GEOLOGY AND PLANETARY SCIENCE

The Department of Geology and Planetary Science studies the Earth and how it works. The earth is a fascinating natural system that supports many interactions between the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere, life, and various solar system objects. The primary goal of our geology and environmental geology majors (both BS programs) is a scientific understanding of these natural systems and their significant and sometimes surprising variations over geologic time. In addition, these students often seek a solid scientific grounding in earth resources and environmental problems. Our popular environmental studies major (a BA program) focuses on the economic, political, and legal issues that conspire to either cause or prevent the solution of environmental problems. Our programs are popular with people who love nature, who want to understand how the earth works, and who want to understand the many dimensions of modern environmental issues. For more information on our programs, please visit www.geology.pitt.edu.

Geology Major Course Requirements

Core courses required for a geology major (29 credits):

• GEOL 0040 Physical Geology or GEOL 0800 Geology or GEOL 0860 Environmental Geology
• GEOL 0055 Geology Laboratory
• GEOL 0060 Historical Geology
• GEOL 1001 Mineralogy
• GEOL 1003 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
• GEOL 1020 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
• GEOL 1100 Structural Geology
• GEOL 1960 Field Camp

Electives (9 credits): Students must earn at least 9 credits of upper-division or graduate-level GEOL courses from the following

• GEOL 1051 Groundwater Geology
• GEOL 1055 Environmental Science, Ethics, and Public Policy
• GEOL 1060 Geomorphology
• GEOL 1080 Geoarcheology
• GEOL 1200 Paleontology
• GEOL 1410 Exploration Geophysics
• GEOL 1445 GIS, GPS, and Computer Methods
• GEOL 1460 Remote Sensing of the Earth
• GEOL 1515 Environmental Geochemistry
• GEOL 1640 Geologic and Environmental Hazards
• GEOL 1701 Geology of the Planets
• GEOL 1900 Internship
• GEOL 1903 Undergraduate Research
• GEOL 1904 Research in Environmental Policy
• GEOL 2447 Introduction to Arc/View
• GEOL 3963 Topics in Environmental Geology

Corequirements (29 credits):

• MATH 0220, 0230, and 0240 Analytical Geometry and Calculus 1, 2, and 3
• PHYS 0174 and 0175 Basic Physics for Science and Engineering 1 and 2
• CHEM 0110 and 0120 General Chemistry 1 and 2

Environmental Geology Major Course Requirements

Core courses required for a geology major (29 credits):

• GEOL 0040 Physical Geology or GEOL 0800 Geology or GEOL 0860 Environmental Geology
• GEOL 0055 Geology Laboratory
• GEOL 1001 Mineralogy
• GEOL 1003 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
• GEOL 1020 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
• GEOL 1051 Groundwater Geology
• GEOL 1100 Structural Geology
• GEOL 1960 Field Camp

Electives (12 credits):

• At least 9 credits of upper-division or graduate-level GEOL courses from the following:
  • GEOL 0060 Historical Geology
  • GEOL 1055 Environmental Science, Ethics, and Public Policy
  • GEOL 1060 Geomorphology
  • GEOL 1080 Geoarcheology
  • GEOL 1200 Paleontology
  • GEOL 1410 Exploration Geophysics
  • GEOL 1445 GIS, GPS, and Computer Methods
  • GEOL 1460 Remote Sensing of the Earth
  • GEOL 1515 Environmental Geochemistry
  • GEOL 1640 Geologic Environmental Hazards
  • GEOL 1701 Geology of the Planets
  • GEOL 1900 Internship
  • GEOL 1901 Independent Study
  • GEOL 1903 Undergraduate Research
  • GEOL 1904 Research in Environmental Policy
  • GEOL 2447 Introduction to Arc/View and Advanced Arc/View Programming
  • GEOL 3963 Topics in Environmental Geology
• One upper-division BIOSC, CHEM, CE, MATH, or CS course such as BIOSC 0370 Ecology, CHEM 0310 Organic Chemistry 1, or CE 1503 Introduction to Environmental Engineering.

Corequirements (27 credits):

• MATH 0220 and 0230 Analytical Geometry and Calculus 1 and 2
• PHYS 0174 and 0175 Basic Physics for Science and Engineering 1 and 2 or PHYS 0475 and 0476 UHC Introduction to Physics for Science and Engineering 1 and 2
• CHEM 0110 and 0120 General Chemistry 1 and 2 or equivalents
• BIOSC 0150 Foundations of Biology 1

Requirements for Both Geology and Environmental Geology Majors

The following rules and requirements apply to both geology and environmental geology majors:

Geology credits may not be earned on credit-by-examination basis, and no geology course may be taken on the S/NC basis (formerly the S/N option) by majors. However, any two of the following required courses for either major may be taken on an S/NC basis (formerly the S/N option):

• BIOSC 0150 and 0160 Foundations of Biology 1 and 2
• CHEM 0110 and 0120 General Chemistry 1 and 2
• MATH 0220, 0230, and 0240 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1, 2, and 3
• PHYS 0174 and 0175 Basic Physics for Science and Engineering 1 and 2

Geology majors automatically fulfill the A&S-required related area by taking courses in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Environmental geology majors do not automatically fulfill the related area requirements by taking the required courses.

To graduate with departmental honors, a student must complete one of three options (course, research, or internship). Please see the department for details on these options for students majoring in geology or environmental geology.

• A minimum of 3 credits in geochemistry and 3 credits in geophysics must be included in the minimum requirements listed above, and students must have an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher.
• The nature of geology is such that certain courses must be taken in sequence. Because of the prerequisites in other sciences, CHEM 0110 and 0120 should be taken during the first two terms, and the mathematics and physics sequences should begin as early as possible, preferably in the freshman year.

Environmental Studies Overview (Bachelor of Arts Degree)

Rapid growth in human population and development has led to complex environmental problems on local and global scales. The way in which we address these issues will have a profound effect on our society and planet in the coming century. Enlightened solutions require a strong component of scientific knowledge and an awareness of the relevant societal issues. A major in environmental studies will equip students with an understanding of earth systems and the environment, including the role of geologic processes on human activity and the impact of humans on the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and global climate. Courses in the natural and social sciences supplement a traditional liberal arts curriculum to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary background in the scientific, economic, political, and social aspects of human interaction with the environment.

The environmental studies major provides a strong background for students who seek careers in fields such as resource development and management, environmental policy and regulation, risk assessment, land use planning, public policy, and education. Potential employers include local, state, or federal government organizations; consulting firms; or companies that are affected by environmental issues or regulations. Graduates of the Environmental Studies Program can also pursue postgraduate study in fields such as business, law, medicine, public policy, education, international relations, urban and regional planning, environmental management, and public health.

Environmental Studies Major Requirements

The major consists of core courses, corequirements, and electives. The core courses provide a fundamental understanding of environmental processes, issues, and policy and culminate in an environmental science field course and an interdisciplinary capstone course on science and public policy. The corequirements provide the necessary background for advanced study. Majors are encouraged to undertake an independent research project, internship, or senior thesis.

Core courses required for the major include the following (33 credits):

• GEOL 0860 Environmental Geology or GEOL 0800 Geology or GEOL 0040 Physical Geology or GEOL 0840 Earth Systems Science
• GEOL 0030 World Physical Geography
• GEOL 0055 Geology Laboratory
• GEOL 1515 Environmental Geochemistry
• GEOL 1313 Communication for Environmental Professionals
• BIOSC 0150 Foundations of Biology 1
• BIOSC 0050 Foundations of Biology Lab 1
• ECON 0800 Introduction to Economics or ECON 0100 Introduction to Microeconomic Theory
• LEGLST 1320 Law and Environment
• EOH 1200 Introduction to Risk Assessment or HPS 0611 Principles of Scientific Reasoning

Environmental field course (at least 2 credits from one of the following):

• BIOSC 0740 Yellowstone Field Course
• BIOSC 1040 Ecological Management
• An approved environmental science field course run through an outside institution
• GEOL 1900 Internship, 3 or 4 credits

Interdisciplinary capstone course:

• GEOL 1055 Environmental Science, Ethics, and Public Policy or GEOL 1056 (the honors version taught jointly by the Department of Geology and Planetary Science and the University Honors College).

Corequirements (12 credits):

• CHEM 0110 General Chemistry 1
• MATH 0220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 or MATH 0120 Business Calculus
• STAT 0200 Basic Applied Statistics or STAT 1000 Applied Statistical Methods or STAT 1100 Statistics and Probability for Business Management or STAT 1151 Introduction to Probability

Electives (24 credits) in one of the following fashions:

• 12 credits in the social sciences/humanities
• 12 credits in the natural sciences
• see advisor for approved list

Environmental studies majors automatically fulfill Arts and Sciences required related area.

Three elective credits may be earned through independent study projects or internships.

GERMANIC LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES

The study of foreign language and culture is a cornerstone of education in today’s international world. It teaches intercultural competence by increasing students’ understanding of their own backgrounds and their sensitivity for other traditions and values. Knowledge of a foreign language and culture brings obvious competitive advantages in careers with an international dimension. As a liberal arts discipline, the study of language improves analytic-conceptual and communication skills necessary for all professional careers. Enhanced with appropriate additional course work, a major in German serves as a foundation for professional training in such subjects as business, law, politics, and medicine, as well as the media and communication industry. Students with a BA in German compete well in nontechnical fields for jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree. For more information on the major, the minor, the certificate, and the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures, see www.pitt.edu/~germanic.

German Major Requirements

The German major can be completed by any student who begins GER 0001 Elementary German 1 during the fall term of the freshman year. The curriculum integrates language learning with the study of history, politics, and popular as well as elite culture. Students acquire proficiency in the German language as well as an in-depth understanding of the German-speaking world. The German major requires 15 credits in advanced language and 15 credits in literature and culture for a total of 30 credits as follows:

• Required advanced language courses (15 credits)
  • GER 1000 Reading Literary Texts
  • GER 1001 Writing in German
  • GER 1002 German Phonetics
  • GER 1101 Advanced German 1: Media
  • GER 1102 Advanced German 2: Structures

• Required literature and culture courses (15 credits)
  • GER 1052 Major Cultural Periods
  • Four advanced literature and culture courses from GER 1200–1399. Courses numbered in the 1500s (German literature and culture courses in English) may be used in this category only in exceptional cases and with the permission of the director of undergraduate studies.

• Additional rules and requirements for German majors are as follows:
  • A 2.00 GPA is required in major courses to be counted toward the degree.
  • Majors may take required courses under the S/NC option (formerly the S/N option) only by special permission of the director of undergraduate studies.
  • Admission to the German major requires a grade of B- or better in GER 0004 Intermediate German 2.
  • The A&S departmental writing requirement is satisfied by GER 1001 Writing in German.
  • The director of undergraduate studies must approve all courses that are to count as a student’s required 12-credit A&S related area. These credits may be taken from another discipline (e.g., art history, economics, chemistry) or from an interdisciplinary field (e.g., film studies or women’s studies).
  • Departmental honors in German are available to majors who have earned an overall GPA of at least a 3.50 in their major courses, completed a senior thesis that has been accepted by the departmental faculty, and demonstrated a high level of proficiency in speaking and writing German. Only those students with a 3.25 GPA in three advanced literature and culture courses and three advanced language courses will be permitted to write an honors thesis.
  • Students are encouraged to study and reside in a German-speaking country as a component of the German major. Numerous possibilities exist for such study, and financial aid is often available.

Requirements for Minor in German Studies

The minor in German studies consists of 15–19 credits. Students who are interested in the minor may tailor their course selection according to their interest in German language, literature, and film studies. They may select literature and film courses that are offered either in English translation or in German. The two options within the minor are as follows:

German Literature and Film Option (15 credits)

Students must complete five 3-credit courses offered by the department as either literature, culture, or film courses in German (numbered 1051–1410) or as German literature, culture, or film courses in English (numbered 1500–1542).

German Language, Literature, and Film Option (15–19 credits)

Students must complete the following requirements:

• Two semesters of German language acquisition courses, including GER 0001 and 0002 Elementary German 1 and 2 or GER 0101, 0102, and 0103 Beginning German 1, 2, and 3
• Three, 3-credit courses offered by the department as either German literature, culture, or film courses in German (numbered 1051–1410) or as German literature, culture, or film courses in English (numbered 1500–1542)

Note: Students may use appropriate study abroad credit toward the German studies minor. The credits must be pre-approved by the department’s director of undergraduate studies. The department also offers a German language certificate. For details and requirements on this certificate, please see the A&S Certificate Programs section of this bulletin.

HISPANIC LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES

The study of a foreign language, literature, and culture like Spanish traditionally has been one of the central components of an undergraduate education in the humanities. Today there is an added practical dimension to this. With economic and cultural globalization, our links as a nation with Spain and Latin America, including Brazil, have become much closer. At the same time, Spanish is not only a foreign language for us; it has become much like French in Canada, a de facto second language in the United States, which now has a Spanish-speaking population of more than 30 million. As a result, there is a growing demand for persons trained in Spanish (and also Portuguese) in many fields, especially education, where there is a shortage of new teachers of Spanish language and culture. We are in the process of updating and redesigning our undergraduate major to reflect these new developments. Meanwhile, we offer several different tracks for current majors, which involve a combination of core courses in the Spanish language and Spanish and Latin American literature and civilization, and an introductory Portuguese course, with a selection of additional courses from our 1000-level offerings in Latin American and Peninsular literature and film, Luso-Brazilian topics, Spanish translation and Hispanic linguistics, and U.S. Latino topics. In consultation with the departmental undergraduate advisor, a selection of courses from the major can also be used to construct a related area in Spanish and/or Portuguese. A variety of courses, some taught in English for nonmajors interested in Hispanic, Latin American, Luso-Brazilian, or U.S. Latino culture, are also available. We encourage majors to include at least a semester of study abroad in a Spanish or Portuguese speaking country, if possible. The department works in close cooperation with the Pitt Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS), and many majors choose as a related area the CLAS undergraduate certificate program, which includes a Latin American field trip component.

Students majoring within the department should consider the various options open to them, including the possibility of combining their A&S degree with a second degree in another school of the University, such as social work, business, health and rehabilitation sciences, education, etc., or with an additional major within A&S such as anthropology, economics, film studies, communication, history, or political science. Students may prepare for careers in government, industry, education, or international affairs, as well as for graduate work specifically in Hispanic or Luso-Brazilian studies.

Required Courses for Majors

All majors require competency in Spanish, and students must complete SPAN 0004 Intermediate Spanish 4 or the equivalent, although these courses do not count toward the major. PORT 0001 Elementary Portuguese 1 is also required of all majors. The department will initiate a new set of requirements in fall 2003. Meanwhile the requirements are as follows:

Core Sequence: required of all majors:

• SPAN 0020 Conversation or 1020 Advanced Conversation
• SPAN 0025 Grammar and Composition or 1025 Advanced Grammar
• SPAN 0050 Spanish Civilization, 0051 Latin American Civilization, and 0055 Introduction to Hispanic Literature 1
• SPAN 1400 Survey of Latin American Literature or 1600 Survey of Spanish Literature
• PORT 0001 Elementary Portuguese 1
• In addition, in consultation with the major advisor, students may select a combination of five additional 1000-level courses. Students who wish to include PORT 0002 Elementary Portuguese 2 in the major may substitute it for one of these courses.

Minor in Portugese and Luso-Brazilian Culture

The requirements for the minor are PORT 0002/1002, PORT 0003/1003, PORT 0004/1004, PORT 0020/1020, and PORT 0025/1025, for a total of 17 credits. Students who participate in a university-level study abroad program in a Portuguese-speaking country and take Portuguese-language or Luso-Brazilian cultural courses while there can receive up to six credits toward the total of 17 credits needed for the minor, subject to approval by the undergraduate Portuguese advisor.

Related Area

Students must complete a 12-credit related area in order to fulfill A&S graduation requirements. Students interested in Latin America should consider the Latin American Studies Certificate program for a related area.

Program W Requirement

Students should check with major advisor.

Grade Requirements

Students must maintain an average GPA of 2.0 or above in all department courses.

Satisfactory/No-Credit Option (formerly the Satisfactory/Audit option)

Majors may take one required course on a S/NC basis (formerly the S/N option).

Study Abroad

Study abroad is strongly encouraged.

Placement into Language Courses

Although freshman students are given special placement exams to determine their level of competence, the department recognizes the limitations of these exams and accordingly maintains a flexible and practical policy in helping each student find the class level that is most appropriate. We urge anyone who wishes to study with us to speak with the department language coordinator, who will be more than happy to assist in this important matter of placement.

Credit by Examination

Students may receive credit by examination for the Spanish language courses up to and including SPAN 1025 Advanced Grammar, and beyond by special request. Normally, credit earned in this fashion is limited to three courses beyond SPAN 0004 Intermediate Spanish 4. Similar credits may be earned in Portuguese.

Contact Information

Director of Undergraduate Studies:
Elizabeth Monasterios
1309 Cathedral of Learning
412-624-2709
elm15@pitt.edu

Advising:
Jerome Branche
1309 Cathedral of Learning
412-624-5468

Bobby Chamberlain
1309 Cathedral of Learning
412-624-3991

Joshua Lund
1309 Cathedral of Learning
412-624-2713
jkl7@pitt.edu

Study Abroad Options for Majors in the Hispanic Languages and Literatures Department

You are strongly encouraged to add an international dimension to your undergraduate education through studying abroad. By participating in a study abroad program, you will earn credits toward your degree. Several study abroad options are available through the University of Pittsburgh. We invite you to investigate these and other options further. You can call for an advising appointment or stop in any time to receive information. Scholarships are available, and financial aid is applicable.

University of Pittsburgh
Latin American Studies Field Trip
Location: Latin America (location varies each summer)
Dates: Spring term seminar at Pitt plus summer session 1 field trip
Fields of Study: Local history and culture
Language of Instruction: Spanish or Portuguese
Special Features: Program offers interdisciplinary seminar, research methodology field research projects, and housing with host families
Eligibility: Proficient in language of instruction by end of spring term

Pitt in Cuba
Dates: Summer
For further information, contact Professor Mark Ginsburg, School of Education, 412-648-1783; sg3@pitt.edu.

Institute of European Studies (IES), Madrid
Location: Madrid, Spain
Dates: Semester, full year, or summer options available
Fields of Study: Liberal Arts courses including Spanish language and literature
Language of Instruction: Spanish
Special Feature: Housing in Spanish homes
Eligibility: Four or five semesters of college-level Spanish

Council International Educational Exchange
(CIEE), Brazil
Location: University of Sao Paulo
Dates: Academic year only
Fields of Study: Portuguese language
Special Features: Program offers various weekend excursions
Eligibility: Two years of college-level Portuguese or Spanish or one year each of Spanish and Portuguese; junior status by start of program

HISTORY

Historians use methods, techniques, and ideas from a wide range of humanistic and social scientific fields to teach students how materials from many fields are integrated to describe or explain a particular historical time period or topic. History is an open-ended discipline, and the department welcomes students, as well as ideas and techniques, from other subjects. History also gives a student many options for a future career. Many history majors have become lawyers, journalists, civil servants, and business executives. The future of a history major is not limited to college or school teaching, although these are also available career choices. Expanding opportunities are to be found in public and private agencies, in businesses, archives, historical societies, museums, and government offices. History courses may help students to develop a balanced program that will further their career and intellectual goals. Courses in economics and history could lead to an understanding of economic development and aid a business or civil service career; a combination of language, literature, and history would give a student background that could lead to a career in foreign service or teaching; a mixture of communication and writing with history might prepare one for a career in journalism. In short, students in practically any field can investigate questions that are intellectually exciting and personally helpful by taking history courses related to their programs and ambitions. For more information on the major, the minor, or the Department of History, visit www.pitt.edu/~pitthist/dept.html.

Major Requirements

Majors in history must complete a minimum of 30 credits in history courses, including the following:

• Required core courses (15 credits)
  • One course in pre-1500 history
  • One survey course in U.S. history from the following list:
    • HIST 0600 United States to 1877
    • HIST 0601 United States 1865–Present
    • HIST 0670 Afro-American History 1
    • HIST 0671 Afro-American History 2
  • One survey course in European history from the following list:
    
    • HIST 0100 Western Civilization 1
    • HIST 0101 Western Civilization 2
    • HIST 0200 East Europe Civilization
    • HIST 1240 Political East Europe
  • One course in Latin American, Asian, East European, Russian and Soviet, African, or Middle Eastern history
  • One required seminar for majors (HIST 1000 Writing Seminar for Majors or 1001 Required Seminar for Majors).
• Required focused area of study (12 credits)

Majors must take four courses beyond the core courses. These courses will be selected by the student with the help of a faculty member or the undergraduate advisor to form a focused area of study. Such areas may be chronological, geographic, or thematic and normally should be declared during the junior year. Many students choose a geographical focus, e.g., History of the Americas or Europe; however students are encouraged to discuss with their advisors or faculty concentrations based on their own grouping together of four courses.

• One additional history course

In addition to those course requirements, the following rules and requirements apply for history majors:

• Students must earn at least a 2.00 overall GPA in history courses.
• Fifteen credits must be in courses numbered 1000 or above.
• Majors may take a total of 9 credits for the major on an S/NC basis (formerly the S/N option). HIST 1000 Writing Seminar for Majors or 1001 Required Seminar for Majors may not be taken S/NC (formerly the S/N option).
• Students may earn up to 9 credits in history on a credit-by-examination basis; arrangements can be made by contacting the instructor of the course involved.
• Students must complete an A&S 12-credit related area; economics, sociology, political science, statistics, or computer science are suggested.
• History majors are strongly encouraged to add an international dimension to their undergraduate education by studying abroad.
• Students interested in graduate study in history should be aware that all graduate departments of history require proficiency in at least one foreign language and that many require competence in two languages for a PhD.
• The honors program consists of the regular major plus 6 extra credits. Students apply for the honors program in their sophomore year and should have completed 12 credits in history, have a 3.35 GPA overall and a 3.50 in history, and submit a piece of writing for approval by the Undergraduate Committee. There are four elements to the honors program:
  • The special honors seminar, HIST 1902 Writing: History Honors Seminar; this is separate from and in addition to the required seminar for majors
  • One University Honors College history course
  • An independent study (HIST 1901)
  • The completion and acceptance of a 25–50 page honors thesis
  • No grade below B is acceptable to fulfill the honors requirements.

Internships for History Credit

History majors may do an internship for 3 credits (HIST 1900) in a local museum in either the fall or spring semesters. Contact the history academic advisor for information.

Study Abroad

Each year the department offers a scholarship for study broad. Applications for the A. J. Schneider Award are due by February each year. Contact the history undergraduate advisor for more information.

Minor Requirements

The history minor consists of two lower-level courses followed by three upper-level courses, for a total of 15 credits. The two lower-level (survey) courses may be in the same geographical area or in two different areas. For example, courses may be chosen from among the following:

• HIST 0100 Western Civilization 1
• HIST 0101 Western Civilization 2
• HIST 0200 East Europe Civilization
• HIST 1240 Political East Europe
• HIST 0300 Russia to 1860
• HIST 0301 Russia to 1917
• HIST 0400 Traditional East Asia to 1850
• HIST 0401 Modern East Asian Civilization
• HIST 0500 Colonial Latin America
• HIST 0501 Modern Latin America
• HIST 0600 United States to 1877
• HIST 0601 United States 1865–Present
• HIST 0670 Afro-American History 1
• HIST 0671 Afro-American History 2

Normally, the three upper-level courses should be chosen from the geographic area of one of the survey courses already taken.