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 188GS - General Studies Portal - 3 hours
- Prereq: freshman or sophomore standing
Students analyze critical issues confronting individuals and society in a global context as they pertain to the discipline in
which the Portal course is taught. The Portal is intended to help students succeed in their university education by being
mentored in process of thinking critically about important ideas and articulating their own conclusions. Students may take the
Portal in any discipline, irrespective of their major or minor. Satisfies the General Studies Portal course requirement. Students
may take their Portal course in any discipline. Students who transfer 24 or more hours of General Studies credit to UNK are
exempt from taking a portal course.
- 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.
- GEOG 207 - 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: MATH 102GS* or permission of instructor
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 223GS - Political Geography - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Political geography looks at the spatial implications of the political process and the impact these policies and processes have
on a local, regional, national, or international scale. The rights of individuals form the building blocks of a democratic
society. These rights are manifested across space as decisions are made by government's at all levels on behalf of those
individuals. This course examines how these decisions are played on a geographical stage through the exploration of topics such
as: territoriality, voting and representation, geopolitics, international relations, and the geography of governmental systems.
- 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 207
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 305 - Environmental Conservation - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course introduces students to a variety of real-world environmental conservation practices. Cases are examined from around
the world at local, national and global scales. Topics include ecosystem services valuation, river restoration, habitat
protection and removing pollutants from the environment.
- GEOG 306 - Geomorphology - 3 hours
- Prereq: GEOG 102GS or GEOG 207
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. Students pay $25 fee.
- 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. Students pay $25
fee.
- 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. Students pay $25 fee.
- 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. Students pay $25 fee.
- 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 322 - Urban Geography - 3 hours
- Prereq: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor
Urban Geography examines cities and metropolitan areas of the past, present, and future. Spatial structures of urban settlements
in North America and elsewhere are studied both theoretically and descriptively.
- 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 388GS - General Studies Capstone - 3 hours
- Prereq: open to juniors and seniors or to students within 6 hours of completion of their General Studies program
An interdisciplinary experience where students apply the knowledge, cognitive abilities, and communication skills they have
gained from General Studies in designing and completing an original project or paper. Students employ methods and interpretive
means of two or more disciplines to integrate knowledge and synthesize their results. Satisfies the General Studies capstone
course requirement. Students may take their Capstone course in any discipline.
- GEOG 388LGS - General Studies Capstone Lab - 1 hour
- Take concurrently with GEOG 388GS
When offered concurrently with a GEOG 388GS capstone of the same title, the laboratory GEOG 388LGS must be taken.
- 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. Students pay $25 fee.
- 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. Students pay $25 fee.
- 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.
- GEOG 456 - Field Study - 1-4 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.
