Introduction to what geographers do and how they do it. Systematic study of issues regarding social and cultural systems from a global to a local scale. Looks at the distribution of these variables and answers the question "Why here, and not there"?

Introduces students to the nature and practice of science in physical and human geography, including practical methods for research productivity, professional, societal and ethical obligations of scientists, the philosophy of science, and the scientific literature. Students will prepare and critically evaluate research proposals.