Phone: (845) 257-2995
Location: SH 114
Web address: www.newpaltz.edu/geography

The Department of Geography & Environmental Studies offers comprehensive liberal arts majors in Geography and Environmental Studies. For those majoring in other fields, minors in Geography, Urban Planning and Environmental Studies are available.

Geography is a diverse and integrative discipline that allows students to explore and make sense of place, space, and landscape and the connections between them, while also learning to analyze problems from multiple perspectives. Our programs are designed to prepare students for graduate study in geography or for employment in fields actively seeking geographers. Students may choose the general Geography major, leading to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, or Geography concentrations in environmental geography and in urban planning, leading to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. The concentration in urban planning is for students who wish to undertake graduate study in planning or to obtain employment in that field. A Geographic Information System (GIS) sequence is offered in addition to courses in Cartography and Remote Sensing.

Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary major drawing on social and physical science, the humanities and the arts to provide students a broad understanding of the relationship between humans and the earth. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program emphasizes environmental policy and social and economic aspects of the environment while providing a background in earth science. Much of environmental studies focuses on public and political discourse about scientific uncertainty, assessment of risks, and economic costs and benefits. Students majoring in Environmental Studies gain theoretical perspective and practical experience through a combination of coursework, activism, policymaking, applied-learning opportunities, and a capstone seminar. See Environmental Studies for more information about both the major and the minor.

The Department of Geography & Environmental Studies also supports other interdisciplinary programs, such as Asian Studies; Latin American, Caribbean & Latinx Studies; and Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies. Students in the Early Childhood & Childhood Education (B-6) and Early Childhood Studies (non-certification) programs may select a geography major, while those in the Adolescence Education (7-12) program may select geography courses as part of the social studies major.

To complement its academic programs, the department offers an internship at several public and private agencies in the region, such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Mohonk Preserve. One semester long, the internship offers students the opportunity to gain practical, on-site experience at a planning, development, or environmental protection agency.

Geography (BA, BS) Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students will produce satisfactory work in experiential settings. 

  • Students will be geographically literate; able to define and explain significant concepts, theories and models in geography, and apply them to spatial analysis (General Education: Information Literacy).

  • Students will specify appropriate geographic questions, propose hypotheses or solutions to problems, employ appropriate methods to answer questions, and identify the limitations of particular methodologies (General Education: Critical Thinking and Reasoning). 

  • Students will demonstrate proficiency in human geography and its various subfields. 

  • Students will demonstrate proficiency in physical geography and its various subfields. 

  • Students will demonstrate proficiency in cartographic and GIS techniques, methodologies, and best practices.

Environmental Studies (BA) Program Learning Outcomes

GEO193. GEO Selected Topic. 1-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

GEO201. Human Geography. 3 Credits.

An analysis of the distribution and character of interrelationships between humankind and the environment, including such topics as origin and dispersal of technology, livelihood patterns, and urbanization.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Introductory
  • Liberal Arts
  • Systematic Inquiry
  • GE4: Social Science
  • GE5: Social Sciences
  • GE3: SSCI
May not be repeated for credit

GEO202. Physical Geography. 3 Credits.

Selected aspects of the physical environment and their relationships to humankind. Emphasis on study of maps, weather, and regional climatology.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Introductory
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE4: Natural Science Course
  • GE5: Natural Science Course
  • GE3: NSCI
  • Systematic Inquiry
May not be repeated for credit

GEO203. People-Environments Geography. 3 Credits.

Ecosystem and social processes involved in people-environment relations in different places and times, emphasizing social justice. Natural and social science approaches to understand causes and consequence of human-induced environmental degradation so as to formulate solutions.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Introductory
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE4: Social Science
  • GE5: Social Sciences
  • GE3: SSCI

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May not be repeated for credit

GEO211. World Geography. 3 Credits.

"World Geography" introduces students to the field of regional geography through the study of distinctive features of the world's regions and countries, as well as the interaction of diverse groups in the process of global integration. We will address a range of themes, including economic development, population growth, migration, resource use, environmental issues, geopolitical issues and urbanization. Both Western and non-Western (developed and developing) regions will be included.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Introductory
  • Liberal Arts
  • Systematic Inquiry
  • GE5: World History Global Aw
  • GE4: World Civilizations
  • GE3: WRLD
May not be repeated for credit

GEO212. Cities of the World. 3 Credits.

Global urbanization patterns at the world-regions scale using concepts from urban, economic, political, cultural and environmental geography. Key concepts include site & situation, settlement history, urban morphology, urban functional regions, and contemporary urban challenges.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Introductory
  • Effective Expression/Written
  • Information Mgmt Intro
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE5: World History Global Aw
  • GE4: World Civilizations
  • GE3: WRLD
May not be repeated for credit

GEO213. Economic Geography. 3 Credits.

Geographical factors and interpretive theories related to patterns of population density, economic development, international trade, and economic production.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Introductory
  • Liberal Arts
  • Systematic Inquiry
  • GE4: Social Science
  • GE5: Social Sciences
  • GE3: SSCI
May not be repeated for credit

GEO214. Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning. 3 Credits.

Broad range of contemporary issues in urban/regional planning. Topics include the history of spatial planning, legal underpinnings, theories of urban development, and emerging issues facing practicing planners. Case studies from the U.S. and abroad will complement the theoretical content.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Introductory
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE4: Social Science
  • GE5: Social Sciences
  • GE3: SSCI

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May not be repeated for credit

GEO231. Geography of Hazards. 3 Credits.

Explores hazardous physical processes in the atmosphere and lithosphere, both natural and human induced. Introduces spatial analysis of hazards, and the science of risk assessment.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Introductory
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE4: Natural Science Course
  • GE3: NSCI
  • Systematic Inquiry
May not be repeated for credit

GEO293. Geography Selected Topic. 3-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

May be repeated for credit

GEO295. Indep Study Geography. 1-12 Credits.

May be repeated for credit

GEO314. Issues in Urban Planning. 3 Credits.

Key concepts include planning theory, quantitative techniques employed by professional planners, infrastructure planning, decision-making at multiple scales (individuals and institutions), consideration of trade-offs in decision-making, and planning processes.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Intermediate
  • Information Mgmt Intrmd
  • Liberal Arts
May not be repeated for credit

GEO315. Quantitative Analysis in Urban Planning. 3 Credits.

Content includes numerical techniques applied to various aspects of Urban Planning. Key concepts include Correlation/regression, urban transportation modeling, data collection principals, Fair Share (housing) calculations, economic analysis of development proposals, financial mechanisms, and Demographic Modeling.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Prerequisites:

  • Math Placement Level Minimum Score of 3 or (MAT 151 Minimum Grade of C- or MAT120 Minimum Grade of C- or MAT121 Minimum Grade of C-)
May not be repeated for credit

GEO318. Place, Identity, and Belonging in Asian America. 3 Credits.

Provides an overview of the history and contemporary issues facing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) through a critical analysis of the impact of race, racism, ethnicity, sexism, imperialism, militarism, and immigration on Asian Americans.

Attributes:

  • Diversity
  • GE3: DIVR
  • GE5: DEISJ
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

  • BLK100 Minimum Grade of D- or DMJ310 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO201 Minimum Grade of D- or (JPN 320 Minimum Grade of D- or ASN300 Minimum Grade of D-) or LAM271 Minimum Grade of D- or SOC100 Minimum Grade of D- or SOC381 Minimum Grade of D- or WOM220 Minimum Grade of D-
May not be repeated for credit

GEO321. Geography of Soils. 3 Credits.

Study of geographical distribution of soils and their relationship to ecosystems, with emphasis on the interconnections between social relations, human impact, and soil quality. Possible field trip (s).

Attributes:

  • Field Study
  • Research
  • Critical Thinking Intermediate
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

GEO322. Geography of Water Resources. 3 Credits.

Students will demonstrate understanding of occurrence, analysis, management, and conservation of water resources in the U.S. and around the world. Students will further demonstrate knowledge of the impacts of changing water resources on environment, economy, and society.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

GEO331. Gender and Environment. 3 Credits.

The gendered nature of environment degradation; gender-sensitive theories and methodologies for the study of and solution to environmental problems.

Attributes:

  • Research
  • Critical Thinking Intermediate
  • Liberal Arts
  • Systematic Inquiry
  • GE4: Social Science
  • GE5: Social Sciences
  • GE3: SSCI

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

GEO332. Geography, Health and Environment. 3 Credits.

Examination of the relationship between location, environmental conditions, and human well-being. The goal is a realistic view of the role of environment within a holistic concept of health.

Attributes:

  • Civic Engagement
  • Research
  • Critical Thinking Intermediate
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

GEO333. Advanced People-Environments Geography. 3 Credits.

Advanced level study of ecosystem and social processes involved in people-environment relations, emphasizing social justice. Theories and methods to understand causes and consequence of human-induced environmental degradation so as to formulate solutions. Field trip (s) may be required. Completion of introductory course and/or other coursework in ecology, earth science, or environmental science highly recommended.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

GEO340. Just Maps. 3 Credits.

Introduces students to the basics of map reading, analysis and creation. Explores different types of maps and spatial representation to aid critical analysis of social, historical and geographical trends and data.

Attributes:

  • Diversity
  • GE3: DIVR
  • GE5: DEISJ
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

GEO341. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. 4 Credits.

An introductory overview of geographic information systems (GIS), a major technological innovation in the analysis and presentation of spatial data. Topics include theoretical and practical aspects of spatial data collection, storage, analysis, and display. Computer lab projects providing practical experience with popular GIS hardware and software are an essential part of this course.

Attributes:

  • Field Study
  • Community Service
  • Civic Engagement
  • Practicum - Non-Clinical
  • Research
  • Information Mgmt Intrmd
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

GEO342. Digital Map Design. 4 Credits.

The course is devoted to principles of map-making: projections, scales, symbols, design, and digital mapping systems to effectively present geographic data. The course also covers basic coding principles to customize maps on digital devices. Lecture & Lab.

Attributes:

  • Practicum - Non-Clinical
  • Creative Works
  • Research
  • Critical Thinking Intermediate
  • Information Mgmt Intrmd
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

GEO343. Remote Sensing. 4 Credits.

Principles, methods, techniques of remote sensing - including air photo interpretation and photogrammetry; their use in identification, analysis, and management of physical, cultural, and economic resources, application to geography and related physical and social sciences. Computer applications are included.

Attributes:

  • Field Study
  • Community Service
  • Research
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

  • GEO 273 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO202 Minimum Grade of D- or GLG201 Minimum Grade of D- or ANT211 Minimum Grade of D-
May not be repeated for credit

GEO344. Spatial Statistics. 3 Credits.

Introduces the benefits and limitations of quantitative methods to analyze geographical problems. Covers traditional descriptive and inferential statistics but with a specifically spatial approach, including shape, point pattern and cluster analysis as well as spatial autocorrelation.

Attributes:

  • Information Mgmt Intro
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE3: MATH
  • GE4: Mathematics
  • GE5: Mathematics
  • Systematic Inquiry

Prerequisites:

  • Math Placement Level Minimum Score of 3 or MAT 151 Minimum Grade of D- or MAT120 Minimum Grade of D- or MAT121 Minimum Grade of D-
May not be repeated for credit

GEO351. Geography of the United States and Canada. 3 Credits.

Geographical patterns of the natural, economic, social and political features as they interrelate to form the regions of North America.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Intermediate
  • Information Mgmt Intrmd
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE3: USST
  • GE4: United States Studies
  • GE5: US History Civic Engmnt

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

GEO354. Geography of Asia. 3 Credits.

This course examines the physical and cultural geography of China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Using case studies, the course focuses on rural and urban landscapes, natural resource distributions, population dynamics, economic development, and natural disasters.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

GEO355. "Emerging" China and Critical Geopolitics. 3 Credits.

In this course, we will explore China's transition to a 'Socialist Market Economy' and what that means for China and the world. Our work throughout the course will be to investigate the significant processes and factors that drive China's urban growth, economic reforms, environmental interventions, as well as its geopolitical positioning.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
  • GE5: World History Global Aw
  • GE4: World Civilizations
  • GE3: WRLD
May not be repeated for credit

GEO393. Geography Selected Topic. 3-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

GEO399. Modular Course. 0 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

GEO411. Political Geography. 3 Credits.

Analysis of the causes and consequences of the geographical patterns of political phenomena, with emphasis on nations and states. General principles will be illustrated by case studies.

Attributes:

  • Civic Engagement
  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

  • GEO 240 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO211 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 252 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO213 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 272 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO203 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 273 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO202 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 274 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO201 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 285 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO231 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO293 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO295 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 301 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO351 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 303 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 352 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 308 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO354 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 310 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO331 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 330 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO321 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 381 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO342 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 382 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO343 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 383 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO341 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO393 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 406 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO431 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO480 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO481 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 483 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO441 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO493 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO494 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO495 Minimum Grade of D- or POL227 Minimum Grade of D-
May not be repeated for credit

GEO412. Geography of Socialism. 3 Credits.

Diverse origins and meanings of socialism in geographical context. Emphasis on social movements, perspectives, and struggles. Selections from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania. Comparisons of contemporary and past socialist currents, including anarchists, communists/Marxist, feminist, eco-socialist.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must be enrolled in one of the following classes: Senior, Junior

Prerequisites:

  • ENG180 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG170 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG206 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG207 Minimum Grade of D- or ENG 002 Minimum Grade of TD-
May not be repeated for credit

GEO413. Geographies of Reproductive Health and Justice (USA). 3 Credits.

Examines the uneven access to full-scope reproductive care across the geographic and demographic landscape through engagement with the history of reproductive policies and practices that frame the contemporary struggle for reproductive justice in the United States.

Attributes:

  • Diversity
  • GE3: DIVR
  • GE5: DEISJ
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

GEO431. Natural Resources: Utilization and Management. 3 Credits.

Distribution, use, and management of natural resources as they affect economic development in both the historical and present sense.

Attributes:

  • Research
  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

  • GEO 252 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO213 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 273 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO202 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO 274 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO201 Minimum Grade of D-
May not be repeated for credit

GEO432. Climate Change and Society. 3 Credits.

Social, political and economic forces that impact Earth’s changing climate. Emphasizes effectiveness of and obstacles to proposed solutions addressing hazards of the fast-warming climate.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Graduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

GEO441. Geographic Information Systems Applications. 4 Credits.

An intermediate-level exploration of theoretical and practical issues arising in the use of typical geographic information systems (GIS) applications. Representative examples of a variety of GIS applications will be analyzed. Computer lab projects providing practical experience with popular GIS hardware and software are an essential part of this course.

Attributes:

  • Field Study
  • Practicum - Non-Clinical
  • Creative Works
  • Research
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

  • GEO 383 Minimum Grade of D- or GEO341 Minimum Grade of D-
May not be repeated for credit

GEO480. Internship in Geography (3,6, or 9). 3-9 Credits.

Opportunity for students to gain experience related to the geography curriculum. Work as an intern in one of the agencies cooperating in this program. These governmental and private agencies are involved in planning and environmental concerns. Content of the course varies with the interest of the student and the nature and needs of the cooperating agency. Students must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher to take this course.

Attributes:

  • Service Learning
  • Community Service
  • Civic Engagement
  • Practicum - Non-Clinical
  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Corequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

GEO481. Internship Seminar. 1 Credit.

Academic complement to GEO480. Interns and faculty meet to relate concepts of academic discipline to internship experience.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Corequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

GEO482. Environmental Studies Senior Seminar. 1 Credit.

A capstone experience for Environmental Studies majors. An exploration into the application of biophysical and social science methods to an environmental problem linked to human impact.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must be enrolled in the following class: Senior
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Environmental Studies (560)
May not be repeated for credit

GEO493. Geography Selected Topic. 3-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

GEO494. Fieldwork In Geography. 1-12 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

GEO495. Indep Study Geography. 1-12 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

Faculty

Chien, Huicheng
Associate Professor
Ph.D., SUNY Buffalo
Office: SH 132
Phone: (845) 257-2997
E-mail: chienh@newpaltz.edu

Engel-DiMauro, Salvatore
Professor and Chair
Ph.D., Rutgers University
Office: SH 115
Phone: (845) 257-2991
E-mail: engeldis@newpaltz.edu

Le Vine, Scott
Associate Professor (Urban Planning)
Ph.D., Imperial College, London
Office: SH 134
Phone: (845) 257-3599
E-mail: levines@newpaltz.edu

McGlinn, Lawrence
Associate Professor
Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University
Office: SH 133
Phone: (845) 257-2696
E-mail: mcglinnl@newpaltz.edu

Rock, Melissa
Associate Professor
Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University
Office: SH 103
Phone: (845) 257-2994
E-mail: myrock@newpaltz.edu

Sharp, John
Associate Professor and Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Ph.D., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Office: SH 131
Phone: (845) 257-3521
E-mail: sharpj@newpaltz.edu