GEOG – Geography
GEOG 110 Introduction to Geography (3)
As an introduction to the broad field of Geography, this course introduces students to a survey of geographic concepts ranging from economy, politics, plants, urbanization, culture, and landforms to industry, population, and agriculture. In this course, students will also learn about the tools Geographers use to study the world, including maps. The course is therefore designed for students who are new to geography, and it will attempt to engage their broad interests through the lens of geographical thinking and analysis. (SB, GS)
GEOG 210 Human Geography (4)
Examines and analyzes changing interconnections among places by exploring dynamic processes and patterns worldwide, including the distribution and diffusion of people, their religions, customs, and economic means, providing an understanding of spatial and functional (space and scale) patterns of the cultural, social, political, and economic processes that shape the geography of the world. (SB, GS)
GEOG 215 Introduction to International Studies (3)
Introduction to the complexities and diversity of political, economic, social and cultural interactions of nations and people. Provides an expanded understanding of the world and cultures, through exploration of global and regional issues (GPN)
GEOG 225 Geography of Sub-Saharan Africa (3)
The African continent remains a mystery to many outside of that region. Students will examine the diverse experiences of the people who live there with particular attention paid to the environmental and cultural geography south of the Sahara. Students will explore various challenges and opportunities that people in this region face such as food insecurity, rural/urban conflicts, environmental management, gender empowerment, foreign aid, debt, and engagement with both the United States and China. (SB, GS, GPN)
GEOG 237 Physical Geography: Weather and Climate with Lab (4)
Explores how the earth’s natural systems (weather, climate, and hydrological processes) interrelate, work and interact to shape and influence earth’s natural regions, including soils and the biosphere. One three-hour lab per week. (NS, GS, EXP)
GEOG 238 Physical Geography: Geomorphology with Lab (4)
Explores how the earth’s natural processes (fluvial, aeolian, karst, glacial and coastal processes) work and interact to shape and influence earth’s environments. One three-hour lab per week. (NS, WRT)
GEOG 320 Principles of GIS with Lab (3)
Prerequisite: second-year standing. Introduces students to the basic concepts of GIS and its applications to natural resource management, marketing and disaster preparedness. Covers the fundamental components of Geographic Information Systems including types of spatial data, data entry, analysis and display, as well as creating and managing GIS projects. Also covers some of the more advanced functionality of geoprocessing through Spatial and Network Analyst. One three hour lab per week.
GEOG 325 Planning for Sustainable Communities (4)
Prerequisite: second-year standing. Explores the theory and practice of sustainable community planning and examines ways that geographers and urban and regional planners engage in creating more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable communities at multiple scales, from the local community to larger regional, national and global communities. We will consider urban and surrounding rural communities, exploring how they are interconnected in multiple ways, requiring integrated community and spatial planning. (GS)
GEOG 420 Advanced GIS with Lab (2)
Prerequisite: GEOG 320. This course builds on introductory principles of GIS, examining where and how GIS is used in advanced spatial analyses. Topics covered in the course include: spatial literacy, 3-D representations in GIS, online GIS services, spatial statistic, as well as a variety of modeling techniques in GIS. Students will be expected to develop their own GIS project, as well as complete weekly laboratory assignments.