Offered by Department of
Sociology, Geography and Earth Science
College of Natural and Social Sciences
GEOG Courses
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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- GEOG 209GS - Meteorology - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
The course considers the 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.
- 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.
- GEOG 301 - Geography of Soils - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 102GS or GEOG 207GS
An introductory analysis of various aspects of soil science. Topics will include: soil
formation, morphology, classification, distributional patterns, and agricultural aspects
of soil science.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- GEOG 315 - Geographic Information Systems - Principles and Concepts - 4 hours
- Prereq: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor
This is an introductory course in GIS emphasizing the concepts, basic theory, spatial problem
solving, and principles of GIS using both raster and vector data models in a PC environment. It
is intended as a foundational course for those who are seeking to: major/minor in spatial
analysis or work in the field of GIS. Students should have basic computer skills.
- GEOG 316 - GIS - Working with GIS and Spatial Analysis - 3 hours
- Prereq: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor
This is an introductory course in GIS emphasizing a practical understanding of essential GIS
and spatial analysis functionality and how they are applied to real-world problem solving
across a variety of disciplines. Students will develop a working knowledge of leading GIS
software and the associated GIS methods to enable them to apply basic spatial analysis skills
to their respective area of study. Students should have basic computer skills.
- GEOG 317 - Remote Sensing of Environment - 3 hours
- Prereq: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor
This course focuses on basic concepts of image formation that are required to understand any remotely sensed or
satellite data. Techniques to analyze satellite data using Erdas Imagine software will be discussed and practiced.
Students will learn about commonly used satellite data used for monitoring various natural resources. They will also
have an opportunity to conduct a small remote sensing project.
- GEOG 321 - Economic Geography - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG 106GS
The course is an examination of the geographic elements of economic activity. The course
explores the classical geographic models and theories of economic behavior,
the factors that influence the location of primary (raw materials), secondary
(manufacturing) and tertiary (consumption) activities, and influence of
globalization of the world economy locational dynamics and decision-making.
- 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.
- GEOG 341 - Geography of Latin America - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG 106GS
This course is an analysis of the physical and cultural geographic environment of Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and
South America.
- GEOG 345 - Geography of Europe - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG 106GS
This course is an analysis and interpretation of the physical and cultural landscapes of Europe with attention given to political
and international issues.
- GEOG 347 - Geography of Africa - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG 106GS
This course is a regional examination of the continent in respect to its physical, social, economic and political diversity.
- GEOG 348 - Geography of Asia - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG 106GS
This course focuses on the subjects of culture area, cultural diffusion, cultural ecology, cultural integration, and cultural
landscape as they apply to the geography of Asia.
- 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.
- GEOG 400 - Water Resources - 3 hours
- Prereq: junior standing
This course is an overview of issues relating to water resources with an emphasis on the United States. Some of the topics will include:
the hydrologic cycle, global status of water resources, water conflicts, droughts and floods, irrigation efficiency, water quality,
applications of satellite data, precision agriculture, water resources management, and the impact of climate change on water resources.
- 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.
- GEOG 410 - Geographical Techniques and Thought - 3 hours
- Prereq: junior standing
This course is one of the culminating courses in the Geography major. It focuses on the philosophy,
goals, and research of geography as a discipline. The course includes an
exploration of the literature of the discipline, research methodology and
practice and formalization of written and oral presentations. A portion of the
course will be left "open" to cover areas of geography not available in other
courses.
- GEOG 412 - Environmental Planning - 3 hours
- Prereq: junior standing
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.
- GEOG 415 - Internship - 1-6 hours
- Prereq: permission of department chair
The internship provides upper level Geography majors and minors the opportunity to work in a
professional environment in which they can apply their knowledge and skills.
Students must secure the permission of their academic advisor or department
chair before entering into any internship.
- GEOG 416 - Applications of Geographic Information Systems - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 315 or GEOG 316 or permission of instructor
This is an applied course focusing on selected topic(s) in geography and their GIS application.
Students will work quasi-independently throughout the semester in demonstrating their
understanding of, and ability to perform the 'GIS Process' through objective formulation, data
identification and acquisition, database creation, manipulation/analysis and presentation of
findings by applying them to a real-world spatial problem.
- GEOG 440 - 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.
- GEOG 441 - Special Topics in Human Geography - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG 106GS
Advanced, in-depth studies of various aspects of Human Geography.
- 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.
- GEOG 443 - Special Topics in GIS, Spatial Analysis and Remote Sensing - 3-4 hours
- Prereq: at least junior standing, permission of instructor
This course looks at a specific methodology, application area, or related geographic subfield of Geographic Information Systems
(GIS), Spatial Analysis and/or Remote Sensing.
- GEOG 450 - Senior Geography Project - 3 hours
- Prereq: junior standing
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. This course is applicable to
Geography majors meeting degree requirements based on the 1996 through 2004
UNK Catalog.
- GEOG 456 - Field Study - 3-4 hours
- Prereq: none
An extended field study/travel opportunity to selected regions. Depending on the region
selected, students will be able to study, among other, the regional physical
geography, environment and geology, cultural and historic elements, and
contemporary geographic elements. Offered occasionally.
- GEOG 458 - 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."
- GEOG 499 - 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.
