Course Directory

:: Course Offerings

The course offerings at Clarion University of PA go through an extensive review process by the Committee on Courses and Programs of Study (CCPS). This course offerings list is a comprehensive list of courses that could be offered; it does not mean they are currently being offered.

For a complete list of courses offered on the current or upcoming schedules, see the Registrar's page Schedule of Classes.

To start a new search enter the course number of the subject or title you are searching in the box below.

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)	Course Title	Course Description
ES 330	Hydrogeology With Lab	Hydrogeology deals with both surface water and groundwater in the hydrologic cycle using quantitative methods. Examines aquifer systems, water wells, water quality, water resource management, groundwater flow, and pollutant transport in detail during labs, field trips, and site tours. Prerequisite: ES 150. Offered Fall Semester annually.
ES 345	Computer Cartog w/Lab	Systematic study of the newest dimension of cartography in use today. Designing and constructing computer maps is an integral part of the course. Students create computer maps with a number of programs, including Atlas Graphics, Atlas Draw, Microam,Map Info. PC Globe, PS USA, Systate, etc. Introduces the use of the digitizer. Prerequisite CIS 110 or equivalent course, or consent of the instructor. Every other spring.
ES 350	Structural Geology	Investigates the geometry, origin, and recognition of the main structural features of the rocks of the earth's crust, including folds, faults, joints, unconformities, larger igneous bodies, cleavage, lineation, etc. Explores interpreting structure from geologic maps, structural petrology, and geophysical methods used in structural geology. Prerequisite: ES 150. Every third semester.
ES 355	Invert Paleontol	Explores the outstanding invertebrate animals preserved in the fossil record. Examines the nature of the fossil record itself, evolution as shown by fossils, and classification problems in paleontology. Prerequisite: ES 250. Every other year.
ES 360	Mineralogy	Examines the identification, uses, physical and chemical properties, occurrence, origin, and crystallography of the common minerals. Prerequisite: At least high school chemistry. Every third semester.
ES 370	Petrology	The identification, occurrence and origin, classification, physical and chemical properties, and uses of the common rocks. Includes a brief study of the important rock forming minerals. Prerequisite: ES 150. Every third semester.
ES 385	Climatology	Examines the major components of climate and climate change. Analyzes physical aspects of the atmosphere as a series of long-term weather phenomena. Studies regional characteristics of climate on the basis of worldwide weather patterns. Emphasizes, how applied aspects of climate demonstrate the interrelationships and importance of both physical and regional climatology to humankind. Also examines the causes of long-term climate change and variability. Acceptable for social science or natural, science credits. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher.
ES 390	Strat & Sedime Petrology	Systematic study of clastic and carbonate stratigraphic sequences, emphasizing interpretation of lithofacies, tectono-sedimentary settings, and sequence stratigraphy. Laboratories include study of petrologic/diagenetic characteristics of sedimentarystrata, recent advances in seismic stratigraphy, and basin analysis. Prerequisite: ES 150. (ES 250, ES 360, and ES 370 are recommended.) Every third semester.
ES 400	Intro Remote Sensing/Lab	Explores aerial photographs for geographic investigation of physical and cultural features of the landscape; the application of remote sensing to topographic and planimetric map construction, agricultural and land use identification, landform study,and forestry. Each Fall Semester.
ES 404	Soils With Lab	Comprehensively examines the classification, formation, and interpretation of soils. Students examine the processes of soil classification (both the zonal classification and the soil taxonomy classification), soil formation (parent material, climate, slope, time and organic activity), and the interpretation of pedogenic sequences (as it relates to deposition, diagenesis, and climate change). Laboratory (one credit, two hours) complements lecture portion of the course. Emphasizes the field interpretation of soils as well as the geochemistry and textual classification of soils. Prerequisites: ES 150 and 255 or permission of the instructor.
ES 425	Adv Remote Sensing w/Lab	Examines satellite-based earth imaging instruments, data sources, and products, and their applications to land use management, geologic assessments, agriculture, forestry, soil resources, archeology, meteorology, and oceanography. Utilizes visual and digital data. Prerequisite: GEOG 400 (can be waived by permission of instructor). Every Spring.
ES 450	Field Geography w/Lab	Explores techniques essential to geographic field investigation. Emphasizes practical, first-hand experiences in the field where students learn the techniques and procedures of rural and urban land use, surveying, and field research. Prerequisites: consent of instructor. Summer on demand.
ES 455	Field Methods in Geoscience	Field-based course provides upper-level undergraduates hands-on experience in hydrogeology, meteorology, bedrock, and surficial geology projects. Group projects include GIS-based analysis of a small watershed, geologic mapping, and measurement of a stratigraphic section, soils and terrace mapping, and surveying a strip mine remediation site. Emphasizes proper use of traditional and state-of-the-art instruments and equipment. Prerequisites: ES 150 and ES 330. Offered Summer Session I annually.
ES 460	Geospatial Data Handle & Integ	This course concentrates on how geographic data can be compiled from different sources into a GIS project. This includes geo-referencing scanned paper maps, translating the real-world into a geographic database, digitization of vector features, editing attribute data, working with and integrating GIS data available from different online sources, and manipulating metadata.
ES 470	Intro Geog Info Systems	Addresses basic concepts and principles of geographic information systems, data models, data structures, applications, and technical issues. Lab focuses on how these basic principles are implemented in a GIS. These include an entire sequence of building spatial database: data capturing, editing, adding attributes, building topography, registering layers to real-world coordinates, making map compositions, data conversion, and basic analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 345 (can be waived by instructor). Fall, annually.\|
ES 476	Sci Tech & Soc: Topics	Interdisciplinary course designed to acquaint students with information, curricula and teaching methodologies appropriate for integrating STS topics into science and social studies instruction. Includes topics in nature of science, history of science, history of technology, ethical decision-making, and the influences of changes in sciecne and technology on society. Required for all secondary science and social studies education majors. Spring semester. Prerequisite: Junior Standing\|
ES 481	Spatial Analysis & Modeling	This course builds upon previous knowledge of GIS vector and raster data model handling. It concentrates on the use of those spatial data in analyzing different environmental phenomenon. It emphasizes how to derive new information from existing dat,"a, and handling them through interpolation methods and raster calculations. It will also involve the extraction of new knowledge in support of a decision making process through cell-based operations in an automated fashion using scripting and modeling techniques.
ES 490	Adv Geog Info Sys w/Lab	Provides students with the ability to apply GIS for spatial problem solving in applied settings. Lecture and application-/project-based. Lecture covers spatial modeling and analysis based on a raster data structure. Laboratory sessions introduce stud,"ents to three-dimensional surface modeling, cost-distance analysis, runoff modeling, and diffusion analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 470. Each Spring Semester.
ES 500	Intro Arphoto Int Rem Sens	Study and assessment of the physical and cultural features of the earth using satellite images and aerial photographs. Uses black and white photos, color infrared photos, and digital satellite images for planimetric map construction, agricultural and vegetation studies, landform identification, land use assessment, and forestry. Laboratory activities include analysis of imagery in different zones of the electromagnetic spectrum, geometric correction of satellite images, and computer-assisted land cover classification. Prerequisite: GEOG 125 or permission of instructor. Fall semester.
ES 525	Adv Remote Sensing w/Lab	Builds on the content of Introduction to Air Photo Interpretation and Remote Sensing. Uses Earth imaging satellites, such as Lansat, SPOT, and Ikonos, and introduces new instruments, including Radarsat, Space Shuttle, and Space Station earth imagineinstruments. Examines various digital data sets including digital elevation models (DEMS), digital orthophotos and digital topographic maps. Students will work together on a drainage basin study to assess the sources of acid pollution using computer-assisted land cover classification, manual photo interpretation, and field reconnaissance to identify trip mine areas and acid discharging oil/gas wells. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 500. Spring, annually.\|
ES 550	Field Geography w/Lab	Systematic study of techniques essential to geographic field investigation. Emphasizes practical, first-hand experiences in the field where students learn techniques and procedures of compass traversing, plane tabling, rural and urban land use surveying, and field research. Prerequisite: Cartography I and consent of instructor. Offered occasionally.
ES 555	Field Meth Environ Geos	Field-based course designed to give upper-level students hands-on experience in various aspects of hydrogeology, surficial geology and meteorlogy. Emphasis on principles and practice of the most recent field and laboratory techniques of instrumentation, sampling, and monitoring as applied to relevant environmental problems. Prerequisite: ES 260, 280, and 330. Summer session, on demand.
ES 560	Geospatial Data Handle & Integ	This course concentrates on how geographic data can be compiled from different sources into a GIS project. This includes geo-referencing scanned paper maps, translating the real-world into a geographic database, digitization of vector features, editing attribute data, working with and integrating GIS data available from different online sources, and manipulating metadata.
ES 570	Intro Geog Info Systems	Addresses basic concepts and principles of geographic information systems, data models, data structures, applications, and technical issues. Lab focuses on how these basic principles are implemented in a GIS. Lab includes an entire sequence of building spatial database: data capturing, editing, adding attributes, building topography, registering layers to real-world coordinates, making map compositions, data conversion, and basic analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 345 or permission of instructor. Fall, annually.\|
ES 581	Spatial Analysis & Modeling	This course builds upon previous knowledge of GIS vector and raster data model handling. It concentrates on the use of those spatial data in analyzing different environmental phenomenon. It emphasizes how to derive new information from existing dat,"a, and handling them through interpolation methods and raster calculations. It will also involve the extraction of new knowledge in support of a decision making process through cell-based operations in an automated fashion using scripting and modeling techniques.
ES 590	Adv Geog Info Sys w/Lab	Provides students with the ability to apply GIS for spatial problem-solving in applied setting. Lecture- and application/project-based course. Lecture covers spatial modeling and analysis based on a raster data structure. Laboratory sessions introduc,"e students to three-dimensional surface modeling, cost-distance analysis, runoff modeling, and diffusion analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 570. Spring, annually.
FR 101	Special Topics	Experts on individual countries cover historical and contemporary developments on the European intellectual scene with regard to their relevance for the present American student generation. The special subject is announced at pre-registration. Open,"to all students, and may be taken up to three times for credit, provided that different topics are offered. Course conducted in English. No prerequisite.
FR 103	French Civilization	Introduces contemporary French society, enlightened by glimpses at France's rich history. A study of geography, politics, family life, immigration, art, music, literature, the current status of French feminism, and French media will help students define and understand the multiple aspects of French identity. Course conducted in English. No prerequisite.
FR 109	French Lit In Trans	A study of representative French literary works emphasizing the characters and ideas that have influenced both French literature and literature of other countries. Course conducted in English. No prerequisite. Fall, annually.
FR 140	French Film	Surveys major French films with English subtitles, and provides an introduction to trends of French cinema. Emphasizes cultural differences between Francophone and Anglo-American cultures as revealed through film. Course conducted in English. No prerequisite. Fall, annually.

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)

Course Title

Course Description

ES 330

Hydrogeology With Lab

Hydrogeology deals with both surface water and groundwater in the hydrologic cycle using quantitative methods. Examines aquifer systems, water wells, water quality, water resource management, groundwater flow, and pollutant transport in detail during labs, field trips, and site tours. Prerequisite: ES 150. Offered Fall Semester annually.

ES 345

Computer Cartog w/Lab

Systematic study of the newest dimension of cartography in use today. Designing and constructing computer maps is an integral part of the course. Students create computer maps with a number of programs, including Atlas Graphics, Atlas Draw, Microam,Map Info. PC Globe, PS USA, Systate, etc. Introduces the use of the digitizer. Prerequisite CIS 110 or equivalent course, or consent of the instructor. Every other spring.

ES 350

Structural Geology

Investigates the geometry, origin, and recognition of the main structural features of the rocks of the earth's crust, including folds, faults, joints, unconformities, larger igneous bodies, cleavage, lineation, etc. Explores interpreting structure from geologic maps, structural petrology, and geophysical methods used in structural geology. Prerequisite: ES 150. Every third semester.

ES 355

Invert Paleontol

Explores the outstanding invertebrate animals preserved in the fossil record. Examines the nature of the fossil record itself, evolution as shown by fossils, and classification problems in paleontology. Prerequisite: ES 250. Every other year.

ES 360

Mineralogy

Examines the identification, uses, physical and chemical properties, occurrence, origin, and crystallography of the common minerals. Prerequisite: At least high school chemistry. Every third semester.

ES 370

Petrology

The identification, occurrence and origin, classification, physical and chemical properties, and uses of the common rocks. Includes a brief study of the important rock forming minerals. Prerequisite: ES 150. Every third semester.

ES 385

Climatology

Examines the major components of climate and climate change. Analyzes physical aspects of the atmosphere as a series of long-term weather phenomena. Studies regional characteristics of climate on the basis of worldwide weather patterns. Emphasizes, how applied aspects of climate demonstrate the interrelationships and importance of both physical and regional climatology to humankind. Also examines the causes of long-term climate change and variability. Acceptable for social science or natural, science credits. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher.

ES 390

Strat & Sedime Petrology

Systematic study of clastic and carbonate stratigraphic sequences, emphasizing interpretation of lithofacies, tectono-sedimentary settings, and sequence stratigraphy. Laboratories include study of petrologic/diagenetic characteristics of sedimentarystrata, recent advances in seismic stratigraphy, and basin analysis. Prerequisite: ES 150. (ES 250, ES 360, and ES 370 are recommended.) Every third semester.

ES 400

Intro Remote Sensing/Lab

Explores aerial photographs for geographic investigation of physical and cultural features of the landscape; the application of remote sensing to topographic and planimetric map construction, agricultural and land use identification, landform study,and forestry. Each Fall Semester.

ES 404

Soils With Lab

Comprehensively examines the classification, formation, and interpretation of soils. Students examine the processes of soil classification (both the zonal classification and the soil taxonomy classification), soil formation (parent material, climate, slope, time and organic activity), and the interpretation of pedogenic sequences (as it relates to deposition, diagenesis, and climate change). Laboratory (one credit, two hours) complements lecture portion of the course. Emphasizes the field interpretation of soils as well as the geochemistry and textual classification of soils. Prerequisites: ES 150 and 255 or permission of the instructor.

ES 425

Adv Remote Sensing w/Lab

Examines satellite-based earth imaging instruments, data sources, and products, and their applications to land use management, geologic assessments, agriculture, forestry, soil resources, archeology, meteorology, and oceanography. Utilizes visual and digital data. Prerequisite: GEOG 400 (can be waived by permission of instructor). Every Spring.

ES 450

Field Geography w/Lab

Explores techniques essential to geographic field investigation. Emphasizes practical, first-hand experiences in the field where students learn the techniques and procedures of rural and urban land use, surveying, and field research. Prerequisites: consent of instructor. Summer on demand.

ES 455

Field Methods in Geoscience

Field-based course provides upper-level undergraduates hands-on experience in hydrogeology, meteorology, bedrock, and surficial geology projects. Group projects include GIS-based analysis of a small watershed, geologic mapping, and measurement of a stratigraphic section, soils and terrace mapping, and surveying a strip mine remediation site. Emphasizes proper use of traditional and state-of-the-art instruments and equipment. Prerequisites: ES 150 and ES 330. Offered Summer Session I annually.

ES 460

Geospatial Data Handle & Integ

This course concentrates on how geographic data can be compiled from different sources into a GIS project. This includes geo-referencing scanned paper maps, translating the real-world into a geographic database, digitization of vector features, editing attribute data, working with and integrating GIS data available from different online sources, and manipulating metadata.

ES 470

Intro Geog Info Systems

Addresses basic concepts and principles of geographic information systems, data models, data structures, applications, and technical issues. Lab focuses on how these basic principles are implemented in a GIS. These include an entire sequence of building spatial database: data capturing, editing, adding attributes, building topography, registering layers to real-world coordinates, making map compositions, data conversion, and basic analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 345 (can be waived by instructor). Fall, annually.|

ES 476

Sci Tech & Soc: Topics

Interdisciplinary course designed to acquaint students with information, curricula and teaching methodologies appropriate for integrating STS topics into science and social studies instruction. Includes topics in nature of science, history of science, history of technology, ethical decision-making, and the influences of changes in sciecne and technology on society. Required for all secondary science and social studies education majors. Spring semester. Prerequisite: Junior Standing|

ES 481

Spatial Analysis & Modeling

This course builds upon previous knowledge of GIS vector and raster data model handling. It concentrates on the use of those spatial data in analyzing different environmental phenomenon. It emphasizes how to derive new information from existing dat,"a, and handling them through interpolation methods and raster calculations. It will also involve the extraction of new knowledge in support of a decision making process through cell-based operations in an automated fashion using scripting and modeling techniques.

ES 490

Adv Geog Info Sys w/Lab

Provides students with the ability to apply GIS for spatial problem solving in applied settings. Lecture and application-/project-based. Lecture covers spatial modeling and analysis based on a raster data structure. Laboratory sessions introduce stud,"ents to three-dimensional surface modeling, cost-distance analysis, runoff modeling, and diffusion analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 470. Each Spring Semester.

ES 500

Intro Arphoto Int Rem Sens

Study and assessment of the physical and cultural features of the earth using satellite images and aerial photographs. Uses black and white photos, color infrared photos, and digital satellite images for planimetric map construction, agricultural and vegetation studies, landform identification, land use assessment, and forestry. Laboratory activities include analysis of imagery in different zones of the electromagnetic spectrum, geometric correction of satellite images, and computer-assisted land cover classification. Prerequisite: GEOG 125 or permission of instructor. Fall semester.

ES 525

Adv Remote Sensing w/Lab

Builds on the content of Introduction to Air Photo Interpretation and Remote Sensing. Uses Earth imaging satellites, such as Lansat, SPOT, and Ikonos, and introduces new instruments, including Radarsat, Space Shuttle, and Space Station earth imagineinstruments. Examines various digital data sets including digital elevation models (DEMS), digital orthophotos and digital topographic maps. Students will work together on a drainage basin study to assess the sources of acid pollution using computer-assisted land cover classification, manual photo interpretation, and field reconnaissance to identify trip mine areas and acid discharging oil/gas wells. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 500. Spring, annually.|

ES 550

Field Geography w/Lab

Systematic study of techniques essential to geographic field investigation. Emphasizes practical, first-hand experiences in the field where students learn techniques and procedures of compass traversing, plane tabling, rural and urban land use surveying, and field research. Prerequisite: Cartography I and consent of instructor. Offered occasionally.

ES 555

Field Meth Environ Geos

Field-based course designed to give upper-level students hands-on experience in various aspects of hydrogeology, surficial geology and meteorlogy. Emphasis on principles and practice of the most recent field and laboratory techniques of instrumentation, sampling, and monitoring as applied to relevant environmental problems. Prerequisite: ES 260, 280, and 330. Summer session, on demand.

ES 560

Geospatial Data Handle & Integ

ES 570

Intro Geog Info Systems

Addresses basic concepts and principles of geographic information systems, data models, data structures, applications, and technical issues. Lab focuses on how these basic principles are implemented in a GIS. Lab includes an entire sequence of building spatial database: data capturing, editing, adding attributes, building topography, registering layers to real-world coordinates, making map compositions, data conversion, and basic analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 345 or permission of instructor. Fall, annually.|

ES 581

Spatial Analysis & Modeling

ES 590

Adv Geog Info Sys w/Lab

Provides students with the ability to apply GIS for spatial problem-solving in applied setting. Lecture- and application/project-based course. Lecture covers spatial modeling and analysis based on a raster data structure. Laboratory sessions introduc,"e students to three-dimensional surface modeling, cost-distance analysis, runoff modeling, and diffusion analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 570. Spring, annually.

FR 101

Special Topics

Experts on individual countries cover historical and contemporary developments on the European intellectual scene with regard to their relevance for the present American student generation. The special subject is announced at pre-registration. Open,"to all students, and may be taken up to three times for credit, provided that different topics are offered. Course conducted in English. No prerequisite.

FR 103

French Civilization

Introduces contemporary French society, enlightened by glimpses at France's rich history. A study of geography, politics, family life, immigration, art, music, literature, the current status of French feminism, and French media will help students define and understand the multiple aspects of French identity. Course conducted in English. No prerequisite.

FR 109

French Lit In Trans

A study of representative French literary works emphasizing the characters and ideas that have influenced both French literature and literature of other countries. Course conducted in English. No prerequisite. Fall, annually.

FR 140

French Film

Surveys major French films with English subtitles, and provides an introduction to trends of French cinema. Emphasizes cultural differences between Francophone and Anglo-American cultures as revealed through film. Course conducted in English. No prerequisite. Fall, annually.