Geography Courses
A Gog 101N Introduction to the Physical Environment (3)
General Education: NS
Introduction to the three main fields of physical geography (climatology, biogeography, and geomorphology) from an integrated earth systems viewpoint. The major world climate, vegetation, soil and landform regions are treated as process-response systems whose physical patterns and interrelationships, causes, and significance are examined. Includes assessments of the role of human impacts for global and regional change.A Gog 102M Introduction to Human Geography (3)
General Education: CHP & SS
Introduction to the main fields of human geography, including population, cultural, economic, urban, and political geography, with emphasis on world patterns and regional examples. A Gog 102G is a writing intensive version of A Gog 102M; only one may be taken for credit.A Gog 102G Introduction to Human Geography (4)
General Education: CHP, SS & WI
A Gog 102G is a writing intensive version of A Gog 102M; only one may be taken for credit.A Gog 120 World Cities (3)
General Education: CHP
Introduction to the geography of cities around the world and to the role of cities in the world system. Covers: origins and spread of urbanism in different cultural settings; levels of urbanization in space and time; urban form and land-use; rural-urban interaction; city systems and megacities; distinctive features of contemporary American cities. A Gog 120Z is the writing intensive version of A Gog 120; only one of the two courses may be taken for credit.A Gog 120Z World Cities (4)
General Education: CHP & WI
A Gog 120Z is the writing intensive version of A Gog 120; only one of the two courses may be taken for credit.A Gog 125M The American City (3)
General Education: HD & SS
Reviews social, economic, political and physical characteristics of American cities resulting from key events (e.g. industrial development, European immigration, suburbanization, the Civil Rights Movement). Examines the relationship between these events and current urban issues. Specific topics include: de-industrialization, women in the workforce, homelessness, poverty, environmental degradation, health care, and AIDS. Considers the influence of race, ethnicity, class and gender factors on the character of cities.A Gog 160M (= A Eac 160M) China: People and Places in the Land of One Billion (3)
General Education: CHP & SS
An introductory course dealing with the human and physical geography of China. After a brief survey of China's historical geography and development, the course focuses on post- liberation China and the urban, economic, social, and demographic problems associated with modernization. A Gog 160Z & A Eac 160Z are writing intensive versions of A Gog 160 & A Eac 160; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit.A Gog 160G (= A Eac 160G) China: People and Places in the Land of One Billion (3)
General Education: CHP, SS & WI
A Gog 160G & A Eac 160G are writing intensive versions of A Gog 160 & A Eac 160; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit.A Gog 180 Asian America (= A Eas 180) (3)
General Education: CHP & HD
This course examines the history of the Asian experience in the United States (especially that of the Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian communities). Topics include immigration, legal status, the transformation of Asian-American communities, their relationship with their native lands, and Asian-American self-representation in literature and film. May not be offered during 1999-2000.A Gog 201 (= A Geo 201) Environmental Analysis (3)
Uses laboratory work and local field excursions to give students "hands-on" experience in physical geography and environmental sciences. Focuses on human impacts on the environment and on problems of environmental contamination. Prerequisite or corequisite: A Gog 101N. May not be offered during 1999-2000.A Gog 210 Introductory Economic Geography (3)
Introductory survey of the findings, models, and theory of modern economic geography, which deals with the spatial patterns of economic activity. Major portions of the course deal with: agricultural activity, industrial location theory retail and service activities, and transportation and trade. Emphasis on free market economies. May not be offered during 1999-2000.A Gog 220M Introductory Urban Geography (3)
General Education: CHP & SS
Introductory survey of findings and theory of urban geography, which deals with the form and function of cities. Major themes include: history of urban form; spatial structure of modern urban systems; and the internal structure of the city, emphasizing social and economic patterns.A Gog 240 Patterns of American Immigration (3)
General Education: HD
This course provides a survey of immigration to the United States, focusing on key characteristics of immigrant groups and their cultures, in relation to both their places of origin and their destinations in this country. May not be offered during 1999-2000.A Gog 250 (= A Lcs 250) Geography of Latin America (3)
General Education: CHP
An introduction to the geographical diversity of Latin America, reviewing the Continent's physical features, natural resources, societies, economies and politics, and relating them to its history and cultural traditions. Particular attention will be given to rural and urban living conditions, social and regional inequalities, population distribution, internal and international migration, and socioeconomic development issues. A Gog 250Z & A Lcs 250Z are writing intensive versions of A Gog 250 & A Lcs 250; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit.A Gog 250Z (= A Lcs 250Z) Geography of Latin America (4)
General Education: CHP & WI
A Gog 250Z & A Lcs 250Z are writing intensive versions of A Gog 250 & A Lcs 250; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit.A Gog 270 (= A Aas 270) Geography of Africa (3)
Geographic analysis of the continent of Africa. the diversity of the African continent will be stressed by examining its physical environment, resources, social, cultural, economic, and political systems. Emphasis upon the demographic as well as spatial planning aspects of geography. Only one of A Gog 270 & A Aas 270 may be taken for credit.A Gog 290 Introduction to Cartography (4)
An introductory course in the theory and techniques of map production. Reviews and discusses the elements of cartographic theory including the relationships between human perception and map symbology. Students will produce a series of hand-drafted maps over the duration of the course.A Gog 293 Use and Interpretation of Aerial Photographs (3)
Interpretation and examination of air photos for geographic investigations. Topics include the development of the evaluation of photo keys, thematic mapping, and analysis of landscape elements.A Gog 304 Climate and People: An Introduction to Climatology (3)
Survey of the fundamentals of climate system. Particular attention is paid to the explanation rather than the description of atmospheric and oceanic processes. Emphasis is given to the application of concepts of environmental physics to selected natural objects: terrestrial planets, the World Ocean, continents, cities, vegetation, animals and humans. Energy balance study at different temporal and spatial scales is used as a methodological tool to provide a better understanding of such concepts as the "greenhouse" effect, climate sensitivity, photosynthesis, the metabolism of animals, survival of humans in different climates, etc. Work on the Internet with remote weather stations and climate related resources is a part of the course project. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 101N or A Atm 103 or permission of instructor.A Gog 310N (= A Bio 311N and U Uni 310N) World Food Crisis (3)
General Education: CHP & NS
Interdisciplinary approach to understanding world food problems through analyses of social, political, economic, nutritional, agricultural, and environmental aspects of world hunger. Faculty from several departments in the sciences, humanities, and social and behavioral sciences present views from various disciplines. A Gog 310N, A Bio 311N, and U Uni 310N are equivalent courses; only one of the three courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing or permission of instructor.A Gog 317 (= A Geo 317) Geomorphology (3)
A systematic introduction to the study of landforms and the processes that shape them. Laboratory work and field trips are part of the course. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 101N; A Geo 100N or 100F or 105N; or permission of instructor. May not be offered during 1999- 2000.A Gog 321M (= A Lcs 321M and A Eas 321M) Exploring the Multicultural City (3)
General Education: CHP & SS
This course will explore the human dimensions and implications of ethnic diversity in the United States, focusing on New York City. The course utilizes a variety of methods to introduce students to the multicultural city, beginning in the classroom but ending with field work in a specific New York neighborhood. A Gog 321M is equivalent in content to A Lcs 321M and A Eas 321M; only one of the three courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 102M or 102G or 120Z or 125M or 160M or 160G or 220M,or 240. May not be offered during 1999-2000.A Gog 324 The City on Computer (3)
An introduction to the use of geographic technology in studying urban features and patterns. The course provides a conceptual bridge between introductory courses in urban geography and specialized courses in geographic techniques. Students will acquire familiarity with relevant software, data sources and methods of analysis through regular computing laboratory assignments. Prerequisite(s): any two of the following: A Gog 120/120Z, 125M, 220M, A Pln 220M.A Gog 350 (= A Eas 350) Geography and Development in Pacific Asia (3)
General Education: CHP
This course provides an introduction to the economic and social geography of Pacific Asia. The course uses a comparative framework to investigate the problems and prospects associated with economic development in the region, focusing on Japan and China, as well as Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korean, Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand. Only one of A Gog 350 & A Eas 350 may be taken for credit.A Gog 354 (= A Lcs 354) Caribbean Environment & Development (3)
Survey and analysis of problems of development and the environment in the Caribbean. Topics covered include the relationship of the Region's colonial legacy to present-day underdeveloped and ecological degradation; environmental consequences of various strategies of development; prospects for alternatives such as sustainable development and regional integration. A Gog 354Z is the writing intensive version of 354;only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Gog101N or 102M or 250/ A Lcs 250 or A Lcs 102 or 269, or permission of instructor. May not be offered during 1999-2000.A Gog 354Z (= A Lcs 354Z) Caribbean Environment & Development (4)
General Education: WI
A Gog 354Z is the writing intensive version of A Gog 354;only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Gog101N or 102M or 250/A Lcs 250 or A Lcs 102 or 269, or permission of instructor. May not be offered during 1999-2000.A Gog 356 Geography of the United States (3)
A systematic treatment of the physical, economic and cultural geography of the United States; selected regional problems of land utilization and of geographic adjustments. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing. or permission of instructor. May not be offered during 1999-2000.A Gog 365 Geography of Europe (3)
Overview of the physical and human geography of Europe considered as a whole, followed by a more intensive discussion of selected topics on the Mediterranean countries, the British Isles, France, Germany, and the countries of east-central Europe from Scandinavia to the Balkans. Cultural, political, and economic issues will be emphasized, with analysis of contemporary matters in their historical context. A Gog 365Z is the writing intensive version of A Gog 365; only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing or permission of instructor.A Gog 365Z Geography of Europe (3)
General Education: WI
A Gog 365Z is the writing intensive version of A Gog 365; only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing or permission of instructor.A Gog 385 Introduction to Remote Sensing of Environment (4)
Introduction to the concepts and interdisciplinary applications of remote sensing. The basic principles of theory and practice are presented for earth resource management. Photographic and nonphotographic sensors are examined. Visual and digital image analysis techniques are introduced. Students will interpret color infrared, multispectral, radar, and other sensor imagery for a variety of purposes. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing, or permission of instructor.A Gog 390 Intermediate Cartography (3)
Techniques of reproduction graphics with emphasis on map planning and construction. Utilization of half-tone, color-key, and other production processes as models of cartographic expression. Prerequisite(s): A Gog290.A Gog 396 Introductory Statistical Methods for Geography (3)
An introduction to quantitative methods used in the analysis of spatial data, including parametric and nonparametric statistics, and techniques of point and areal pattern analysis. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing, or permission of instructor.A Gog 397 Independent Investigations in Geography (1-6)
Reserved for highly qualified students who wish to conduct independent research in topical and regional geography. The student will work independently under the guidance of a member of the faculty. The student will submit a finished report at the end of the term. May be repeated for credit to a total of 6 credits. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing, and permission of instructor.A Gog 400 Introduction to Geographic Thought (3)
Geographic knowledge from ancient to modern times, including chief writers and their works. Emphasis on main themes and viewpoints of 20th century geography including locational analysis and spatial organization, historical, cultural and environmental studies. Prerequisite(s): undergraduate major or minor in geography or permission of the instructor.A Gog 404 Topics in Physical Geography (1-3)
A review of some of the major environmental problems facing humankind from a physical geographer's perspective. Examples of selected topics include, but are not limited to: climatic change, desertification, drought, soil erosion, soil salinization, hunger and world food problem, groundwater contamination, acid rain, biogeochemical cycles and pollution, nuclear winter. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Gog101 or permission of instructor.A Gog 414 Computer Mapping (3)
Introduces the student to the fundamental techniques and applications of automated map production. Lectures include discussions of algorithm and program development as well as existing software packages. Students will also be introduced to current problems and research in automated map production. Covers a wide range of topics including but not limited to automated drafting, computer generated projections, coordinate systems and transformations, data structures and discussions of algorithms for specific applications. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 290 or permission of instructor.A Gog 417 Geography Internships (3-6)
Work in cartography, remote sensing, environmental, or other offices to gain preprofessional experience in applied geography. Carried out under the joint supervision of faculty and the host office. Internships are open only to qualified juniors and seniors who have an overall grade point average of 2.50 or higher. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor. S/U graded.A Gog 431 Climate in the Past and Future: Advanced Climatology (3)
This course will begin with history of the earth's climate. The survey of past climates will help us to better understand the general aspects of physical climatology, and climatic trends. The evolution of the global climate is explained through the analysis of feedback loops between different components of the climate system: atmosphere, oceans, living organisms, the carbon cycle, volcanic activity and changes in solar luminosity. Emphasis is placed on the study of climate sensitivity to global factors, and application of this knowledge to the forecast of human-produced climate changes in the future. Present climatic trends will be considered in relation to the accelerating growth of the human population, production of energy and development of agriculture. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 101N or A Atm 103 or permission of instructor.A Gog 442Z Cultural Geography (3)
General Education: WI
Examination of current concepts and research in cultural geography through a detailed survey of one of its regional or thematic subfields. Examples of the latter include: the cultural geography of North America, the cultural landscape, the geography of religion. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Gog102G or 102M or permission of instructor.A Gog 447 Geography of Development and Underdevelopment (3)
An analytical survey of "Third World" development theories and the development strategies they inspire. Topics covered include traditional concepts of natural and human resources identification and use, geographic diffusion, modernization, and economic growth, as well as challenges to the prevailing ideas and practices such as dependency, sustainable development, and community empowerment. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor. May not be offered during 1999- 2000.A Gog 450 Directed Study in Geography (3)
Advanced study in regional and topical geography under the direction of the geography staff. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite(s): 9 credits in geography.A Gog 470Z (= A Eac 470Z) China After Deng Xiaoping (3)
General Education: WI
This course examines some of the issues associated with modernization and economic development in Post-Deng Xiaoping China. The course focuses on the era of economic reform associated with Deng, and is particularly concerned with the social, spatial and political ramifications of China's entry into the global economy. Prerequisite(s): any of the following: A Eac 170, or A Gog 102G/M or A Gog 160/160Z or A Gog 220M.A Gog 479 Fundamentals of Applied Global Positioning Systems (GPS) (3)
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of Global Positioning system technology as applied to the geosciences. Topics include background and history, signal structure, resolution, accuracy, data collection techniques, basic geodesy, projections and data, and applications. Field work and lab exercises compliment lecture material.A Gog 480 Space, Society, and the Postmodern City (3)
Explores some of the theoretical debates and empirical research conducted by geographers and planners interested in the contemporary city. Adopts a political/economy approach to the investigation of social problems currently pervasive in the capitalist city, including: inner city poverty and the underclass, homelessness, gender-related issues, racial segregation; and crime problems. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 102G or 102M or A Gog 210 or A Gog 220M. May not be offered during 1999-2000.A Gog 485 Advanced Remote Sensing of Environment (3)
A variety of remote sensing applications and techniques are discussed with reference to geography, planning, and related disciplines. Natural resource classification systems, mapping strategies, and data collection steps are analyzed through empirical exercises. Fundamental concepts of digital image analysis including theory, processing, enhancement, and information extraction are given particular attention. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 385.A Gog 496 (= A Pln 456) Geographic Information Systems (3)
Introduction to the structure, design, and application of data base management systems designed to accept large volumes of spatial data derived from various sources. The student will learn how to efficiently store, retrieve, manipulate, analyze, and display these data according to a variety of user- defined specifications. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 101N; A Gog 290 or 291 or 390; and A Mat 106, or permission of instructor.A Gog 498 GIS Management (3)
This course provides students with the fundamentals of GIS diffusion theory, organizational theory and management, GIS implementation, spatial date sharing and trends in national data structures. Lectures are complemented by case studies chosen by the student to test ideas discussed in class. Prerequisite(s): Geographic Information Systems; A Gog 496, 596, or A Pln 556.A Gog 499A & B Senior Honors Thesis (3,3)
Preparation of an honors thesis under the direction of a member of the Department of Geography and Planning. The student must submit a formal proposal describing the project, and the final thesis must be approved by both the adviser and the Honor's Committee. Prerequisite(s): admission to the honors program.
