Geographical and Sustainability Sciences, BA
This is the first version of the 2026–27 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.
Students delve into understanding how human impacts on the environment and coupled environmental impacts on human activities are connected via complex feedback loops. Areas of focus range from health to land use change and urban systems. This unique program fosters a holistic understanding of environmental challenges and solutions, empowering students to pursue careers where a comprehensive understanding of human-environmental interactions combined with technical skills such as geographical information systems (GIS) are needed.
You'll graduate ready to apply your skills in the private and public sector to implement solutions and communicate the importance of system thinking, sustainability science, and management to leaders and the public.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will:
- understand the role of spatial information and data in addressing social and environmental questions and the role of geography as a linchpin discipline that bridges social and biophysical sciences;
- understand the connections and relationships between human and environmental activities and outcomes across space and time;
- assess various points of view and perspectives while assessing complex social and environmental problems, to evaluate the factual basis of assertions, and to understand tradeoffs;
- be able to formulate testable hypotheses, apply quantitative or qualitative approaches and methodological tools to pertinent questions, and acquire secondary data or construct primary data sets when applicable;
- be able to communicate complex geographical and technical concepts using an appropriate vocabulary to a broad spectrum of audiences.
The Bachelor of Arts with a major in geographical and sustainability sciences requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including at least 55 s.h. of work for the major. Students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major. They must also complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 15 s.h. of School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability coursework in the major.
In planning coursework, students should be guided by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences maximum hours rule: students earning a BA may apply a maximum of 56 s.h. earned in one department to the minimum 120 s.h. required for graduation, whether or not the coursework is accepted toward requirements for the major; students who earn more than 56 s.h. from one department may use the additional semester hours to satisfy requirements for the major (if the department accepts them), and the grades they earn become part of their grade-point average, but they cannot apply the additional semester hours to the minimum 120 s.h. required for graduation.
Students who are earning two majors from the same department (e.g. a BA in geographical and sustainability sciences and a BA in environmental policy and planning), two degrees from the same department (e.g. a BA in geographical and sustainability sciences and a BS in earth and environmental science), or a major and a minor from the same department (e.g. a BA in geographical and sustainability sciences and a minor in environmental policy and planning) may apply more than 56 s.h. from their home department toward their degree, but they must earn at least 56 s.h. of credit in courses outside their home department in order to graduate.
The BA with a major in geographical and sustainability sciences requires the following coursework.
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Foundation Courses | 34-37 |
| Elective Courses | 21 |
Foundation Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| SEES:1035 | Our Digital Earth | 3 |
| SEES:1070 | Contemporary Environmental Issues | 3 |
| SEES:1085 | Fundamentals of Environmental Science | 4 |
| SEES:1090 | Globalization and Geographic Diversity | 3 |
| SEES:2010 | Interdisciplinary Environmental Seminar | 1 |
| SEES:2013/BUS:2013/URP:2013 | Introduction to Sustainability | 3 |
| SEES:2050 | Foundations of GIS | 4 |
| SEES:2110/GHS:2110 | Eight Billion and Counting: Introduction to Population Dynamics | 3 |
| One of these: | ||
| SEES:2310 | Introduction to Climatology | 3 |
| SEES:2950 | Environmental Conservation | 4 |
| One of these: | ||
| CS:1110 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3 |
| STAT:2010 | Statistical Methods and Computing | 3 |
| STAT:3200/DATA:3200/IGPI:3200/ISE:3760 | Applied Linear Regression | 3 |
| One of these: | ||
| SEES:3400 | Iowa Environmental Policy in Practice | 3 |
| SEES:3992 | Undergraduate Research (or ICIGO) | 1-3 |
| CCP:1201 | Academic Internship | 1-3 |
| One of these: | ||
| SEES:4030 | Senior Project Seminar | 3 |
| SEES:4995 | Honors Thesis | 3 |
Elective Courses
Students complete at least 21 s.h. of electives with at least one course chosen from each of four categories: environment, methods, society, and sustainability.
Environment Electives
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| At least one of these: | ||
| SEES:3315 | Ecosystem Ecology | 4 |
| SEES:4310 | Climate Change | 3 |
| SEES:4470 | Ecological Climatology | 3 |
Methods Electives
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| At least one of these: | ||
| SEES:3500/IGPI:3500 | Introduction to Environmental Remote Sensing | 3 |
| SEES:3520/IGPI:3520 | GIS for Environmental Applications | 3 |
| SEES:3540/IGPI:3540 | Geographic Visualization | 3 |
| SEES:3570 | Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR): Principles and Applications | 3 |
| SEES:4010 | Field Methods in Physical Geography | 3 |
| SEES:4150/GHS:4150/IGPI:4150 | Health and Environment: GIS Applications | 3 |
| SEES:4500/IGPI:4500 | Advanced Remote Sensing | 4 |
| SEES:4520/IGPI:4520 | GIS for Environmental Studies: Applications | 3 |
Society Electives
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| At least one of these: | ||
| SEES:3090/GHS:3070 | Hungry Planet: Global Geographies of Food | 3 |
| SEES:3110/GHS:3111 | Geography of Health | 3 |
| SEES:3760/GHS:3760 | Hazards and Society | 3 |
| SEES:4770/AFAM:4770/GHS:4770 | Environmental Justice | 3 |
Sustainability Electives
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| At least one of these: | ||
| SEES:3340 | Ecosystem Services | 3 |
| SEES:3350 | Urban Ecology | 3 |
| SEES:3920/URP:3001 | Planning Livable Cities | 3 |
| SEES:4210 | Sustainability as a System Science | 3 |
| SEES:4750/URP:4750 | Environmental Impact Analysis | 3 |
Graduating with departmental honors and graduating with university honors are two opportunities available to high-achieving undergraduate students, each with specific and distinct requirements. Some students pursue both options while others pursue one or the other.
Honors in the Major
Within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, each major develops its own requirements to achieve honors in the major. In order to graduate with honors in the major, students in the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability (SEES) pursue study beyond the typical undergraduate level. They work under the direction of a faculty member to conduct original research and then prepare and present a written honors thesis based on their work.
Potential honors students must complete an honors thesis contract with their advisor and obtain approval from the department's undergraduate committee by the first semester of their senior year or earlier. They are also required to register for SEES:4995 Honors Thesis credits as they work to complete their thesis, where they must earn a grade of B or higher. Additionally, SEES honors students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.33 in all University of Iowa and SEES coursework.
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 geographical and sustainability sciences 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 (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or Bachelor of Music (BM)—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 that follow are for students who entered the University of Iowa during summer 2025 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
- Understanding Cultural Perspectives: a minimum of 3 s.h.
- Interpreting Literature: a minimum of 3 s.h.
- Rhetoric: a minimum of 4 s.h.
- World Languages Pathways: required credit varies (see "World Languages Pathways" in this section of the catalog)
Sustainability
Students complete this requirement by choosing an approved GE CLAS Core course that integrates Sustainability (with no additional semester hours) with a course from the Natural, Quantitative, and Social Sciences category or the Culture, Society, and the Arts category.
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
- 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 Society: 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 the use of transfer credit, credit by exam, and other policies for how GE CLAS Core requirements may be fulfilled.
Communication and Literacy
Understanding Cultural Perspectives
Courses in the Understanding Cultural Perspectives area help students better understand social and cultural differences. Students will reflect on their own social and cultural perspectives while increasing their ability to engage with people who have backgrounds different than their own.
All students must complete at least 3 s.h. of coursework in the Understanding Cultural Perspectives area. The following courses are approved for the area.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AFAM:1020/AMST:1030 | Introduction to African American Culture | 3 |
| AFAM:1030 | Introduction to African American Society | 3 |
| AFAM:1130 | The History of African American Film | 3 |
| AFAM:1241/MUS:1741 | The Soundtrack of Black America | 3 |
| AFAM:1900 | Diverse Topics in African American Studies | 3 |
| AFAM:2064/SOC:2064 | African American Families: Urban and Suburban | 3 |
| AFAM:2500 | Black Culture and Experience: Contemporary Issues | 3 |
| AMST:1290/GHS:1290/HIST:1290/NAIS:1290 | Native American Foods and Foodways | 3 |
| AMST:2025 | Diversity in American Culture | 3 |
| ANTH:2151/GWSS:2151/IS:2151 | Global Migration in the Contemporary World | 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 |
| CINE:1195 | Video Games and Identity | 3 |
| CINE:1625 | Race, Gender, and Sexuality on Screen | 3 |
| CLSA:1415/RELS:1415 | Ancient Origins of Religious Conflict | 3 |
| CLSA:1910 | Ancient and Modern Worlds: Common Problems | 3 |
| CLSA:2620/RELS:2620 | Sex and the Bible | 3 |
| CLSA:2800 | Race and Ethnicity in the Ancient Mediterranean World | 3 |
| COMM:1168 | Music and Social Change | 3 |
| COMM:1898/LATS:1898 | Introduction to Latina/o/x Communication and Culture | 3 |
| COMM:2069/AFAM:2070 | Black Television Culture | 3 |
| DANC:2065 | Performing Power/Performing Protest: The Body, Identity, and the Image | 3 |
| DANC:2085 | Introduction to African Caribbean Dance Practices | 3 |
| DST:1101 | Introduction to Disability Studies | 3 |
| EDTL:2670 | Peacebuilding, Singing, and Writing in a Prison Choir | 3 |
| EDTL:4900 | Foundations of Special Education | 3 |
| EPLS:1240 | Student Success in College | 3 |
| FREN:2010/ASIA:2001/RUSS:2001/TRNS:2001/WLLC:2001 | Global Science Fiction | 3 |
| GHS:1200/DST:1200/GRMN:1200/WLLC:1200 | Disabilities and Inclusion in Writing and Film Around the World | 3 |
| GRMN:2600 | Witch Hunts in Fact and Fiction: A Global History of Exclusion | 3 |
| GRMN:2620/WLLC:2620 | Anne Frank and Her Story | 3 |
| GRMN:2675/MUSM:2675 | The Politics of Memory: Holocaust, Genocide, and 9/11 | 3-4 |
| GWSS:1001 | Introduction to Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies | 3 |
| GWSS:1002 | Diversity and Power in the U.S. | 3 |
| HHP:2280 | Cultural Competency and Health | 3 |
| HIST:1040 | Diversity in History | 3 |
| HIST:2155/JSTU:2155 | Global Jewish History | 3 |
| HIST:2156/JSTU:2156 | Arabs and Jews in Palestine and Israel | 3 |
| HIST:2267/AFAM:2267 | African American History to 1877 | 3 |
| HIST:2268/AFAM:2268 | African American History Since the Civil War | 3 |
| IS:2020 | World Events Today! | 3 |
| ITAL:2660 | The Italian American Experience | 3 |
| JMC:2500 | Community Media | 3 |
| JMC:2600 | Freedom of Expression | 3 |
| JSTU:2149/HIST:2149/RELS:2240/SJUS:2240 | Introduction to Jewish Studies | 3 |
| LATS:2280/HIST:2280 | Introduction to Latina/o/x Studies | 3 |
| MATH:1210 | Diverse Perspectives in the Mathematical Sciences | 3 |
| PHIL:2425 | Sex, Marriage, Friendship, and the Law | 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 |
| POLI:1950 | Introduction to the Politics of Religion | 3 |
| PSQF:3104 | Multicultural Issues in Counseling and Psychology | 3 |
| RELS:1015 | Global Religious Conflict and Diversity | 3 |
| RELS:2000 | Engaging Religious Diversity for Leadership and Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| RELS:2330 | Wealth, Inequality, and Islam | 3 |
| RHET:2135/SJUS:2135 | Decoding Disability: Rhetoric of Access and Accommodations | 3 |
| SJUS:1001/GWSS:1003 | Introduction to Social Justice | 3 |
| SOC:1030 | Contemporary Social Problems | 3-4 |
| SOC:2830 | Race and Ethnicity | 3 |
| SPAN:1070/LING:1070 | Language Attitudes: Is How You Sound How You Are Seen? | 3 |
| SPAN:2050 | Spanish in the United States | 3 |
| SPST:1074/AMST:1074/GWSS:1074 | Inequality in American Sport | 3 |
| SSW:1200 | Mental Health Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| THTR:2320 | Playwriting in a Global World | 3 |
| THTR:2405 | Staging Americans: U.S. Cultures Through Theatre and Performance | 3 |
| TRNS:2000 | Translation and Global Society | 3 |
| WLLC:2222/ASIA:2222/GWSS:2222 | Women in Premodern East Asian Literature | 3 |
| WRIT:2100 | Writing and Community Outreach | 3 |
Interpreting Literature
Courses in the Interpreting 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 coursework in the Interpreting Literature area. The following courses are approved for the area.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHIN:1510/ASIA:1510/WLLC:1510 | Ghost Stories and Tales of the Weird in Premodern Chinese Literature | 3 |
| CLSA:1200 | Interpretation of Ancient Literature | 3 |
| ENGL:1200 | Interpreting Literature | 3 |
| ENGL:2010 | Foundation of the English Major: Histories, Literatures, Pleasures | 3 |
| FREN:1005 | Texts and Contexts: French-Speaking World | 3 |
| FREN:1007 | Nature/Ecology French Philosophy and Fiction | 3 |
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: Writing and Communication. 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 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: Writing and Communication.
Students who have transfer credit in composition, speech, and argumentation but have not been granted an AA degree from an institution that has an articulation agreement with the University of Iowa often must take RHET:1040 College Writing and Reading or RHET:1060 College Communication and Reading in addition to their transfer courses in composition and/or speech to complete the equivalent of RHET:1030 Rhetoric: Writing and Communication.
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.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| RHET:1030 | Rhetoric: Writing and Communication | 4-5 |
| RHET:1040 | College Writing and Reading | 3 |
| RHET:1060 | College Communication and Reading | 3 |
Transfer of Credit for Rhetoric
Transfer students who have been granted an Associate of Arts (AA) degree from an Iowa or Illinois community college or Waldorf College in Iowa have satisfied the Rhetoric requirement.
Transfer credit for students without an AA degree from an institution that has an articulation agreement with the University of Iowa 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: Writing and Communication;
- transfer students who have completed only composition I must complete RHET:1030 Rhetoric: Writing and Communication at the University of Iowa;
- transfer students who have completed composition I and speech must complete RHET:1040 College Writing and Reading at the University of Iowa;
- transfer students who have completed only speech must complete RHET:1040 College 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 College Communication 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: Writing and Communication, University of Iowa Admissions examines the content of the course and decides on equivalency based on the content of that course, conferring with the Department of Communication Studies on the correct equivalency, if necessary.
World Languages Pathways
GE CLAS Core courses in World Languages provide the practice of important communication skills in a second language as well as the knowledge of the cultures in which the language is spoken. This in-depth study allows students to better understand how languages function, encouraging students to learn more about their own first language, including how it creates both inclusion and diversity. To fulfill the GE CLAS Core requirement in World Languages, students may choose one of the following pathways.
Fourth Level
The fourth-level pathway requires students to:
- 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 appropriate courses at another college or university or through approved study abroad courses; 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 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 to satisfy the requirement using this pathway, 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 reach fourth-level proficiency by taking one, two, or three courses. See "World Languages Placement Tests" under Placement Tests on the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website.
Third Level Plus a World Language and Cultural Exploration Course
The third-level plus a World Language and Cultural Exploration Course pathway requires students to:
- complete third-level coursework in a single world language in high school or college; and
- complete a World Language and Cultural Exploration course.
In courses approved for the World Language and Cultural Exploration GE area, students explore topics and issues through the lens of a world language (other than English) and/or culture, or multiple world languages and/or cultures. These courses help students expand their knowledge of language systems and structure, as well as the role of language in social interactions, cultural environments, and identity formation. The World Language and Cultural Exploration course may be taken at any time: before, concurrently, or after taking the three levels of world language coursework. The World Language and Cultural Exploration course may be taken in an area related to the world language coursework or in a different area. Suitable work may include a study abroad or experiential learning course. A minimum of 3 s.h. is required in this area for students who choose this pathway.
Second Level of Two Languages
The second level of two languages pathway requires students to complete second-level coursework in each of two different world languages in high school or college.
Course Information
World language courses for the third level plus a World Language and Cultural Exploration course pathway or the second level of two languages pathway may include any combination of high school and college-level coursework, including transfer courses.
Transfer students who have not sent an official high school transcript to UI Admissions must do so if they want to use high school courses to satisfy any portion of the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement.
Semester hours earned for these courses vary by language and pathway. 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 using the fourth-level pathway. Completing part of one of the following sequences, finishing with the third or second level, would fulfill part of the third level plus a World Language and Cultural Exploration course pathway or the second level of two languages pathway. To avoid duplication or regression, and with questions about what qualifies as second or third level for a given language, consult the appropriate language department before registering for courses.
American Sign Language
Courses in American Sign Language (ASL) are offered by the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures. The following sequence achieves fourth-level proficiency and fulfills one of the ways to meet the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement.
| Course # | 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 department for placement.
Arabic
Courses in Arabic are offered by the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures. The following sequence achieves fourth-level proficiency and fulfills one of the ways to meet the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement.
| Course # | 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.
Biblical Hebrew
Courses in biblical Hebrew are offered by the Department of Classics and Religious Studies. The following sequence achieves second-level proficiency.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CLSA:1401/RELS:1401 | Biblical Hebrew I | 4 |
| CLSA:1402/RELS:1402 | Biblical Hebrew II | 4 |
Chinese
Courses in Chinese are offered by the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures. The following sequence is one way to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement and is appropriate for students without previous knowledge of Chinese.
| Course # | 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 substitute CHIN:2103 Accelerated Second-Year Chinese: First Semester (3 s.h.) and CHIN:2104 Accelerated Second-Year Chinese: Second Semester (3 s.h.) for CHIN:2101 and CHIN:2102. Consult the department for more information.
French
Courses in French are offered by the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures. The following sequence is one way to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement and is appropriate for students without previous knowledge of French.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FREN:1001 | Elementary French I | 4 |
| FREN:1002 | Elementary French II | 4 |
| FREN:2001 | Intermediate French I | 4 |
| FREN:2002 | Intermediate French II | 4 |
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 substitute FREN:1010 First-Year French Review (4 s.h.) for FREN:1001 and FREN:1002 in the preceding sequence. 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 Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures. The following sequence is one way to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement and is appropriate for students without previous knowledge of German.
| Course # | 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 |
Some students may be evaluated as ready for GRMN:2001 or GRMN:2002. Consult the department for appropriate placement.
Greek
Courses in Greek are offered by the Department of Classics and Religious Studies. The following sequence is one way to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement and is appropriate for students without previous knowledge of Greek.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CLSG:1001 | Classical and New Testament Greek I | 4 |
| CLSG:1002 | Classical and New Testament Greek II | 4 |
| CLSG:2001 | Intermediate Greek I | 4 |
| CLSG:2002 | Intermediate Greek II | 4 |
Students with previous knowledge of Greek should consult the department for appropriate placement.
Italian
Courses in Italian are offered by the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures. The following sequence is one way to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement and is appropriate for students without previous knowledge of Italian.
| Course # | 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 Italian or another Romance language may be able to substitute ITAL:1103 Intensive Elementary Italian (4,6 s.h.) for ITAL:1101 and ITAL:1102 in the preceding sequence. Consult the department for appropriate placement.
Japanese
Courses in Japanese are offered by the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures. The following sequence is one way to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement and is appropriate for students without previous knowledge of Japanese.
| Course # | 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 with previous knowledge of Japanese should consult the department for appropriate placement.
Korean
Courses in Korean are offered by the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures. The following sequence is one way to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement and is appropriate for students without previous knowledge of Korean.
| Course # | 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 and Religious Studies. The following sequence is one way to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement and is appropriate for students without previous knowledge of Latin. Students must take both CLSL:2001 and CLSL:2002 in order to fulfill the fourth-level pathway of 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 because the final course is more difficult than the previous ones. This is not true with the Latin sequence, and therefore, both courses must be successfully completed.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CLSL:1001 | Elementary Latin I | 4 |
| CLSL:1002 | Elementary Latin II | 4 |
| CLSL:2001 | World of Cicero | 4 |
| CLSL:2002 | Golden Age of Roman Poetry | 4 |
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 achieve fourth-level proficiency. All courses are open to entering first-year students.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PORT:2000 | Accelerated Elementary Portuguese | 5 |
| PORT:2500 | Accelerated Intermediate Portuguese | 5 |
Students with previous knowledge of Portuguese should consult the department for appropriate placement.
Russian
Courses in Russian are offered by the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures. The following sequence is one way to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement and is appropriate for students without previous knowledge of Russian.
| Course # | 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.
Spanish
Courses in Spanish are offered by the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. The following sequence is one way to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement and is appropriate for students without previous knowledge of Spanish.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPAN:1001 | Elementary Spanish I | 4 |
| SPAN:1002 | Elementary Spanish II | 4 |
| SPAN:1501 | Intermediate Spanish I | 4 |
| SPAN:1502 | Intermediate Spanish II | 4 |
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 substitute SPAN:1003 Elementary Spanish Review (5 s.h.) for SPAN:1001 and SPAN:1002 in the preceding sequence.
The accelerated course SPAN:1503 Accelerated Intermediate Spanish (6 s.h.), which combines SPAN:1501 and SPAN:1502, may be appropriate for some students.
The accelerated course SPAN:1505 Intermediate Spanish for Heritage Speakers (5 s.h.) may be appropriate for other students.
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 Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures. The following sequence is one way to fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement and is appropriate for students without previous knowledge of Swahili. Each of these courses is open to entering first-year students.
| Course # | 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.
World Language and Cultural Exploration
The following courses are approved for the World Language and Cultural Exploration area.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARAB:2525 | We Are What We Eat: Food Culture in the Middle East and North Africa | 3 |
| ASIA:1005 | Scripts and Trips: A Journey Through East Asia | 3 |
| ASL:1500 | Exploring the Deaf World | 3 |
| EDTL:4410 | Language, Power, and Multilingual Education | 3 |
| FREN:1500 | Trip to Belgium, France, and Switzerland | 3 |
| GRMN:1550 | German Food, History, and Culture: Beyond Bier and Bratwurst | 3 |
| GRMN:1685 | German Cultural History | 3 |
| ITAL:2205 | Exploring Italy: Culture, Society, and Communication | 3 |
| JPNS:2127/ASIA:2127/CLSA:2127 | Books of the Silk Roads | 3 |
| KORE:1135 | Cultural Fusion: Korean Pop Culture in a Globalized World | 3 |
| LING:1075 | World Englishes | 3 |
| LING:1080 | Communicating Across Linguistic Differences | 3 |
| RUSS:1200 | Growing Up Russian: A Cultural History of Russian Childhood | 3 |
| SPAN:1800 | Writing and Writers From Latin America | 3 |
| SPAN:1810 | Writing and Writers From Spain | 3 |
| SPAN:2700/IS:2700/LAS:2700/PORT:2700 | Introduction to Latin American Studies | 3 |
| SPAN:2905 | Ecotourism and Culture in Costa Rica | 3 |
| SWAH:2100 | Exploring East African Languages and Cultures | 3 |
| TRNS:2578 | Translation in the Humanities: Modes and Approaches | 3 |
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 Degree Services in the Office of the Registrar, which will update a student's degree audit to show fulfillment of the World Languages requirement.
Sustainability
Courses in the Sustainability area focus on identifying concepts and terminology associated with sustainability and systems-thinking, investigating the interconnectedness of human and natural systems, and evaluating how students’ own actions affect and are affected by society’s ability to meet sustainability goals. Students also investigate institutional and/or cultural processes or natural systems processes.
Sustainability learning outcomes are integrated with the outcomes for another GE CLAS Core area so that one approved course satisfies this requirement without adding semester hours. Students complete this requirement by choosing one of the following courses that have been approved for Sustainability and another GE CLAS Core area.
Sustainability and Natural Sciences
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM:1050 | Chemistry of Our World | 3 |
| SEES:1020 | The Global Environment | 3 |
| SEES:1080 | Introduction to Environmental Science (with lab 4 s.h.; without lab 3 s.h.) | 3-4 |
| SEES:1085 | Fundamentals of Environmental Science (lab) | 4 |
| SEES:1400 | Natural Disasters | 3 |
| SIED:3164 | Introduction to Science in Society | 3 |
| SIED:4110 | Exploring the Geology, Mining History, and Environmental Issues of the Colorado Rockies (lab) | 4 |
Sustainability and Quantitative or Formal Reasoning
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SEES:1035 | Our Digital Earth | 3 |
Sustainability and Social Sciences
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH:2261 | Human Impacts on the Environment | 3 |
| SEES:2013/BUS:2013/URP:2013 | Introduction to Sustainability | 3 |
| SOC:1040 | Energy, Sustainability, and Society | 3 |
| URP:2020/PBAF:2020 | Environment and Society: Sustainability, Policy, and Politics | 3 |
Sustainability and Historical Perspectives
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIST:1115/SEES:1115 | The History of Oil | 3 |
Sustainability and International and Global Issues
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH:1046/GWSS:1046/SEES:1046/SJUS:1046 | Environmental Politics in India | 3 |
| CPH:2200 | Climageddon: Understanding Climate Change and Associated Impacts on Health | 3 |
| POLI:1510 | International Politics of Environmental Issues | 3 |
| POLI:2500 | Politics of Natural Disasters | 3 |
| SEES:1070 | Contemporary Environmental Issues | 3 |
| SPST:2170 | Sport and Globalization | 3 |
Sustainability and Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| TDSN:2210 | Introduction to 3D Design | 3 |
Sustainability and Values and Society
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GRMN:1300 | The Tree as Cultural Signifier and Global Storyteller | 3 |
| JMC:1800 | Environmental Communication | 3 |
| SRM:1049 | Foundations for Sport and Physical Activity: Catalyst for Sustainable Communities | 3 |
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 coursework 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)."
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH:1301 | Human Origins | 3 |
| ASTR:1060/BIOL:1060/SEES: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 only) | 1 |
| ASTR:1080 | Exploration of the Solar System (lab) | 4 |
| ASTR:1085 | Citizen Astronomy | 3 |
| ASTR:1771 | Fundamental Astronomy I: The Solar System and Exoplanets (lab) | 4 |
| ASTR:1772 | Fundamental Astronomy II: Evolution of Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe (lab) | 4 |
| BIOL:1140 | Human Biology: Nonmajors (lab) | 4 |
| BIOL:1141 | Human Biology: Health Professions (lab) | 4 |
| BIOL:1251 | How the Brain Works (and Why it Doesn't) | 3-4 |
| BIOL:1261 | Introduction to Botany (lab) | 4 |
| BIOL:1370 | Understanding Evolution | 3 |
| BIOL:1411 | Foundations of Biology (lab) | 4 |
| BIOL:1412 | Diversity of Form and Function (lab) | 4 |
| BIOL:2120 | Good Genes Gone Bad: Genetic Disorders of Notable Celebrities | 3 |
| CHEM:1050 | Chemistry of Our World | 3 |
| CHEM:1060 | Technology and Society Laboratory (lab only) | 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 only) | 2 |
| HHP:1400 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| HHP:2110 | Human Anatomy Laboratory (lab only) | 1 |
| HHP:2310 | Nutrition and Health | 3 |
| PCOL:2220 | Drug Use and Abuse | 3 |
| PHYS:1200 | Physics of Everyday Experience | 3 |
| PHYS:1400 | Basic Physics (with lab 4 s.h.; without lab 3 s.h.) | 3-4 |
| PHYS:1409 | Basic Physics Lab (lab only) | 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 (lab) | 4 |
| PHYS:1701 | Physics I (lab) | 4 |
| PHYS:1702 | Physics II (lab) | 4 |
| SEES:1020 | The Global Environment | 3 |
| SEES:1021 | The Global Environment Lab (lab only) | 1 |
| SEES:1030/CEE:1030 | Introduction to Earth Science (with lab 4 s.h.; without lab 3 s.h.) | 3-4 |
| SEES:1031/CEE:1031 | Introduction to Earth Science Laboratory (lab only; students must have previously completed CEE:1030/SEES:1030 without the lab) | 1 |
| SEES:1040 | Evolution and the History of Life (with lab 4 s.h.; without lab 3 s.h.) | 3-4 |
| SEES:1050 | Introduction to Geology (lab) | 4 |
| SEES:1080 | Introduction to Environmental Science (with lab 4 s.h.; without lab 3 s.h.; not for students who have taken SEES:1085) | 3-4 |
| SEES:1081 | Introduction to Environmental Sciences Laboratory (lab only) | 1 |
| SEES:1085 | Fundamentals of Environmental Science (lab; not for students who have taken SEES:1080) | 4 |
| SEES:1100 | Age of Dinosaurs (lab) | 4 |
| SEES:1290 | Energy and the Environment | 3 |
| SEES:1400 | Natural Disasters | 3 |
| SIED:3164 | Introduction to Science in Society | 3 |
| SIED:4110 | Exploring the Geology, Mining History, and Environmental Issues of the Colorado Rockies (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 coursework in the Quantitative or Formal Reasoning area. Students may also 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.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COMM:1117 | Advocacy and Argument | 3 |
| CPH:1600 | Public Health Science: Inquiry and Investigation in Public Health | 3 |
| CS:1020 | Principles of Computing | 3 |
| CS:1110 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3 |
| CS:1210 | Computer Science I: Fundamentals | 4 |
| LING:1050 | Language and Formal Reasoning | 3 |
| MATH:1020 | Elementary Functions | 4 |
| MATH:1120 | Logic of Arithmetic | 4 |
| MATH:1260 | PokeMath: The Mathematics of Pokemon Go | 3 |
| MATH:1350 | Quantitative Reasoning for Business | 4 |
| MATH:1440 | Mathematics for the Biological Sciences | 4 |
| MATH:1460 | Calculus for the Biological Sciences | 4 |
| MATH:1550 | Engineering Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH:1850 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MUS:2800/ARTS:2800/CINE:2800/CS:2800/DANC:2800/DIGA:2800/THTR:2800 | Introduction to Coding for Interactive Arts | 3 |
| PHIL:1636 | Principles of Reasoning: Argument and Debate | 3 |
| POLI:1700 | Introduction to Political Analysis | 3 |
| PSY:2811 | Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology I | 3 |
| RELS:1050/POLI:1050 | Big Ideas: Introduction to Information, Society, and Culture | 3 |
| SEES:1035 | Our Digital Earth | 3 |
| STAT:1010 | Statistics and Society | 3 |
| STAT:1015/DATA:1015 | Introduction to Data Science | 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 coursework in the Social Sciences area. The following courses are approved for the area.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH:1101/IS:1101 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH:2136 | Race, Place, and Power: 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 | 3 |
| ECON:1100 | Principles of Microeconomics | 4 |
| ECON:1200 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 4 |
| EDTL:2630/MUS:2630 | Introduction to the Psychology of Music | 3 |
| JMC:1100 | Introduction to Media Effects | 3 |
| LAW:1010 | Introduction to the Legal System and Practice | 3 |
| LING:1010 | Language and Society | 3 |
| LING:1060 | Languages of the World | 3 |
| MUSM:2001/ANTH:2010 | 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:1600 | Introduction to Political Communication | 3 |
| PSQF:2115 | Introduction to Counseling Psychology | 3 |
| PSY:1001 | Elementary Psychology | 3 |
| PSY:2301 | Introduction to Clinical Psychology | 3 |
| PSY:2601 | Introduction to Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| SEES:2013/BUS:2013/URP:2013 | Introduction to Sustainability | 3 |
| SEES:2110/GHS:2110 | Eight Billion and Counting: Introduction to Population Dynamics | 3 |
| SOC:1010 | Introduction to Sociology | 3-4 |
| SOC:1040 | Energy, Sustainability, and Society | 3 |
| SOC:1220 | Principles of Social Psychology | 3-4 |
| URP:1001/PBAF:1001 | How to Change the World | 3 |
| URP:2020/PBAF:2020 | Environment and Society: Sustainability, Policy, and Politics | 3 |
Culture, Society, and the Arts
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 coursework in the Historical Perspectives area. The following courses are approved for the area.
| Course # | 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 | Asian Art and Culture | 3 |
| ARTH:2320/CLSA:2226 | Ancient Art From the Great Pyramids of Egypt to the Colosseum in Rome | 3 |
| CLSA:1181/GHS:1181 | Ancient Medicine | 3 |
| CLSA:1830 | Greek Civilization | 3 |
| CLSA:1840 | Roman Civilization | 3 |
| CLSA:2444/RELS:2444 | Cities of the Bible | 3 |
| EPLS:4250/AFAM:4250 | Education In Black America | 3 |
| HIST:1010 | History Matters | 3 |
| HIST:1101 | The Modern World | 3 |
| HIST:1115/SEES:1115 | The History of Oil | 3 |
| HIST:1261 | American History to 1877 | 3 |
| HIST:1262 | American History 1877-Present | 3 |
| HIST:1401 | The West and the World: Ancient | 3 |
| HIST:1402 | The West and the World: Medieval | 3 |
| HIST:1403 | The West and the World: Modern | 3 |
| HIST:1601/ASIA:1601 | Civilizations of Asia: China From Origins to the 17th Century | 3 |
| HIST:1602/ASIA:1602 | Civilizations of Asia: China from the 17th Century to the Present | 3 |
| HIST:1604/ASIA:1604 | Civilizations of Asia: Japan | 3-4 |
| HIST:1606/ASIA:1606/RELS:1606 | Civilizations of Asia: South Asia | 3-4 |
| HIST:1607/ASIA:1607 | Civilizations of Asia: Korea | 3-4 |
| HIST:2133 | Science, Technology, and Society in the Modern World | 3 |
| HIST:2461/CLSA:2461/RELS:2361 | Middle East and Mediterranean: Alexander to Suleiman | 3 |
| ITAL:2550 | Images of Modern Italy | 3-4 |
| JMC:1200 | Introduction to Media and Culture | 3 |
| MUS:1303 | Roots, Rock, and Rap: A History of Popular Music | 3 |
| MUS:2301 | History of Western Music I | 3 |
| MUS:2302 | History of Western Music II | 3 |
| PHIL:1033 | The Meaning of Life | 3 |
| PHIL:1034 | Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness | 3 |
| RELS:1001/CLSA:1001/JSTU:1001 | Judaism, Christianity, and Islam | 3 |
| RELS:1225/HIST:1025 | Medieval Religion and Culture | 3 |
| RELS:1250/HIST:1050 | Modern Religion and Culture | 3 |
| RELS:2930/COMM:2079 | Digital Media and Religion | 3 |
| RUSS:1531 | Slavic Folklore | 3 |
| RUSS:1532 | Traces of Ancient Russian Culture (IX-XVII Centuries): Vikings, Mongols, and Tsars | 3 |
| RUSS:2110 | Russian Sports: Politics, Scandal, Glory | 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 |
| UICB:2190/ENGL:2901/HIST:2190 | The Book in Global History | 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 coursework in the International and Global Issues area. The following courses are approved for the area.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH:1046/GWSS:1046/SEES:1046/SJUS:1046 | Environmental Politics in India | 3 |
| ANTH:2100 | Anthropology and Contemporary World Problems | 3 |
| ARTH:1040 | Arts of Africa | 3 |
| CPH:2200 | Climageddon: Understanding Climate Change and Associated Impacts on Health | 3 |
| FREN:1006 | Global Sports and National Cultures | 3 |
| FREN:1510 | Cultural Misunderstandings: France and U.S.A. | 3 |
| GHS:2000/ANTH:2103 | Introduction to Global Health Studies | 3 |
| GRMN:2720/HIST:2420 | Germany in the World | 3-4 |
| GRMN:2949/WLLC:2949 | Accountability, War Crimes, and Justice | 3 |
| HIST:1016 | The History That Made Our World | 3 |
| HIST:1403 | The West and the World: Modern | 3 |
| HIST:1602/ASIA:1602 | Civilizations of Asia: China from the 17th Century to the Present | 3 |
| HIST:1604/ASIA:1604 | Civilizations of Asia: Japan | 3-4 |
| HIST:1606/ASIA:1606/RELS:1606 | Civilizations of Asia: South Asia | 3-4 |
| HIST:1607/ASIA:1607 | Civilizations of Asia: Korea | 3-4 |
| IS:2000 | Introduction to International Studies | 3 |
| IS:2400 | Global Citizenship and the College Student | 3 |
| IS:2560/JSTU:2560 | Food and Identity in the Modern World: The Secular and Sacred | 3 |
| ITAL:2770 | The Mafia and the Movies | 3 |
| JMC:1700 | Introduction to Global Media | 3 |
| LING:1040/ANTH:1040 | Language Rights | 3 |
| LING:1090 | Language and Globalization | 3 |
| MUS:1310 | World Music | 3 |
| POLI:1400 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| POLI:1401 | Introduction to Russian Politics | 3 |
| POLI:1449 | Introduction to European Politics | 3 |
| POLI:1500 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
| POLI:1501 | Introduction to American Foreign Policy | 3 |
| POLI:1510 | International Politics of Environmental Issues | 3 |
| POLI:2415/LAS:2415 | Latin American Politics | 3 |
| POLI:2500 | Politics of Natural Disasters | 3 |
| RELS:1130/HIST:1030 | Introduction to Islamic Civilization | 3 |
| RELS:2852/GWSS:2052 | Women in Islam and the Middle East | 3 |
| RELS:2955/IS:2955 | Human Rights and Islam | 3 |
| RUSS:1132 | Russia Today | 3 |
| RUSS:2050/WLLC:2050 | Women From an Unknown Land: The Fight for Independence | 3 |
| SEES:1070 | Contemporary Environmental Issues | 3 |
| SEES:1090 | Globalization and Geographic Diversity | 3 |
| SEES:2910 | The Global Economy | 3 |
| SPST:2170 | Sport and Globalization | 3 |
| URP:2056/PBAF:2056 | Cities Across the World | 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 coursework in the Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts area. The following courses are approved for the area.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AFAM:1240/MUS:1740 | The Art of Listening to Jazz | 3 |
| ARTH:1010 | Art and Visual Culture | 3 |
| ARTH:1020 | Masterpieces: Art in Historical and Cultural Perspectives | 3 |
| ARTH:1030 | Themes in Global Art | 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 | Asian Art and Culture | 3 |
| ARTH:1095/NAIS:1095 | Native 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 | Ceramics I: Handbuilding | 3 |
| CHIN:1702/WLLC:1702 | Chinese Popular Culture | 3 |
| CINE:1100 | The Art of Smartphone Filmmaking | 3 |
| CINE:1300 | Foundations of Screenwriting | 3 |
| CINE:1602 | Introduction to Film Studies | 3 |
| CINE:1610 | Contemporary Cinema | 3 |
| CINE:2626 | History of Animation | 3 |
| CLSA:1010 | Hero, God, Mortal: Literature of Greece | 3 |
| CLSA:1016 | Classical Mythology | 3 |
| CLSA:1020 | Love and Glory: The Literature of Rome | 3 |
| CLSA:1740/WRIT:1740 | Writing Strategies: Word Origins and Word Choice | 3 |
| CLSA:1809 | Ancient World on the Modern Screen | 3 |
| CNW:1620 | Introduction to Creative Nonfiction | 3 |
| CW:1800 | Creative Writing Studio Workshop | 3 |
| DANC:1010 | Beginning Tap | 3 |
| DANC:1020 | Beginning Jazz | 3 |
| DANC:1025 | Beginning Hip Hop Dance | 3 |
| DANC:1030 | Beginning Ballet | 3 |
| DANC:1040 | Beginning Modern Dance | 3 |
| DANC:1120 | Continuing Jazz | 3 |
| DANC:1125 | Continuing Hip Hop Dance | 3 |
| DANC:1130 | Continuing Ballet | 3 |
| DANC:2020 | Intermediate Jazz | 3 |
| DANC:2025 | Intermediate Hip Hop Dance | 3 |
| DANC:2060 | Dance and Society in Global Contexts | 3 |
| EDTL:2122 | Creativity, Imagination, Play, and Human Development through the Arts | 3 |
| ENGL:1100 | City of Literature | 3 |
| FREN:4100 | French Cinema | 3-4 |
| GRMN:2275 | Scandinavian Crime Fiction | 3 |
| GRMN:2630 | German Cinema: Greatest Hits | 3 |
| GRMN:2666/WLLC:2666 | Pact With the Devil | 3 |
| GRMN:2785 | Cyborgs, Monsters, and the Uncanny | 3 |
| HONR:2992 | Classic Cult Cinema | 3 |
| HONR:2993 | The Art of Creativity: How to Think Like a Writer | 3 |
| HONR:2994 | Poetics (Taylor's Version) | 3 |
| ITAL:2440 | Italian Arts for International Success | 3 |
| LATS:1700/SPAN:1700 | Latina/o/x Literature in the United States | 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:1720 | History of Jazz | 3 |
| MUS:1800 | World of the Beatles | 3 |
| MUS:2005 | Issues in Popular Music: Women Who Rock | 3 |
| MUS:2301 | History of Western Music I | 3 |
| MUS:2302 | History of Western Music II | 3 |
| MUS:2311/LAS:2311 | Music of Latin America and the Caribbean | 3 |
| PORT:2850/LAS:2850/SPAN:2850 | Brazilian Narrative in Translation | 3 |
| SCIM:2710/CINE:2869/INTM:2710 | Introduction to Intermedia | 3 |
| SCIM:2810/SCLP:2810 | Undergraduate Sculpture I | 3 |
| TDSN:2210 | Introduction to 3D Design | 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 | 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 |
| TRNS:1240/CLSA:1040 | World Literature in Translation I | 3 |
| TRNS:1241 | World Literature: 1700 to Present | 3 |
| UICB:2110/BKAT:2110 | Introduction to Book Arts | 3 |
Values and Society
Courses in the Values and Society 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 coursework in the Values and Society area. The following courses are approved for the area.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AMST:1010 | Understanding American Cultures | 3 |
| AMST:1049/HIST:1049/NAIS:1049 | Introduction to Native American and Indigenous Studies | 3 |
| AMST:1154 | Food in America | 3 |
| AMST:2000 | Introduction to American Studies | 3 |
| ANTH:1101/IS:1101 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH:2115 | Cultural Worlds of Science | 3 |
| ARTH:1030 | Themes in Global Art | 3 |
| ARTH:1045 | Race and Art in America | 3 |
| ARTH:1095/NAIS:1095 | Native American Art | 3 |
| ARTS:2000/ASP:2000/EDTL:2000/RHET:2000 | Big Ideas: Creativity for a Lifetime | 3 |
| ASIA:1502/RELS:1502/SOAS:1502 | Asian Humanities: India | 3 |
| ASIA:1609/HIST:1609 | India Now! Surveying the World's Largest Democracy | 3-4 |
| ASIA:2450/MUS:2450 | India Beat: The Aesthetics and Politics of India Today | 3 |
| CHIN:1504/WLLC:1504 | China Beyond Walls | 3 |
| CHIN:1800/WLLC:1800 | Chinese Calligraphy and Culture | 3 |
| CLSA:1016 | Classical Mythology | 3 |
| CLSA:1875 | Ancient Sports and Leisure | 3 |
| CLSA:2300 | Magic in the Ancient World | 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 |
| EPLS:4020 | Being in Civic Dialogues | 3 |
| EPLS:4180 | Human Relations for the Classroom Teacher | 3 |
| GHS:2100/GWSS:2100 | Foundations of Health Humanities | 3 |
| GRMN:1300 | The Tree as Cultural Signifier and Global Storyteller | 3 |
| GRMN:2618/WLLC:2618 | Film and Literature of the Holocaust | 3 |
| GWSS:1060/AMST:1060/ENGL:1410 | Sex and Popular Culture in America | 3 |
| HIST:1708 | Civilizations of Africa | 3 |
| ITAL:2550 | Images of Modern Italy | 3 |
| ITAL:2880 | Italian Food Culture | 3 |
| JMC:1500 | Introduction to Social Media | 3 |
| JMC:1800 | Environmental Communication | 3 |
| JPNS:1506 | Ghostly Japan | 3 |
| LATS:1700/SPAN:1700 | Latina/o/x Literature in the United States | 3 |
| LING:2900 | Language and Gender | 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 |
| 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/CLSA:1070 | Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament | 3 |
| RELS:1080/CLSA:1080 | Introduction to the New Testament | 3 |
| RELS:1350/AFAM:1250 | Introduction to African American Religions | 3 |
| RELS:1404/ASIA:1040/HIST:1610 | Introduction to Asian Religions | 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:2986/CLSA:2986 | Religion and Women | 3 |
| RHET:2070/COMM:2073 | Persuasive Stories | 3 |
| RUSS:1082 | Youth Subcultures After Socialism | 3 |
| RUSS:1131/WLLC:1131 | Introduction to Russian Culture | 3 |
| RUSS:1531 | Slavic Folklore | 3 |
| RUSS:1532 | Traces of Ancient Russian Culture (IX-XVII Centuries): Vikings, Mongols, and Tsars | 3 |
| RUSS:2100 | Russian Mindset | 3 |
| SMC:1050/JMC:1050 | Sport and the Media | 3 |
| SOC:1310/GWSS:1310 | Gender and Society | 3 |
| SOC:2710 | The American Family | 3 |
| SOC:2810 | Social Inequality | 3 |
| SPAN:2901 | Diversity and Cultures in Spain | 3 |
| SRM:1049 | Foundations for Sport and Physical Activity: Catalyst for Sustainable Communities | 3 |
| SRM:1070 | Recreation and Parks in the United States: Foundations and Impact | 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 | The Arts in Performance | 3 |
| TR:1070 | Leisure, Play, and the Human Experience | 3 |
Graduates with degrees in geographical and sustainability sciences find jobs and careers with a variety public, private, and nonprofit organizations with roles ranging from research to outreach. Possible careers include GIS technician, sustainability coordinator/specialist in the private or public sector, state regulatory agency scientist, Environmental Protection Agency scientist, National Resource Conservation Service scientist, academic researcher (requires graduate school), social science teacher, K–12 education teacher, land manager or steward, city planner, natural hazard assessment and mitigation scientist or manager, renewable energy scientist or manager, science writer and communication specialist, water industry researcher, carbon management policy specialist, nature facility scientist and program manager, and restoration designer and manager.
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.
Geographical and Sustainability Sciences, BA
| Academic Career | ||
|---|---|---|
| Any Semester | Hours | |
| GE CLAS Core: Sustainability a | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| SEES:1085 | Fundamentals of Environmental Science b | 4 |
| SEES:1090 | Globalization and Geographic Diversity b | 3 |
| RHET:1030 or ENGL:1200 |
Rhetoric: Writing and Communication or Interpreting Literature |
3 - 4 |
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages First Level Proficiency or elective course c | 4 - 5 | |
| CSI:1600 | Success at Iowa | 1 |
| Hours | 15-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| SEES:1035 | Our Digital Earth b | 3 |
| SEES:1070 | Contemporary Environmental Issues b | 3 |
| ENGL:1200 or RHET:1030 |
Interpreting Literature or Rhetoric: Writing and Communication |
3 - 4 |
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages Second Level Proficiency or elective course c | 4 - 5 | |
| Elective course c | 2 | |
| Hours | 15-17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| SEES:2010 | Interdisciplinary Environmental Seminar | 1 |
| SEES:2110 | Eight Billion and Counting: Introduction to Population Dynamics b | 3 |
| SEES:2950 or SEES:2310 |
Environmental Conservation or Introduction to Climatology |
3 - 4 |
| GE CLAS Core: Understanding Cultural Perspectives d | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages Third Level Proficiency or elective course c | 4 - 5 | |
| Hours | 14-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| SEES:2013 | Introduction to Sustainability b | 3 |
| SEES:2050 | Foundations of GIS | 4 |
| GE CLAS Core: Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts d | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages Fourth Level Proficiency or elective course d | 4 - 5 | |
| Elective course c | 2 | |
| Hours | 16-17 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| STAT:2010 |
Statistical Methods and Computing or Applied Linear Regression or Introduction to Computer Science |
3 |
| Major: environment track elective course e | 3 - 4 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Historical Perspectives d | 3 | |
| Elective course c | 3 | |
| Elective course c | 4 | |
| Hours | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| SEES:3400 |
Iowa Environmental Policy in Practice or Academic Internship or Undergraduate Research |
1 - 3 |
| Major: methods track elective course e | 3 - 4 | |
| Major: society track elective course e | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Values and Society d | 3 | |
| Elective course c | 3 | |
| Elective course c | 1 - 2 | |
| Hours | 14-18 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Major: sustainability track elective course e | 3 | |
| Major: track elective course (from any category) e | 3 - 4 | |
| Major: track elective course (from any category) e | 3 - 4 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Natural Sciences without Lab d | 3 | |
| Elective course c | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| SEES:4030 or SEES:4995 |
Senior Project Seminar or Honors Thesis |
3 |
| Major: track elective course (from any category) e | 3 - 4 | |
| Elective course c | 3 | |
| Elective course c | 3 | |
| Elective course c | 3 | |
| Degree Application: apply on MyUI before deadline (typically in February for spring, September for fall) f | ||
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Total Hours | 120-135 | |
- a
- Sustainability must be completed by choosing a course that has been approved for Sustainability AND for one of these General Education areas: Natural Sciences; Quantitative or Formal Reasoning; Social Sciences; Historical Perspectives; International and Global Issues; Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts; or Values and Society.
- b
- Fulfills a major requirement and may fulfill a GE requirement.
- c
- 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.
- d
- 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.
- e
- Students complete at least 21 s.h. in track electives including at least one course from each of four categories: environment, methods, society, and sustainability. See the General Catalog for list of approved courses.
- f
- Please see Academic Calendar, on Office of the Registrar website, for current degree application deadlines. Students should apply for a degree for the session in which all requirements will be met. For any questions on appropriate timing, contact your academic advisor or Degree Services.