Geography Courses

A Gog 101 Introduction to the Physical Environment (3)
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 102 Place, Space, and Landscape (3)
Introduction to the main fields of human geography, (including population, cultural, economic, urban, and political geography), focusing on the disciplinary themes of place, space and landscape. The themes are applied at a variety of scales, from local to global. A Gog 102Z is a writing intensive version of A Gog 102; only one may be taken for credit.

A Gog 102Z Place, Space, and Landscape (4)
A Gog 102Z is a writing intensive version of A Gog 102; only one may be taken for credit. May not be offered in 2008-2009.

A Gog 125 The American City (3)
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 160 (= A Eac 160) China in the Post-Utopian Age (3)
An introduction to 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 Eac 160Z & A Gog 160Z are the writing intensive versions of A Eac 160 & A Gog 160; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit.

A Gog 180 (= A Eas 180) Asian America (3)
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.

A Gog 201 (=A Env 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 co-requisite: A Gog 101.
A Gog 220 Introductory Urban Geography (3)
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 225 (formerly A Gog 120) World Cities (3)
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 225Z (formerly A Gog 120Z) World Cities (4)
A Gog 225Z is the writing intensive version of A Gog 225; only one of the two courses may be taken for credit.

T Gog 230 (= A Eac 230) Reform and Resistance in Contemporary China (4)
The course provides a survey of economic and social change in reform-era China (1978-present), beginning with a broad review of the policies that have brought about such a monumental restructuring of the economy. In the later sections of the in-class discussion will focus on the human impacts of the reforms and the extent to which the Chinese people have been constrained in their struggles for a better life and a more just and equitable society. Readings and materials from other media (including contemporary film and literature) will be selected to illustrate some of the ways the Chinese people have been exerting agency in shaping their own fate and resisting the inevitable forces that seem likely to overwhelm them in the new era of free-wheeling capitalism. The classroom discussions will focus on specific case studies of resistance drawn from a variety of sites and a range of contexts in contemporary China, which will be discussed and analyzed in the context of social science theories about the nature of resistance and its outcomes. The course will present ideas and a body of literature that question and critique the dominant `narrative of success� that currently pervades Western media and academic curricula. Prerequisite(s): The course will be offered only to students in the Honors College. Only one of AGOG 230, AEAC 230 and TGOG 230 may be taken for credit.

A Gog 240 Patterns of American Immigration (3)
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.

A Gog 250/Z (= A Lcs 250/Z) Geography of Latin America (3)
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. May not be offered in 2008-2009.

A Gog 260 China in the Global Arena (= A Glo 260 & A Gog 260) (3)
An introduction to the development of China’s economy and society since the death of Chairman Mao Tse-tung in 1976. Focuses on urbanization, industrialization, export-oriented development, and participation in global trade, finance and politics. Taught in Shanghai, this multidisciplinary course helps students understand the dynamics of China’s rapid economic growth over the last three decades, and how Chinese scholars interpret the nation’s growing importance in the global system.
Prerequisite(s): Taken after, or simultaneously with A Eac 100.

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. May not be offered in2008-2009.

A Gog 300 (= A Eac 300 & A Glo 300) Debating Contemporary China (1)
Enables students who have recently studied in China to discuss and debate major contemporary issues: the factors underlying China’s rapid economic growth; the impact of China’s economic growth on society, environment and the global system; the future of China’s political system; the future of China’s population policies; the dynamics of Chinese cities; the situation of Tibet and of ethnic and religious minorities; the future of Taiwan; relations with other Asian neighbors. Prerequisite(s): At least 3 credits of Study Abroad coursework in China sometime in the previous year.

A Gog 304 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 101 or A Atm 103 or permission of instructor.

A Gog 310 (= A Bio 311 and U Uni 310) World Food Crisis (3)
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 310, A Bio 311, and U Uni 310 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. May not be offered in 2008-2009.

A Gog 321 (= A Lcs 321 and A Eas 321) Exploring the Multicultural City (3)
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 fieldwork in a specific New York neighborhood. A Gog 321 is equivalent in content to A Lcs 321 and A Eas 321; only one of the three courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 102 or 102Z or 120Z or 125 or 160 or 160Z or 220,or 240. May not be offered in 2008-2009.

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 125, 220, 225/225Z, A Pln 220.

A Gog 328 (= A Pln 328 and A Wss 328) Gender, Space, and Place(3)
Power relations and categories of social difference are reflected by dramatic inequalities in local environments, and in the quantity and quality of available space. This course examines, through the lenses of feminist geography and planning, how space is invested with social meaning. It discusses how the built environment affects and reflects relations of gender, sexuality and ethnicity, and considers how these social classifications produce “geographies of difference.” Gender is also related to nationalism, colonialism, “geographic skills,” and feminist research methodologies. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 125 or A Pln 220 or permission of instructor.

A Gog 330 (=A Pln 330) Principles of Environmental Management (3)
Examines issues and problems arising from the interactions between humans and their physical environment. Explores the degradation of environmental systems resulting from human use and modification, as well as the impact of environmental processes on human systems. The policy options for dealing with environmental issues and problems are investigated.
Prerequisite(s): A Gog 101 and either A Gog 201 or A Pln 220; or permission of instructor.

A Gog 344Y World Population (3)
Introduces main concepts and theories in population studies, offers an overview of world population pattern and regional variations, examines population processes and population structure, and explores contemporary issues and problems related to population. Through case studies and debates, the course analyzes diverse demographic perspectives in conceptualizing population problems, and recommending population policies. This course also offers a set of tools (terminologies, methodologies, and theories) to analyze population and related events, and helps students to develop their own demographic perspective. Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior class standing or permission of instructor.

A Gog 345 Economic Geography (3)
Examines the spatial patterns of economic activity, including agriculture, manufacturing retail and wholesale trade, transportation, and the service sector. Location theory, models and empirical case studies are used to assess the spatial processes “explaining” the distribution patterns of economic activity. Economic development strategies at the state and regional levels are also investigated. May not be offered in 2008-2009.

A Gog 350 (= A Eac 350) Urban Development in China (3)
Provides a comprehensive understanding of urban development in China. Reviews the history of urban development in China and examines the demographic, social, economic, and cultural dimensions of the urbanization process. Analyzes the emerging urban land and housing markets, and the changing urban landscape.

A Gog 354 (= A Lcs 354) Environment & Development (3)
A survey of international development issues, focusing on the impact of economic growth, population growth, and increased consumption of natural resources on global and local environments. This course focuses primarily on the poorer countries of the world, and particularly on tropical environments. It discusses issues of deforestation, desertification, and increased vulnerability to man-made and natural hazards. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 101 or 102 or 102Z, or permission of instructor.

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. A Gog 356Z is the writing intensive version of A Gog 356; only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing or permission of instructor.

A Gog 365/Z 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. May not be offered in 2008-2009.

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 Gog 290. May not be offered in 2008-2009.

Gog 404 Topics in Physical Geography (1–4)
In-depth examination of a significant topic in Physical Geography. May be repeated up to a limit of 9 credits when topics differ.
Prerequisite(s): A Gog101 or permission of instructor.

A Gog 405 Topics in Human Geography (1–4)
In-depth examination of a significant topic in Human Geography. May be repeated up to a limit of 9 credits when topics differ.
Prerequisite(s): A Gog102 or 102Z or permission of instructor.

A Gog 406 Topics in Geographic Information Systems (1–4)
In-depth examination of a significant topic in Geographic Information Systems (cartography, GIS, remote sensing, global positioning, etc.) May be repeated up to a limit of 9 credits when topics differ. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 290 for cartography topics; A Gog 496/A Pln 456 for GIS topics; A Gog 385 for remote sensing topics; 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 pre-professional 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 430/Z (= A Pln 430/Z) Environmental Planning (3)
Environmental planning is much more than preservation of pristine land. Through the examination of environmental movements, energy policy, the land use-transportation nexus, environmental justice, and environmental policy formation, at the end of this course, students will be able to: (1) identify how normative bias influences planning and policy choices; (2) describe major conflicts in environmental planning and policy; and (3) understand the relationship of scale and environmental planning/policy options. Prerequisite(s): A Pln 220 or permission of instructor.

A Gog 431 Climatic Change (3)
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 future human-produced climatic changes. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 101 or A Atm 103 or permission of instructor.

A Gog 440 Political Geography (3)
Examines the spatial character of political processes at the local, national and global scales. Major themes include: territory, identity and the state; localism, regionalism and separatism; colonialism and decolonization; geopolitics; and, internal and international political conflicts.

A Gog 442Z Cultural Geography (3)
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 Gog102Z or 102 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.
Will not be offered in 2008-2009.

A Gog 450 Independent Study in Geography (1-6)
The student will work independently on a directed reading, field survey, or individual research project in geography. A member of the faculty will authorize and advise the project, which will be dimensioned in proportion to the number of credits being taken. The student will submit a final report for assessment. May be repeated for credit to a total of 6 credits. Prerequisite(s): 9 credits in Geography, Junior or Senior class standing and permission of instructor.

A Gog 470Z (= A Eac 470Z) China After Deng Xiaoping (3)
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 102Z
or A Gog 160/160Z or A Gog 220.

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 complement lecture material.

A Gog 480 Advanced Urban Geography (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 102Z or 102 or A Gog 210 or A Gog 220. May not be offered in 2008-2009.

A Gog 485/Z 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. A Gog 485Z is the writing intensive version of A Gog 485; only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 385.

A Gog 495 (= A Pln 455) Introductory MapInfo (1)
Provides students who have, or are developing, a knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) fundamentals, and who have, or are developing, a knowledge of ArcView software, with a comparable knowledge of MapInfo software. Enables students to use and apply MapInfo to the solution of a wide range of data management, cartographic and public policy programs.

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): Familiarity with maps and coordinate systems.

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): A Gog 496 or A Pln 456. May not be offered in 2008-2009.

A Gog 499 Senior Honors Thesis (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.