Geography (GEOG)

Head of Department: Professor Jeffrey P. Osleeb
Department Office: Room 422, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Building

For major requirements, see the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section of this Catalog.

1000. Introduction to Geography

(104) Either semester. Three credits.

Principles, concepts and methods of modern geography are developed both in general form and specific case studies. Examples pertaining to both the human and physical environment will be discussed. CA 2.

1070. Global Change and Natural Disasters

(Also offered as GSCI 1070.) Second semester. Three credits.

Climate change, global warming, natural hazards, earth surface processes, and the impact these have on populations now and in the past. CA 3.

1093. Foreign Study

(193) Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. May be repeated for credit. Consent of Department Head or advisor may be required prior to the student's departure.

Special topics taken in a foreign study program.

1100. Globalization

(165) Either semester. Three credits.

Linkages between spatial processes and social, cultural, economic, political and environmental change around the world today.  Focus on theory and impacts of globablization through case studies at the local, regional, national and international scales. CA 2. CA 4-INT.

1200. The City in the Western Tradition

(130) (Also offered as URBN 1200.) Either semester. Three credits.

A broad discussion of the role and structure of the city in the western tradition from the Classical period to contemporary America. Special emphasis will be placed on the mechanisms by which cities and ideas about them have been diffused from one place to another and on the changing forces that have shaped the western city. CA 1.

1300. Climate, Weather, and the Environment

(105) Either semester. Three credits.

Interactions between weather and climate and the human and natural environment. Emphasis on understanding the linkages between natural processes and societal/environmental issues.

1302. GIS Modeling of Environmental Change

First semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 3-hour laboratory period.

An introduction to environmental processes and patterns, especially assessing change in environmental systems using spatial analysis techniques. Students will map field sites using Global Positioning System technology and aerial photographs, collect field data on various environmental systems, and build and test a Geographical Information System-based environmental model. CA 3-LAB.

1700. World Regional Geography

(160) Either semester. Three credits.

Study of geographic relationships among natural and cultural environments that help to distinguish one part of the world from another. Analysis of selected countries as well as larger regions, with specific reference to the non-western world. CA 2. CA 4-INT.

2100. Economic Geography

(200) Either semester. Three credits.

Examination of the relationship among economic, cultural, and geographic processes which affect the patterns, structure, and growth or decline of economic activities. The global extent of the agricultural, manufacturing, and service sectors is presented with particular emphasis on the interdependency of non-western and western economies. CA 2.

2300. Introduction to Physical Geography

(205) Either semester. Three credits.

The physical elements and processes of the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere are considered in relation to one another and to the distribution of the world's environments. Emphasis on the basic concepts and theories of physical geography. CA 3.

2510. Visualizing Geographic Data

(241) Second semester. Three credits.

Survey of methods for representing data in tables, graphs, and maps emphasizing proper application, integration, and interpretation of methods in data visualization.

3100. The Geography of Economic Development

(234) Second semester. Three credits. Recommended preparation: GEOG 1100 or 1700 or 2100.

Analysis of processes and patterns of economic organization and spatial change at the international, national and intra-national scales. Examines development from both linear (neo-classical) and structuralist (political economy) perspectives, and emphasizes relationships between advanced and developing economies within the context of the global economy.

3110. Location Analysis

(231) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: GEOG 2100.

The study of issues and approaches in location analysis. Topics include location, theory and models, impacts of locational choice, systems analysis, evaluation of service areas, land use allocation, accessibility and locational conflict. Implications for planning and public policy are stressed.

3120. Introduction to Human Geography

(204) First semester. Three credits.

Geographic perspectives on the relationships between human behavior/activities, and the physical, economic, and cultural environments.

3200. Urban Geography

(233) (Also offered as URBN 3200.) First semester. Three credits. Not open for credit to students who have passed GEOG 212 or URBN 212.

Analysis of the growth, distribution, and functional patterns within and among Western cities. Application of urban geographical concepts to city planning problems.

3300. Principles and Applications of Physical Geography

(232) First semester. Four credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation:  GEOG 2300 or 3400.

Laboratory and field study of the physical environment. Techniques, methodologies, and basic concepts of physical geography.

3310. Fluvial Geomorphology

(230) First semester, alternate years. Three credits. One required weekend field trip. Prerequisite: GEOG 2300 or BIOL 1108 or instructor consent; open to juniors or higher.

Physical forms and processes associated with rivers. Factors controlling open-channel flow, sediment transport, channel morphology, adjustments of rivers to environmental change, and human impacts. River management and restoration strategies. A fee of $20 is charged for this course.

3320W. Environmental Evaluation and Assessment

(286W) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: GEOG 2300 or 3410.

Concepts and methods of environmental analysis in contemporary geography. Emphasis on the ecological impact of human activities and on the evaluation and assessment of existing and future environments.

3330W. Environmental Restoration

(287W) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: GEOG 2300 or BIOL 1108 or instructor consent; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher.

Restoration of natural environments including rivers, wetlands, coastal areas, grasslands and forests. Theoretical discussions of restoration ecology, management and engineering concerns. History of environmental restoration; relevant policy debates; specific case studies of river, wetland, coastal, grassland, and forest restoration.

3340. Environmental Planning and Management

(237) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: GEOG 3410.

The basic elements of the conflict between human environments and natural systems are considered, along with the methods of analysis and resolution of problems caused by that conflict. Emphasis on public policy related to environmental issues. A fee of $10 is charged for this course.

3400. Climate and Weather

(215) Either semester. Three credits. Recommended preparation: GEOG 1300 or 2300.

Analysis of atmospheric processes giving rise to weather systems and climatic patterns. The dynamic integration of atmospheric systems is emphasized.

3410. Human Modifications of Natural Environments

(236) Either semester. Three credits.

A geographical and historical interpretation of the changing relationships between culture and environment. Emphasis on the modification of the biophysical environment by preagricultural, agricultural and urban societies in Europe, southwest Asia, and North America.

3500Q. Geographic Data Analysis

(242Q) Second semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: 1000-level STAT; MATH 1010 or equivalent.

An introduction to the use of quantitative methods in conducting research, with particular emphasis on the processing and analysis of geographic data.

3505. Remote Sensing of Marine Geography

(Also offered as MARN 3505.) First semester. Three credits. Recommended preparation: GEOG 2300 or MARN 1002.

3510. Cartographic Techniques

(240C) Second semester. Four credits. One 2-hour lecture and two 2-hour laboratory periods.

A laboratory-oriented introduction to computer-based map design and compilation. Concepts of scale, symbolization, map balance, and layout are emphasized for both general and thematic mapping.

3520. Introduction to Computer Assisted Cartography 

(245C) Second semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: GEOG 3500Q or equivalent.

Introduction to numerical cartography and a review of standard computer-assisted mapping programs. Emphasis is given to data compilation for machine presentation of cartographic information. Exercises will introduce students to a variety of input and output display media.

3700. The American Landscape

(252) Either semester. Three credits.

Survey and analysis of contemporary U.S. and Canadian landscapes, including consideration of the environmental, social, political, and economic forces that generate them.

4090. Internship in Geography: Field Study

(295) Either semester. Credits, not to exceed three, by arrangement. Hours by arrangement with hosting agency, not to exceed 16 hours per week. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher. Corequisite: GEOG 4091. May not be repeated for credit. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

A fieldwork internship program under the direction and supervision of the geography staff. Students will be placed in agencies or industries where their academic training will be applied. One 8-hour work day per week (or its equivalent) for the host agency during the course of the semester will be necessary for 3 academic credits.

4091. Internship in Geography: Seminar

(294) Either semester. Credits, not to exceed three, by arrangement.  Prerequisite: Consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher. Corequisite: GEOG 4090. 

Description, analysis, and evaluation of the fieldwork portion (GEOG 4090) of the internship. Written reports are required.

4093. Foreign Study

(293) Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement, up to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Consent of Department Head required prior to the student's departure.

Special topics taken in a foreign study program.

4095. Special Topics

(298) Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Open only with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

4096. Senior Thesis

(296) Either semester. Three credits. Hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: One advanced seminar in geography and/or 3 credits of independent study in geography; open to juniors or higher. Open only with consent of instructor and department head. 

4098. Variable Topics

(297) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. With a change in topic, may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary.

4099. Independent Study

(299) Either or both semesters. Credits, not to exceed 6, and hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. May be repeated for credit.

4100. Advanced Economic Geography

(284) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: GEOG 2100 or instructor consent; open to juniors or higher.

Problems involved in analyzing spatial variations of selected economic variables. Emphasis on location theory with view toward integrating geographic viewpoint and economic concepts.

4110W. Regional Development and Policy

(288W) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: GEOG 2100 or instructor consent; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher.

A study of theory and practice in regional development and planning. Emphasis on evaluation of regional problems and public policies designed to resolve them, with a primary focus on the United States.

4130. Transportation Geography

(235) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Recomended preparation: GEOG 2100.

Transportation rate establishment, transportation models for predicting transportation flows, impact of transportation on location of economic activities, and planning of transportation facilities in cities.

4200W. Geographical Analysis of Urban Social Issues

(280W) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: GEOG 3200.

Analysis of socioeconomic patterns and issues within urban areas, with emphasis on applied geographical research. Policy implications are stressed.

4210. Urban and Regional Planning

(274) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: GEOG 2100 or instructor consent.

Urban and regional planning, with emphasis on (1) duties of local planners, especially land use planning, and (2) the political context for planners' work. Legal and political issues in communities and organizations.

4220. Population Geography

(238) (Formerly offered as GEOG 3210.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: GEOG 1000 or 2100.

Composition and growth of small-area populations with respect to public and private sector decision making in more developed societies. Basic concepts and techniques for analyzing local populations are presented in the context of significant population issues in the United States.

4300. Advanced Physical Geography

(285) Second semester, alternate years. Three credits. Prerequisite: GEOG 2300 or instructor consent; open to juniors or higher.

Problems involving the application of physical processes in our changing environment.

4500. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

(246C) First semester. Four credits. One 2-hour lecture and two 2-hour laboratory periods. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: GEOG 3500Q.

The study of the fundamental principles of geographic information systems (GIS). Topics include history of the field, components of a GIS, the nature and characteristics of spatial data, methods of data capture and sources of data, database models, review of typical GIS operations and applications. Laboratory exercises provide experience with common computer-based systems.

4510. Applications of Geographic Information Systems

(248C) Second semester. Four credits. One 2-hour lecture and two 2-hour laboratory periods. Prerequisite: GEOG 4500; open to juniors or higher.

Applications of geographic information systems. Particular attention to land use planning and resource management.

4520. Selected Topics in Geographic Information Systems

(249) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. May be repeated once for credit with change in content. Recommended preparation: GEOG 3500Q

Selected problems in geospatial decisionmaking and the most commonly used GIS functions, databases, and analyses for decision support.

4530. Computer Applications in Spatial Analysis 

(282C) First semester, alternate years, even. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: GEOG 3500Q or equivalent; MATH 1010 or equivalent.

An advanced seminar in the design of computer programs for solving problems in spatial analysis. Students receive a thorough knowledge of Fortran and related graphic subroutine libraries necessary to implement individual projects.

4700. Contemporary Europe: A Geography

(254) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher.

An introduction to the Europe (including the European republics of the former U.S.S.R.). Emphasis on the economic, political, and social forces both maintaining national identities and shaping a united Europe.

4710. Geography of Latin America

(255) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher.

An integrative study of the physical, historical, social, political and economic geography of Latin America. Particular emphasis on patterns, processes and problems of spatial economic change in the region.