The cultural landscape is the visible, material expression of human activity, and often reflects human relationships with the environment and other peoples. Landscapes may be "read" for information about current and past cultures that inhabit or once inhabited those locations. The Certificate in Cultural Landscape Studies introduces students to the theory and practice of identifying and reading the landscape for clues to the past. Participants will gain practical experience as they apply their knowledge of the landscape to real-world situations in an area directly related to their occupation or career path. Students who successfully complete this program will be prepared for graduate school and for careers in for-profit, non-profit, and government sectors in areas including architectural history, historic preservation, preservation law, museum studies, and historical geography. This certificate is open to students from any major or institution, as well as members of the community.
This program is designed to be completed in conjunction with an undergraduate degree or as a stand-alone program for personal and/or professional enrichment only. Students pursuing this as a stand-alone certificate will not qualify for Title IV federal financial aid.
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
ANT 2040 |
Field School in ArchaeologyThis course introduces the field methods used in archaeological investigations through direct participation in an ongoing field project. Students will broaden their understanding of human history and science through training in a wide range of techniques, including sampling design, survey, excavation, documentation, and illustration. Students will also gain practical experience using multiple technologies, including GPS, total station survey instruments, and drone photography. Daily discussions and guest lectures will enhance students' knowledge of local history. Summer |
3 |
ANT 2210 |
Anthropology and the EnvironmentThis course explores the interface between culture and the natural environment from a cultural ecological perspective. Through cross-cultural comparisons, with an emphasis on the contrasts between small-scale and large-scale societies, it examines human relationships with nature. Particular attention is given to the effects subsistence practices, economics, politics, and globalization have on a culture's changing attitudes about and behaviors toward the environment. This course fulfills a Humanistic Perspective general education requirement. Periodically |
3 |
GEO 2110 |
Time and Space in North AmericaAlthough we tend to think of North America as a more-or-less unified region, a closer look reveals long-standing regional cultural differences. In this course, we consider the international migratory patterns, adaptive strategies, and cultural mixing that influenced the development of American regionalism. In particular, we will focus on material culture, including regional architecture and cemetery patterns, in an effort to foster an appreciation for how remnant cultural landscapes can be "read" for their historical geographies. This course fulfills a Humanistic Perspective general education requirement. Fall, even years |
3 |
GEO 3110 |
Reconstructing Past LandscapesUsing local landscapes as a point of departure, students will learn how to read human-created environments to help reconstruct, interpret, and preserve the past. They will also learn to identify, locate, utilize, and analyze a variety of primary and secondary resources and to employ appropriate technologies to support this work. This course fulfills a Humanistic Perspective general education requirement. Fall, odd years |
3 |
GEO 2210 |
Introduction to Geographic Information SystemsChoose 1 of the following: This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of modern geographic information systems (GIS). The class will consist of lectures, discussions, readings, demonstrations, and hands-on training exercises using ESRI's GIS software. This will give students experience in defining spatial problems and solutions, organizing and locating geographic data, manipulating data for display, and map creation and use of a desktop GIS. Students will be expected to use what they have learned to develop a final GIS project. This course fulfills a Digital and Computing Literacy general education requirement. Fee Lab fee $40 Spring |
3 or 4 |
GEO 3120 |
Applied Geographic Information SystemsIn this course, students will locate, create, and analyze spatial data utilizing free open-source software, with particular attention paid to Quantum GIS. Students will apply their skills in the development and execution of a research project that, where possible, relates to their chosen major. No prior knowledge of Geographic Information Systems is required. This course fulfills a Digital and Computing Literacy general education requirement. Spring, odd years |
3 |