One of the unique minors the History, Anthropology, and Classics (HAC) Department offers is the Geography and Global Studies minor. Dr. Thomas Paradis is the head advisor and created the minor because a growing number of students showed interest in human and environmental geography and urban design. Since no existing course of study focused on these topics, Dr. Paradis revamped an old geography minor and made it more multidisciplinary to appeal to students around the university. In Geography and Global Studies courses, students learn about human, cultural, urban, and environmental geography, global development, and technical skills like GIS (Geographic Information Systems).
Because of its multidisciplinary approach, many classes fulfill the 18 credit hours requirement. One of the courses required is a Natural World credit, and one of the most interesting is Earth System Science (NW260 – COE). In this class, students learn about the earth and the natural phenomena that occur on it. One unit deals with cave systems, and some professors take students to southern Indiana to visit a couple of cave systems. They learned how they formed inside the classroom and got real-world experience. Another class that counts toward the Geography and Global Studies minor is Experiencing the City (PCA267-HST/AN). This course also fulfills the Indianapolis Community Requirement (ICR) and allows students to explore the Indianapolis area. Every week brings a new experience. Students visit museums, art galleries, organizations, and other places reinvigorating the Indianapolis community.
The Geography and Global Studies minor is perfect for those wanting to learn more about the environment and how humans interact with it. This minor encourages more global and local awareness of diverse customs, cultures, and approaches to development and how the natural environment affects human decisions. Dr. Paradis’s goal is “for students to gain enough experience in these topics to enhance their majors and make them more employable within the rapidly expanding opportunities for green and sustainable career paths. “This minor does that and more as it calls for people to go out and explore the world.
For additional information, contact Dr. Thomas Paradis, at tparadis@butler.edu.