Geography Undergraduate Courses

World Regions
(Geography 102)
I, II, 3 hr
Comparison and relationships of world regions. Geographical perspectives of contemporary global problems. Developing regions contrasted with modernized regions and the consequences of their interactions.
Physical Geography
(Geography 107) & (Geog Lab 106)
I, II, S 3hr
An introduction to the various global environmental systems operating on the earth's surface and examination of human interactions with these natural processes.
Human Geography
(Geography 108)
I, II, S 3hr
Introduction to the geographical dimension in human behavior and the human-altered landscape including social, demographic, economic, and political attributes of societies.
Orientation to Geography
(Geography 199)
II, 1 hr
For majors, pre-majors, and potential majors; discussion of the discipline, curriculum requirements, areas of specialization , internships and career opportunities. (Pass/Fail only)

 

Resource Utilization and the Environment
(Geography 205)
II, 3 hr
An analysis of the problems associated with natural resource utilization in the United States. The functional concept of resources is defined and evaluated in terms of land-use planning, pollution abatement, and alternative resource utilization strategies
Climate and Environment
(Geography 207)
II, 3 hr
Processes of weather and patterns of climate and their significance to people
Economic Geography
(Geography 209)
I, 3 hr
Land use patterns and interactions resulting from economic activities; analysis of industrial location, mineral exploitation, and agricultural patterns
Urban Geography
(Geography 210)
II, 3 hr
Introduction to the geography of the city incorporating consideration of urban systems and city-region linkages, patterns and processes of urban land use, the social geography of the city, and contemporary urban problems
United States and Canada
(Geography 240)
I, 3 hr
Regional study of the United States and Canada emphasizing such geographic features as climate, natural vegetation, topography, natural resources, population distribution, and trends, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation systems, and regional culture
Geography of Europe
(Geography 241)
II (Alternate Years), 3 hr. PR: Geog 108
Regional characteristics, problems of development, and human ecology of the area
Geography of Africa
(Geography 243)
I or II, 3 hr
Systematic and regional characteristics and geographic problems of political, social, and economic development
Geography of the Middle East
(Geography 244)
3 hr
This course is designed to provide students with a detailed understanding and ability to analyze the Geography of the Middle East (including North Africa). Special topics on current geographical issues will also be covered.
293 A-Z. Special Topics.
(Geography 293)
1-6 Hr. PR: Consent.
Investigation of topics not covered in regularly scheduled courses.
Geographical Data Analysis
(Geography 300)
3 hr
Quantitative techniques for collection, classification, and spatial analysis of geographical data with emphasis on map analysis and application of spatial statistics.
Political Geography
(Geography 302)
3 hr
Examines the interrelationship between politics and the environment, human territoriality, the political organization of space, geopolitical aspects of the nation-state and international problems.
Biogeography: Theory and Method
(Geography 307)
3 hr PR: GEOG 107.
An Introduction to the field of biogeography including the study of the distribution and diversity of life, how species migrate, the importance of natural and human disturbances in ecosystems.
Industrial Geography
(Geography 309)
3 hr PR: GEOG 209 or Consent.
Introduction to theories and concepts of industrial geography; emphasis on the interdependence of the world economy and spatial patterns of industrial restructuring; case studies from various industrial sectors and regions.
Global Issues
(Geography 310)
3 hr PR: GEOG 102 or GEOG 108.
Themes of spatial equity and justice in an increasingly interdependent world system. Contemporary issues concerning location, place, movement, and region.
Geomorphology
(Geography 321)
3 hr PR: GEOL 101 and GEOL 102.
An examination of earth-surface processes and landforms, with emphasis on environmental geomorphology, streams, floods, glaciers, and landslides. (Required field trip at student’s expense; also listed as GEOL 321.)
Introduction to Geographic Information Science
(Geography 350)
4 Hr. PR: GEOG 150.
Geographic information science (GIS) in principle and practice. Spatial data handling in a computer environment; data analysis, production, and information display for planning and decision making. (3 hr. lec., 1 hr. lab.
Environmental Field Geography
(Geography 407)
3 hr PR: GEOG 107 and GEOG 307.
An introduction to field methods used in environmental and physical geography. Course uses a problem-based approach.
Rural and Regional Development
(Geography 411)
3 hr PR: GEOG 102 or GEOG 108.
An investigation into rural and regional development in developed and underdeveloped regions. The relationship between development theory and policy is explored.
Geography of Gender
(Geography 412)
3 hr PR: GEOG 108 or Consent.
An exploration of how gender affects spatial patterns and processes. Theoretical and empirical aspects of feminism are analyzed including women and employment, Third World feminism, sexuality and space, and gender in academia.
Environmental Systems in Geography
(Geography 415)
3 hr PR: GEOG 107, equivalent or Consent.
A geographic analysis of the earth system emphasizing the interdependence and feedback mechanisms of the hydrologic cycle, ecosystems and climate.
Urban and Regional Planning
(Geography 425)
3 hr PR: GEOG 210 or POLS 220 or Consent.
Explores concepts, techniques, and processes of physical and socioeconomic planning and their application to urban and regional problems.
Geographic Information Science: Applications
(Geography 452)
3 hr PR: GEOG 350.
GIS uses, needs, analysis, design, and implementation. Operational institutional and management topics of GIS for planning, locational decision making in business, government, and research contexts. (2 hr. lec., 1 hr. lab.) (Also listed as GEOL 452.)
Geographic Information Science: Design and Implementation
(Geography 453)
3 hr PR: GEOG 350 and Consent.
Geographic database design and implementation using contemporary GIS software.
Introduction to Remote Sensing
(Geography 455)
3 hr
Theory, technology and applications of photo-interpretation and digital image analysis of aerial photography and multispectral images. (2 hr. lec., 1 hr. lab.) (Also listed as GEOL 455.)
Digital Cartography
(Geography 462)
3 hr PR: GEOG 361 or Consent.
Computer-assisted mapping emphasizing the appropriate uses of software in thematic and topographic map design, annotation, symbolization, color, design, display and reproduction
Methods of Geographic Research
(Geography 485)
3 hr PR: Consent.
Geographic analysis as problem-solving activity. Practical experience in field techniques, library research, hypothesis formation and testing, and report preparation and presentation. Students will acquire skills in literary and numerical approaches to geographic data analysis.
Professional Field Experience
(Geography 491)
1-18 hr PR: Consent.
(May be repeated up to a maximum of 18 hours.) Prearranged experiential learning program, to be planned, supervised, and evaluated for credit by faculty and field supervisors. Involves temporary placement with public or private enterprise for professional competence development.
Directed Study
(Geography 492A-Z)
1-3 hr
Directed study, reading, and/or research.
Special Topics
(Geography 493)
1-6 hr PR: Consent.
Investigation of topics not covered in regularly scheduled courses.
Seminar
(Geography 494A-Z)
1-3 hr PR: Consent.
Presentation and discussion of topics of mutual concern to students and faculty.
Independent Study
(Geography 495)
1-6 hr PR: Consent.
Faculty supervised study of topics not available through regular course offerings.
Senior Thesis
(Geography 496)
1-3 hr PR: Consent.
Research.
(Geography 497)
1-15 hr PR: Consent.
Research activities leading to thesis, problem report, research paper or equivalent scholarly project, or a dissertation. (Grading may be S/U.)
Honors
(Geography 498)
1-3 hr PR: Students in the Honors Program and Consent by the Honors Director.
Independent reading, study or research.
Honors Thesis
(Geography 499)
3-6 hr PR: Departmental Consent.
Thesis proposal, writing, and defense for students admitted to the Honors Program.