Geography
Taylor 125
541-552-6277 or 541-552-6281

John Richards, Chair

SOU CATALOG HOME : SCHOOLS AND DEPARTMENTS : GEOGRAPHY : COURSES

Professors: Claude W. Curran, John W. Mairs

Associate Professors: Susan P. Reynolds, John B. Richards

Assistant Professor: Gregory V. Jones

Instructor: Patricia J. Acklin

Adjunct Faculty: Gene E. Martin

The study of geography fosters understanding of the relationship between human activities and the physical environment on global, regional, and local scales.

Geography draws upon natural and social science concepts and acts as a bridge between the sciences. Fundamental geographic methodology asks: What is it? Where is it? Why is it there?

The study of geography explores subjects as varied as mid-latitude weather phenomena, the mosaic of human settlement in Africa, regional voting patterns in the United States, and the depletion of natural resources in developing countries.

The specific goals of the geography program are to:

1. Prepare students in geographic methodology by encouraging thinking in a spatial context and asking students to observe, develop hypotheses, analyze, and explain physical and cultural landscapes at various scales.

2. Develop the geographer's fundamental map reading, aerial image interpretation, and field research skills.

3. Enable students to explain geographic distributions, geographic interactions, and the nature of place.

4. Improve the student's ability to rigorously synthesize data from diverse sources to better understand the physical and cultural environments in which people live.

5. Prepare students in the application of geographic knowledge and skills through experiences with local and regional public resource agencies and in private enterprise.

6. Encourage the pursuit of geographic knowledge and the evaluation of worldwide environmental, economic, cultural, and social issues.

Students entering the geography major should complete University requirements in writing, communication, mathematics and most general education requirements before the junior year. Elective courses in areas such as computer science, communication, writing, statistics, biology, geology, anthropology, sociology, and politics and government are strongly encouraged. Consult a departmental advisor for information about appropriate courses to support your interests and career goals.

Among the strengths of the geography program are the capstone field and internship experiences required of seniors. Seniors are given the opportunity to apply acquired knowledge and skills in an intensive field study course (Geog 494) and through an internship program (Geog 496) in which the individual is placed for a term in a supervised career situation with a public agency, non governmental organization, or private firm in the region.

Geography graduates find career opportunities in areas such as regional and local planning, resource management, teaching, diplomatic service, cartography, travel consulting, real estate appraisal, and business and industrial site location. In some cases, graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees in master's and doctoral programs at other institutions.

Degrees

Minor

Geography

Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program

The geography major is an option for students participating in the Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program. For information on this program see page 144.

Requirements for the Major

1. Fulfill the baccalaureate degree requirements as stated in this catalog beginning on printed catalog page 31.

2. Literacy requirements. Geography majors should complete the general education courses for Goals 1, 2, and 3, and CS 115, before enrolling in Geog 300. Specific requirements are:

a) University Colloquium (Core 101, 102, and 103) to satisfy Goals 1 and 2 or Wr 121, 122, and 227 to satisfy Goal 1 plus either Comm 210, 125, 310, or 225 to satisfy Goal 2.

b) Elementary Statistics (Mth 243) to satisfy Goal 3.

c) Microcomputer Applications I (CS 115) to satisfy the computer literacy requirement.

3. A minimum of 53 credits must be taken in geography, 37 of which must be upper division credits and 16 of which must be lower division credits. Students should consult their advisor for assistance in selecting courses appropriate for their interests and career goals.

4. Lower division requirements:

(16 credits)

5. Upper division requirements:

(37 credits)

6. Complete capstone requirements:
7. A minimum GPA of 2.5 in all geography courses.

Minor

(24 credits)

Teacher Licensing

Students who want to teach geography (part of the social studies endorsement) at the middle school and/or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor's degree in geography before applying to the Master of the Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the department chair for an appropriate advisor and also consult the Education Department regarding admission requirements for the MAT teacher education program.

This competitive program requires students to prepare in advance to enhance their acceptance into the program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with children in the public schools prior to application to the MAT program are required.

In addition, admission requires proficiency in a second language. This requirement can be met by successfully completing two years of a second language at the college or university level or by passing a second language proficiency test at the intermediate level.