University of Nebraska at Kearney
College of Natural and Social Sciences

1994-96 UNK Undergraduate Catalog

Department of Geography and Earch Science

Courses (GEOG)

104GS. World Regional Geography - 3 hours

This course will provide a global summary of geographic processes as they are manifested in regions.

105GS. Physical Geography:

with lab - 4 hours
without lab - 3 hours

Analysis of the basic concepts related to the understanding of the earth as the home of humanity. Consideration is given to: Earth-sun relationship, maps as basic tools of geography, basic concepts of weather and climate, and analysis of the structures and processes which interact to give the earthÌs surface its form. Includes one two-hour lab per week.

106GS. Cultural Geography - 3 hours

A study of the role of human activity in altering the earthÌs surface. Considers variations in human societies way of life around the world.

206GS. Geography of Anglo-America - 3 hours

A regional examination of the physical, economic, and cultural variations in the United States and Canada.

207GS. Physical Geology - 3 hours

Includes study of the earth, both internal and external, geologic processes through time, and earth materials. Offered in Fall.

209GS. Meteorology - 3 hours

Basic principles of weather including a study of the atmosphereÌs 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.

256. Geology Field Study - 1 hour

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.

300. Map Investigation - 3 hours

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.

301. Geography of Soils - 3 hours

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.

305GS. Environmental Conservation - 3 hours

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.

306. Geomorphology - 3 hours

Prerequisite: 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.

309. Climatology - 3 hours

Prerequisites: GEOG 105GS. 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 Spring of odd-numbered years.

310. Cartography - 3 hours

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 one hour of lecture and 4 hours of lab per week. Offered in Spring.

311. Quantitative Methods in Geography - 3 hours

Introduces students to methods of organizing, classifying, and describing geographic data, together with methods of interpreting spatial relationships and areal associations. Offered in Fall.

320. Agricultural Geography - 3 hours

The relation of physical factors and economic conditions to the production of the worldÌs basic agricultural commodities. Offered in Fall.

321. Economic Geography - 3 hours

Prerequisite: GEOG 104 or 106. 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.

340. Developing Nations - 3 hours

Prerequisites: GEOG 104GS or 106GS, or permission of instructor. A course especially designed to emphasize current problems and future potentialities of selected developing countries. Offered in Spring.

341. Geography of Latin America - 3 hours

Prerequisite: GEOG 104GS or 106GS or permission of instructor. 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.

343. Geography of Nebraska - 3 hours

Emphasis is placed on the distribution, development, and present productivity of the stateÌs natural resources. Offered in Fall of even-numbered years.

344. Geography of the Pacific World - 3 hours

Prerequisites: GEOG 104GS or 106GS, or permission of instructor. An examination of the cultural and economic aspects of the western Pacific from Japan to Australia. Includes China, Southeast Asia and Southwest Pacific Islands. Offered occasionally.

345. Geography of Europe - 3 hours

Prerequisite: GEOG 104GS or 106GS, or permission of instructor. Regional diversifications pertaining to physical and cultural landscapes with attention given to political and international situations. Offered in Fall of odd-numbered years.

347. Geography of Africa - 3 hours

Prerequisite: GEOG 104GS or 106GS, or permission of instructor. A regional examination of the continent in respect to its physical, social, economic and political diversity. Offered in Spring.

350. International Tourism - 3 hours

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.

400/800P. Water Resources - 3 hours

Prerequisites: 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.

401. Urban and Regional Planning - 3 hours

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.

407/807P. Resource Management - 3 hours

The study of policy and management regarding natural resources. Water resources and land use management will be the leading subjects. Specialists in several aspects of law, policy, and management assist in instruction. A few short field trips are included. Offered occasionally, usually in summer.

410/810P. Geographical Techniques and Thought - 3 hours

Prerequisites: 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 ÍopenÎ 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.

411. Geographic Field Techniques - 3 hours

Prerequisites: GEOG 300 or GEOG 310 and GEOG 311. 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.

412. Environmental Planning - 3 hours

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. (Prerequisites: Junior standing and at least two of the following: GEOG 207, GEOG 301, BIOL 301, GEOG 305, GEOG 306, GEOG 400.) Offered in Fall.

415. Internship - 1-6 hours

440/840P. Seminar in Regional Geography - 1-3 hours

Prerequisite: GEOG 104GS or 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.

441/841P. Selected Topics - 3 hours

Prerequisite: GEOG 104GS or 106GS. Advanced, in-depth studies of various segments of Human Geography.

450. Geography Seminar - 1 hour

Prerequisite: 12 hours of geography, including 3 hours of quantitative methods or 3 hours of regional geography, and permission of department chair. 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 writing and presentation of research results. Emphasis will be placed on the effective communication of geographic ideas.

456.01/856.01. Spring Break Field Trip - 1-2 hours

An 8-10 day travel field study to areas of interest in the Southwestern U.S. Centers on geographic, geologic, biologic, and ecologic interpretation and observation in a variety of diverse regions. Offered in Spring.

456.02/856.02. Summer Field Study - 3-4 hours

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.

456.xx/856.xx. International Geography Tours - 1-3 hours

Undertaken in the summer or spring. Destinations and length vary from year to year. Consult current class schedule or contact Department Chair. Offered occasionally.

491/891P. Expanded Campus Workshop - 1-4 hours

Refer to Academic Information section for description.

499/899P. Independent Study - 1-3 hours

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.

875 Seminar in Teaching Geography, 3 hrs.;
890 Directed Research, 1-3 hrs.;
898 Directed Readings, 1-3 hrs.

See Graduate Catalog for course descriptions.