Course Descriptions

Geography

(GEOG)

GEOG 1010, 1020 World Regional Geography I, II (3, 3). A survey of the geographic regions of the world, including studies of the physical character of the land, resources, economics, and cultures. Courses are designed to provide general background in world geography; they are required for History majors, Geography minors, and some teacher education programs. Both courses may be applied toward the Social Science requirement of the General Education Core.

GEOG 3010, 3020 Physical Geography I, II (3, 3) (Formerly GEOG 301, 302). Study of landforms, maps, weather and climate, vegetation, soils, mineral resources, major surface waters, ground water regions, and types of coastlines. Included are the cause and distribution of these elements and their impact on humanity.

GEOG 3100 Cartography (3) (Formerly GEOG 310). The nature and use of maps, the construction of map projections and their uses, and the preparation and use of maps for various types of analysis. Course includes both lectures and laboratories.

GEOG 3500 Weather and Climate (3) (Formerly GEOG 350). The properties, behavior, and importance of the atmosphere. Emphasis is given to observation and analysis of clouds and storm systems—cyclones, tornados and hurricanes—the causes and global distribution of climate types, and major atmospheric concerns, including the greenhouse effect, acid rain, the ozone hole, and climatic change.

GEOG 3710 Geography of the United States and Canada (3) (Formerly GEOG 371). The physical and cultural geography of the regions of Anglo‑America, with recognition, analysis, and interpretation of the landforms, resources, and human adjustments that are made within its several regions.

GEOG 3720 Geography of Mexico and the Caribbean (3) (Formerly GEOG 372). A study of Mexico , Central America , and the islands of the Caribbean : their historical geography, cultural patterns, economic resources, and role among the nations of the world.

GEOG 3730 Geography of South America (3) (Formerly GEOG 373). Regions and resources of South America beyond the Caribbean , with special study of the distinctive role of each country according to its geographic significance. Problems of future development are emphasized.

GEOG 4000 Geography of Latin America (3) (Formerly GEOG 400). An analysis of the physical and cultural characteristics of Latin America, encompassing Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean, and all of South America. The unique physical and environmental concerns, the vast mosaic of cultures, and the population dynamics in this region are central to this course.

GEOG 4100 Geography of Asia (3) (Formerly GEOG 410). An examination of the physical and cultural geography of Asia , including land utilization, resources, and population characteristics and settlement. Stages of economic development and challenges of the future are examined.

GEOG 4120 Geography of Africa (3) (Formerly GEOG 412). The regions, resources, and peoples of the African continent with special attention to Africa south of the Sahara desert, its development and potential.

GEOG 4250 Historical Geography of the United States and Canada (3) (Formerly GEOG 425). The changing physical and cultural geography of Anglo‑America during four centuries of settlement and development.

GEOG 4300 Social Geography (3) (Formerly GEOG 430). The spatial behavior of urban and suburban populations. Topics include prospects of the future to understand and resolve social complexities, such as poverty, unharnessed population growth, overcrowding, social class, and multicultural relationships, including those of the local community.

GEOG 4440 Cultural Geography (3) (Formerly GEOG 444). An introduction to the study of the geography of human cultures. Topics include demographics; migration dynamics and settlement patterns; the spatial dimensions of ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity; political, economic and urban structures; and differing approaches to the ecological interface.

GEOG 4640 Environmental Geography (3) (Formerly GEOG 464). Exploration of the world’s natural environment and physical landscapes, and the challenges presented by modern man. Course also includes study of the conservation and environmentalist movements.

GEOG 4700 Political Geography (3) (Formerly GEOG 470). The structures and function of political regions, with emphasis on the sovereign state, geopolitics, internal conflict, and relationships among sovereign countries, illustrated by unions of nations, recent developments, and current situations.

GEOG 4750 Economic Geography (3) (Formerly GEOG 475). An examination of the geography of world economic systems, including an analysis of the principles of resource utilization and location theory.

GEOG 4850 Urban Geography (3) (Formerly GEOG 485). Cities as geographic units, including functions and structures, with attention to urban growth patterns, socioeconomic functions and issues, rural/urban relationships, and contemporary trends.

GEOG 4990 Special Topics in Geography (3) (Formerly GEOG 499). An in-depth examination of selected areas of geography through readings, research projects, and oral and written presentations. Prerequisites: GEOG 1010 and 1020, or permission of instructor.