Current Courses

Courses I Teach

• Geography 1000 - Earth Environments
  Earth Environments and Global Change" explores the four interconnected spheres of the Earth, the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. The course examines the theories, research methods and types of data that are fundamental to a responsible appreciation of the geographic and historical variation of Earth's environments. Case studies provide the opportunity for students to investigate 'hot' topics in Earth system science, including melting ice caps, the overkill hypothesis, ozone depletion, the origins of life, increasing greenhouse effects and others.
• Geography 1300 - World Regional Geography
  Study of major world regions emphasizes current activities and problems. Cultural, economic, political, and environmental considerations.
• Geography 1400 - Human Geography
  The world is becoming more volatile and uncertain. Critical questions facing the world in the 21st century include food security, rapid population change, human disease, energy use/environmental pollution, continuing disparities between rich and poor regions, sustainable transportation/urban development, and geopolitical fragmentation. Human geography, as the study of the interrelationships between people, the places they inhabit and the spaces that comprise the global environments, provides a powerful lens for examining these critical issues. This course examines the relationships between humans and the Earth, including topics in environment and humanity, agriculture in a growing world, population dynamics, the geography of culture, cities and urbanization, patterns of economic development and geopolitical conflict.
• Geography 3040 - Principles of Cartography
  Fundamental principles of cartography including perception, visualization, topographic and thematic map interpretation, field mapping techniques (including GPS), and creating computer-based maps in weekly labs. Principles include direction, scale, grids, projections, and spatial transformations, spatial data analysis, data manipulation decisions, color theory and application, and principles of cartographic design and critical evaluation.
• Geography 3330 - Urban Environental Geography
  This course explores how physical environments impact urban development and how urban development in turn influences physical environments. The course applies earth systems science to urban issues. Students explore the interrelation of both, dynamic physical environments and urban setting. Cities across the globe and Salt Lake City are used to illustrate the interrelatedness of the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and anthrosphere. The course will also explore an array of topics, including air and water pollution, waste management, and urban farming and discuss strategies to make cities more sustainable.
• Geography 3350 - Resource Conservation and Environmental Management
  The class approaches resource conservation and environmental management from a geographic perspective and focuses on human-environmental interactions. The course considers the challenges currently facing resource conservationists, the science used to recognize environmental problems, and possible methods to prevent or mitigate the overuse of natural resources. Expert guest speakers and a field trip are incorporated into the class.