American Environmental HistoryPHR 304: Environmental EthicsPHR 378: Philosophy of Technology and Modern CulturePOL 313: Environmental PoliticsSOC 324: Sociocultural TheoryElective: Geography-related upper-division elective (300-level) from ESC, GPY, or GEO, approved by GPY faculty Minor Learning Outcomes Students who graduate with a minor in geography will be able to: Explain how social, cultural, and environmental systems develop in response to varying geographical, environmental, and historical circumstances; Identify and use appropriate geographic research tools and techniques &#8212; including spatial statistics, cartography, GIS and GPA, and Remote Sensing &#8212; to extract, analyze, and present information form a spatial perspective. Minor in Geography A minimum of 24 semester hours is required, including:GPY 102: World Regional GeographyESC 321: Introduction to Geographic Information SystemsESC 322: Remote SensingGEO 101: Fundamentals of GeologyGEO 104: Fundamentals of Geology Laboratory Choose one:GPY 215: Fast Food NationGPY 224: Environment and SocietyGPY 226: Energy and Society Choose one of the following:GPY 302: Sustainable Development Policy and PracticeECO 354: Environmental Economics Also required: three semester hours of upper-division GPY or GEO electives, approved by geography faculty. Courses ECO 354 &#8211; Environmental Economics Semester: Fall; Odd yearsSemester hours: 3 This course introduces the multidisciplinary field of environmental economics. Students will employ a critical geographic framework to examine the basic implications of economic theory related to ecosystems and environmental problems involving water, air pollution, energy, climate change, natural resources, and human health and development. ESC 105 &#8211; Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities Semester: Fall and SpringSemester hours: 3 An introductory course designed for students entering the environmental sciences and studies program and for other students who would like to take an ecology course. Topics address the central concepts of ecology including the physical environment in which life exists. Students will explore the properties and processes of populations and communities, ecosystem dynamics, biogeography and biodiversity, as well as issues in conservation and restoration ecology. Three hours of lecture per week. This course may fulfill a natural lab science core curriculum requirement if taken concurrently with ESC 106. ESC 106 &#8211; Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities Laboratory Semester: Fall and SpringSemester hours: 1 In the laboratory, students will apply environmental science concepts to ecological studies in the natural environment and learn how to present their results in a scientific report. One two-hour laboratory session per week. Corequisite: ESC 105 ESC 118 &#8211; Great Plains River Lab Semester: FallSemester hours: 3 This integrative, field-based course introduces students to the environmental programs at Rocky Mountain College and is a required course for geography, environmental science, and environmental studies. Through hands-on experiences in the outdoor classrooms of the Yellowstone and Missouri River watersheds, students will gain a geographic perspective on key regional environmental issues. Activities include a multi-day canoe trip on the Missouri River or Yellowstone River and outdoor service learning activities, such as the annual Yellowstone River Cleanup. Students will read and keep journals, write papers, examine basic ecology and geology, analyze and communicate effectively about patterns of landscape change and management, and work as part of a team of outdoor professionals. Students will learn basic GPS and mapping (GIS) skills. Corequisite: Enrollment in EST 103, ESC 105, and 106; or permission of instructor ESC 209 &#8211; Field Survey Techniques in Zoology Semester: Spring; Even yearsSemester hours: 4 A field and laboratory course covering basic field techniques to survey and inventory areas to assess biodiversity, with an emphasis on Montana mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, and fish fauna. Topics include species identification, survey and trapping, experimental design, data analysis, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":4941,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9071","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","post-no-thumbnail"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Geography - RMC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/geography\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Geography - RMC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"APPLY VISIT REQUEST INFO Overview Courses Faculty Overview **The Geography program is currently under moratorium and is not presently accepting new students.** The geography program at Rocky Mountain College integrates a human geography perspective rooted in historical political ecology, economic geography, and development geography; geological and environmental science perspectives on landforms, climate, water, soils, vegetation, and ecosystems; and geographic information systems (GIS) training and practice in a way that fosters student engagement with the multifaceted character of development, conservation, and planning problems. Through interdisciplinary courses, unique field-work, service-learning, and internship opportunities in the Yellowstone River watershed (and beyond), students learn to use appropriate theoretical frameworks, research techniques, and technology\u2014including spatial statistics, cartography, GIS and GPS, and remote sensing\u2014to extract, analyze, and communicate information about socio-environmental topics from a spatial perspective. Major Learning Outcomes Students who graduate with a major in geography will be able to: Explain how social, cultural, and environmental systems develop in response to varying geographical, environmental, and historical circumstances; Demonstrate knowledge of physical geographic processes and the global distribution of landforms and ecosystems as well as the mutually constitutive relationship between physical and human systems; Demonstrate a capacity to think critically and communicate effectively about the relationships between global processes and regional and sub-regional scale patterns of socio-environmental change; Identify and use appropriate geographic research tools and techniques&#8211; including spatial statistics, cartography, GIS and GPS, and Remote Sensing &#8212; to extract, analyze, and present information from a spatial perspective; Demonstrate a capacity to develop research questions, explain methodology and scholarly literature, conduct research, critically analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and communicate research findings in oral and written formats. Major in Geography A minimum of 49\u00a0semester hours is required, including:GPY 102: World Regional GeographyESC 118: Montana RiversGPY 302: Sustainable Development Policy and PracticeESC 321: Introduction to Geographic Information SystemsESC 322: Remote SensingGEO 101: Fundamentals of GeologyGEO 104: Fundamentals of Geology LaboratoryGEO 120: Earth&#8217;s Weather &amp; ClimateESC 105: Environmental Science: Sustainable CommunitiesESC 106: Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities LaboratoryECO 354: Environmental EconomicsGPY 491: Geography CapstoneGPY 492: Geography Capstone Laboratory Choose one of the following:GEO 218: Evolution of the EarthGEO 220: Natural Hazards &amp; DisastersGEO 330: Paleoclimate and Global Change Choose one of the following:GPY 224: Environment and SocietyGPY 226: Energy &amp; Society Choose one of the following:ESC 209: Field Survey Techniques in ZoologyGEO 343: Field Methods for GeoscientistsMAT 210: Probability and StatisticsSOC 408: Introduction to Social Research Choose one of the following:ESC 345: Soil ScienceGEO 310: GeomorphologyGEO 318: Geology of the National Parks and MonumentsGEO 320: The Geology of Natural ResourcesHST 365: American Environmental HistoryPHR 304: Environmental EthicsPHR 378: Philosophy of Technology and Modern CulturePOL 313: Environmental PoliticsSOC 324: Sociocultural TheoryElective: Geography-related upper-division elective (300-level) from ESC, GPY, or GEO, approved by GPY faculty Minor Learning Outcomes Students who graduate with a minor in geography will be able to: Explain how social, cultural, and environmental systems develop in response to varying geographical, environmental, and historical circumstances; Identify and use appropriate geographic research tools and techniques &#8212; including spatial statistics, cartography, GIS and GPA, and Remote Sensing &#8212; to extract, analyze, and present information form a spatial perspective. Minor in Geography A minimum of 24 semester hours is required, including:GPY 102: World Regional GeographyESC 321: Introduction to Geographic Information SystemsESC 322: Remote SensingGEO 101: Fundamentals of GeologyGEO 104: Fundamentals of Geology Laboratory Choose one:GPY 215: Fast Food NationGPY 224: Environment and SocietyGPY 226: Energy and Society Choose one of the following:GPY 302: Sustainable Development Policy and PracticeECO 354: Environmental Economics Also required: three semester hours of upper-division GPY or GEO electives, approved by geography faculty. Courses ECO 354 &#8211; Environmental Economics Semester: Fall; Odd yearsSemester hours: 3 This course introduces the multidisciplinary field of environmental economics. Students will employ a critical geographic framework to examine the basic implications of economic theory related to ecosystems and environmental problems involving water, air pollution, energy, climate change, natural resources, and human health and development. ESC 105 &#8211; Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities Semester: Fall and SpringSemester hours: 3 An introductory course designed for students entering the environmental sciences and studies program and for other students who would like to take an ecology course. Topics address the central concepts of ecology including the physical environment in which life exists. Students will explore the properties and processes of populations and communities, ecosystem dynamics, biogeography and biodiversity, as well as issues in conservation and restoration ecology. Three hours of lecture per week. This course may fulfill a natural lab science core curriculum requirement if taken concurrently with ESC 106. ESC 106 &#8211; Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities Laboratory Semester: Fall and SpringSemester hours: 1 In the laboratory, students will apply environmental science concepts to ecological studies in the natural environment and learn how to present their results in a scientific report. One two-hour laboratory session per week. Corequisite: ESC 105 ESC 118 &#8211; Great Plains River Lab Semester: FallSemester hours: 3 This integrative, field-based course introduces students to the environmental programs at Rocky Mountain College and is a required course for geography, environmental science, and environmental studies. Through hands-on experiences in the outdoor classrooms of the Yellowstone and Missouri River watersheds, students will gain a geographic perspective on key regional environmental issues. Activities include a multi-day canoe trip on the Missouri River or Yellowstone River and outdoor service learning activities, such as the annual Yellowstone River Cleanup. Students will read and keep journals, write papers, examine basic ecology and geology, analyze and communicate effectively about patterns of landscape change and management, and work as part of a team of outdoor professionals. Students will learn basic GPS and mapping (GIS) skills. Corequisite: Enrollment in EST 103, ESC 105, and 106; or permission of instructor ESC 209 &#8211; Field Survey Techniques in Zoology Semester: Spring; Even yearsSemester hours: 4 A field and laboratory course covering basic field techniques to survey and inventory areas to assess biodiversity, with an emphasis on Montana mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, and fish fauna. Topics include species identification, survey and trapping, experimental design, data analysis, and [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/geography\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"RMC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-11-27T22:38:03+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"18 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/geography\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/geography\/\",\"name\":\"Geography - RMC\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2022-04-04T20:29:36+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-11-27T22:38:03+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/geography\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/geography\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/geography\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Academics\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Course Catalog\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Geography\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/\",\"name\":\"Rocky Mountain College\",\"description\":\"Discover the world of possibility with RMC\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Geography - RMC","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/geography\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Geography - RMC","og_description":"APPLY VISIT REQUEST INFO Overview Courses Faculty Overview **The Geography program is currently under moratorium and is not presently accepting new students.** The geography program at Rocky Mountain College integrates a human geography perspective rooted in historical political ecology, economic geography, and development geography; geological and environmental science perspectives on landforms, climate, water, soils, vegetation, and ecosystems; and geographic information systems (GIS) training and practice in a way that fosters student engagement with the multifaceted character of development, conservation, and planning problems. Through interdisciplinary courses, unique field-work, service-learning, and internship opportunities in the Yellowstone River watershed (and beyond), students learn to use appropriate theoretical frameworks, research techniques, and technology\u2014including spatial statistics, cartography, GIS and GPS, and remote sensing\u2014to extract, analyze, and communicate information about socio-environmental topics from a spatial perspective. Major Learning Outcomes Students who graduate with a major in geography will be able to: Explain how social, cultural, and environmental systems develop in response to varying geographical, environmental, and historical circumstances; Demonstrate knowledge of physical geographic processes and the global distribution of landforms and ecosystems as well as the mutually constitutive relationship between physical and human systems; Demonstrate a capacity to think critically and communicate effectively about the relationships between global processes and regional and sub-regional scale patterns of socio-environmental change; Identify and use appropriate geographic research tools and techniques&#8211; including spatial statistics, cartography, GIS and GPS, and Remote Sensing &#8212; to extract, analyze, and present information from a spatial perspective; Demonstrate a capacity to develop research questions, explain methodology and scholarly literature, conduct research, critically analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and communicate research findings in oral and written formats. Major in Geography A minimum of 49\u00a0semester hours is required, including:GPY 102: World Regional GeographyESC 118: Montana RiversGPY 302: Sustainable Development Policy and PracticeESC 321: Introduction to Geographic Information SystemsESC 322: Remote SensingGEO 101: Fundamentals of GeologyGEO 104: Fundamentals of Geology LaboratoryGEO 120: Earth&#8217;s Weather &amp; ClimateESC 105: Environmental Science: Sustainable CommunitiesESC 106: Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities LaboratoryECO 354: Environmental EconomicsGPY 491: Geography CapstoneGPY 492: Geography Capstone Laboratory Choose one of the following:GEO 218: Evolution of the EarthGEO 220: Natural Hazards &amp; DisastersGEO 330: Paleoclimate and Global Change Choose one of the following:GPY 224: Environment and SocietyGPY 226: Energy &amp; Society Choose one of the following:ESC 209: Field Survey Techniques in ZoologyGEO 343: Field Methods for GeoscientistsMAT 210: Probability and StatisticsSOC 408: Introduction to Social Research Choose one of the following:ESC 345: Soil ScienceGEO 310: GeomorphologyGEO 318: Geology of the National Parks and MonumentsGEO 320: The Geology of Natural ResourcesHST 365: American Environmental HistoryPHR 304: Environmental EthicsPHR 378: Philosophy of Technology and Modern CulturePOL 313: Environmental PoliticsSOC 324: Sociocultural TheoryElective: Geography-related upper-division elective (300-level) from ESC, GPY, or GEO, approved by GPY faculty Minor Learning Outcomes Students who graduate with a minor in geography will be able to: Explain how social, cultural, and environmental systems develop in response to varying geographical, environmental, and historical circumstances; Identify and use appropriate geographic research tools and techniques &#8212; including spatial statistics, cartography, GIS and GPA, and Remote Sensing &#8212; to extract, analyze, and present information form a spatial perspective. Minor in Geography A minimum of 24 semester hours is required, including:GPY 102: World Regional GeographyESC 321: Introduction to Geographic Information SystemsESC 322: Remote SensingGEO 101: Fundamentals of GeologyGEO 104: Fundamentals of Geology Laboratory Choose one:GPY 215: Fast Food NationGPY 224: Environment and SocietyGPY 226: Energy and Society Choose one of the following:GPY 302: Sustainable Development Policy and PracticeECO 354: Environmental Economics Also required: three semester hours of upper-division GPY or GEO electives, approved by geography faculty. Courses ECO 354 &#8211; Environmental Economics Semester: Fall; Odd yearsSemester hours: 3 This course introduces the multidisciplinary field of environmental economics. Students will employ a critical geographic framework to examine the basic implications of economic theory related to ecosystems and environmental problems involving water, air pollution, energy, climate change, natural resources, and human health and development. ESC 105 &#8211; Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities Semester: Fall and SpringSemester hours: 3 An introductory course designed for students entering the environmental sciences and studies program and for other students who would like to take an ecology course. Topics address the central concepts of ecology including the physical environment in which life exists. Students will explore the properties and processes of populations and communities, ecosystem dynamics, biogeography and biodiversity, as well as issues in conservation and restoration ecology. Three hours of lecture per week. This course may fulfill a natural lab science core curriculum requirement if taken concurrently with ESC 106. ESC 106 &#8211; Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities Laboratory Semester: Fall and SpringSemester hours: 1 In the laboratory, students will apply environmental science concepts to ecological studies in the natural environment and learn how to present their results in a scientific report. One two-hour laboratory session per week. Corequisite: ESC 105 ESC 118 &#8211; Great Plains River Lab Semester: FallSemester hours: 3 This integrative, field-based course introduces students to the environmental programs at Rocky Mountain College and is a required course for geography, environmental science, and environmental studies. Through hands-on experiences in the outdoor classrooms of the Yellowstone and Missouri River watersheds, students will gain a geographic perspective on key regional environmental issues. Activities include a multi-day canoe trip on the Missouri River or Yellowstone River and outdoor service learning activities, such as the annual Yellowstone River Cleanup. Students will read and keep journals, write papers, examine basic ecology and geology, analyze and communicate effectively about patterns of landscape change and management, and work as part of a team of outdoor professionals. Students will learn basic GPS and mapping (GIS) skills. Corequisite: Enrollment in EST 103, ESC 105, and 106; or permission of instructor ESC 209 &#8211; Field Survey Techniques in Zoology Semester: Spring; Even yearsSemester hours: 4 A field and laboratory course covering basic field techniques to survey and inventory areas to assess biodiversity, with an emphasis on Montana mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, and fish fauna. Topics include species identification, survey and trapping, experimental design, data analysis, and [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/geography\/","og_site_name":"RMC","article_modified_time":"2024-11-27T22:38:03+00:00","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"18 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/geography\/","url":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/geography\/","name":"Geography - RMC","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/#website"},"datePublished":"2022-04-04T20:29:36+00:00","dateModified":"2024-11-27T22:38:03+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/geography\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/geography\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/geography\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Academics","item":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Course Catalog","item":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/academics\/course-catalog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Geography"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/#website","url":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/","name":"Rocky Mountain College","description":"Discover the world of possibility with RMC","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9071"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9071"}],"version-history":[{"count":75,"href":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9071\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56968,"href":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9071\/revisions\/56968"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4941"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rocky.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9071"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}