In our Geography courses, you’ll explore some of the most pressing issues in our world today. We investigate topics like food insecurity and the role of poverty in food production; urban housing markets and racial segregation; water pollution and environmental justice; climate change; economic development and geopolitics; and much more.
Your individual interests and concentration area will guide your selection of courses as you advance in the major.
I initially thought I was going to pursue Environmental and Sustainability Studies as a major, but then I took G208 and fell in love with Geography!
Anna G., Geography B.A.
Introduction to the physical basis of the climate system from the global to the local scale, emphasizing the surface energy and water balances. Examples are drawn from forested, agricultural, urban, and aquatic environments, as well as issues related to climate change. Develops skills used to study and quantify climate processes.
This course examines the experience of food insecurity in the U.S., the role of poverty in food production and consumption, and the current mitigation strategies and social movements challenging the global food regime. You will learn the differences and connections between concepts of food security, food justice, and food sovereignty.
Mapping lets us visualize our world and see how patterns change across places. For example, we can analyze how a bike-share program changes commuting patterns, or how urban farming emerges in a transforming city. You will learn how to develop digital maps and interpret spatial processes while gaining valuable experience with GIS software.
Study and interpretation of urban spatial structures, policies, and problems with an emphasis on geographic perspectives. Topics include urban housing markets, racial segregation, homelessness, and urban crime.
Explores the science, politics, and ethics of water in the Midwest from the Bloomington campus to the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins. Critically examines such water issues as pollution, environmental justice, flooding, invasive species, agricultural and urban water demand, and effective regulation.
Explores many different aspects of the food movement. Topics include organic agriculture, school lunch reform, farm-to-school programs, urban agriculture, and food sovereignty.
The College of Arts