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Program Information
E-Campus
GS Faculty/Staff
Geography
Courses
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GGEOG
200 Geography: The Global Dimension (3 credits)
This course promotes global understanding through the study of humans,
their institutions and processes and the resulting interactions between
humans and the environment. The course will include the study of western
and non-western peoples and their social, cultural, political and economic
relationships.
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GEOG
210 Physical Geography (4 credits)
The physical aspects of man's environment. World distributions of land
forms, weather and climate, natural vegetation, soils, minerals and the
interrelationships between these factors. Also considered are earth-sun
relationships and map projections.
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GEOG
215 Map Reading and Interpretation (3 credits)
An introduction to a wide variety of maps used by the educator,
layman and public official with critical analysis of various cartographic
techniques used to represent and present information.
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GEOG
230 Spatial Analysis (3 credits)
This course focuses on the theory and practice of spatial analysis. Research
methods and quantitative techniques used in geographic analysis are presented.
Topics include quantitative research design, the nature of spatial distributions,
the use of maps as spatial models, univariate and bivariate analysis,
spatial autocorrelation, index number development, point and area pattern
analysis, shape and density measurement, the use of census data and unobtrusive
measures in geography.
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GEOG
240 Natural Resource Conservation (3 credits)
Examines the basic principles of resource use including geographic, economic,
social and political processes. Explores concepts underlying such issues
as resource consumption and conservation, environmental perception, resource
and environmental conflict, population growth and control, carrying capacity
and the evolution of the environmental movement.
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GEOG
244 Introduction to Global Positioning Systems (1 credit)
This course will provide basic training in the use of Global Positioning
Systems. It will include instruction in the use of GPS field units, creation
and use of data dictionaries, preplanning fieldwork and post-processing
of field data. This course is designed primarily for non-majors and will
focus on the basics of using GPS so that students will be able to apply
this knowledge and equipment in their own projects and independent studies
within their own major.
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GEOG
245 Global Positioning Systems (3 credits)
This course will provide basic training in the use of Global Positioning
Systems. It will include instruction in the use of GPS field units, creation
and use of data dictionaries, preplanning fieldwork and post processing
of field data. The course will also include actual field projects and
the use of mapping software.
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GEOG
250 Agricultural Systems and Global Food Production (3 credits)
This course concentrates on the geographic study of various agricultural
systems and emphasizes how social, cultural and economic behavior and
the physical environment influences global food production. Issues on
the interconnection between world hunger, the place-to-place differences
in farming practices, agricultural policies and the environment will be
covered.
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GEOG
265 Thematic Cartography (4 credits)
Thematic cartography introduces each student to basic cartographic theory
and computer mapping techniques. Emphasis is placed on using maps for
spatial analysis and geographic research. Using computer mapping software,
students examine basic concepts of thematic map development, elementary
cartometrics, map evaluation and map publication. Prerequisite: GEOG
130.
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GEOG
280 Introduction to Cultural Geography (3 credits)
The course themes are human culture, cultural variations over the face
of the earth and how these variations are related to selected global issues.
Topics covered include world demographics, world religions and languages,
patterns of human migration, political systems and human conflict, agricultural
systems and impact on the physical world.
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GEOG
285 Remote Sensing (4 credits)
The Remote Sensing class involves the study of the characteristics, quality,
geometry and digital properties of remotely sensed aerial imagery. Methods
of data collection, analysis, enhancement and presentation are discussed.
Both the physical and cultural aspects of the imagery are examined.
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GEOG
300 Population Geography (3 credits)
An introduction to population measurement, sources of population data
and modern population problems. Topics include distribution, the changing
age structure and migrating issues affecting the U.S. At the global scale,
topics include distribution, global migration patterns, the refugee crisis
and prospects for feeding the rapidly increasing human population.
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GEOG/GEOL
310 Environmental Issues (1-4 repeatable credits, no limit)
Courses cover environmental issues such as air pollution, forest and wildlife
management, water, resource management, soils and land use, and energy
and the environment (among other topics). Courses examine the interface
between humans and environmental systems while addressing the impact of
social, economic and political systems and activities on the environment.
May be repeated as course content changes.
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GEOG
311 Endangered Environments (3 credits)
In this course, an investigation is made of a selected number of environmental
problem areas around the world. Some examples include the temperate rainforest
of Valdivia, South America, the tropical rainforests of Borneo and the
Aral Sea of Eastern Europe. In the course, students will explore physical
aspects of each environment and explore human impact and potential solutions
to the problems.
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GEOG
315 Field Studies in Geography (3 credits)
This course exposes students to the methods and techniques commonly used
by geographers while conducting fieldwork. The course will cover identifying
and defining a researchable project, designing and testing data collection
methods and studying different methods of collecting, recording and presenting
data.
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GEOG
335 Geography of Africa (3 credits)
The physical environment, natural resources and human geographic patterns
of Africa.
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GEOG
336 Geography of North America (3 credits)
A study of the physical environment of North America followed by an analysis
of the spatial structures of the area's population and economy. The basis
for the regional differentiation is considered, followed by a region-by-region
analysis of each of these unique interactions of physical and cultural
phenomenon.
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GEOG
337 Geography of Latin America (3 credits)
A study of countries in Latin America which includes their physical landforms,
weather and climate, biogeography, natural resource base, attitudes toward
the physical environment, characteristics of the economy, the current
political role in international activities and population characteristics
that include growth rate, distribution, migration and ethnicity.
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GEOG
340 Biogeography (3 credits)
Examines the distribution of plants and animals on Earth and the factors
contributing to the existence and alteration of these patterns. The ecological
and human processes shaping the natural environment are examined.
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GEOG
344 Economic Geography and Development Issues (3 credits)
An overview of the classification of economic activities, and the regional
variation in the standard of living associated with economic development.
Additional topics include regional economic growth and types of economic
systems and development perspectives, the roles that politics and demographics
play in the economic development of a country, and the globalization of
economic activities.
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GEOG
346 Geography of Europe (3 credits)
Geographic assessment of regional and national characteristics of European
nations.
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GEOG
348 Russia and the Former USSR (3 credits)
A study of the people and culture of Russia with an emphasis on their
social, economic and political processes and situation.
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GEOG
349 Geography of East Asia (3 credits)
A survey of the physical and cultural environments of China, Taiwan, Japan,
the Koreas, Indochina and the countries of Southeast Asia. Topics covered
include weather and climate, physiography, natural resources, population
characteristics, political systems, aspects of the economy and the role
that each country plays on the regional and world stage.
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GEOG
365 Advanced Thematic Cartography (4 credits)
Using automated mapping techniques, statistical software and the World
Wide Web, students will examine advanced cartographic design theory, thematic
map construction and investigate the use of maps for conducting spatial
analysis within the discipline of geography. Laboratory work will require
students to reproduce a publishable-quality map for a client.
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GEOG
366 Geographic Information Systems (3 credits)
An introduction to the theory and practice of building a geographic information
system. Computer-aided design is used to digitize, edit and plot spatial
data. Attribute data and spatial data are combined in a GIS, and fundamental
GIS analysis functions are performed.
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GEOG
380 Regional Geography Studies (3 credits)
Students
will focus on one of 10 world regions (A-US/Canada; B-Latin America; C-Middle
East/North Africa; D-Sub-Saharan Africa; E-Europe; F-Russia/Central Asia;
G-East Asia; H-South Asia; I-Southeast Asia; J-Australia/Pacific). All
students enrolled will meet with the instructor as a group once a week
for discussion of general characteristics of world regions. Most work
will be guided/independent.
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GEOG
385 Advanced Remote Sensing (4 credits)
The Advanced Remote Sensing class involves a continuation of the subject
matter of the basic course, which is its prerequisite. The subject matters
includes advance georeferencing and orthocorrection, refined methods and
applications of digital image enhancement and image classification methodologies.
These tools are applied to the inventory and assessment of various environmental
conditions. Prerequisite: GEOG 285.
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GEOG
390 Research Design (1 credit)
The first in a sequence of two courses designed to involve students in
research projects. This course focuses on designing a research project.
It is taken as an independent study during the semester preceding the
"Capstone" course (GEOG 490, GEOG 491 or GEOG 495).
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GEOG
410 Urban Geography (3 credits)
Study of the city in its geographic setting, giving perspective of modern
urban problems, origin and growth of cities and influence of location
on city functions. Looks at the internal structure of cities and the influence
of the internal structure on its population group.
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GEOG
415 Climatology (3 credits)
The systematic study of the atmosphere with emphasis on such phenomena
as temperature, pressure, humidity, air masses and fronts; the occurrence
of these phenomena on a global basis; and a detailed survey of the worldwide
distribution of climate types.
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GEOG
430 Geography of Crop Plants (3 credits)
How did the crops we depend on for food
develop from their wild progenitors? Where did they first grow? Who were
the first people to practice agrigulture? How have plants shaped the people
who gro them? How have crops moved over time? How does geography influence
today's crops and the development of new crop varieties? Explore these
and other questions in this discussion-based class.
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GEOG
440 Wilderness Techniques (3 credits)
Wilderness legislation, legal mandates and wilderness issues are examined.
Human impacts due to overuse or conflicting uses are studied, as are the
philosophical aspects of wilderness ethics. This course is taught entirely
in the field. Camping, hiking and permission of the instructor are required.
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GEOG
441 Management & Protection of Natural Resourses
(3 credits)
This course provides a managerial perspective
for protection and management of natural resourses. A systems approach
for applied management strategies is provided for aquatic, terrestrial,
threatened and endangered ecosystems. Topics include application of state,
federal, international laws, regulations, policies and guidelines. Students
develop management plans and explore jurisdictional resource protection
issues.
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GEOG
442 Wildlife Management (3 credits)
An introductory discussion of applied
management strategies for wildlife species and their ecological requirements
is provided relative to human influences. Management techniques that are
useful for determining population or health status are demonstrated for
select vertebrate species. The evolution of wildlife laws, policies, and
management strategies are addressed to provide relevant awareness into
the appropriate concepts of wildlife management.
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GEOG
450 Topics in Geography (1-3 credits)
Examination of geographic topics that are of current interest. Can be
repeated as course content changes.
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GEOG
466 Geographic Databases (4 credits)
An introduction to digital spatial data used by industry and government.
Integration of large spatial data sets in the geographic information system,
data management, data exchange and the geodetic transformation of data
sets are emphasized. Digital elevation models, land use data, population
data, digital topographic map and street network data will be used. Prerequisite:
GEOG 366.
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GEOG
467 Applied Geographic Information Systems (4 credits)
The course advances the knowledge of GIS in theory and practice by focusing
on specific application areas. Spatial databases and complex attribute
data will be created and GIS modeling techniques will be used to solve
problems relevant to the specified topical area. The course may be repeated
once for additional credit when the topic changes. Prerequisite: GEOG
366.
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GEOG
468 Internet Geographic Information Systems (4 credits)
Theoretical and practical exploration of methods, standards and policies
related to the development and utilization of geographic information systems
on the Internet. Students will create and utilize distributed geospatial
data and analytical systems using the world wide web and the Internet
to address geographical problems. Prerequisite: GEOG 366.
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GEOG
475 Political Geography (3 credits)
Geopolitical conflicts and issues are examined. Concepts such as territoriality,
nationalism, religious and ethnic struggle, environmental degradation
and freedom and justice are discussed in the context of political unrest.
Significant geopolitical theories and social and economic processes are
explored.
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GEOG
490 Special Studies in Geography (1-3 credits each semester)
Designed to give capable students in geography an opportunity to complete
independent study under faculty supervision. Prerequisite: Admission
by recommendation of the instructor and permission of the program director.
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GEOG
491 International Studies-Capstone (3 credits)
This course fulfills the capstone experience requirement for students
majoring in geography. Students will make arrangements for the international
experience. A research project or work-study project will be designed
by the student and faculty member prior to departure. The research or
work will be carried out in the the country of travel.
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GEOG
495. Internship in Geography (3-6 credits)
Practical experience in and observation of a public agency utilizing geographic
methodology. Work experience will be supervised by an official of the
agency and a faculty member. Periodic seminars and written reports are
required. Prerequisites: Geography major of junior or senior standing
with permission of department coordinator.
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