University of Nebraska at Kearney
1998-2000 Undergraduate CATALOG
GEOG Courses
Offered by Department of Geography and Earth Science
College Natural and Social Sciences
- 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.
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.
GEOG 105GS - Physical Geography: with or without lab- without lab - 3 hours
with lab - 4 hours
- Prereq: none
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 earth's surface its form. Lab version includes one two-hour lab per week.
GEOG 106GS - Cultural 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.
GEOG 206GS - Geography of Anglo-America - 3 hours- Prereq: none
A regional examination of the physical, economic, and cultural variations in the United States and Canada.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 Fall of even-numbered years.
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.
GEOG 311 - Quantitative Methods in Geography - 3 hours- Prereq: none
Introduces students to methods of organizing, classifying, and describing geographic data, together with methods of interpreting spatial relationships and areal associations. Offered in Fall.
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.
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.
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.
GEOG 343 - Geography of Nebraska - 3 hours- Prereq: none
Emphasis is placed on the distribution, development, and present productivity of the state's natural resources. Offered in Spring of odd-numbered years.
GEOG 344 - Geography of the Pacific World - 3 hours- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG 106GS
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.
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.
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.
GEOG 348 - Cultural 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.
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.
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.
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.
GEOG 407/807P - Resource Management - 3 hour- Prereq: none
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
GEOG 440/840P - Seminar 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.
GEOG 441/841P - Selected Topics in Cultural Geography - 3 hours- Prereq: GEOG 104GS or GEOG 106GS
Advanced, in-depth studies of various aspects of Geography. Offered occasionally.
GEOG 450 - Geography Seminar - 1 hour- Prereq: 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.
GEOG 456 01/856 01 - Spring Break Field Trip - 1-2 hours- Prereq: none
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.
GEOG 456 02/856 02 - Summer 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.
GEOG 456 xx/856 xx - International Geography Tours - 1-3 hours- Prereq: none
Undertaken in the summer or spring. Destinations and length vary from year to year. Consult current class schedule or contact Department Chair. Offered occasionally.
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."
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.
