The functions of an ecosystem are discussed with focuses on energy and matter flow, population dynamics, succession and disturbance. The culmination of these processes is reflected in broad-scale geographic patterns. Thus, the characteristics of the major biomes are examined. Finally, because humans and the environment are inextricably linked, this course explores several impacts humans have on the landscape, including fragmentation, extinction and species introductions. Topics receiving special attention include the nature of the sovereign state, nationalism and supranationalism, boundary and territorial conflicts, political tensions due to minority ethnic concerns, the plight of refugees, the role of multinational enterprises in world affairs, grassroots political movements, and environmental politics.
Students have the opportunity to focus on topics of their choice.
This course focuses on the restructuring of American cities in the late twentieth century and the implications of that restructuring for the well-being of urban residents. This course analyzes of the role of population dynamics in ecological, social, and economic organization and change. Methods of incorporating demographic analysis into scientific and policy research are introduced. Approaches to assessing the implications of population growth are studied. This course is also listed as SOAN 314 and GNED 335.