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Geography Courses



ISGEOG 100 INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY
A systematic introduction to the discipline, designed to give the beginning student exposure to major topics associated with the subfields of geography. Geographic concepts and theories using real world examples will be presented in order to examine spatial information and patterns that exist on the earth. Fall, Spring.

ISGEOG 101 WORLD REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY
Introduction to the geography of the world’s peoples and places. Adopting a regional perspective, the course examines the homogenizing and diversifying forces inherent among the world’s countries, peoples, and physical environments. Includes resource materials for teaching geography. Students may not receive credit for both ISGEOG 101 and GEOG 105. Fall, Spring.

GEOG 105 GEOGRAPHY FOR TEACHERS
A combination of world regional geography and its application in the K-12 classroom. Course is based on the five themes of geography and the national geography standards. Appropriate for both elementary and secondary preservice teachers. Not open to students who have completed GEOG 105. Fall, Spring.

ISGEOG 203 THE HUMAN CULTURAL MOSAIC
Focuses on a global analysis of cultural systems, spatial patterns, and processes underlying cultural evolution, resource systems, and the impact of humans on the environment. Fall, Spring.

ISGEOG 204 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
This course examines the dynamic processes that shape the Earth’s landscapes. Special attention is given to weather, climate, maps, and landforms. Fall, Spring.

GEOG 221 MAPS INTERPRETATION
The fundamentals of maps, map contents, and the theory of map reproduction, as well as an overview of the maps of the United States and other countries. Emphasis is on interpreting and analyzing map information and data. Spring.

GEOG 223 METHODS OF SPATIAL ANALYSIS
Introduction to statistical analysis in Geography. Principles learned include the use of the map as a model for statistics prediction and hypothesis testing. SPSSx computing on the PC through simulation experiments conducted in the computer lab of the Geography department. Three-hour lecture, two-hour lab. Prerequisites: ISGEOG 203 or ISGEOG 204. Spring, even years.

GEOG 290 SPECIAL TOPICS
1-4 credits
Study of a selected topic in Geography. May be repeated as topics change. Occasionally.

GEOG 294 COOPERATIVE EDUCATION
1-4 credits
Introductory work-learning experience related to career interests for which compensation may be received. Placements arranged, supervised and evaluated by a full-time faculty. Elective credit only (normally 120 hours per credit) for a total of 8 credits per degree program. Prerequisites: 24 total credits earned, 2.0 cumulative GPA, and permission of instructor. Graded Pass/Fail. Fall, Spring.

GEOG 298 INDEPENDENT STUDY
1-4 credits
An opportunity for a qualified student to explore work in an area of individual interest, selected and pursued in consultation with a faculty member. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor who will supervise the independent study. May be repeated for a total of 4 credits. Occasionally.

GEOG 303 THE POLITICS OF PLACE
Provides a systematic introduction to the geographical dimensions of political systems, with emphasis on the physical environment, economic and cultural systems, location, resources, and political patterns. Spring, odd years.

GEOG 304 POPULATION GEOGRAPHY
Global demographic analysis of birth rates, death rates, and migration rates. Provides a spatial, temporal, and structural investigation of the relationship between demographic and cultural, economic, and environmental factors. Prerequisite: ISGEOG 203 or ISGEOG 204. Spring, odd years.

GEOG 305 THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
Analysis of the world economy from the spatial perspective, emphasizing resources, location, trade, and development. Attention is focused on population issues; the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors; development and underdevelopment issues, environmental relationships, and the global economy. Prerequisite: 4 credits in Geography. Fall, even years.

GEOG 307 URBAN GEOGRAPHY & PLANNING
Combines attention to urbanism, growth of cities, morphological theories of urbanization, and modern urban problems with theory and methods of land use planning. Emphasis is placed on concepts, principles, and practices of land analysis and evaluation of planning and design. Prerequisite: ISGEOG 100 or ISGEOG 203 or permission of instructor. Spring, odd years.

GEOG 321 GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY FOR K-12
Exploration of geospatial technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Remote Sensing and their applications in the K-12 classroom. Emphasis is on geospatial technology skills and its associated K-12 pedagogy. This course is only recommended as one of the required skills courses for teacher certification candidates. Prerequisite: One course in Geography. Spring.

GEOG 323 CARTOGRAPHY AND SURVEYING
Fundamental and modern techniques of surveying and map making. Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. Fall, alternate years.

GEOG 324 VECTOR GIS
This vector-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) course provides an introduction to the fundamental components of GIS. Lecture and lab-based instruction emphasize data input, manipulation, and production of maps for geographic analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG 204 or GEOG 221. Fall.

GEOG 325 CARTOGRAPHIC DESIGN AND ANALYSIS
Analysis of statistical geographical data is used to design and produce publishable maps with computer programs. Three-hour lecture, two-hour lab. Prerequisite: GEOG 204 or GEOG 221. Fall, even years.

GEOG 326 RASTER GIS
The raster-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) IDRISI is used to manage databases, process remotely sensed images, and produce a geographic analysis. Three-hour lecture, two-hour lab. Prerequisite: GEOG 204 or GEOG 221. Spring.

GEOG 327 ENVIRONMENTAL REMOTE SENSING
The basics of aerial photography and remote sensing and the identification and analysis of objects. Imagery of low as well as high altitude is interpreted. Spring, odd years.

GEOG 330 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Examination of the use and management of renewable and nonrenewable resources, including patterns of assessment, conservation policies and practices, and human impact on the environment. Resources discussed include land, water, air, forests, wilderness, and recreation from an international perspective. Prerequisites: ENST 120 and 4 credits in Geography. Fall, even years.

GEOG 332 GLOBAL WATER RESOURCES
Spatial investigation of the social, political, and environmental consequences of water resources development and use. Case studies used to compare hydrologic conditions, social institutions, and hydropolitics in watersheds around the world. Emphasis is on emerging global change (e.g., population and climate). Prerequisite: ENST 120 or ISGEOG 204 or permission of instructor. Spring, even years.

GEOG 340 TOPICS IN REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY
A systematic analysis of the physical, social, and economic resources of the region under study. Focuses on historical development, physical and cultural diversity, natural resources, demographic trends, spatial interaction, the environment, and prospects for growth. May be repeated as topics change. Fall, Spring.

GEOG 341 GEOGRAPHY OF THE U. S. AND CANADA
Examines the complex mosaic of peoples and places that make up the United States and Canada. A systematic analysis of the physical, environmental, cultural, political, and economic aspects of the North American region using a geographic perspective. Spring.

GEOG 371 GEOGRAPHY FIELD STUDIES
1-8 credits
Off-campus field study. Themes include aspects of physical and/or cultural Geography depending on the expertise of the instructor and the areas under observation. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 16 credits, only 8 of which are applicable toward the major in Geography. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Fall, Spring.

GEOG 395 SEMINAR I
An in-depth analysis of geographic literature and research. Stresses research methodologies and design, survey analysis, report preparation, and oral presentations of research. Develops critical analysis and critical thinking skills in Geography. Prerequisites: IQL 101 and 12 credits of Geography at the 200-level or above. GEOG 324 or GEOG 325 is recommended. Spring.

GEOG 420 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Examines methodologies for evaluating natural resources and organizing data for decision-making applications. Includes key legislative policies driving environmental assessments, common assessment techniques, and how information generated flows back into the policy process. Prerequisite: ENST 120 or GEOG 330 or permission of instructor. Fall, odd years.

GEOG 490 ADVANCED SPECIAL TOPICS
1-4 credits
Individual study and discussion of selected topics in Geography under direction of a faculty member. Prerequisites: GEOG 203 or 204 and permission of instructor. Occasionally.

GEOG 494 ADVANCED COOPERATIVE EDUCATION
1-6 credits
Sequential work-learning experience related to career interests (compensation is allowed). Placements are arranged with and approved, supervised, and evaluated by full-time faculty. Elective credit only (normally 120 hours per credit). Prerequisites: GEOG 294, 2.5 cumulative GPA, and permission of instructor. May be repeated for a total of 12 credits. Graded Pass/Fail. Fall, Spring.

GEOG 495 SEMINAR II
The capstone course stressing integration and application of geographic studies and research. Focus on quantitative and qualitative methodologies and skills necessary for pursuing a Geography-related career. Culminates with the design and implementation of a major career-oriented research project. Prerequisites: Grade C or higher in GEOG 395. Fall.

GEOG 498 ADVANCED INDEPENDENT STUDY
1-4 credits
Exploration of a major area of Geography under direction of a Geography faculty member. Topics contingent on student interest and available staff. Prerequisite: ISGEOG 100, ISGEOG 203, ISGEOG 204, and permission of instructor. May be repeated for a total of 4 credits. Fall, Spring.

GEOG 571 GEOGRAPHY FIELD STUDIES
1-8 credits
Off-campus field study. Themes include aspects of physical and/or cultural Geography depending on the expertise of the instructor and the areas under observation. A research project is required. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Fall, Spring.

GEOG 690 GRADUATE SPECIAL TOPICS
4 credits
Study of selected topics in geography based on the needs and interest of the student. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Fall, Spring.



Updated: May 6, 2008

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