This course is an introduction to geography as a social science, which involves the identification and explanation of order in the human landscape. The course will survey the social, political, economic, and psychological factors which influence geographic patterns, along with an introduction to the study of geography through the use of Geography Information System (GIS) software.

This course examines the effect of geography on culture and cultural groups. Essential to the geographic perspective is identifying the effect on cultures of the current trend toward increasing globalization. Topics include language, religion, attitudes, and the effect of technology. The major goals are to increase awareness of the diversity of human cultures and to prepare students for a world of increasing intercultural communication and conflict. This course fulfills the Cultural Diversity requirement.