Bulletin Year: 2023 - 2024 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

Courses

Search for courses listed in this bulletin. To find a semester course schedule (including instructors, meeting times and locations), go to mynmu.nmu.edu.

GC 428 Spatial Analysis 4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: GC 335 or GC 425.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) integrates data from social and environmental disciplines and offers powerful platforms for data analysis from a spatial vantage point. Students will examine the analytical capabilities of GIS and build their technical experience. Students will work through multiple hands-on exercises using ESRI ArcGIS Pro to develop proficiency with spatial data analysis techniques such as data assembly, interpolation, proximity analysis, and overlay analysis.

GC 431 Landscape Dynamics and Analysis 4 cr.  (3-0-2)
  • Offered: Fall, Even Years
  • Prerequisites: GC 100 or BI 112, and GC 335, or instructor permission.

This course introduces students to fundamental topics in landscape ecology, the field concerned with the analysis of the relationship between ecological processes and spatial patterns on the Earth’s surface at landscape scales. Students will become proficient with key concepts, methods of analysis, and their importance in land management and conservation. Students will use analysis operations and their theoretical underpinnings to explore pattern-process relationships relating to vegetation, climate, habitat fragmentation, fire, and invasive species.

GC 435 Geography of Michigan 4 cr.
  • Offered: Contact department for information.
  • Prerequisites: Junior standing or instructor's permission.
Study of the physical, historical and cultural geography of Michigan.
GC 444 Gender and Environment 4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Offered: Every other year.

This course explores gender and the environment from an intersectional perspective. Through case studies ranging from the local to the global scale, we will discuss power, politics, identities, inequalities, social movements and ecological crises. This interdisciplinary course is for environmentalists, feminists, and any student curious about the interconnections between global environmental change and gender relations.

Notes:

Cross-listed as GN 444.

GC 465 Hydrology 4 cr.  (3-0-2)
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: GC 100 or GC 255, MA 111 or MA 115 or higher, GC 225, EN 211, and junior standing or instructor's permission.

Study of the hydrologic cycle. Precipitation, runoff, interception and groundwater processes are addressed. Measurement techniques and analytical methods are also presented. Informed decision making with regard to the water cycle is stressed. Some field work required.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 470 Environmental Ethics 4 cr.
  • Offered: Contact the department for information
  • Prerequisites: GC 101 and GC 205.

This course investigates the development and growth of environmental ethics. Various philosophical perspectives are discussed and analyzed in relation to understanding and resolving environmental and ecological controversies. Students develop their own individual ethical perspective and understanding of the environment.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 475 Environmental Impact Assessment 4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Offered: Contact department for information
  • Prerequisites: GC 205 or BI 310 and senior standing or instructor's permission. GC 320 recommended.

A field-based course in which students develop and write an environmental site assessment for a local property and an environmental impact assessment for a local project. Involves the laws, regulations and policies governing environmental decisions, especially the requirements mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act.

Notes:

Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.

GC 482 Earth Systems Interactions 2-4 cr.  (2-0-0)
  • Offered: Contact department for information.
  • Prerequisites: GC 205 and GC 235, and junior standing.

Earth Systems Interactions focuses on research-oriented skills applicable to many physical and natural science careers. The course is designed to provide students with an applied understanding of research theory, a working knowledge of analysis and data visualization techniques, and an ability to interpret complex earth systems science data. GC 482 integrates a variety of professional skills required to conduct scientific investigations as an/a earth, environmental, geographical, or biological scientist.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 485 Planning Practicum 4 cr.
  • Offered: Contact department for information.
  • Prerequisites: GC 205, GC 330, GC 335, GC 340 and senior standing or instructor's permission.
Development of planning skills by working through planning problems in a real world context.
GC 488 Earth and Environmental Science Capstone Research 4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: GC 205, GC 235, GC335 and 24 GC credit hours, junior standing or instructor’s permission.

Integrates techniques from earth and environmental science to provide capstone research experience. Incorporates relevant scientific approaches, emphasizes interdisciplinary connections, demonstrates quantitative methods and tools, promotes communication, and teaches professional skills relevant for earth or environmental scientists. 

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 489 Human-Environment Capstone 4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Offered: Fall Winter
  • Prerequisites: GC 205, GC 235 and 24 GC credit hours, junior standing or instructor's permission.

Examines historical and contemporary roles of humans as a major agent of environmental change on Earth. Enables graduating students to combine academic interests, skills and experiences into a capstone project that is presented orally and in writing.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 490 Seminar 2-4 cr.
  • Offered: Contact department for information.
  • Prerequisites: Departmental major and junior standing or instructor's permission.
The opportunity to apply skills and concepts developed within departmental programs.
GC 491 Internship 2-6 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter Summer
  • Graded: S/U
  • Prerequisites: Overall grade point average of 2.75 and 88 credit hours or instructor's permission.
A practical experience with a private, municipal, county, state and/or federal agency.
GC 495 Special Topics in Geography 2-4 cr.
  • Offered: Contact department for information.
  • Prerequisites: Junior standing or instructor's permission.

Special study of problems and/or regions that are not part of the regular offerings.

Notes: Field work may be required. Contact instructor for more information.
GC 498 Directed Studies in Geography 1-4 cr.
  • Offered: Contact department for information.
  • Prerequisites: Major in earth science, environmental science, environmental studies and sustainability or geographic information science and technology; or one of the department's minors; junior standing, or instructor's permission.

An opportunity for the student to work on a specific topic.

GN 100 Introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter

An interdisciplinary examination of the importance of gender in human experience, with an emphasis on the historical development of feminist and gender theory, as well as the application of such theories in the humanities and social sciences.

GN 295 Special Topics in Gender and Sexuality Studies 1-4 cr.
  • Offered: Contact director for information

The formal study of content areas in gender and sexuality studies that are not regularly offered as part of the curriculum. Topic will vary depending on the instructor's area of expertise.

Notes: May be repeated if topic differs.
GN 444 Gender and Environment 4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Offered: Every other year, even years

This course explores gender and the environment from an intersectional perspective. Through case studies ranging from the local to the global scale, we will discuss power, politics, identities, inequalities, social movements and ecological crises. This interdisciplinary course is for environmentalists, feminists, and any student curious about the interconnections between global environmental change and gender relations.

 

Notes:

Cross-listed as GC 444.

GN 491 Internship in Gender and Sexuality Studies 1-6 cr.
  • Offered: On demand.
  • Prerequisites: GN 100, 3.0 GPA, junior standing and permission from Director of Gender and Sexuality Studies.

Professional internship experience that focuses upon gender and sexuality concerns and issues, such as in a social service agency or advocacy organization.

Notes: May be taken more than once for up to six credits.
GN 495 Special Topics in Gender and Sexuality Studies 1-4 cr.
  • Offered: Contact director for information

The formal study of content areas in gender and sexuality studies that are not regularly offered as part of the curriculum. Topic will vary depending on the instructor's area of expertise.

Notes: May be repeated if topic differs.
GR 101 Elementary German I 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall
GR 101 is an introduction to the German language and cultures of the people who speak it. Students learn rudimentary “survival” skills such as social pleasantries, shopping, exchanging money, eating in restaurants, and talking about family, school and weather.
GR 102 Elementary German II 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter

A continuation of GR 101. Students add to their proficiency in matters such as those related to health, free time, employment, travel and talking about the past.

Notes: Students should pass GR 101 with a "C" or better or one year of high school German prior to this course. Students may take the language placement exam for concerns about proper placement. Contact mll@nmu.edu with questions.