Geography
Courses

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See Course Prerequisites Policy.

Lower Division Courses

Geog 101 Introduction to Geography: The Rogue Valley

4 credits

Introduction to the skills and methods used in observing and interpreting geographical environments. Field work, aerial photographs, maps, and basic data are used to examine the physical and cultural elements of the Rogue Valley from 1852 to the present.

Geog 103 Survey of World Regions

4 credits

Description, analysis, and interpretation of major geographic regions based on physical and cultural attributes. Examines the importance of regions within the international framework, geographic differentiations based on levels of development, human impact on landscapes, and global cultural diversity.

Geog 107 Introduction to Human Geography

4 credits

A survey of global human diversity using geographic perspectives. Population distribution, migration patterns, cultural variation based on language and religion, and political and economic systems are examined. Emphasis on basic human geography concepts and skills.

Geog 111 Physical Geography I

4 credits

The geographical study of processes, forms, and spatial components of natural systems operating at and near the surface of the earth. These systems are manifestations of the transfer of matter and energy in different earth systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere). Familiarizes the student with aspects of the physical environment and provides examples of human-environment interactions. Focuses on the development of geography as a field of learning, and introduces students to reading and understanding maps. Discussion of the various climatic elements, processes, and their geographical patterns.

Geog 112 Physical Geography II

4 credits

The geographical study of processes, forms, and spatial components of natural systems operating at and near the surface of the earth. These systems are manifestations of the transfer of matter and energy in different earth systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere). Familiarizes the student with aspects of the physical environment and provides examples of human-environment interactions. Focuses on the local, regional, and global distributions and nature of water, plants, and soils. Landform study is presented as a suite of processes that produce distinct geographic patterns that can be studied through maps.

Geog 199 Special Studies

Credit to be arranged

Geog 206 Introduction to Economic Geography

4 credits

Systematic geographic survey of human economic activities. Analysis of the location and distribution of resources, manufacturing, and service industries. Study of global and regional economic interaction. Recommended for majors in business and arts and sciences.

Geog 209 Weather and Climate

4 credits

Impact of weather and climate on the natural environment and human use of the earth's surface. Themes include global and regional patterns of temperature, moisture, pressure, and wind and factors controlling geographic variations in climate. Students achieve an understanding of the regional climates of the United States, especially those of the West Coast.

Geog 280 Maps: Analysis and Interpretation

4 credits

A preparatory course for geography majors that applies techniques in reading, interpreting, and analyzing maps and map data commonly used in geographic study. Emphasis is on understanding and developing skills in scale computation, use of coordinate systems, simple field mapping, contour reading, map projections and datums, interpretation of physical and cultural phenomena on maps, the nature of computerbased maps, and familiarity with sources of maps and maprelated information. Participants design a simple handdrafted map of publishable quality.

Upper Division Courses

Geog 300 Geographic Research Methods

4 credits

Required for majors. Presents research skills essential to upper division geography courses, poses problems in geographic research design, and prepares students for upper division curriculum including the capstone. Topics include field observation and mapping, library and Internet research, interviewing, off campus data sources, analytical techniques including descriptive and spatial statistics, portfolio compilation and presentation. Prerequisites: Geog 107; Geog 111 or 112; completion of goals 1, 2, and 3; and CS 115.

Geog 310 Environmental Resources

4 credits

Emphasizes role of human systemsdemographic, technological, evaluative, politicoeconomic, infrastructural and socialin setting the parameters for human impacts on environmental resources. Addresses issues at global and northwest regional scales. Students apply planning and research design principles to interdisciplinary study of resource management problems. Prerequisites: Sc/SSc 210; or Geog 111, 112, 206.

Geog 326 Geography of Europe

4 credits

Description and analysis of the physical and cultural landscapes of Europe emphasizing development of regional diversity and integration in populations, cultural characteristics, settlement, and economy. Prerequisites: two courses from Geog 107, 111, 112, 206.

Geog 329 Geography of United States and Canada

4 credits

Extends knowledge of the major geographic regions of the United States and Canada. Geographic perspectives are gained through integrating the study of the physical setting, cultural characteristics, and economic activities of several regions. Prerequisites: two courses from Geog 107, 111, 112, 206.

Geog 330 Geography of Latin America

4 credits

An examination of the physical, social, and environmental aspects of Middle America, the Caribbean, and South America. Special emphasis on natural resources, environmental impacts, cultural diversity, economic development, regional conflict, and the emerging nations of Latin America. Prerequisites: two courses from Geog 107, 111, 112, 206.

Geog 333 Geography of Australia and New Zealand

4 credits

Description and analysis of the major geographic regions of Australia and New Zealand. Explores the physical environment, contrasting styles of human economic activities, and contemporary human landscapes. Prerequisites: two courses from Geog 107, 111, 112, 206.

Geog 336 Geography of Asia

4 credits

Studies Asia's environmental variations, cultural diversity, and emerging economic power. Emphasis is on the peoples and regions of East and Southeast Asia, with particular attention to their importance to changes in global economic and political patterns. Prerequisites: two courses from Geog 107, 111, 112, 206.

Geog 339 Geography of the Former USSR

4 credits

Explores the diverse landscapes, peoples, geographic problems, regions and regional trends in the territories once controlled by the USSR. Introduces physical environment, natural resources, economic and ethnic patterns, and problems of size and diversity. Considers emerging states as distinct regions. Geographic interpretation of current events. Prerequisites: two courses from Geog 107, 111, 112, 206.

Geog 340 Cartography

5 credits

Principles and techniques for the design and compilation of maps and related graphic products. Activities include completion of computer­based cartography projects, preparation of thematic maps, data analyses, chart production, incorporation of Global Positioning System (GPS) data, and examination of computer maps and databases as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Objectives are to increase skills in cartographic communication and geographic data presentation and to produce map products in formats suitable for technical reports and other publications. Two hours lecture and 4-1/2 hours lab each week. Prerequisites: Geog 280 and CS 115 or equivalent course.

Geog 350 Urban Geography

4 credits

Examines the city as a settlement form. Topics include the process of urbanization, development of cities, changing spatial patterns of urban morphology and social groups, urban problems, and an introduction to basic issues of land use and urban planning. Prerequisite: Geog 101, 107, or 206.

Geog 386 Quantitative Methods in Geography

4 credits

Application of statistical principles and techniques to geographical data. Examples are drawn from temporal and spatial relationships in physical and cultural geography. Formulation of questions appropriate to statistical analysis, statistical problem solving, data collection, and documentation. Computer-based analysis techniques are covered. Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab each week. Prerequisite: Mth 243.

Geog 399 Special Studies

Credit to be arranged

Geog 401/501 Research

Credit to be arranged

Geog 403/503 Thesis

Credit to be arranged

Geog 405/505 Reading and Conference

Credit to be arranged

Geog 407/507 Seminar

Credit to be arranged

Geog 408/508 Workshop

Credit to be arranged

Geog 409/509 Practicum

Credit to be arranged­maximum 15 undergraduate credits. Graded on a pass/no pass basis.

Geog 411/511 Cultural Geography

4 credits

Advanced study of major themes: the evolution of cultural regions and landscapes, processes of cultural change, and human interaction with, and alteration of, the natural environment. Analysis and interpretation of the local region and landscape. Prerequisites: Geog 107 or consent of instructor; upper division or graduate standing.

Geog 416/516 Advanced Economic Geography

4 credits

Advanced study of spatial forces affecting regional development and industrial location. Traditional and contemporary models are examined to explain economic landscapes, regionalization processes, and tools for planning and policy analysis. Analytical methods are applied to the interpretation of actual spatial patterns of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and to the valuation of environmental amenities. Prerequisites: Geog 206 and upper division or graduate standing.

Geog 417/517 Geography of Tourism

4 credits

Explores the evolution of tourism as a geographical process and examines its physical, social, cultural, and economic impacts. Study of global, regional, and local tourist flows, with special attention to southern Oregon. Prerequisites: two courses from Geog 107, 111, 112, 206, and upper division or graduate standing.

Geog 419/519 Topics in Physical Geography

2 credits

Advanced study of a selected topic in physical geography such as vegetation, soils, hydrology, or landforms. Emphasis is on processes responsible for geographic patterns of the physical phenomenon. Topics are selected on the basis of their importance to human-environment interrelationships. Prerequisites: Geog 111, 112 and upper division or graduate standing.

Geog 420/520 Topics in Human Geography

2 credits

Advanced study of a selected topic in human geography. Emphasis is on the processes responsible for creation of geographic patterns. Topics are selected on the basis of their significance toward understanding local, regional, or global events. Prerequisites: Geog 107 and upper division or graduate standing.

Geog 437/537 Conservation in the United States

4 credits

Evolution of Western environmental perceptions from classical times to the present. Emphasis on environmental movements in the United States, forces behind environmental crisis, and responses of society and its institutions. Prerequisites: Geog 111, 112 or 206 and upper division or graduate standing. (Cross listed with SSc 437/537.)

Geog 439/539 Land Use Planning

4 credits

Land use planning history and legal foundations provide the framework for exploration of problems in land use planning, development, and public policy formulation. Particular attention to Oregon's land use planning legislation and its regional implementation. Prerequisites: Geog 107 or 206; and upper division or graduate standing; Geog 350 recommended. (Cross listed with SSc 439/539.)

Geog 480/580 Geography for Teachers

4 credits

Comprehension and application of key ideas in geography and the mode of inquiry of the geographer related to elementary and secondary school curriculum. Emphasis on methods of organizing materials and formulation of instructional strategies. Prerequisite: upper division or graduate standing.

Geog 481/581 Geomorphology

4 credits

A systematic study of terrestrial processes with emphasis on the evolution and interpretation of the earth's relief features. Prerequisites: Geog 112 and upper division or graduate standing.

Geog 482/582 Climatology

4 credits

An investigation into the physical mechanisms that control the spatial aspects of global and regional climates. Conceptual knowledge of the earth/atmosphere system is developed through an understanding of spatial variations in heat, moisture, and the motion of the atmosphere. Application of the concepts explores a wide range of issues between climate, human activities, and the environment. Human consequences including health and comfort, building and landscape design, natural vegetation assemblages, agriculture and fisheries, industrial influences, and issues of climate change are discussed. Prerequisites: Geog 111 and upper division or graduate standing.

Geog 487/587 Remote Sensing

4 credits

The broadbased examination of information gathering using various types of geographic imagery including traditional panchromatic aerial photographs and satellite digital imagery. Projects and assignments develop skills in stereo viewing, basic photogrammetry, identification and interpretation of physical and cultural features on false color imagery, pattern and signature recognition, computer analysis and classification of satellite digital data. Prerequisites: Geog 280 and upper division or graduate standing.

Geog 489/589 Geographic Information Systems

5 credits

The uses of computer-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for analyzing geographic features and featurerelated data. Desktop GIS employed for data storage, geographic data analysis, and map design. Applications in forestry, planning, resource management, demography, and remote sensing. Prerequisites: Geog 280, Geog 340, CS 115 or the equivalent, and upper division or graduate standing.

Geog 494/594 Field Geography

4 credits

Application of geographic survey methods and techniques to the evaluation of selected study areas. Students complete capstone projects including cartographic, written, and oral presentations of findings. Weekend field camp required. Normally taken during spring term of the senior year. Prerequisites: Geog 340, at least 12 credits of 400level systematic geography courses, and senior or graduate standing. Students who are not geography majors must obtain the consent of the instructor.

Geog 496/596 Geographic Internship

2­6 credits (see note)

On-site experience with an educational, governmental, non governmental, or industrial organization for a minimum of ten hours a week. Students apply geographic methods and techniques to problems such as land use planning, resource management, cartography, business, and industry. Prerequisite: completion of 24 credits of upper division geography. Note: The primary internship is 4 credits; students may enroll for an additional 2 credits if desired.

Geog 497/597 Environmental Problems

4 credits

Provides a mode of analysis that can be applied to a series of resource questions found in southern Oregon and northern California. Cost-benefit analysis is applied to local resource problems. Appropriate for everyone concerned with the management and conservation of natural resources. Prerequisite: Geog 416. (Cross listed with SSc 497/597.)