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Course Descriptions
ANTH | BIOS | ECON | GEOG | LGBT | WOMS

Indians of North America
ANTH 303: YE1, Class # 8810

This course will describe and analyze the cultures of native peoples of North America. The diversity of social, economic, religious life, languages, and arts of representative Indian groups from the various geographic regions will be covered. Established pre-Columbian patterns, experiences with European colonization, culture change, and 20th century reconfigurations will be discussed. This course will be web-based with 3 face-to-face meetings and will use a combination of online topics modules, text readings, formal lecture, topical videos, in-class "hands-on" small group and whole class exercises, and ongoing discussion.

Catalog Description: Description and analysis of the cultures of native peoples of North America. Social, economic, and religious life; languages and arts of representative North American Indian groups.

Judith Calleja (3 credit hours)

• Online with 3 mandatory face-to-face meetings at NIU-Naperville, Room 130, Tuesdays, 01/29, 03/26, and 04/16, 6:30 – 9:15 pm.

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Current Topics in Anthropology:
Native American Culture and Law
ANTH 491: YE1, Class # 8817

This course will discuss key concepts and events in Native American history since the establishment of the United States of America, the changing views of cultural stewardship, museums’ role in artifacts and repatriation, and recent events and case studies. This course will survey cultures of the native peoples of North America, and the contemporary issues of various US laws and statutes. This course will be web-based with 3 face-to-face meetings, and will use a combination of online modules and lectures, text readings, videos, activities, and ongoing group discussion.

Catalog Description: May be repeated to a maximum of 6 semester hours. PRQ: Consent of department.

Karly Tumminello (3 credit hours)

• Online with 3 mandatory face-to-face meetings at NIU-Hoffman Estates, Room 207, Thursdays, 01/31, 03/28, and 05/02, 6:30 - 9:15 pm.

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Evolution and the Creationist Challenge
BIOS 442/542: YE1, Class #s 8841/8899

The perennial culture wars raging in the USA are expressed in many areas of society. One area of attack is the opposition by the Religious Right to the teaching of evolution in public schools. Since before the famous "Scopes Monkey Trial" in 1925, school boards and legislatures have tried to eliminate, add equal doses of creationism to, or water down the coverage of evolution. They have targeted evolution as a cause for many of their perceived "social evils," don't understand science, and cannot separate evolution from "Social Darwinism."

This course will introduce students to the history of the controversy, define the opposition, and explain where each side gets their ideas and what they believe. We will then explore philosophy of science in enought detail to be able to separate a scientific question from a non-scientific question. A preliminary survey of primarily biological evolution will provide students with the necessary information to counter creationist arguments. This course is designed to give students the ability to not only defend evolution but, more importantly, attack non-scientific intrusions into the public school system. It is not a course in biological evolution but complementary, and can be taken by any upper-level undergraduate with an interest in science and society.

Catalog Description: Evolutionary theory and tenets of present-day anti-evolutionists with emphasis on providing students with the skills to articulate the theory of evolution as it applies to the biological sciences. Not designed as a substitute for a formal course in evolutionary theory. Recommended for students pursuing careers in secondary science education.

Ronald Toth (3 credit hours)

• Fully online course, 01/14 - 05/11.

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Topics in Modern Economics
ECON 370G: YE1, Class # 8827

This course provides an analysis of contemporary macroeconomic and microeconomic issues. Students will explore, and analyze topics in modern economics and topics of current importance to the consumers, resource owners, business, and government. Topics of discussions will be current and subject to change with regard to the economy and policies as we proceed through the semester.

Catalog Description: Topics of current importance to consumers, resource owners, business, and government. May be repreated once as topics change. PRQ: ECON 260 and ECON 261.

Sowjanya Dharmasankar (3 credit hours)

• Online with 3 mandatory face-to-face meetings at NIU-Naperville, Room 119, Saturdays, 02/02, 03/30 and 04/06, 9 am - 12 pm.

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Maps and Mapping / Fundamentals of Mapping
GEOG 256/556: YE1, Class #s 8839/8840

Though maps have been used by civilizations for well over 5,000 years, practically all aspects of mapping today involve computers - from the collection of real-world data by GPS or satellites, to drafting and printing. Rather than study the history of maps and mapping, we will instead study the concept of maps as tools of modern communication and visualization. This course is also the starting point for NIU's certificate of undergraduate study in Geographic Information Systems (in addition to applying toward the B.G.S.) and is required for several further courses in geography. Mandatory introductory face-to-face class meeting.

Catalog Description, GEOG 256: Introduction to maps as models of our earth, tools of visualization, and forms of graphic communication. Use of satellite and aerial imagery, land surveying, and geographic information systems in map production. Thematic maps and how they are used. Map design for informational and persuasive purposes. Two hours of lecture, two hours of laboratory.
Catalog Description, GEOG 556: For graduate students with little formal background in mapping. Maps as models, tools of visualization, and forms of graphic communication. Processes of map production, including imagery and surveying. Principles of map design.

Kory Allred (3 credit hours)

• Fully online course, 01/14 - 05/11.

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Water Resources and the Environment
GEOG 303: YE1, Class # 8816

This course is intended to provide the student with a broader understanding of water and its importance to our lives and earth’s complex environment. We will consider issues facing water such as whether the supply of water will continue, how man-made developments have altered water availability, how pollution has eroded this natural resource, and where/how we can restore our water resources. Relevant video clips, online tutorials, and supplemental readings will be used throughout the course to provide examples of water-related issues affecting northern Illinois, other regions of the U.S., as well as various countries around the world.

Catalog Description: Evaluation of water as a resource; its availability, distribution, use, and quality. Operation of the hydrologic cycle and relationships between surface water and the soil, groundwater, and atmosphere. Human impacts on water resources and the management of water-related hazards, including flooding, drought, and the spread of disease. Lecture and field experience.

Sharon Ashley (3 credit hours)

• Online with a mandatory face-to-face meeting at NIU-Hoffman Estates, Room 103, Monday, 01/14, 6:30 - 9:15 pm.

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Severe and Hazardous Weather
GEOG 306: YE1, Class # 8836

Examination of fundamentals of atmospheric phenomena with an emphasis on understanding concepts and processes behind severe manifestations of weather and climate. Physical aspects of extratropical cyclones, winter weather phenomena, thunderstorm phenomena, tropical weather systems, and large-scale longer-term weather events are analyzed. Case studies are employed to investigate human, economic, and environmental consequences of extreme weather and climate events.

Catalog Description: Examination of fundamentals of atmospheric phenomena with an emphasis on understanding concepts and processes behind severe manifestations of weather and climate. Physical aspects of extratropical cyclones, winter weather phenomena, thunderstorm phenomena, tropical weather systems, and large-scale, longer-term weather events are analyzed. Case studies are employed to investigate human, economic, and environmental consequences of extreme weather and climate events.

Walker Ashley (3 credit hours)

• Fully online course, 01/14 - 05/11.

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Geography of the U.S. and Canada
GEOG 330: YE1, Class # 8824

This course is an introduction to geographic issues in various regions of the United States and Canada. You will be introduced to some major patterns and processes that dominate the major physical and cultural realms of this region. We will first go over some basic physical and social features common to the United States and Canada. We then will explore the historical evolution and unique physical, cultural, and environmental features of fourteen sub-regions, following your textbook. Rather that just describing each region, we will examine the various regions in an attempt to understand and explain regional differences. Ultimately, our exploration of these regions should help us all reach a deeper understanding of the diversity and complexity of life in the United States and Canada. A final project, map quizzes, and exams will all be utilized to increase your knowledge of this diverse and fascinating region.

Catalog Description: Regional analysis of two countries. Cultural, economic, and political patterns. Geographic perspectives applied to current issues and problems.

Sharon Ashley (3 credit hours)

• Online with a mandatory face-to-face meeting at NIU-Rockford, Room 203, Tuesday, 01/15, 6:30 - 9:15 pm.

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Introduction to Geographic Information Systems / Fundamentals of GIS
GEOG 359/557: YE1, Class #s 8832/8833

Have you ever asked yourself, "Where in the world am I?" GEOG 359 may help you answer that question with an introductory study into the principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In this online course, we develop skills in GIS, its components, and how it applies to our surrounding environment. This course is a primer for those who are interested in learning more about the dynamic and ever-changing world of GIS and its career applications.

Catalog Description, GEOG 359: Study of the fundamental principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Emphasis on the development of these systems, their components and their integration into mainstream geography. Two hours of lecture, two hours of laboratory. PRQ: GEOG 256 or GEOG 352 or consent of department.
Catalog Description, GEOG 557: For graduate students with little formal background in GIS or computer mapping. Principles, components, and uses of geographic information systems. PRQ: GEOG 552 or GEOG 556, or consent of department.

Philip Young (3 credit hours)

• Fully online course, 01/14 - 05/11.

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Climate Change: Science, Impacts, and Mitigation
GEOG 368: YE1, Class # 8837

This course introduces students to geographic concepts surrounding climate change. The coverage of this broad subject will focus on different scales of climate change, i.e. local (urban heat island) to planetary (atmospheric teleconnections and global blocking patterns). In addition to climate change science, human dimensions of climate change will be examined covering the effects of humans on climate as well as mitigation strategies for adapting to the different scales of climate change ongoing and/or predicted. This course will be of value to a wide ranging audience as it will not only cover answers as to why our climate changes, but also further geographic questions of where, how, and when these changes will be manifested. Finally, mitigation and adaptation stragtegies will be discussed in order to synthesize our understanding of climate change and also provide students with knowledge applicable to urban and regional planning, public administration, and environmental planning.

Course Trailer

Catalog Description: Overview of the science of climate change and an analysis of the implications of this change on societies throughout the world. Spatial dimensions of climate change will be examined from a holistic perspective, taking into account interactions between the natural and man-made environment, impacted societies and the development of economic and social policies. Social and political ramifications of climate change have become apparent as local commnities in different parts of the world struggle to adapt to new patterns of urban climate, excessive rainfall, prolonged droughts, and severe weather events.

Mace Bentley (3 credit hours)

• Fully online course, 01/14 - 05/11.

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Soil Geography and Land Use Planning
GEOG 403/503: YE1, Class #s 8830/8831

Application of soil knowledge to land use and management of agricultural, wildland, and urban landscapes. Use of soil survey information in Geographic Information Systems. Emphasis on soil morphology and interpretation, wetlands, hydric soils, soil erosion and conservation, and human and livestock waste disposal.

Catalog Description, GEOG 403: Regional and local problems of soil utilization and management. Strategies for using soil data in land use plans and legislation. PRQ: GEOG 101 and GEOG 102, or consent of department.
Catalog Description, GEOG 503: Regional and local problems of soil utilization and management. Strategies for using soil data in land use plans and legislation.

Michael Konen (3 credit hours)

• Fully online course, 01/14 - 05/11.

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Geographic Information Systems
GEOG 459/559: YE1, Class #s 8834/8835

A Geographic Information System (GIS), composed of multiple map layers of a place, can facilitate problem-solving in a variety of social, environmental, and business settings. This course will apply GIS to examples from these different settings. Methods of integrating land, environmental, demographic, and business information will be demonstrated. In addition to applying to the B.G.S., this class also counts toward NIU's certificate of undergraduate study in Geographic Information System.

Catalog Description, GEOG 459: Study of the conceptual framework and development of geographic information systems. Emphasis on the actual application of a GIS to spatial analysis. Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory. PRQ: GEOG 359 or consent of department
Catalog Description, GEOG 559: Study of the conceptual framework and development of geographic information systems. Emphasis on the actual application of a GIS to spatial analysis. Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory. PRQ: GEOG 557 or consent of department.

Richard Greene (3 credit hours)

• Fully online course, 01/14 - 05/11.

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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies
LGBT 350: YE1, Class # 8823

This course is designed to be a survey of issues and theories in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) studies.  We will be exploring interdisciplinary perspectives on sexual orientation and gender identity with attention to race, ethnicity, and class.  Students will practice applying theories and concepts to the analysis of scholarship and to the analysis of current events and culture. Course goals: To develop understanding of fundamental issues, concepts, and theories in LGBT studies; To develop understanding of how gender identity and sexual orientation function inhuman societies; To cultivate skills of applying theories and information developed in LGBT studies to the analysis of social and cultural practices; To practice critical thinking and writing skills.

Catalog Description: Survey of issues and theories in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender studies. Interdisciplinary study of sexual orientation and gender identity, with attention to race, ethnicity, and class.

Meredith Frederich (3 credit hours)

• Online with 3 mandatory face-to-face meetings at NIU-Rockford, Room 203, Mondays, 01/28, 03/25, and 04/29, 6:30 - 9:15 pm.

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Special Topics in Women's Studies:
Women's Material Culture
WOMS 430: YE1, Class # 8818

Throughout the history of the United States, women have contributed a great deal to the country's cultural landscape. This course will examine the important contributions that women have made to American culute through a consideration of women's fine arts and crafts, fashions, literature, and music. Although this course will incorporate an historical overview of women's culture, we will focus primarily on women's contributions over the past two decades. Furthermore, this course will emphasize the ways in which factors like gender, class, sexuality, ethnicity and race influence women's culture.

Catalog Description: May be repeated to a maximum of 6 semester hours as topic changes. PRQ: Junior or senior standing or consent of director.

Rebekah Kohli (3 credit hours)

• Online with a mandatory face-to-face meeting at NIU-Rockford, Room 203, Saturday, 01/26, 1 - 4 pm.

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Special Topics in Women's Studies:
Renaissance Women
WOMS 430: YE2, Class # 8825

Through online lectures and discussion, as well as readings, writing assignments, and other activities, students will gain an understanding of and appreciation for the many ways Renaissance women both conformed to and subverted the cultural expectations around them. We will consider music, art, religion, education, law, literature, government, and medicine, as well as place English Renaissance women within a broader international context. We will also explore the ways that the legacy of the English Renaissance has shaped today's cultural expectations. Finally, we will interrogate the modern-day interest in the renaissance from Showtime's "The Tudors" to Broadway shows like The Pirate Queen and blockbuster movies like Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Why does this historical period still fascinate us so?

Catalog Description: May be repeated to a maximum of 6 semester hours as topic changes. PRQ: Junior or senior standing or consent of director.

Lise Schlosser (3 credit hours)

• Online with 3 face-to-face meetings at NIU-Hoffman Estates, Room 207, Wednesdays, 01/30, 03/27, and 05/01, 6:30 - 9:15 pm.

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