Offered by Department of Geography and Earth
Science
College Natural and Social Sciences
GEOG Courses
- GEOG 101GS - Physical Geography I: The Atmosphere - 4 hours
- Prereq: none
This course is an introduction to physical geography with an emphasis on the atmosphere
and vegetation of the Earth. including solar energy, seasons, the processes of weather and
climate, the hydrologic cycle, regional and global climate change, ecosystem functions,
and patterns of plant distribution on the physical landscape. The course also considers
human impacts on the atmosphere, the oceans, and the land. Three (3) hours of lecture and
two (2) hours of lab each week. Offered in Fall.
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- GEOG 102GS - Physical Geography II: The Lithosphere - 4 hours
- Prereq: none
This course is an introduction to physical geography with an emphasis on the geologic
framework of the earth and the various atmospheric/gradational processes which interact to
produce the physical landscape. The course also considers weathering, erosional and
depositional processes and the landforms produced by running water, glacial ice, wind and
waves as well as to the effects of human interaction with these processes. Three (3) hours
of lecture and two (2) hours of lab each week. Offered in Spring.
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- GEOG 103GS - The Dynamic Planet: Hazards in the Environment - 3
hours
- Prereq: none
This course investigates natural hazards associated with atmospheric, hydrologic, and
geologic processes and their impacts on human society. Topics include periodic natural
processes that create hazards to human activity, human perceptions of natural hazards,
hazard avoidance, disaster prevention, and social mechanisms for coping with natural
disasters.
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- GEOG 104GS - World Regional Geography - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course will provide a global summary of geographic processes as they are manifested
in regions.
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- GEOG 104HGS - World Regional Geography - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course emphasizes the interconnections between countries, regions and cultures as
components of a larger world system in an effort to generate a better understanding of the
world in which we live.
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- GEOG 106GS - Human Geography - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A study of the role of human activity in altering the earth's surface. Considers
variations in human societies way of life around the world.
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- GEOG 206GS - Geography of the United States and Canada - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A regional examination of the physical, economic, and cultural variations in the United
States and Canada.
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- GEOG 207GS - Physical Geology - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Includes study of the earth, both internal and external, geologic processes through time,
and earth materials. Offered in Fall.
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- GEOG 209GS - Meteorology - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Basic principles of weather including a study of the atmosphere's origin, composition,
circulation patterns, energy budget and its role in the hydrologic cycle. Topics include:
instruments for observation, precipitation process, wave cyclones, jet streams, weather
forecasting, weather modification and applications of meteorology to air pollution,
agriculture and aviation.
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- GEOG 220 - Geography of Globalization - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 106
An in-depth exploration of selected human geography themes at local levels (e.g.,
community, watershed, state, region) in the Kearney area and their linkages to global
processes of change.
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- GEOG 256 - Geology Field Study - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
A four-day field study with travel to the front range of the Colorado Rockies. Centers on
the observation of a variety of geologic as well as geographic and ecologic phenomena.
Offered in Fall.
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- GEOG 300 - Map Investigation - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A comprehensive introduction to map usage. Aspects to be covered will include: types of
maps, map reading and interpretation, and where to acquire maps. This course is designed
for students of all disciplines who are interested in maps or would find a knowledge of
maps useful in their careers. Offered in Fall.
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- GEOG 301 - Geography of Soils - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
An introductory analysis of various aspects of soil science. Topics will include: soil
formation, morphology, classification, distributional patterns, and agricultural aspects
of soil science. Designed for students in Geography, Biology, and Environmental Studies.
Offered in Spring.
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- GEOG 305GS - Environmental Conservation - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A study of historical trends and current conditions associated with the best use of
natural resources. Topics include land use planning, the world food situation, and
conservation of water, wildlife, forests, and grasslands.
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- GEOG 306 - Geomorphology - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 207GS
Systematic analysis of the processes interacting on the surface of the earth which produce
the variety of landforms and structures of the landscape. Emphasis is placed on the
interpretation of landforms through the analysis of topographic maps and associated
materials. Offered in Spring of even-numbered years.
- GEOG 309 - Climatology - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 101GS
This course investigates patterns and processes in the atmosphere at varying scales in
time and space, special climates, past climates, climate change, and climate
classification schemes. Emphasizes greater understanding of the human impacts on the
natural environment and the impacts of climate on human activities. Offered in Spring.
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- GEOG 310 - Cartography - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course is designed to develop skills in the conception, design, and construction of
thematic maps. Included will be a brief introduction to data acquisition and manipulation.
Primarily for the geography major, cartography may be a useful course for certain others
as well. Approximately 1 hour of lecture and 5 hours of lab per week. Offered in Spring.
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- GEOG 315 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems - 4 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 101GS, GEOG
102GS, GEOG 104GS, or GEOG
106GS or permission of instructor
The course introduces applying spatial concepts and awareness to computer software used in
GIS. Emphasizes skill development in manipulating spatial information to produce graphic
displays, spatial analysis, and basic project planning. Students should have basic skills
with computers, and have taken STAT 241 or another statistics course. Offered in Fall.
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- GEOG 316 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 315 or permission of instructor
Increases competency and familiarity with GIS software and data sources. Topics include
map digitizing and image processing as well as social, economic, and ethical concerns of
the technology and applications. Develops skills in project planning, database and data
acquisition, spatial analysis, and output delivery. Offered in Spring.
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- GEOG 320 - Agricultural Geography - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
The relation of physical factors and economic conditions to the production of the world's
basic agricultural commodities. Offered in Fall.
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- GEOG 321 - Economic Geography - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG
106GS
Examination of geographic and human aspects of primary through tertiary economic
activities, including transportation and world location and changes. Offered in Spring of
even-numbered years.
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- GEOG 340 - Developing Nations - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG
106GS
A course especially designed to emphasize current problems and future potentialities of
selected developing countries. Offered in Fall.
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- GEOG 341 - Geography of Latin America - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG
106GS
A description and interpretation of the physical and cultural environment of Mexico,
Central America, the West Indies and South America. Offered in Fall of even-numbered
years.
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- GEOG 345 - Geography of Europe - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG
106GS
Regional diversifications pertaining to physical and cultural landscapes with attention
given to political and international situations. Offered in Fall of odd-numbered years.
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- GEOG 347 - Geography of Africa - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG
106GS
A regional examination of the continent in respect to its physical, social, economic and
political diversity. Offered in Spring.
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- GEOG 348 - Geography of Asia - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG
106GS
This course will focus on the subjects of culture area cultural diffusion, cultural
ecology, cultural integration, and cultural landscape as they apply to the geography of
Asia.
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- GEOG 350 - International Tourism - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or permission of instructor
A spatial analysis of international tourism in both the developed and underdeveloped
world. Emphasis will be placed on the evolution of international tourism, its present
character, and its future. Primary consideration will be given to the environmental,
cultural, economic, and social impact of tourism. Offered in Fall.
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- GEOG 400/800P - Water Resources - 3 hours
- Prereq: Junior standing
A comprehensive overview of the natural, social, legislative, and administrative status of
water resources. Emphasis will be placed on water utilization and management in the
Western states, Nebraska particularly. Particular topics will include Hydrologic Cycle,
Streams and Stream Management, Ground Water and Ground Water Management, Review of Water
Law, Water Management Agencies, Water Resource Planning. Offered in Fall.
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- GEOG 401 - Urban and Regional Planning - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A study of the structure of the urban physical setting relating to industrial, commercial,
and residential land use and the factors and trends affecting their spatial relationships.
Offered occasionally.
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- GEOG 405 - Environmental Consequences of Development - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 305, GEOG
340*
An examination of mainstream and alternative development approaches focusing on
interactions with the environment. Special topics include deforestation, energy sources,
gender-environment relations, health and nutrition, traditional tropical agroecosystems,
and urban environments.
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- GEOG 410/810P - Geographical Techniques and Thought - 3 hours
- Prereq: Junior standing
Deals with the philosophy, goals, and research of geography. Included will be an
introduction to the literature of the discipline. A portion of the course will be left
"open" to cover areas of geography not available in other courses. These may
include photo interpretation, biogeography, history of geography, field methods, and
quantitative methods. Offered in Spring.
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- GEOG 411 - Geographic Field Techniques - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 300 or GEOG
310
An introduction to both human and physical geographic field methods. Includes instruction
in the use of basic field surveys, maps, air photos, and satellite imagery in research and
mapping; as well as acquisition and use of non-visible information. Also covered will be
field research design. The course is primarily intended for Bachelor of Science students
in Geography or Earth Science areas. Offered in Summer of even-numbered years.
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- GEOG 412 - Environmental Planning - 3 hours
- Prereq: Junior standing and at least two of the following: GEOG
207, GEOG 301, BIOL
301*, GEOG 305GS, GEOG 306*, GEOG 400
An applied physical geography course considering the integration of human and physical
processes in the area of land planning, land science, and landscape design. A portion of
the course will involve on-site study of selected local examples. On-site visitations may
occur at other than regular class times. Offered in Fall.
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- GEOG 415 - Internship - 1-6 hours
- Prereq: permission of department chair
Designed to give individual students on-the-job exposure to an area of interest within the
broad field of geography. Offered only occasionally by special arrangement.
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- GEOG 440/840P - Special Topics in Regional Geography - 1-3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG
106GS or permission of instructor
Designed for a penetrating analysis of spatial distribution patterns of physical and
cultural phenomena of selected world regions. The course will involve seminar
presentations based upon library research. Offered occasionally.
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- GEOG 441/841P - Special Topics in Human Geography - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG
106GS
Advanced, in-depth studies of various aspects of Human Geography. Offered occasionally.
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- GEOG 442 - Special Topics in Physical Geography - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 101GS or GEOG
102GS
Advanced, in-depth studies of various aspects of Physical Geography. Offered occasionally.
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- GEOG 443 - Special Topics in Applied GIS - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 316 or permission of instructor
Applied course in providing GIS service and products to external or internal users.
Projects vary to meet user needs. Students develop project proposals, determine data
needs, execute projects/subprojects, and provide outputs.
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- GEOG 450 - Senior Geography Project - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A guided review and critical evaluation of current research in geography which provide the
student the opportunity to learn the procedures of problem identification, data gathering,
data manipulation, as well as written and oral presentation of research results. Emphasis
will be placed on the effective communication of geographic ideas. Students are advised to
contact their Geography faculty advisor during the semester immediately preceding
registration for this course. Offered all semesters.
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- GEOG 456/856 Field Study - 3-4 hours
- Prereq: none
A two-three week field study through selected sites in the Southwestern states. Includes
study of geologic, geographic, archeologic, cultural, and environmental phenomena in a
variety of diverse regions. Offered occasionally.
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- GEOG 458/858P - Great Plains Studies - 1-3 hours
- Prereq: none
Offers the opportunity to reflect on life through the literature and other lore of the
Great Plains. Through a different subject focus each offering, the course integrates
literary, historical, and paleontological investigations around issues affecting the
plains, with a special focus on "prairie."
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- GEOG 499/899P - Independent Study - 1-3 hours
- Prereq: none
Independent investigation of a selected problem in geography under the direction of any
Geography faculty member. Requires written report and oral presentation. Permission of
department chairman required to enroll.
* This course is the immediate prerequisite. Other preparation is
required prior to this immediate prerequisite.
16 May 2005
