GEOG 1041 - Minnesota Geography

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 3 Lab 0
Internship hours per week 0
Course Description: This course explores the characteristics of Minnesota from a geographic perspective. Study areas include Minnesota’s environmental systems and natural features, population characteristics including demographic makeup and migrations, settlement and land use historically and at present, and Minnesota’s economy and regions. 
MnTC Goals
5 History/Social/Behavioral Science,10 People/Environment

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940  with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950  with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051  with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052  with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content

1. Introduction to the Geography of Minnesota
2. Climate and Eco-regions
3. Geologic History, Resources, and Features
4. Historical Development and Geography
5. Minnesota’s Economy
6. Demography: The people of Minnesota
7. Settlement Patterns of Towns and Cities
8. MN in the 21^st Century - Trends and Forecasts

1. describe characteristics and spatial patterns of Minnesota’s physical environment.
2. describe characteristics and spatial patterns of Minnesota’s historical development and settlements.
3. describe characteristics and spatial patterns of Minnesota’s people and culture.
4. describe characteristics and spatial patterns of Minnesota’s land use and economy.
5. explain factors responsible for Minnesota’s geographic characteristics and patterns.

05. 03. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.

05. 04. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
10. 01. Explain the basic structure and function of various natural ecosystems and of human adaptive strategies within those systems.

10. 02. Discern patterns and interrelationships of bio-physical and socio-cultural systems.

10. 04 Evaluate critically environmental and natural resource issues in light of understandings about interrelationships, ecosystems, and institutions.

10. 05. Propose and assess alternative solutions to environmental problems.

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