Learning Outcomes
The goal is for Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences graduates to demonstrate spatial literacy, systems thinking, critical thinking, research proficiency, and communications skills.
- Spatial Literacy
Students will understand the role of spatial information and data in addressing social and environmental questions. Further, they will be aware of the role of geography as a linchpin discipline that bridges social and biophysical sciences.
- Systems Thinking
Students will acquire an understanding of the connections and relationships between human and environmental activities and outcomes across space and time, be able to apply spatial analytical techniques to investigate human/environment interaction, and identify the ethical implications associated with outcomes produced by such analyses. Such understanding and ability will provide students with the necessary tools to assess the sustainability of current and proposed solutions in a variety of settings across a broad spectrum of social and environmental issues.
- Critical Thinking
Students will have the capability to assess various points of view and perspectives while assessing complex social and environmental problems, to evaluate the factual basis of assertions, and to understand trade-offs.
- Research Proficiency
Students will be able to formulate testable hypotheses, apply quantitative or qualitative approaches and methodological tools to pertinent questions, and acquire secondary data or construct primary datasets when applicable.
- Communication Skills
Students will be able to communicate complex geographical and technical concepts using an appropriate vocabulary to a broad spectrum of audiences. Communication skills are defined broadly to include verbal, written, graphic, and cartographic forms of communication.
The Bachelor of Science with a major in geography requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including at least 46-49 s.h. of work for the major. Credit required for the major depends on a student's choice of track. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major. They also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core. Transfer students must earn a minimum of 15 s.h. for the major in residence at the University of Iowa.
Geography majors may not earn the minor in geographic information science.
The major in geography is appropriate preparation for advanced training or careers in geographical and sustainability sciences. Students with strong interest in quantitative analysis and model building should pursue the Bachelor of Science and are encouraged to master an appropriate computer programming language.
Students choose one of three tracks in the major: environmental studies, geographic information science (GISci), or health and society. All students majoring in geography complete a common set of foundation courses in addition to the requirements for their choice of track. Bachelor of Science students take additional mathematics course work.
Consistent with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences maximum semester hours rule, students may count a maximum of 56 s.h. earned in their major department toward graduation.
The B.S. with a major in geography requires the following work.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Common Requirements | 18-23 | |
| Statistics, Mathematics, or Computer Science Courses | 10 | |
| Track Courses | 15-19 | |
Common Requirements
Students may not use a course to fulfill more than one major requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| GEOG:1020 | The Global Environment | 3 |
| GEOG:1021 | The Global Environment Lab | 1 |
| GEOG:1050 | Foundations of GIS | 4 |
| GEOG:1090 | Globalization and Geographic Diversity | 3 |
| One of these: | ||
| GEOG:1060 | Geography of Asia: From Japan to Pakistan | 3 |
| GEOG:1070 | Contemporary Environmental Issues | 3 |
| GEOG:2110/GHS:2110 | Seven Billion and Counting: Introduction to Population Dynamics | 3 |
| GEOG:2130 | World Cities | 3 |
| GEOG:2910 | The Global Economy | 3 |
| GEOG:2950 | Environmental Conservation | 3 |
| One of these (not required for GISci track students): | ||
| GEOG:3340 | Ecosystem Services: Human Dependence on Natural Systems | 3 |
| GEOG:3500/IGPI:3500 | Introduction to Environmental Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GEOG:3520/IGPI:3520 | GIS for Environmental Studies | 3 |
| GEOG:3540/IGPI:3540 | Introduction to Geographic Visualization | 3 |
| GEOG:3560 | Spatial Analyses of Wind Energy | 3 |
| GEOG:3570 | Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR): Principles and Applications | 3 |
| GEOG:4010 | Field Methods in Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG:4020 | Field Methods: Mapping and Mobile Computing | 3 |
| GEOG:4150/GHS:4150/IGPI:4150 | Health and Environment: GIS Applications | 3 |
| GEOG:4650 | Simulation in Environmental Geography | 3 |
| One of these: | ||
| GEOG:4030 | Senior Project Seminar (offered only in spring semesters) | 3 |
| GEOG:4995 | Honors Thesis (must enroll for 3 s.h. and make arrangements with a faculty advisor) | 3 |
| One of these (at least 1 s.h. required): | ||
| GEOG:3400 | Iowa Environmental Policy in Practice | 3 |
| GEOG:3992 | Undergraduate Research (including ICIGO or independent research) | arr. |
| CCP:1201 | Academic Internship | 1-3 |
Senior Project Seminar (GEOG:4030) is offered only in spring semesters. Students who choose GEOG:4995 Honors Thesis must make arrangements with a faculty advisor.
The Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences is a participant in the University's internship program, which provides opportunities for students to participate in paid and unpaid activities related to their academic programs. The Pomerantz Career Center works with students to develop appropriate internships.
Statistics, Mathematics, or Computer Science Courses
Students must earn a minimum of 10 s.h. in statistics, mathematics, or computer science course work by completing the following. Equivalent courses and courses with a higher course number also may be selected in consultation with, and approval by, an advisor.
Students who complete the GIS track may not double count their required computer science courses for the statistics, mathematics, or computer science courses requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Both of these: | ||
| STAT:2010 | Statistical Methods and Computing | 3 |
| STAT:3200/IE:3760/IGPI:3200 | Applied Linear Regression | 3 |
| One of these: | ||
| CS:1210 | Computer Science I: Fundamentals | 4 |
| CS:2110 | Programming for Informatics | 4 |
| CS:2230 | Computer Science II: Data Structures | 4 |
| MATH:1460 | Calculus for the Biological Sciences | 4 |
| MATH:1380 | Calculus and Matrix Algebra for Business | 4 |
Tracks
All geography majors must complete one of the three tracks described below: environmental studies, geographic information science (GISci), or health and society. Students should pay close attention to prerequisites for the upper-level courses in each track in order to develop a study plan that allows them to complete their major in a timely way.
Students in the environmental studies or health and society track who wish to gain additional experience in theory and application of geographic information systems (GIS) should take GIS-based courses offered by the Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences, as described for each track below.
Students may use GEOG:3001 Special Topics to fulfill a track requirement if the course content is applicable.
Environmental Studies Track
The environmental studies track requires a minimum of 15 s.h. It is designed for students interested in the interrelationships among social and natural processes that affect the environment. The track prepares students for careers or pursuit of personal interests in resource management, landscape ecology, water resources, environmental policy or law, global environmental change, sustainable development, or other complex environmental issues. Graduates may find employment in an environmental profession such as conservation, environmental planning and regulation, or environmental law, policy, and politics.
The environmental studies track offers training in field observation, remote sensing, geographical information systems, quantitative analysis/computing, and cartographic representation. It also provides a sound foundation for graduate or professional-level studies in the natural or social aspects of the environment.
In addition to the common requirements, students in the environmental studies track complete a common track course (3 s.h.) and at least 12 s.h. of upper-level geographical and sustainability sciences courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Common course—all environmental studies track students take this: | ||
| GEOG:1070 | Contemporary Environmental Issues | 3 |
Students choose a total of four upper-level courses (at least 12 s.h.) from the following, in consultation with their advisor. Those who wish to gain additional experience in theory and application of GIS systems should take GEOG:3520 GIS for Environmental Studies and GEOG:4520 GIS for Environmental Studies: Applications, or they should earn 6 s.h. in other GIS-based geographical and sustainability sciences courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| At least one of these: | ||
| GEOG:2310/EES:2310 | Introduction to Climatology | 3 |
| GEOG:2374/BIOL:2374 | Biogeography | 3 |
| GEOG:2410 | Environment and Development | 3 |
| GEOG:2930 | Water Resources | 3 |
| GEOG:3500/IGPI:3500 | Introduction to Environmental Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GEOG:3520/IGPI:3520 | GIS for Environmental Studies | 3 |
| At least one of these: | ||
| GEOG:3210/CPH:3400 | Health, Work, and the Environment | 3 |
| GEOG:3310 | Landscape Ecology | 3 |
| GEOG:3320/EES:3260 | Wetlands: Function, Geography, and Management | 3 |
| GEOG:3340 | Ecosystem Services: Human Dependence on Natural Systems | 3 |
| GEOG:3350 | Urban Ecology | 3 |
| GEOG:3400 | Iowa Environmental Policy in Practice | 3 |
| GEOG:3560 | Spatial Analyses of Wind Energy | 3 |
| GEOG:3750 | Environmental Quality: Science, Technology, and Policy | 3 |
| GEOG:3760/GHS:3760 | Hazards and Society | 3 |
| GEOG:3920/URP:3001 | Planning Livable Cities | 3 |
| GEOG:4010 | Field Methods in Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG:4500/IGPI:4500 | Applications in Environmental Remote Sensing | 4 |
| GEOG:4520/IGPI:4520 | GIS for Environmental Studies: Applications | 3 |
| GEOG:4650 | Simulation in Environmental Geography | 3 |
| GEOG:4750/URP:4750 | Environmental Impact Analysis | 4 |
| GEOG:4770/GHS:4770 | Environmental Justice | 3 |
Geographic Information Science Track
The geographic information science track (GISci) requires a minimum of 18-19 s.h. It is designed for students preparing for positions in government agencies, nongovernment organizations, international development agencies, and business. It also provides preparation for graduate study in geography, planning, and other disciplines. The track focuses on the design, implementation, and use of geographic information systems. Courses address how geographic data are acquired, stored, accessed, displayed, managed, and analyzed.
Students in the geographic information science track learn to address problems involved in modeling environmental systems, identifying the best locations for service facilities, assessing environmental impacts, and forecasting the populations of small areas. They use the department's Geographical Information Systems Instructional Lab (GISIL) extensively to develop expertise in using GIS software.
Course work in the track covers methods of spatial analysis and geographical modeling and involves database management and computer programming.
In addition to the common requirements, students in the geographic information science track complete a common track course (3-4 s.h.) and at least 15 s.h. of upper-level geographical and sustainability sciences courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Common course—all GISci track students take one of these: | ||
| CS:1110 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3 |
| CS:1210 | Computer Science I: Fundamentals | 4 |
| CS:2110 | Programming for Informatics | 4 |
Students choose a total of five upper-level courses (at least 15 s.h.) from the following, in consultation with their advisor. GISci track students are encouraged to add breadth to their degree by taking additional upper-level courses in the department. Students interested in the application of GIS to environmental issues should select additional courses from the department's environmental studies area; those interested in health or other socioeconomic issues should select additional courses from the department's health and society area.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| At least one of these: | ||
| GEOG:3500/IGPI:3500 | Introduction to Environmental Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GEOG:3520/IGPI:3520 | GIS for Environmental Studies | 3 |
| GEOG:3540/IGPI:3540 | Introduction to Geographic Visualization | 3 |
| GEOG:4650 | Simulation in Environmental Geography | 3 |
| At least one of these: | ||
| GEOG:4500/IGPI:4500 | Applications in Environmental Remote Sensing | 4 |
| GEOG:4520/IGPI:4520 | GIS for Environmental Studies: Applications | 3 |
| GEOG:4570 | Spatial Analysis and Location Models | 3 |
| GEOG:4580/IGPI:4581 | Introduction to Geographic Databases | 3 |
| At least one of these: | ||
| GEOG:3340 | Ecosystem Services: Human Dependence on Natural Systems | 3 |
| GEOG:3560 | Spatial Analyses of Wind Energy | 3 |
| GEOG:3760/GHS:3760 | Hazards and Society | 3 |
| GEOG:4010 | Field Methods in Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG:4020 | Field Methods: Mapping and Mobile Computing | 3 |
| GEOG:4150/GHS:4150/IGPI:4150 | Health and Environment: GIS Applications | 3 |
Health and Society Track
The health and society track requires a minimum of 15 s.h. It is designed for students interested in understanding the causes and consequences of social inequalities, the long-term effects that changing human/environmental interactions have on human health, and emerging transnational challenges to the sustainability of livelihoods. The track provides students with foundational knowledge and skills to support postgraduate employment in governmental or nongovernmental positions, graduate study in public health or in health-related fields, and service experiences such as the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps.
Students gain understanding of the factors and processes that determine geographic patterns of health. They explore the effects of the social, built, and natural environments on the physical, social, and mental health of populations. Course work in the track examines patterns and causes of infectious and chronic diseases; hazards, vulnerability, and environmental justice; and the spatial methods used to understand such issues.
Thematic content from courses is complemented by quantitative, spatial, and statistical analysis course work, enabling students to analyze and understand geographic patterns of health. Students have opportunities to work on applied problems, such as assessing patterns of disease, identifying the underlying population and environmental drivers of good or poor health, and evaluating the social dimensions of environmental impacts.
In addition to satisfying the common requirements, students in the health and society track complete three common track courses (9 s.h.) and at least two upper-level geographical and sustainability sciences courses (6 s.h.).
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Common courses—all health and society track students take these: | ||
| GEOG:2110/GHS:2110 | Seven Billion and Counting: Introduction to Population Dynamics | 3 |
| GEOG:3110/GHS:3111 | Geography of Health | 3 |
| GEOG:4150/GHS:4150/IGPI:4150 | Health and Environment: GIS Applications | 3 |
Students choose two upper-level courses (at least 6 s.h.) from the following, in consultation with their advisor. Those who wish to gain additional experience in theory and application of GIS systems should also take an additional 6 s.h. in GIS-based geographical and sustainability sciences courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| At least two of these: | ||
| GEOG:3070/GHS:3070 | Hungry Planet: Global Geographies of Food | 3 |
| GEOG:3210/CPH:3400 | Health, Work, and the Environment | 3 |
| GEOG:3760/GHS:3760 | Hazards and Society | 3 |
| GEOG:3920/URP:3001 | Planning Livable Cities | 3 |
| GEOG:4770/GHS:4770 | Environmental Justice | 3 |
Teacher Licensure
Majors interested in earning licensure to teach in elementary and/or secondary schools must complete the College of Education's Teacher Education Program (TEP) in addition to the requirements for the major and all requirements for graduation. The TEP requires several College of Education courses and student teaching. Contact the Office of Student Services for details.
Students must satisfy all degree requirements and complete TEP licensure before degree conferral.
B.S./M.S. in Informatics
Students majoring in geography who are interested in earning a master's degree in informatics with a geoinformatics subprogram may apply to the combined B.S./M.S. program offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Graduate College. The program enables students to begin the study of informatics before they complete their bachelor's degree. Students are able to complete both degrees in five years rather than six.
Separate application to each degree program is required. Applicants must be admitted to both programs before they may be admitted to the combined degree program. For information about the informatics program, see the M.S. in Informatics (Graduate College) in the Catalog.
Honors in the Major
Students have the opportunity to graduate with honors in the major. Departmental honors students must maintain a cumulative University of Iowa g.p.a. of at least 3.33 and a g.p.a. of at least 3.33 in all work for the major. They must be admitted to the department's honors program by the first semester of their senior year or earlier.
Honors students in geography pursue study beyond the typical undergraduate level. In order to graduate with honors in the major, they work under the direction of a faculty member to conduct original research and then prepare and present an honors thesis based on their research. The thesis is reviewed by a committee of at least three faculty members. Departmental honors students earn credit for their thesis by registering for GEOG:4995 Honors Thesis. They may substitute GEOG:4030 Senior Project Seminar for GEOG:4995, as long as they continue to work on the thesis under the direction of a faculty member.
University of Iowa Honors Program
In addition to honors in the major, students have opportunities for honors study and activities through membership in the University of Iowa Honors Program. Visit Honors at Iowa to learn about the University's honors program.
Membership in the UI Honors Program is not required to earn honors in the geography major.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core requirements provide students with a broad foundation of knowledge and a focused practice of transferable skills necessary for a lifetime of learning.
GE CLAS Core courses are particularly valuable for students making the transition into the University of Iowa. They help students understand the academic expectations of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences while providing the knowledge and skills needed for more advanced work in the major.
All students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences who wish to earn an undergraduate degree—Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), or Bachelor of Music (B.M.)—must complete the requirements of the GE CLAS Core.
GE CLAS Core Areas and Requirements
The GE CLAS Core has 11 required areas, grouped into three categories. Students must fulfill the requirements in each GE CLAS Core area. The requirements below are for students who entered the University of Iowa during Summer 2017 or after. Students who entered during a previous semester are held to different requirements as indicated on a student's degree audit.
Communication and Literacy:
- Rhetoric: a minimum of 4 s.h.
- World Languages: required credit varies by language (see "World Languages" below)
- Interpretation of Literature: a minimum of 3 s.h.
Natural, Quantitative, and Social Sciences:
- Natural Sciences: a minimum of 7 s.h.; must include one lab
- Quantitative or Formal Reasoning: a minimum of 3 s.h.
- Social Sciences: a minimum of 3 s.h.
Culture, Society, and the Arts:
- Diversity and Inclusion: a minimum of 3 s.h.
- Historical Perspectives: a minimum of 3 s.h.
- International and Global Issues: a minimum of 3 s.h.
- Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts: a minimum of 3 s.h.
- Values and Culture: a minimum of 3 s.h.
Students may count transfer credit and/or credit by exam toward some GE CLAS Core requirements. See CLAS Core Policies for details regarding use of transfer credit, credit by exam, and other policies for how GE CLAS Core requirements may be fulfilled.
Communication and Literacy
Rhetoric
Rhetoric courses develop speaking, writing, listening, and critical reading skills and build competence in research, analysis, and argumentation.
All entering first-year students are required to complete RHET:1030 Rhetoric (4-5 s.h.). Because rhetorical skills lay the foundation for further study at the University, most students register for RHET:1030 during their first year at Iowa. Students in some majors, such as English or journalism and mass communication, enroll in RHET:1030 during their first semester.
Students who must enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses as determined by their English proficiency evaluation must complete all ESL courses before they may register for RHET:1030 Rhetoric.
Students who have transfer credit in composition, speech, and argumentation but have not been granted an A.A. degree must complete the equivalent of RHET:1030 Rhetoric and often must take RHET:1040 Writing and Reading or RHET:1060 Speaking and Reading in addition to their transfer courses in composition and/or speech.
Each entering student's degree audit shows the course(s) that must be completed in order to fulfill the Rhetoric requirement.
The following courses are approved for the Rhetoric area.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| RHET:1030 | Rhetoric | 4-5 |
| RHET:1040 | Writing and Reading | 3 |
| RHET:1060 | Speaking and Reading | 3 |
Transfer of Credit for Rhetoric
Transfer students who have been granted an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree from an Iowa community college, Waldorf College in Iowa, or Black Hawk College in Illinois have satisfied the Rhetoric requirement.
Transfer credit for students without an A.A. degree is evaluated as follows:
- transfer students who have completed composition I, composition II, and speech at another institution have satisfied the GE CLAS Core Rhetoric requirement of RHET:1030 Rhetoric;
- transfer students who have completed only composition I must complete RHET:1030 Rhetoric at the University of Iowa;
- transfer students who have completed composition I and speech must complete RHET:1040 Writing and Reading at the University of Iowa;
- transfer students who have completed only speech must complete RHET:1040 Writing and Reading at the University of Iowa;
- transfer students who have completed composition I and II or only composition II must complete RHET:1060 Speaking and Reading at the University of Iowa;
- for transfer students who have completed any other course at another institution that may be equivalent to RHET:1030 Rhetoric, the University of Iowa Office of Admissions examines the content of the course and decides on equivalency based on the content of that course, conferring with the Department of Rhetoric on the correct equivalency, if necessary.
Interpretation of Literature
Courses in the Interpretation of Literature area focus on the major genres of literature (short and long fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama), improving students' abilities to read and analyze a variety of texts. Small group discussions in these courses challenge students to think critically, to share insights, and to listen thoughtfully to the arguments of others.
All students must complete at least 3 s.h. of course work in the Interpretation of Literature area. The following courses are approved for the area.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CL:1510/ASIA:1510 | Ghost Stories and Tales of the Weird in Pre-Modern Chinese Literature | 3 |
| ENGL:1200 | The Interpretation of Literature | 3 |
| FREN:1005 | Texts and Contexts: French-Speaking World | 3 |
| FREN:1007 | Nature/Ecology French Philosophy and Fiction | 3 |
| HONR:1885 | Reading the Ancient City | 3 |
World Languages
GE CLAS Core courses in World Languages provide speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a second language as well as knowledge of the cultures in which the language is spoken. To fulfill the GE CLAS Core requirement in World Languages, students may choose one of the following options:
complete four years of a single world language in high school; or
achieve the fourth level of proficiency in a world language by completing the appropriate sequence of courses offered at the University of Iowa; or
achieve the fourth level of proficiency by completing courses at another college or university or through study abroad; or
achieve an equivalent score on a related Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or other approved college-level examination accepted by the University of Iowa and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (see Credit By Exam Options on the Office of Admissions website); or
earn an equivalent score on both a UI written placement test and on a UI oral proficiency exam in a language taught at the University of Iowa (see World Languages Placement Test (WLPT) on the New Student Services website); or
earn an equivalent score on a proficiency exam in a language that is not taught at the University of Iowa (see Proficiency Examinations for Languages Not Taught at UI on the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website).
A fourth level of proficiency is equivalent to the successful completion of an intermediate II language course (or of a second-year second semester course, for example) as taught at the University of Iowa. Depending on a student's placement test results and the language taken, a student may need to take four semesters of a language, starting with a beginning course and ending with a second semester intermediate course. Other students may be able to start elsewhere in the language sequence and complete the GE World Language requirement by taking two or three courses. See "World Languages Placement Tests" under Placement Tests on the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website.
Semester hours earned for these courses vary by language. Students should be sure to take the placement test for the language of interest and should be aware of the course sequence required to fulfill the GE requirement in World Languages for that particular language.
Once the World Languages requirement is completed, a student may earn up to an additional 8 s.h. of college credit while studying a world language. See Furthering Language Incentive Program (FLIP) on the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website.
Students may use the following language course sequences to fulfill the World Languages requirement. To avoid duplication or regression, consult the appropriate language department before registering for courses.
American Sign Language
Courses in American Sign Language (ASL) are offered by the American Sign Language Program. The following sequence fulfills the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ASL:1001 | American Sign Language I | 4 |
| ASL:1002 | American Sign Language II | 4 |
| ASL:2001 | American Sign Language III | 4 |
| ASL:2002 | American Sign Language IV | 4 |
Students with previous knowledge of American Sign Language should consult the ASL program for placement.
Arabic
Courses in Arabic are offered by the Department of French and Italian. The following sequence fulfills the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARAB:1001 | Elementary Modern Standard Arabic I | 5 |
| ARAB:1002 | Elementary Modern Standard Arabic II | 5 |
| ARAB:2001 | Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic I | 5 |
| ARAB:2002 | Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic II | 5 |
Students with previous knowledge of Arabic should consult the department for appropriate placement.
Chinese
Courses in Chinese are offered by the Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures. For students without previous knowledge of Chinese, the department recommends the following sequence to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHIN:1111 | First-Year Chinese: First Semester | 5 |
| CHIN:1112 | First-Year Chinese: Second Semester | 5 |
| CHIN:2101 | Second-Year Chinese: First Semester | 5 |
| CHIN:2102 | Second-Year Chinese: Second Semester | 5 |
Students may use varied combinations of Chinese language courses approved to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement. Heritage learners and students who have studied Chinese abroad may be able to fulfill the requirement by substituting CHIN:2103 Accelerated Second-Year Chinese: First Semester and CHIN:2104 Accelerated Second-Year Chinese: Second Semester for CHIN:2101 and CHIN:2102. Consult the department for more information.
French
Courses in French are offered by the Department of French and Italian. For students without previous knowledge of French, the department recommends the following sequence to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FREN:1001 | Elementary French I | 4-5 |
| FREN:1002 | Elementary French II | 4-5 |
| FREN:2001 | Intermediate French I | 5 |
| FREN:2002 | Intermediate French II | 5 |
Students may use varied combinations of French language courses approved to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement. Those with previous knowledge of French may be able to fulfill the requirement by substituting FREN:1010 First-Year French Review for FREN:1001 and FREN:1002 in the sequence above. Some students may be evaluated as ready for FREN:2001 or FREN:2002. Consult the department for appropriate placement.
German
Courses in German are offered by the Department of German. For students without previous knowledge of German, the department recommends the following sequence to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GRMN:1001 | Elementary German I | 4 |
| GRMN:1002 | Elementary German II | 4 |
| GRMN:2001 | Intermediate German I | 4 |
| GRMN:2002 | Intermediate German II | 4 |
Students may use varied combinations of German language courses approved to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement. Those with previous knowledge of German may be able to fulfill the requirement by substituting GRMN:1010 First-Year German Review for GRMN:1001 and GRMN:1002 in the sequence above. Some students may be evaluated as ready for GRMN:2001 or GRMN:2002. Consult the department for appropriate placement.
The department also offers accelerated intensive courses, GRMN:1020 Intensive Elementary German and GRMN:2020 Intensive Intermediate German, which may be appropriate for students with strong language learning abilities or experience. The intensive courses may be combined with nonintensive courses to create other sequences that may be used to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement. Consult the department to identify an appropriate course sequence.
Greek
Courses in Greek are offered by the Department of Classics. Students without previous knowledge of Greek should fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement with the following sequence.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CLSG:1001 | Classical and New Testament Greek I | 3-5 |
| CLSG:1002 | Classical and New Testament Greek II | 3-5 |
| CLSG:2001 | Second-Year Greek I | 3 |
| CLSG:2002 | Second-Year Greek II | 3 |
Students with previous knowledge of Greek should consult the department for appropriate placement.
Italian
Courses in Italian are offered by the Department of French and Italian. Students without previous knowledge of Italian should fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement with the following sequence.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ITAL:1101 | Elementary Italian I | 5 |
| ITAL:1102 | Elementary Italian II | 5 |
| ITAL:2203 | Intermediate Italian I | 4 |
| ITAL:2204 | Intermediate Italian II | 4 |
Students with strong language learning abilities or a background in another Romance language may be able to complete the requirement by substituting ITAL:3002 Intensive Elementary Italian for ITAL:1101 and ITAL:1102 in the sequence above. Consult the department for appropriate placement.
Japanese
Courses in Japanese are offered by the Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures. For students without previous knowledge of Japanese, the department recommends the following sequence to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| JPNS:1001 | First-Year Japanese: First Semester | 5 |
| JPNS:1002 | First-Year Japanese: Second Semester | 5 |
| JPNS:2001 | Second-Year Japanese: First Semester | 5 |
| JPNS:2002 | Second-Year Japanese: Second Semester | 5 |
Students may use varied combinations of Japanese language courses approved to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement. Those with previous knowledge of Japanese should consult the department for appropriate placement.
Korean
Courses in Korean are offered by the Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures. For students without previous knowledge of Korean, the department recommends the following sequence to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| KORE:1101 | First-Year Korean: First Semester | 4 |
| KORE:1102 | First-Year Korean: Second Semester | 4 |
| KORE:2101 | Second-Year Korean: First Semester | 4 |
| KORE:2102 | Second-Year Korean: Second Semester | 4 |
Students with previous knowledge of Korean should consult the department for appropriate placement.
Latin
Courses in Latin are offered by the Department of Classics. Students without previous knowledge of Latin should fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement with the following sequence. Students must take both CLSL:2001 and CLSL:2002 in order to fulfill the World Languages requirement. These courses require a similar knowledge of Latin, but one focuses on poetry and the other on prose. Other world languages permit a student to complete the last courses in the sequence to meet the GE CLAS Core requirement since the final course is more difficult than the previous ones. This is not true with the Latin sequence, and thus, both courses must be successfully completed.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CLSL:1001 | Elementary Latin I | 3-5 |
| CLSL:1002 | Elementary Latin II | 3-5 |
| CLSL:2001 | World of Cicero | 3 |
| CLSL:2002 | Golden Age of Roman Poetry | 3 |
Students with previous knowledge of Latin should consult the department for appropriate placement.
Portuguese
Courses in Portuguese are offered by the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. Two sequences in Portuguese are approved to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement. All courses are open to entering first-year students.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PORT:2000 | Accelerated Elementary Portuguese | 5 |
| PORT:2500 | Accelerated Intermediate Portuguese | 5 |
Students may also substitute PORT:2010 Elementary Portuguese I and PORT:2015 Elementary Portuguese II for PORT:2000 in the sequence above.
Students with previous knowledge of Portuguese should consult the department for appropriate placement.
Russian
Courses in Russian are offered by the Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures. Students without previous knowledge of Russian should fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement with the following sequence.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| RUSS:1111 | First-Year Russian I | 5 |
| RUSS:1112 | First-Year Russian II | 5 |
| RUSS:2111 | Second-Year Russian I | 4 |
| RUSS:2112 | Second-Year Russian II | 4 |
Students with previous knowledge of Russian should consult the department for appropriate placement.
Sanskrit
Courses in Sanskrit are offered by the Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures. Students without previous knowledge of Sanskrit should fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement with the following sequence. Each of these courses is open to entering first-year students.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SOAS:2901/CLSA:2901 | First-Year Sanskrit: First Semester | 4 |
| SOAS:2902/CLSA:2902 | First-Year Sanskrit: Second Semester | 4 |
| SOAS:3901/CLSA:3901 | Second-Year Sanskrit: First Semester | 3 |
| SOAS:3902/CLSA:3902 | Second-Year Sanskrit: Second Semester | 3 |
Students with previous knowledge of Sanskrit should consult the department for appropriate placement.
Spanish
Courses in Spanish are offered by the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. For students without previous knowledge of Spanish, the department recommends the following sequence to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPAN:1001 | Elementary Spanish I | 5 |
| SPAN:1002 | Elementary Spanish II | 5 |
| SPAN:1501 | Intermediate Spanish I | 5 |
| SPAN:1502 | Intermediate Spanish II | 5 |
Students may use varied combinations of Spanish language courses to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement. Those with previous knowledge of Spanish may be able to fulfill the requirement by substituting SPAN:1003 Elementary Spanish Review for SPAN:1001 and SPAN:1002 in the sequence above.
The accelerated course SPAN:1503 Accelerated Intermediate Spanish, which combines SPAN:1501 and SPAN:1502, may be appropriate for some students.
Iowa Center for Higher Education students may use the following sequence to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CLAS:1002 | Elementary Spanish I | 4 |
| CLAS:1003 | Elementary Spanish II | 4 |
| CLAS:1501 | Intermediate Spanish I | 3 |
| CLAS:1502 | Intermediate Spanish II | 3 |
Students with previous knowledge of Spanish should take the language placement test in Spanish to help determine proper placement.
Swahili
Courses in Swahili are offered by the Department of French and Italian. The following sequence fulfills the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement. Each of these courses is open to entering first-year students.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SWAH:1001 | Elementary Swahili I | 4 |
| SWAH:1002 | Elementary Swahili II | 4 |
| SWAH:2001 | Intermediate Swahili I | 4 |
| SWAH:2002 | Intermediate Swahili II | 4 |
Students with previous knowledge of Swahili should consult the department for appropriate placement.
Other Course Sequences
A student who successfully completes a four-semester world language sequence that has not been approved for the GE CLAS Core may have the sequence substituted for a proficiency test to fulfill the GE CLAS Core requirement.
Students who complete a world language sequence this way should notify the department that offers the sequence; the department will contact Graduation Analysis in the Office of the Registrar, which will update a student's degree audit to show fulfillment of the World Languages requirement.
Natural, Quantitative, and Social Sciences
Natural Sciences
Courses in the Natural Sciences area explore the scope and major concepts of a scientific discipline. Students learn the attitudes and practices of scientific investigators: logic, precision, experimentation, tentativeness, and objectivity. In courses with a laboratory component, students gain experience in the methods of scientific inquiry.
All students must complete at least 7 s.h. of course work in the Natural Sciences area, including at least one natural science lab component. The following courses are approved for the area; courses with a lab component are noted "(lab)."
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH:1301 | Human Origins | 3 |
| ASTR:1060/BIOL:1060/EES:1060 | Big Ideas: Origins of the Universe, Earth, and Life | 3 |
| ASTR:1070 | Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe (with lab 4 s.h.; without lab 3 s.h.) | 3-4 |
| ASTR:1079 | Introductory Astronomy Laboratory (lab) | 1 |
| ASTR:1080 | Exploration of the Solar System (with lab 4 s.h.; without lab 3 s.h.) | 3-4 |
| ASTR:1091 | Life in the Universe | 3 |
| ASTR:1771 | General Astronomy I (lab) | 4 |
| ASTR:1772 | General Astronomy II (lab) | 4 |
| BIOL:1061/ANTH:1061/ASTR:1061/EES:1061 | Big Ideas: Evolution of Life on Earth and the Search for Life in the Universe (lab) | 4 |
| BIOL:1140 | Human Biology (lab) | 4 |
| BIOL:1141 | Introductory Animal Biology (lab) | 4 |
| BIOL:1251 | How the Brain Works (and Why it Doesn't) | 3 |
| BIOL:1260 | Plants and Human Affairs | 2-3 |
| BIOL:1261 | Introduction to Botany (lab) | 4 |
| BIOL:1311/ANTH:1310 | Human Genetics in the Twenty-First Century | 3 |
| BIOL:1370 | Understanding Evolution (formerly Ecology and Evolution) | 3 |
| BIOL:1411 | Foundations of Biology (lab) | 4 |
| BIOL:1412 | Diversity of Form and Function (lab) | 4 |
| CHEM:1050 | Technology and Society | 3 |
| CHEM:1060 | Technology and Society Laboratory (lab) | 1 |
| CHEM:1070 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM:1080 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM:1100 | Chemistry in Industry and the Economy | 3 |
| CHEM:1110 | Principles of Chemistry I (lab) | 4 |
| CHEM:1120 | Principles of Chemistry II (lab) | 4 |
| CHEM:1160 | Principles of Chemistry Lab (lab) | 2 |
| CHEM:1180 | Chemical Science I | 3 |
| CHEM:1190 | Chemical Science II | 3 |
| CHEM:1200 | Chemical Science Laboratory (lab) | 2 |
| EES:1030/CEE:1030 | Introduction to Earth Science (with lab 4 s.h.; without lab 3 s.h.) | 3-4 |
| EES:1031/CEE:1031 | Introduction to Earth Science Laboratory (lab; students must have previously completed EES:1030/CEE:1030 without the lab) | 1 |
| EES:1040 | Evolution and the History of Life (with lab 4 s.h.; without lab 3 s.h.) | 3-4 |
| EES:1050 | Introduction to Geology (lab) | 4 |
| EES:1070 | Age of Dinosaurs (lab) | 4 |
| EES:1080/ENVS:1080 | Introduction to Environmental Science (with lab 4 s.h.; without lab 3 s.h.; not for students who have taken EES:1085 or ENVS:1085) | 3-4 |
| EES:1085/ENVS:1085 | Fundamentals of Environmental Science (lab; not for students who have taken EES:1080 or ENVS:1080) | 4 |
| EES:1081/ENVS:1081 | Introduction to Environmental Sciences Laboratory (lab) | 1 |
| EES:1290 | Energy and the Environment | 3 |
| EES:1400 | Natural Disasters | 3 |
| GEOG:1020 | The Global Environment | 3 |
| GEOG:1021 | The Global Environment Lab (lab) | 1 |
| HHP:1100 | Human Anatomy | 3 |
| HHP:1300 | Fundamentals of Human Physiology | 3 |
| HHP:2310 | Nutrition and Health | 3 |
| HONR:1640 | Honors Seminar in Natural Sciences | 3 |
| PHYS:1100 | From Quarks to Quasars (with lab 4 s.h.; without lab 3 s.h.) | 3-4 |
| PHYS:1200 | Physics of Everyday Experience | 3 |
| PHYS:1300 | Nanoscience | 3 |
| PHYS:1400 | Basic Physics (with lab 4 s.h.; without lab 3 s.h.) | 3-4 |
| PHYS:1409 | Basic Physics Lab (lab) | 1 |
| PHYS:1410 | Physics of Sound (with lab 4 s.h.; without lab 3 s.h.) | 3-4 |
| PHYS:1511 | College Physics I (lab) | 4 |
| PHYS:1512 | College Physics II (lab) | 4 |
| PHYS:1611 | Introductory Physics I (lab) | 4 |
| PHYS:1612 | Introductory Physics II (with lab 4 s.h.; without lab 3 s.h.) | 3-4 |
| PHYS:1619 | Introductory Physics II Lab (lab) | 1 |
| PHYS:1701 | Physics I (lab) | 4 |
| PHYS:1702 | Physics II (lab) | 4 |
Quantitative or Formal Reasoning
Courses in the Quantitative or Formal Reasoning area help develop analytical skills through the practice of quantitative or formal symbolic reasoning. Courses focus on presentation and evaluation of evidence and argument; understanding the use and misuse of data; and organization of information in quantitative or other formal symbolic systems, including those used in computer science, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, and statistics.
All students must complete at least 3 s.h. of course work in the Quantitative or Formal Reasoning area. Students also may fulfill this GE CLAS Core requirement by completing a course that lists an approved GE CLAS Core course as a prerequisite. The following courses are approved for the area.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COMM:1117 | Theory and Practice of Argument | 4 |
| CS:1020 | Principles of Computing | 3 |
| CS:1110 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3 |
| CS:1210 | Computer Science I: Fundamentals | 4 |
| HHP:1030 | Introduction to Critical Thinking | 3 |
| LING:1050 | Language and Formal Reasoning | 3 |
| MATH:1020 | Elementary Functions | 4 |
| MATH:1120 | Logic of Arithmetic | 4 |
| MATH:1130 | Theory of Arithmetic | 3 |
| MATH:1340 | Mathematics for Business | 4 |
| MATH:1380 | Calculus and Matrix Algebra for Business | 4 |
| MATH:1440 | Mathematics for the Biological Sciences | 4 |
| MATH:1460 | Calculus for the Biological Sciences | 4 |
| MATH:1550 | Engineering Mathematics I: Single Variable Calculus | 4 |
| MATH:1850 | Calculus I | 4 |
| PHIL:1636 | Principles of Reasoning: Argument and Debate | 3 |
| POLI:1050/RELS:1050 | Big Ideas: Introduction to Information, Society, and Culture | 3 |
| POLI:1700 | Introduction to Political Analysis | 3 |
| PSY:2811 | Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology I (GE status effective fall 2018) | 3 |
| STAT:1010 | Statistics and Society | 3 |
| STAT:1020/PSQF:1020 | Elementary Statistics and Inference | 3 |
| STAT:1030 | Statistics for Business | 4 |
| STAT:2010 | Statistical Methods and Computing | 3 |
Social Sciences
Courses in the Social Sciences area focus on human behavior and the institutions and social systems that shape and are shaped by that behavior. Courses provide an overview of one or more social science disciplines, their theories, and their methods.
All students must complete at least 3 s.h. of course work in the Social Sciences area. The following courses are approved for the area.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AFAM:1030 | Introduction to African American Society | 3 |
| ANTH:1101/IS:1101 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH:1401 | Language, Culture, and Communication | 3 |
| ANTH:2100 | Anthropology and Contemporary World Problems | 3 |
| ANTH:2136 | Urban Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH:2261 | Human Impacts on the Environment | 3 |
| ASP:1800/CSD:1800/NURS:1800/SSW:1800/TR:1800 | Aging Matters: Introduction to Gerontology | 3 |
| COMM:1170 | Communication Theory in Everyday Life | 3 |
| COMM:1174 | Media and Society | 3 |
| CPH:1400 | Fundamentals of Public Health | 3 |
| CRIM:1410 | Introduction to Criminology | 3 |
| CSD:3117/LING:3117 | Psychology of Language | 3 |
| CSD:3118/LING:3118 | Language Acquisition | 1-3 |
| ECON:1100 | Principles of Microeconomics | 4 |
| ECON:1200 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 4 |
| GEOG:1070 | Contemporary Environmental Issues | 3 |
| GEOG:1090 | Globalization and Geographic Diversity | 3 |
| GEOG:2110/GHS:2110 | Seven Billion and Counting: Introduction to Population Dynamics | 3 |
| GEOG:2910 | The Global Economy | 3 |
| HIST:1219/SOC:1219 | Big Ideas: Equality, Opportunity, and Public Policy in America | 3 |
| HONR:1660 | Honors Seminar in Social Sciences | 3 |
| JMC:1100 | Media Uses and Effects | 3 |
| LING:1010 | Language and Society | 3 |
| LING:1060 | Languages of the World | 3 |
| MUSM:3001/ANTH:3001/EDTL:3001/SIED:3001 | Introduction to Museum Studies | 3 |
| POLI:1100 | Introduction to American Politics | 3 |
| POLI:1200 | Introduction to Political Behavior | 3 |
| POLI:1300 | Introduction to Political Thought and Action | 3 |
| POLI:1400 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| POLI:1401 | Introduction to the Politics of Russia and Eurasia | 3 |
| POLI:1403 | Introduction to Politics in the Muslim World | 3 |
| POLI:1445 | Introduction to Asian Politics: China | 3 |
| POLI:1449 | Introduction to European Politics | 3 |
| POLI:1500 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
| POLI:1501 | Introduction to American Foreign Policy | 3 |
| POLI:1600 | Introduction to Political Communication | 3 |
| POLI:2415/LAS:2415 | Latin American Politics | 3 |
| PSY:1001 | Elementary Psychology | 3 |
| PSY:2301 | Introduction to Clinical Psychology | 3 |
| PSY:2401 | Introduction to Developmental Science | 3 |
| PSY:2601 | Introduction to Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| SOC:1010 | Introduction to Sociology | 3-4 |
| SOC:1020 | Social Problems | 3-4 |
| SOC:1220 | Principles of Social Psychology | 3-4 |
| TR:1070 | Perspectives on Leisure and Play | 3 |
Culture, Society, and the Arts
Diversity and Inclusion
Courses in the Diversity and Inclusion area help to develop students’ recognition of their positions in an increasingly pluralistic world while fostering an understanding of social and cultural differences. Students reflect critically on their own social and cultural perspectives while increasing their ability to engage with people who have backgrounds or ideas different from their own. Students also explore the historical and structural bases of inequality and the benefits and challenges of diversity.
Transfer credit is not accepted for the Diversity and Inclusion requirement; students must complete this requirement with course work taken at the University of Iowa.
All students must complete at least 3 s.h. of course work in the Diversity and Inclusion area. The following courses are approved for the area.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AFAM:2500 | Black Culture and Experience: Contemporary Issues | 3 |
| AMST:2025 | Diversity in American Culture | 3 |
| ANTH:2151/GWSS:2151/IS:2151 | Global Migration in the Contemporary World (GE status effective fall 2018) | 3 |
| ANTH:2165/AMST:2165/NAIS:2165 | Native Peoples of North America | 3 |
| ARTS:2100 | Printmaking and Politics of Protest | 3 |
| CCCC:2220 | Foundations of Critical Cultural Competence | 3 |
| CSD:1200 | Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities | 3 |
| CINE:1195 | Video Games and Identity | 3 |
| CINE:1625 | Race, Gender, and Sexuality on Screen | 3 |
| CL:2222/ASIA:2222/GWSS:2222 | Women in Premodern East Asian Literature | 3 |
| CL:2700/RUSS:2232 | Romani (Gypsy) Cultures of Eastern Europe | 3 |
| COMM:1898/LAS:1898/LATS:1898 | Introduction to Latina/o/x Communication and Culture | 3 |
| DANC:2065 | Performing Crisis: Dances of Identity, Witness, and Resistance | 3 |
| DST:1101 | Introduction to Disability Studies | 3 |
| GRMN:2620 | Anne Frank and Her Story | 3-4 |
| GRMN:2675 | The Politics of Memory: Holocaust, Genocide, and 9/11 | 3-4 |
| GWSS:1002 | Diversity and Power in the U.S. (GE status effective fall 2018) | 3 |
| HIST:1040 | Diversity in History | 3 |
| HIST:2267/AFAM:2267 | African American History to 1877: From Slave Cabin to Senate Floor | 3 |
| IS:2020 | World Events Today! | 3 |
| ITAL:2660 | The Italian American Experience (GE status effective fall 2018) | 3 |
| JMC:2500 | Community Media (GE status effective fall 2018) | 3 |
| JMC:2600 | Freedom of Expression | 3 |
| LATS:2280/HIST:2280/SPAN:2280 | Introduction to Latina/o Studies | 3 |
| NAIS:1290/AMST:1290/GHS:1290/HIST:1290 | Native American Foods and Foodways (GE status effective fall 2018) | 3 |
| POLI:1601 | Introduction to Social Media and Politics | 3 |
| POLI:1800 | Introduction to the Politics of Class and Inequality | 3 |
| POLI:1900 | Introduction to the Politics of Race | 3 |
| SRM:1045 | Diversity and Inclusion in Healthy Living (GE status effective fall 2018) | 3 |
| SPST:1074/AMST:1074/GWSS:1074 | Inequality in American Sport | 3 |
| THTR:2320 | Playwriting in a Global World | 3 |
| THTR:2405 | Staging Americans: U.S. Cultures Through Theatre and Performance | 3 |
| WLLC:1200/DST:1200/GHS:1200/GRMN:1200 | Disability and Inclusion in Film and Writing Around the World | 3 |
| WRIT:2100 | Writing and Community Outreach | 3 |
Historical Perspectives
Courses in the Historical Perspectives area help students comprehend the historical processes of change and continuity; develop the ability to generalize, explain, and interpret historical change; and understand the past in its own terms.
All students must complete at least 3 s.h. of course work in the Historical Perspectives area. The following courses are approved for the area.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH:1201 | World Archaeology | 3 |
| ARTH:1010 | Art and Visual Culture | 3 |
| ARTH:1050 | From Cave Paintings to Cathedrals: Survey of Western Art I | 3 |
| ARTH:1060 | From Mona Lisa to Modernism: Survey of Western Art II | 3 |
| ARTH:1070/CHIN:1070 | Asian Art and Culture | 3 |
| ARTH:1090 | Earthly Paradises: A Global History of Gardens | 3 |
| ARTH:2920 | Introduction to American Art | 3 |
| CLSA:1181/GHS:1181 | Ancient Medicine | 3 |
| CLSA:1830 | Greek Civilization | 3 |
| CLSA:1840 | Roman Civilization | 3 |
| EES:1115/ENVS:1115/GEOG:1115/HIST:1115 | The History and Science of Oil | 3 |
| FREN:3120 | French Civilization | 3 |
| HIST:1002 | Issues in Medieval Society | 3 |
| HIST:1004 | Issues in Human History: Communities and Society in History | 3 |
| HIST:1008 | Issues in European Politics and Society | 3 |
| HIST:1010 | History Matters | 3 |
| HIST:1014 | Issues: Twentieth-Century Crisis | 3 |
| HIST:1016 | The History That Made Our World | 3 |
| HIST:1261 | American History to 1877 | 3 |
| HIST:1262 | American History 1877-Present | 3 |
| HIST:1401 | The West and the World: Ancient | 3-4 |
| HIST:1402 | The West and the World: Medieval | 3-4 |
| HIST:1403 | The West and the World: Modern | 3-4 |
| HIST:1602/ASIA:1602 | Civilizations of Asia: China | 3 |
| HIST:1604/ASIA:1604 | Civilizations of Asia: Japan | 3-4 |
| HIST:1606/ASIA:1606 | Civilizations of Asia: South Asia | 3-4 |
| HIST:1607 | Civilizations of Asia: Korea | 3-4 |
| HIST:2461/CLSA:2461/RELS:2361 | Middle East and Mediterranean: Alexander to Suleiman | 3 |
| HONR:1610 | Honors Seminar in Historical Perspectives | 3 |
| ITAL:2550 | Images of Modern Italy | 3 |
| JMC:1200 | Media History and Culture | 3 |
| MUS:1303 | Roots, Rock, and Rap: A History of Popular Music | 3 |
| MUS:2301 | History of Music I | 3 |
| MUS:2302 | History of Music II | 3 |
| PHIL:1033 | The Meaning of Life | 3 |
| PHIL:1034 | Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness | 3 |
| RELS:1001 | Judaism, Christianity, and Islam | 3 |
| RELS:1225/HIST:1025 | Medieval Religion and Culture | 3 |
| RELS:1250/HIST:1050 | Modern Religion and Culture | 3 |
| RUSS:1531 | Slavic Folklore | 3 |
| RUSS:1532 | Religion and Culture of Slavs | 3 |
| THTR:1400 | Theatre and Society: Ancients and Moderns | 3 |
| THTR:1401 | Theatre and Society: Romantics and Rebels | 3 |
| THTR:2410 | History of Theatre and Drama I | 3 |
| THTR:2411 | History of Theatre and Drama II | 3 |
International and Global Issues
Courses in the International and Global Issues area focus predominantly on countries or issues outside the United States, encouraging students to understand contemporary issues from an international perspective. Students develop knowledge of one or more contemporary global or international issues, gain a greater awareness of varied international perspectives, and improve their skills of analysis and critical inquiry.
All students must complete at least 3 s.h. of course work in the International and Global Issues area. The following courses are approved for the area.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH:1046/GEOG:1046/GWSS:1046 | Big Ideas: People and the Environment - Technology, Culture, and Social Justice | 3 |
| ANTH:2100 | Anthropology and Contemporary World Problems | 3 |
| ANTH:2136 | Urban Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH:2261 | Human Impacts on the Environment | 3 |
| ARTH:1040 | Arts of Africa | 3 |
| FREN:1006 | Global Sports and National Cultures | 3 |
| FREN:1510 | Cultural Misunderstandings: France and U.S.A. | 3 |
| GEOG:1060 | Geography of Asia: From Japan to Pakistan | 3 |
| GEOG:1070 | Contemporary Environmental Issues | 3 |
| GEOG:1090 | Globalization and Geographic Diversity | 3 |
| GEOG:2910 | The Global Economy | 3 |
| GRMN:2720/HIST:2420 | Germany in the World | 3 |
| GRMN:4315 | Contemporary German Civilization | 3 |
| HIST:1016 | The History That Made Our World | 3 |
| HIST:1403 | The West and the World: Modern | 3-4 |
| HIST:1602/ASIA:1602 | Civilizations of Asia: China | 3 |
| HIST:1604/ASIA:1604 | Civilizations of Asia: Japan | 3-4 |
| HIST:1606/ASIA:1606 | Civilizations of Asia: South Asia | 3-4 |
| HIST:1607 | Civilizations of Asia: Korea | 3-4 |
| HONR:1620 | Honors Seminar in International and Global Issues | 3 |
| IS:2000 | Introduction to International Studies | 3 |
| LING:1040/ANTH:1040 | Language Rights | 3 |
| POLI:1400 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| POLI:1401 | Introduction to the Politics of Russia and Eurasia | 3 |
| POLI:1403 | Introduction to Politics in the Muslim World | 3 |
| POLI:1445 | Introduction to Asian Politics: China | 3 |
| POLI:1449 | Introduction to European Politics | 3 |
| POLI:1500 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
| POLI:1501 | Introduction to American Foreign Policy | 3 |
| POLI:2415/LAS:2415 | Latin American Politics | 3 |
| RELS:1130/HIST:1030 | Introduction to Islamic Civilization | 3 |
| RELS:2852/GWSS:2052 | Women in Islam and the Middle East | 3 |
| RELS:3855/IS:3855 | Human Rights and Islam | 3 |
| RUSS:1132 | Russia Today | 3 |
| SPST:2170 | Sport and Globalization | 3 |
Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts
Courses in the Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts area provide students with opportunities to appreciate the arts and to analyze them within their historical and theoretical contexts. They also help students develop the analytic, expressive, and imaginative abilities necessary for understanding, appreciating, and creating art.
All students must complete at least 3 s.h. of course work in the Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts area. The following courses are approved for the area.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARTH:1010 | Art and Visual Culture | 3 |
| ARTH:1020 | Masterpieces: Art in Historical and Cultural Perspectives | 3 |
| ARTH:1040 | Arts of Africa | 3 |
| ARTH:1050 | From Cave Paintings to Cathedrals: Survey of Western Art I | 3 |
| ARTH:1060 | From Mona Lisa to Modernism: Survey of Western Art II | 3 |
| ARTH:1070/CHIN:1070 | Asian Art and Culture | 3 |
| ARTH:1095 | American Indian Art | 3 |
| ARTH:2920 | Introduction to American Art | 3 |
| ARTS:1010 | Elements of Art | 3 |
| ARTS:1030 | Elements of Jewelry and Metal Arts | 3 |
| ARTS:1050 | Elements of Printmaking | 3 |
| ARTS:1080 | Elements of Sculpture | 3 |
| CERM:2010 | Exploring Forms in Clay I | 3 |
| CHIN:1702 | Chinese Popular Culture | 3 |
| CINE:1100 | The Art of Smartphone Filmmaking | 3 |
| CINE:1602 | Introduction to Film Studies | 3 |
| CINE:1610 | Contemporary Cinema | 3 |
| CL:1240/CLSA:1040 | Major Texts of World Literature, Antiquity to 1700 | 3 |
| CL:1241 | Major Texts of World Literature, 1700 to the Present | 3 |
| CLSA:1010 | Hero, God, Mortal: Literature of Greece | 3 |
| CLSA:1020 | Love and Glory: The Literature of Rome | 3 |
| CLSA:1740/WRIT:1740 | Writing Strategies: Word Origins and Word Choice | 3 |
| CLSA:2016 | Classical Mythology | 3 |
| CNW:1620 | Introduction to Creative Nonfiction | 3 |
| CW:1800 | Creative Writing Studio Workshop | 3 |
| DANC:1010 | Beginning Tap | 2 |
| DANC:1020 | Beginning Jazz | 2 |
| DANC:1030 | Beginning Ballet | 2 |
| DANC:1040 | Beginning Modern Dance | 2 |
| DANC:1110 | Continuing Tap | 1-2 |
| DANC:1120 | Continuing Jazz | 2 |
| DANC:1130 | Continuing Ballet | 2 |
| DANC:1140 | Continuing Modern Dance | 2 |
| DANC:2020 | Intermediate Jazz | 2 |
| DANC:2030 | Intermediate Ballet | 1-2 |
| DANC:2040 | Intermediate Modern | 2 |
| DANC:2060/DPA:2060 | Dance and Society in Global Contexts | 3 |
| EDTL:2122 | Creativity, Imagination, Play, and Human Development through the Arts | 3 |
| ENGL:1320 | Heroes and Villains | 3 |
| ENGL:1330 | The Art of Storytelling | 3 |
| ENGL:1345 | American Lives | 3 |
| ENGL:1350 | Literature and Sexualities | 3 |
| FREN:4100 | French Cinema | 3-4 |
| GRMN:2630 | German Cinema: Greatest Hits | 3-4 |
| GRMN:2666/CL:2666 | Pact with the Devil | 3 |
| GRMN:2775 | Scandinavian Crime Fiction | 3 |
| GRMN:2785 | Cyborgs, Monsters, and the Uncanny | 3 |
| HONR:1630 | Honors Seminar in Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts | 3 |
| MUS:1001 | Group Piano I: Non-Music Majors | 1 |
| MUS:1009 | Jazz Cultures in America and Abroad | 3 |
| MUS:1012 | Creativity in Music | 3 |
| MUS:1020 | Performance Instruction for Nonmajors | 1 |
| MUS:1066 | Introduction to Film Music | 3 |
| MUS:1301 | Concepts and Contexts of Western Music | 3 |
| MUS:1302 | Great Musicians | 3 |
| MUS:1310 | World Music | 3 |
| MUS:1720 | History of Jazz | 3 |
| MUS:1800/DPA:1800 | World of the Beatles | 3 |
| MUS:2005 | Issues in Popular Music: Women Who Rock | 3 |
| MUS:2301 | History of Music I | 3 |
| MUS:2302 | History of Music II | 3 |
| MUS:2311/LAS:2311 | Music of Latin America and the Caribbean | 3 |
| PORT:2850/SPAN:2850 | Brazilian Narrative in Translation | 3 |
| SCLP:2810 | Undergraduate Sculpture I | 3 |
| SPAN:1700/LATS:1700 | Latino/a Literature in the U.S. | 3 |
| SPAN:1800 | Contemporary Spanish American Narrative | 3 |
| THTR:1140 | Basic Acting | 3 |
| THTR:1400 | Theatre and Society: Ancients and Moderns | 3 |
| THTR:1401 | Theatre and Society: Romantics and Rebels | 3 |
| THTR:1412/DANC:1412/DPA:1412 | The Arts in Performance | 3 |
| THTR:2301 | Playwriting I | 3 |
| THTR:2410 | History of Theatre and Drama I | 3 |
| THTR:2411 | History of Theatre and Drama II | 3 |
Values and Culture
Courses in the Values and Culture area focus on how culture shapes the human experience and the role of values in society, with students asking fundamental questions regarding the human experience while exploring their own values and beliefs.
All students must complete at least 3 s.h. of course work in the Values and Culture area. The following courses are approved for the area.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AFAM:1020/AMST:1030 | Introduction to African American Culture | 3 |
| AFAM:1030 | Introduction to African American Society | 3 |
| AMST:1010 | Understanding American Cultures | 3 |
| AMST:1154 | Food in America | 3 |
| AMST:2000 | Introduction to American Studies | 3 |
| ANTH:1101/IS:1101 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH:2175/JPNS:2175 | Japanese Society and Culture | 3 |
| ARTH:1030 | Themes in Global Art | 3 |
| ARTH:1045 | Race and Art in America | 3 |
| ARTH:1095 | American Indian Art | 3 |
| ARTS:2000/ASP:2000/EDTL:2000/RHET:2000 | Big Ideas: Creativity for a Lifetime | 3 |
| ASIA:2450 | India Beat: The Aesthetics and Politics of India Today | 3 |
| CHIN:1504 | Asian Humanities: China | 3 |
| CLSA:1340 | Magic in the Ancient World | 3 |
| CLSA:1875 | Ancient Sports and Leisure | 3 |
| CLSA:1883/HONR:1883 | War | 3 |
| CLSA:2016 | Classical Mythology | 3 |
| CLSA:2482/RELS:2182 | Ancient Mediterranean Religions | 3 |
| CLSA:2651/GWSS:2651 | Gender and Sexuality in the Ancient World | 3 |
| COMM:1174 | Media and Society | 3 |
| DANC:1150/LAS:1150 | Brazilian Culture and Carnival | 3 |
| ENGL:1420 | Technologies and Literatures of the Future | 3 |
| EPLS:4180 | Human Relations for the Classroom Teacher | 3 |
| GRMN:2550/WLLC:2550 | Mardi Gras and More: Cultures of Carnival | 3-4 |
| GRMN:2618/CL:2618 | The Third Reich and Literature | 3 |
| GRMN:2650 | German Nationalism After WWII | 3-4 |
| GRMN:2655/IS:2600 | Muslim Minorities in the West | 3-4 |
| GWSS:1001 | Introduction to Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies | 3 |
| GWSS:1060/AMST:1060/ENGL:1410 | Sex and Popular Culture in America | 3 |
| HHP:2200 | Physical Activity and Health | 3 |
| HIST:1609 | India Now! A Survey from Bollywood Films to Global Terror | 3-4 |
| HIST:1708 | Civilizations of Africa | 3 |
| ITAL:2550 | Images of Modern Italy | 3 |
| JMC:1500 | Social Media Today | 3 |
| JPNS:1506 | Asian Humanities: Japan | 3 |
| LING:2900 | Language, Gender, and Sexuality | 3 |
| MUS:1009 | Jazz Cultures in America and Abroad | 3 |
| MUS:1720 | History of Jazz | 3 |
| MUS:2311/LAS:2311 | Music of Latin America and the Caribbean | 3 |
| NAIS:1049 | Introduction to American Indian and Native Studies | 3 |
| PHIL:1401 | Matters of Life and Death | 3 |
| PHIL:1861 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL:2402 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| POLI:1300 | Introduction to Political Thought and Action | 3 |
| RELS:1070 | Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament | 3 |
| RELS:1080 | Introduction to the New Testament | 3 |
| RELS:1130/HIST:1030 | Introduction to Islamic Civilization | 3 |
| RELS:1350/AFAM:1250 | Introduction to African American Religions | 3 |
| RELS:1404/ASIA:1040/HIST:1610 | Living Religions of the East | 3 |
| RELS:1506/ASIA:1060/HIST:1612 | Introduction to Buddhism | 3 |
| RELS:1702 | Religion in America Today | 3 |
| RELS:1810 | Happiness in a Difficult World | 3 |
| RELS:1903 | Quest for Human Destiny | 3 |
| RELS:2700/NAIS:2700 | Sacred World of Native Americans | 3 |
| RELS:2852/GWSS:2052 | Women in Islam and the Middle East | 3 |
| RELS:2986 | Religion and Women | 3 |
| RUSS:1082 | Youth Subcultures After Socialism | 3 |
| RUSS:1131 | Introduction to Russian Culture | 3 |
| RUSS:1132 | Russia Today | 3 |
| RUSS:1531 | Slavic Folklore | 3 |
| RUSS:1532 | Religion and Culture of Slavs | 3 |
| RUSS:2100 | Secrets of Russian Mentality | 3 |
| SOAS:1502/RELS:1502 | Asian Humanities: India | 3 |
| SOC:1310/GWSS:1310 | Gender and Society | 3-4 |
| SOC:2710 | The American Family | 3 |
| SOC:2810 | Social Inequality | 3 |
| SPAN:1700/LATS:1700 | Latino/a Literature in the U.S. | 3 |
| SPAN:1900 | Diversity and Cultures in Spain | 3 |
| SRM:1072 | Leisure and the Liberal Arts | 3 |
| SSW:1022/SOC:1022 | Social Justice and Social Welfare in the United States | 3 |
| THTR:1411 | Comedy and Society | 3 |
| THTR:1412/DANC:1412/DPA:1412 | The Arts in Performance | 3 |
Four-Year Graduation Plan
The following checkpoints list the minimum requirements students must complete by certain semesters in order to stay on the University's Four-Year Graduation Plan. Courses in the major are those required to complete the major; they may be offered by departments other than the major department.
Before the third semester begins: two introductory courses in the major
Before the fifth semester begins: six courses in the major
Before the seventh semester begins: 12 courses in the major and at least 90 s.h. earned toward the degree
Before the eighth semester begins: 15 courses in the major
During the eighth semester: enrollment in all remaining course work in the major, all remaining GE CLAS Core courses, and a sufficient number of semester hours to graduate
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Geography, B.S.
Environmental Studies Track
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| ENGL:1200 or RHET:1030 |
The Interpretation of Literature or Rhetoric |
3 - 4 |
| GEOG:1090 | Globalization and Geographic Diversity a | 3 |
| GEOG:1020 | The Global Environment a | 3 |
| GEOG:1021 | The Global Environment Lab a | 1 |
| GE CLAS Core: Historical Perspectives b | 3 | |
| CSI:1600 | Success at Iowa | 2 |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL:1200 or RHET:1030 |
The Interpretation of Literature or Rhetoric |
3 - 4 |
| GEOG:1070 | Contemporary Environmental Issues a | 3 |
| Major: geography "select one" course c, d | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Values and Culture b | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages First Level Proficiency or elective course f | 4 - 5 | |
| STAT:2010 | Statistical Methods and Computing a | 3 |
| GEOG:1050 | Foundations of GIS | 4 |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 1 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages Second Level Proficiency or elective course f | 4 - 5 | |
| STAT:3200 | Applied Linear Regression | 3 |
| Major: environmental studies track course | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Diversity and Inclusion b | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 1 | |
| Hours | 14-15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages Second Level Proficiency or elective course f | 4 - 5 | |
| Major: GIS "select one" course g | 3 | |
| Major: computer science/math course h, i | 3 - 4 | |
| Major: environmental studies track course | 3 | |
| Hours | 13-15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages Fourth Level Proficiency or elective course f | 4 - 5 | |
| CCP:1201 |
Academic Internship or Undergraduate Research or Iowa Environmental Policy in Practice |
1 - 3 |
| Major: environmental studies track course | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts b | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Hours | 14-17 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Major: environmental studies track course | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Natural Sciences without Lab b | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GEOG:4995 or GEOG:4030 |
Honors Thesis or Senior Project Seminar |
3 |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 116-125 | |
| a | Fulfills a major requirement and may fulfill a GE requirement. |
| b | GE CLAS Core courses may be completed in any order unless used as a prerequisite for another course. Students should consult with an advisor about the best sequencing of courses. |
| c | Choose from the following options: GEOG:1060, GEOG:1070, GEOG:2110, GEOG:2130, GEOG:2910, GEOG:2950. |
| d | Students cannot choose a course that they have already used elsewhere in the major. |
| e | Students may use elective courses to earn credit towards the total s.h. required for graduation or to complete a double major, minors, or certificates. |
| f | Students who have completed four years of a single language in high school have satisfied the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement. Enrollment in world languages courses requires a placement exam, unless enrolling in a first-semester-level course. |
| g | Students cannot double-count the same course for this requirement and a requirement in the track. |
| h | Choose from the following options: CS:1210, CS:2110, CS:2230, MATH:1380, MATH:1460. This course should be chosen based on math placement exam and/or prior coursework, and cannot count for more than one major requirement. |
| i | Enrollment in math courses requires completion of a placement exam. |
Geographic Information Science Track
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| ENGL:1200 or RHET:1030 |
The Interpretation of Literature or Rhetoric |
3 - 4 |
| GEOG:1090 | Globalization and Geographic Diversity a | 3 |
| GEOG:1020 | The Global Environment a | 3 |
| GEOG:1021 | The Global Environment Lab a | 1 |
| GE CLAS Core: Historical Perspectives b | 3 | |
| CSI:1600 | Success at Iowa | 2 |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| RHET:1030 or ENGL:1200 |
Rhetoric or The Interpretation of Literature |
3 - 4 |
| GEOG:1050 | Foundations of GIS | 4 |
| Major: geography "select one" course c, d | 3 - 4 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Values and Culture b | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Hours | 16-18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages First Level Proficiency or elective course f | 4 - 5 | |
| STAT:2010 | Statistical Methods and Computing a | 3 |
| Major: GIS track course | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Diversity and Inclusion b | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 1 | |
| Hours | 14-15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages Second Level Proficiency or elective course f | 4 - 5 | |
| STAT:3200 | Applied Linear Regression | 3 |
| Major: GIS track course | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: International and Global Issues or Social Sciences b | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 1 | |
| Hours | 14-15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages Second Level Proficiency or elective course f | 4 - 5 | |
| Major: GIS track course | 3 | |
| CS:1110 |
Introduction to Computer Science or Computer Science I: Fundamentals or Programming for Informatics |
3 - 4 |
| GE CLAS Core: Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts b | 3 | |
| Hours | 13-15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages Fourth Level Proficiency or elective course f | 4 - 5 | |
| Major: GIS track course | 3 | |
| GEOG:3992 |
Undergraduate Research or Academic Internship or Iowa Environmental Policy in Practice |
1 - 3 |
| Major: computer science/math course g, h | 3 - 4 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Hours | 14-18 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Major: GIS track course | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Natural Sciences without Lab b | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GEOG:4030 or GEOG:4995 |
Senior Project Seminar or Honors Thesis |
3 |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 116-127 | |
| a | Fulfills a major requirement and may fulfill a GE requirement. |
| b | GE CLAS Core courses may be completed in any order unless used as a prerequisite for another course. Students should consult with an advisor about the best sequencing of courses. |
| c | Students cannot choose a course that they have already used elsewhere in the major. |
| d | Choose from the following options: GEOG:1060, GEOG:1070, GEOG:2110, GEOG:2130, GEOG:2910, GEOG:2950. |
| e | Students may use elective courses to earn credit towards the total s.h. required for graduation or to complete a double major, minors, or certificates. |
| f | Students who have completed four years of a single language in high school have satisfied the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement. Enrollment in world languages courses requires a placement exam, unless enrolling in a first-semester-level course. |
| g | Choose from the following options: CS:1210, CS:2110, CS:2230, MATH:1380, MATH:1460. This course should be chosen based on math placement exam and/or prior coursework, and cannot count for more than one major requirement. |
| h | Enrollment in math courses requires completion of a placement exam. |
Health and Society Track
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| ENGL:1200 or RHET:1030 |
The Interpretation of Literature or Rhetoric |
3 - 4 |
| GEOG:1090 | Globalization and Geographic Diversity a | 3 |
| GEOG:1020 | The Global Environment a | 3 |
| GEOG:1021 | The Global Environment Lab a | 1 |
| GE CLAS Core: Historical Perspectives b | 3 | |
| CSI:1600 | Success at Iowa | 2 |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL:1200 or RHET:1030 |
The Interpretation of Literature or Rhetoric |
3 - 4 |
| GEOG:2110 | Seven Billion and Counting: Introduction to Population Dynamics a | 3 |
| Major: geography "select one" course c, d | 3 - 4 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Values and Culture b | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages First Level Proficiency or elective course f | 4 - 5 | |
| STAT:2010 | Statistical Methods and Computing a | 3 |
| GE CLAS Core: Diversity and Inclusion b | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 1 | |
| Hours | 14-15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages Second Level Proficiency or elective course f | 4 - 5 | |
| STAT:3200 | Applied Linear Regression | 3 |
| GEOG:1050 | Foundations of GIS | 4 |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 1 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages Second Level Proficiency or elective course f | 4 - 5 | |
| Major: computer science/math course g, h | 4 | |
| GEOG:3110 | Geography of Health | 3 |
| GE CLAS Core: Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts b | 3 | |
| Hours | 14-15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages Fourth Level Proficiency or elective course f | 4 - 5 | |
| GEOG:3992 |
Undergraduate Research or Academic Internship or Iowa Environmental Policy in Practice |
1 - 3 |
| Major: Health and Society "select two" course i | 3 | |
| Major: GIS "select one" course j | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Hours | 14-17 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GEOG:4150 | Health and Environment: GIS Applications | 3 |
| Major: Health and Society "select two" course i | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GEOG:4030 or GEOG:4995 |
Senior Project Seminar or Honors Thesis |
3 |
| GE CLAS Core: Natural Sciences without Lab b | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Elective course e | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 117-126 | |
| a | Fulfills a major requirement and may fulfill a GE requirement. |
| b | GE CLAS Core courses may be completed in any order unless used as a prerequisite for another course. Students should consult with an advisor about the best sequencing of courses. |
| c | Students cannot choose a course that they have already used elsewhere in the major. |
| d | Choose from the following options: GEOG:1060, GEOG:1070, GEOG:2110, GEOG:2130, GEOG:2910, GEOG:2950. |
| e | Students may use elective courses to earn credit towards the total s.h. required for graduation or to complete a double major, minors, or certificates. |
| f | Students who have completed four years of a single language in high school have satisfied the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement. Enrollment in world languages courses requires a placement exam, unless enrolling in a first-semester-level course. |
| g | Choose from the following options: CS:1210, CS:2110, CS:2230, MATH:1380, MATH:1460. This course should be chosen based on math placement exam and/or prior coursework, and cannot count for more than one major requirement. |
| h | Enrollment in math courses requires completion of a placement exam. |
| i | Choose from the following: GEOG:3070, GEOG:3210, GEOG:3760, GEOG:3920, GEOG:4770. |
| j | Cannot use GEOG:4150, as it is required elsewhere in the track. |
Courses in geography are commonly required of students preparing to teach at the elementary and secondary school levels or to work in urban and regional planning. The degree also provides a solid background for many related professions, including law, health care, environmental engineering, and business.
The application of geographic information systems (GIS) to social, economic, and environmental problems has increased considerably during the past decade. This trend is likely to continue into the future; in fact, the U.S. Department of Labor has identified the area as one of its 14 high-growth industries. GIS presents an abundance of career opportunities for geography graduates in local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as in the private sector.
Geography majors are encouraged to participate in an internship. The department maintains close ties with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and other local agencies that offer internships.
The department’s faculty members help students apply for postgraduate programs and contact potential employers.
The Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
