GEOG Courses
Offered by Department of Geography
and Earth Science
College Natural and Social Sciences
- 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 is an
introduction to the world’s major regions, using a systematic analysis of physical
and cultural phenomena. The aim is to explore the globe: its biophysical
environments, and more importantly the patterns of cultural organization that give
character to place. By the end of the course, students should be able to locate
almost any country in the world, and have a basic understanding of its
physical and population characteristics, economic development, agriculture, environmental
issues, and predominant religious, ethnic, linguistic, and political divisions.
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- GEOG 104HGS - World Regional Geography - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
- This course is an
introduction to the world’s major regions, using a systematic analysis of physical
and cultural phenomena. The aim is to explore the globe: its biophysical
environments, and more importantly the patterns of cultural organization that give
character to place. By the end of the course, students should be able to locate
almost any country in the world, and have a basic understanding of its
physical and population characteristics, economic development, agriculture, environmental
issues, and predominant religious, ethnic, linguistic, and political divisions.
-
- GEOG 106GS - Human Geography - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This introductory course examines the interrelationships
between humans, their different cultures, and the natural world. The focus of the
course will be on the processes, both natural and cultural, that cause the spatial
distribution of humans (where they are and are not) as well as their particular activities
on the Earth’s surface. These processes include, but are not limited to, the
geography of culture, population, language, religion, rural and urban change, plus
economic, political, and social imprints.
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- GEOG 206GS - Geography of the United States and Canada - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course focuses on the
study of physical, economic, political, historical, and cultural processes within the
United States and Canada. Approximately fifteen distinct regions are identified for
examination, based on individual natural and social characteristics. This course is
in the Social and Behavioral Sciences section of the General Studies Program.
Offered in Fall.
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- GEOG 207GS - Physical Geology - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
An introductory
geology course which studies internal/tectonic earth processes, plate tectonics, mountain
building, the geologic elements of landscape formation and the underlying rocks and
structures. Included in the course are studies of earth history; earthquakes,
volcanoes, geologic natural hazards, a survey of minerals and rocks and economic geologic
resources. 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 106GS
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.
-
- 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.
-
- GEOG 306 - Geomorphology - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 102GS
or 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
Topics will include: Bioclimatology, agricultural and urban climatology, climatic change
and modification, and a comparative analysis of climatic classification schemes. Designed
for students wishing to acquire a greater understanding of the relationships of the
climate to human occupancy patterns and the natural environment. Offered in Fall of
even-numbered years.
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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
A beginning course in GIS based on spatial concepts and awareness. Introduces students to
computers and software programs used in GIS. Allows students to develop marketable skills
in manipulating spatial information to produce graphic displays and maps, and in basic
project planning. Students should have taken STAT 241 or
another statistics course and have basic skills with computers.
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- GEOG 316 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 315 or permission of instructor
A follow-on course in GIS based on spatial concepts and awareness. Addresses social,
economic, and ethical concerns of the technology and applications. Increases student
competency and familiarity with different GIS platforms and data sources, including
digitizing and image processing. Develops student skills in project planning, database and
data acquisition, spatial analysis, and output delivery.
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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.
-
- 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
This course investigates the
causes of underdevelopment and contemporary development issues at the global, regional,
national, and local levels. Emphasis is placed on the how (process) and why
(explanation) of development. Other processes studied include the making of the
third world, agrarian change, urbanization, industrialization, and development policy.
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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
A description and
interpretation of physical and cultural landscapes with attention given to political and
international issues. 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 207GS,
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 456/856P - 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.
11 May 2006
ugradcatalog@unk.edu
