Geography
Taylor 121
541-552-6277
Susan P. Reynolds, Chair
Studying geography fosters an understanding of the relationship
between human activities and the physical environment on global, regional,
and local scales.
Geography draws on natural and social science concepts, acting
as a bridge between the sciences. Fundamental geographic methodology asks:
What is it? Where is it? Why is it there?
The geography major explores subjects as varied as mid-latitude
weather phenomena, the mosaic of human settlement in Asia, 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:
- 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;
- develop the geographer’s fundamental skills in map and
aerial image interpretation, field research, and quantitative
analysis;
- enable students to analyze and explain geographic
distributions, geographic interactions, and the nature of
place;
- improve the student’s ability to rigorously synthesize
data from diverse sources to better understand the physical and
cultural environments in which people live;
- prepare students in the application of geographic
knowledge and skills through experiences with local and regional
public resource agencies and private enterprises; and
- encourage pursuit of global geographic knowledge and
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. They should take
Geog 300 at or before the beginning of their junior year. Elective
courses in areas such as computer science, communication, writing,
statistics, biology, geology, anthropology, sociology, and politics and
government are strongly encouraged. Students should consult a
departmental advisor for information about appropriate courses for their
particular interests and career goals.
Among the strengths of the geography program are the capstone
and internship experiences required of seniors. Seniors apply acquired
knowledge and skills in an intensive capstone field study course (Geog
494) and an internship program (Geog 496) that places students for a
term in a supervised career situation with a public agency,
nongovernmental organization, or private firm in the region.
Geography graduates find careers in areas such as regional
and local planning, resource management, teaching, diplomatic service,
cartography, tourism, 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
BA or BS in Geography
Minors
Geography
Land Use Planning
Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program
Geography majors may participate in the Accelerated
Baccalaureate Degree Program. For information on this program, see
page 157.
Requirements for Major
- Fulfill the baccalaureate degree requirements as stated
beginning on page 21.
- Literacy requirements. Geography majors should complete
the general education Explorations sequences and have adequate
computer skills before enrolling in Geog 300 and 340. Specific
requirements are:
- University Colloquium (Core 101, 102, 103) or Wr 121,
122, and 227, plus Comm 125, 210, 225, or 310.
- Elementary Statistics (Mth 243).
- Training in computer operating systems, spreadsheets,
word processing, database management, and Internet navigation
(see advisor).
- A minimum of 55 credits must be taken in geography, 39 of
which must be upper division and 16 of which must be lower division.
Students should consult their advisor for assistance in selecting
courses appropriate for their interests and career
goals.
- Lower division requirements:
(16 credits)
| Introduction to Human Geography (Geog
107) | 4 |
| Physical Environment I or II (ES 111 or
112) | 4 |
| Maps: Analysis and Interpretation (Geog
280) | 4 |
| Lower division elective (Geog 101, 103, 108, 206, or
209; ES 111, 112) | 4 |
- Upper division requirements:
(39 credits)
| Geographic Research Methods (Geog 300) | 4 |
| Cartography (Geog 340) | 5 |
| Regional Geography. Choose one course from: Geog
326, 329, 330, 333, 336, or 339 | 4 |
| Systematic Geography. Choose at least 12 credits
from: Geog 411, 416, 417, 419, 420, 437, 439, 481, 482, 487, and
489 | 12 |
| Geographic Internship (Geog 496) | 4 |
| Geog 350, 360, 386, 407, 409, 440, or another course
from the Systematic Geography list | 4 |
- Complete capstone requirements:
| Senior Capstone I (Geog 492) | 1 |
| Senior Capstone II (Geog 493) | 1 |
| Senior Capstone III: Field Geography (Geog
494) | 4 |
- Courses required for the geography degree must be taken
for a letter grade (A–F). Courses taken P/NP may not be used to
satisfy geography degree requirements. Exceptions are Geog 492 and
496. The minimum GPA for all courses applied toward the geography
degree is 2.5.
Geography Minor
(24 credits)
| Physical Environment I or II (ES 111 or
112) | 4 |
| Introduction to Human Geography (Geog 107) | 4 |
| Maps: Analysis and Interpretation (Geog
280) | 4 |
Select 12 credits of upper division geography courses with
the approval of the departmental advisor.
Land Use Planning Minor
(25–26 credits)
Intended for geography students and students from other
disciplines interested in land use planning careers.
| Physical Environment I or II (ES 111 or
112) | 4 |
| Introduction to Geography, Human Geography, or Global
Lands and Livelihoods (Geog 101, 107, or 108) | 4 |
| Cartography (Geog 340) | 5 |
| Urban Environments (Geog 350) | 4 |
| Land Use Planning (Geog 439) | 4 |
(4–5 credits)
Select one upper division elective from the
following:
| Cultural Geography (Geog 411) | 4 |
| Advanced Economic Geography (Geog 416) | 4 |
| Geography of Tourism (Geog 417) | 4 |
| Planning Issues (Geog 440) | 4 |
| Geomorphology (Geog 481) | 4 |
| Climatology (Geog 482) | 4 |
| Geographic Information Systems (Geog 489) | 5 |
Teacher Licensing
Students who would like to teach geography (part of the
social studies endorsement) at the middle school or high school level in
Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor’s degree in geography
before applying to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU.
Interested students should consult the department chair for an
appropriate advisor and the Education Department regarding admission
requirements for the MAT teacher education program.
Students must prepare in advance to increase their chances of
acceptance into this competitive program. Practica, internships, and
volunteer experiences working with children in the public schools prior
to application to the MAT program are required.
Geography Courses
See Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses
| Geog 101 Introduction to Geography: The Rogue Valley |
| 4 credits |
| Introduces the skills and methods used in observing and interpreting geographical environments. Employs fieldwork, aerial photographs, maps, and basic data to examine the physical and cultural elements of the Rogue Valley from 1852 to the present. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Geog 103 Survey of World Regions |
| 4 credits |
| Students describe, analyze, and interpret the major geographic regions based on physical and cultural attributes. Examines the importance of regions within the international framework, the human impact on landscapes, global cultural diversity, and geographic differentiations based on levels of development. |
| Geog 107 Introduction to Human Geography |
| 4 credits |
| Surveys global human diversity using geographic perspectives. Emphasizes basic human geography concepts and skills. Examines regional variation based on language, religion, and other cultural traits, political conflicts, and development of cultural landscapes. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Geog 108 Global Land and Livelihoods |
| 4 credits |
| Provides a systematic geographic survey of human economic systems, regions, and activities. Provides a basis for a systematic understanding of resources as environmental and cultural elements. Introduces the tools for analysis of extraction, manufacturing, and service industries. Explores the basic nature and cultural relativity of legal and market economic control functions in regulated market economies. Models spatial interaction and provides fundamental insights into the growth and economic functions of cities. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| Geog 199 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Geog 209 Introduction to Meteorology |
| 4 credits |
| Offers an introductory study of meteorology, providing a qualitative and quantitative examination of the global energy budget, weather elements, instrumentation, fronts, air masses, cyclones and anticyclones, severe weather, pollution, ozone layer depletion, acid rain, and global warming. Students gain an understanding of weather analysis and forecasting using current computer technology. Prerequisites: ES 111 and computer skills. |
| Geog 280 Maps: Analysis and Interpretation |
| 4 credits |
| Applies techniques in reading, interpreting, and analyzing maps and map data commonly used in geographic study. Emphasizes the understanding and development of skills used in scale computation, coordinate systems, simple field mapping, contour reading, map projections and datums, and interpretation of physical and cultural phenomena on maps. Also examines the nature of computer-based maps and provides familiarity with sources of maps and map-related information. Participants design a simple map. |
Upper Division Courses
| Geog 300 Geographic Research Methods |
| 4 credits |
| Required for majors. Prepares students for upper-division courses, the capstone, and employment by developing skills in research, writing, and oral presentations. Covers field observation, library and Internet research, interviews and surveys, off-campus data sources, and research design. Prerequisites: Completion of an Explorations sequence in Arts and Letters (or former Goals 1, 2, and 3); Geog 107; ES 111 or ES 112; and computer skills. |
| Geog 326 Geography of Europe |
| 4 credits |
| Description and analysis of the physical and cultural landscapes of Europe. Emphasizes the development of regional diversity in populations, cultural characteristics, settlement, and economy, and the impacts of the emerging European Union. Prerequisite: Completion of Explorations sequences in Science and Social Science (Geography sequences preferred). |
| Geog 329 Geography of the United States and Canada |
| 4 credits |
| Extends knowledge of the major geographic regions of the U.S. and Canada. Students gain geographic perspectives by integrating study of the physical setting, cultural characteristics, and economic activities of several regions. Prerequisite: Completion of Explorations sequences in Science and Social Science (Geography sequences preferred). |
| Geog 330 Geography of Latin America |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the physical, social, and environmental characteristics of Middle America, the Caribbean, and South America, with special emphasis on natural resources, environmental impacts, cultural diversity, economic development, regional conflict, and the emerging nations of Latin America. Prerequisite: Completion of Explorations sequences in Science and Social Science (Geography sequences preferred). |
| Geog 333 Geography of Australia and New Zealand |
| 4 credits |
| Description and analysis of the major geographic regions of both Australia and New Zealand. Explores the physical environment, natural resources, economic development, and environmental impacts of human activities. Examines cultural landscapes of indigenous and contemporary peoples. Prerequisite: Completion of Explorations sequences in Science and Social Science (Geography sequences preferred). |
| Geog 336 Geography of Asia |
| 4 credits |
| Studies the environmental variations, cultural diversity, and emerging economic power of Asia. Emphasizes the peoples and regions of East and Southeast Asia, with particular attention to their importance in global economic and political patterns. Prerequisite: Completion of Explorations sequences in Science and Social Science (Geography sequences preferred). |
| 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, political units, and problems of size and diversity. Considers emerging states as distinct regions. Includes geographic interpretations of current events. Prerequisite: Completion of Explorations sequences in Science and Social Science (Geography sequences preferred). |
| Geog 340 Cartography |
| 5 credits |
| Examines the principles and techniques used in the design and compilation of maps and related graphical products. Activities include the completion of computer-based cartography projects, the preparation of thematic maps, data analyses, chart production, the incorporation of Global Positioning System (GPS) data, and the 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 suitable formats for technical reports and other publications. Prerequisites: Geog 280 and computer skills. |
| Geog 350 Urban Environments |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the city as a social and physical environment using multidisciplinary perspectives. Focuses on contemporary U.S. cities and selected global and historical examples of urban places. Explores the process of urbanization; the historical development of cities in several world regions (including nonwestern contexts); the changing patterns of social classes, ethnic groups, and gender balance within cities; and the impact of urban development on the physical environment. Students work in interdisciplinary groups to investigate a significant urban issue. Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division General Education requirements. Approved for General Education (Synthesis). |
| Geog 360 Population, Development, and the Environment |
| 4 credits |
| Examines contemporary global issues and investigate the roles played by cultural values, technologies, infrastructure, and sociopolitical organization as intermediaries between human population growth, poverty, and environmental degradation. Provides the conceptual tools to formulate questions about how human societies choose to invest wealth in population growth, consumption, economic growth, or environmental preservation. Term projects require students to identify a significant and specific case relating population growth to economic development and environmental degradation and to recommend action goals. Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division General Education requirements. Approved for General Education (Synthesis). |
| Geog 386 Quantitative Methods in Geography |
| 4 credits |
| Applies statistical principles and techniques to geographical data. Draws examples from temporal and spatial relationships in physical and cultural geography. Formulates questions appropriate to statistical analysis, statistical problem solving, data collection, and documentation. Covers computer-based analysis techniques. Prerequisite: Mth 243. |
| Geog 399 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Geog 401/501 Research |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Geog 403/503 Thesis |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Geog 405/505 Reading and Conference |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Geog 407/507 Seminar |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Geog 408/508 Workshop |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Geog 409/509 Practicum |
|
| Credits to be arranged (maximum 15 undergraduate credits)Graded on a P/NP basis. |
| Geog 411/511 Cultural Geography |
| 4 credits |
| Advanced study of major themes in cultural geography, including the evolution of cultural regions and landscapes, processes of cultural change, and human interaction with and alteration of the natural environment. Applies concepts and methods to analysis and interpretation of the local region and landscape. Prerequisites: Geog 107 and upper division or graduate standing. |
| Geog 416/516 Advanced Economic Geography |
| 4 credits |
| Provides a systematic theoretical review of spatial forces affecting regional development and industrial location. Examines traditional and contemporary models to explain economic landscapes, regionalization processes, and tools for planning and policy analysis. Applies analytical methods to the valuation of environmental amenities and the interpretation of observed spatial patterns of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Geog 360 recommended. Prerequisites: Geog 108 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. Investigates global, regional, and local tourist flows, with special attention to southern Oregon. Prerequisites: Upper division or graduate standing and two courses from Geog 107, Geog 108, ES 111, and ES 112. |
| Geog 419/519 Topics in Physical Geography |
| 2 credits |
| Offers advanced study of a selected topic in physical geography, such as vegetation, soil, hydrology, or landforms. Emphasizes the processes responsible for geographic patterns of a physical phenomenon. Topics are selected on the basis of their importance to human-environment interrelationships. Prerequisites: ES 111; ES 112; and upper division or graduate standing. |
| Geog 420/520 Topics in Human Geography |
| 2 credits |
| Offers advanced study of a selected topic in human geography. Emphasizes the processes responsible for the creation of geographic patterns. Topics are selected on the basis of their relevance to local, regional, and global events. Prerequisites: Geog 107 and upper division or graduate standing. |
| Geog 437/537 Conservation in the United States |
| 4 credits |
| Explores the evolution of Western environmental perceptions from classical times to present. Emphasizes environmental movements in the U.S., the forces behind environmental crisis, and the responses of society and its institutions. Prerequisites: ES 111, ES 112, or ES 210; upper division or graduate standing. (Cross-listed with SSc 437/537.) |
| Geog 439/539 Land Use Planning |
| 4 credits |
| Applies land use planning history and legal foundations as the framework for exploring problems in land use planning, development, and public policy formulation. Pays particular attention to Oregons land use planning legislation and its regional implementations. Geog 350 recommended. Prerequisites: Geog 107, Geog 108, or ES 211; upper division or graduate standing. (Cross-listed with SSc 439/539.) |
| Geog 440 Planning Issues |
| 4 credits |
| Provides opportunities for in-depth exploration of contemporary land use planning issues. Students gain insight into the planning philosophies underlying the issues and the technical aspects of planning through participation in community planning efforts such as mapping, surveys, and inventories in the Rogue Valley. Prerequisite: Geog 350 or Geog 439. |
| Geog 480/580 Geography for Teachers |
| 4 credits |
| Encourages the comprehension and application of key ideas in geography and the geographical mode of inquiry to elementary and secondary school curricula. Emphasizes methods of organizing materials and the formulation of instructional strategies. Prerequisite: Upper division or graduate standing. |
| Geog 481/581 Geomorphology |
| 4 credits |
| Provides a systematic and quantitative study of terrestrial processes, with an emphasis on the evolution and interpretation of landforms. Topics include the history of geomorphology and an assessment of the processes associated with mass wasting, rivers, glaciers, deserts, and shorelines. Students should have familiarity with basic logarithms, trigonometry, and topographic map reading skills. Prerequisites: G 102 or ES 111 and ES 112; completion of the General Education (Quantitative Reasoning) requirement; and upper division or graduate standing. (Cross-listed with G 481/581.) |
| Geog 482/582 Climatology |
| 4 credits |
| Investigates the physical mechanisms that control the spatial aspects of global and regional climates. Develops a qualitative and quantitative knowledge of the earths atmosphere system through an understanding of spatial variations in heat, moisture, and the motion of the atmosphere. Applies these concepts to a wide range of issues in climate, human activities, and the environment. Discusses human consequences, including natural vegetation assemblages, agriculture and fisheries, health and comfort, building and landscape design, industrial influences, and issues of climate change. Prerequisites: ES 111 or Geog 209; completion of the General Education (Quantitative Reasoning) requirement; and upper division or graduate standing. |
| Geog 487/587 Remote Sensing |
| 4 credits |
| Offers a broad examination of information gathering. Uses various types of geographic imagery, including both 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 |
| Explores uses of computer-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for analyzing geographic features and feature-related data. Desktop GIS is employed for data storage, geographic data analysis, and map design. Covers applications in forestry, planning, resource management, demography, and remote sensing. Computer skills required. Prerequisites: Geog 280; Geog 340; computer skills; and upper division or graduate standing. |
| Geog 492 Senior Capstone I |
| 1 credit |
| Introduces the capstone experience for geography majors. Demonstrates the students competence in the application of geographic information, theory, and methodology through the evaluation of a selected study area. Includes a weekend field camp, to be held the first weekend in October. Course to be taken in sequence with Geog 493 and 494. Prerequisites: Geog 340 and senior standing in the geography major. |
| Geog 493 Senior Capstone II |
| 1 credit |
| Applies specific research, writing, and presentation skills to the evolving capstone experience. Students write a research proposal and develop skills related to effective presentations, including field-based and technology-based forms. Prerequisite: Geog 492. |
| Geog 494/594 Senior Capstone III: Field Geography |
| 4 credits |
| Applies 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. Typically taken during spring term of the senior year. Students who are not senior geography majors must obtain instructor consent. Prerequisites: Geog 492 and Geog 493. |
| Geog 496/596 Geographic Internship |
| 4 to 6 credits |
| Provides on-site experience at an educational, governmental, nongovernmental, 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. Note: The primary internship is 4 credits; students may enroll for an additional 2 credits if desired. Prerequisite: Completion of 24 credits of upper division geography. |
Geography
