GEOG 474 - Our Changing Planet: A Seminar in Land-System Science

Land System Science (LSS) examines the complex interactions between human activities and the natural environment within terrestrial ecosystems, focusing on understanding how various human and environmental factors drive land use and land cover changes, and how these changes impact ecosystems, climate, and people. Through a combination of reading scientific literature, in-class discussions, and, to a lesser extent, lectures, this seminar provides students with a conceptual foundation in LSS, enabling them to complete a capstone project in Geography over the course of the semester. Students are encouraged to employ geospatial tools commonly used in LSS research, such as remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and spatial modeling. Alternatively, they may choose other methodologies, including quantitative literature reviews or in-depth case study analyses. All projects should integrate critical aspects of LSS, such as spatio-temporal dynamics, and adhere to broader scientific principles, including replicability and reproducibility, as well as the writing conventions of peer-reviewed publications. Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing. Alternate years. (4 Credits)