Geography Courses 2007-2008
Course lists from previous catalogs are available at the Registration Services Catalog page.
GEOG 110 World Regional Geography 3 credits
A survey of the major regions of the contemporary world-defined according to a combination of biophysical, cartographic, cultural, religious, linguistic, political, and economic criteria. Emphasis is given to understanding regional characteristics and processes, and to relationships between events and processes occurring in different regions. Current events of major importance are incorporated where appropriate.
GEOG 120 Introduction to Human Geography 3 credits
A thematic study of cultural landscapes and the processes by which people create and modify them. Topics of discussion range from ancient to modern, rural to urban, local to international, and include themes as diverse as the origins and spread of agriculture, migration and immigration, urban morphologies and social interactions, ethnicity, development and underdevelopment, and environmental concerns.
GEOG 197 Special Topics 1-6 credits
GEOG 222 Map and Air Photo Interpretation 3 credits
Acquaints students with the basic principles and techniques of map making and interpretation, and with the features, methods of interpretation, and limitations of aerial photography. Emphasis is on the skilled use of topographic maps, creation and interpretation of thematic maps, and interpretation of rural and urban cultural landscapes from various forms of aerial photography.
GEOG 250 Geography of North America 3 credits
A survey of the major biophysical, cultural, and economic regions of the United States and Canada. Major themes of human geography including demography, migration, land use change, and ecological concerns are addressed in appropriate regional contexts. Prerequisite: GEOG 120 or sophomore standing.
GEOG 297 Special Topics 1-6 credits
GEOG 330 Urban Geography 3 credits
A thematic approach to making sense of cities. Topics include ancient and modern forms of urbanization, how cities create their own climates, and how they function as economies, places of residence, interaction, segregation, and meaning. Prerequisite: GEOG 120 or sophomore standing.
GEOG 340 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 3 credits
An introduction to the concepts and techniques of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Topics covered include fundamentals of mapping, data formats, data acquisition, and quantitative analysis of spatial data. The laboratory component emphasizes practical applications of GIS to contemporary problems including but not limited to watershed analysis, land-use planning, environmental assessment, and market analysis. Prerequisites: GEOG 222 or GEOL 105; MATH 131 or MATH 141; junior standing or instructor permission.
GEOG 351 Geography of Latin America and the Caribbean 3 credits
A thematic study of the physiographic and cultural regions of Latin America and the major historical and contemporary geographic processes that characterize the region. Major topics of discussion include climate and physiography, environmental concerns and human rights, the nature of Latin American cities, pre-Hispanic and modern agriculture, and the nature of contemporary economic processes in the region. Prerequisite: GEOG 120 or sophomore standing.
GEOG 392 Independent Study 1-6 credits
An opportunity for detailed study and/or research by advanced students. Prerequisites: GEOG 110 and GEOG 120.
GEOG 397 Special Topics 1-6 credits
GEOG 497 Special Topics 1-6 credits
GEOG 499 Internship in Geography 1-3 credits
Provides the opportunity for advanced students to apply skills and knowledge gained from course work to an applied setting typical of those in which geographers are employed. Prerequisite: junior standing and completion of all other geography requirements.