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2008 - 2009 Catalog
Geography
541-552-6281
John Richards, Coordinator
The geography program is part of the Social Sciences, Policy, and Culture Department. Geography courses contribute to the geography minor, land use planning minor, environmental studies program, and international studies program. Students interested in geography should speak to a member of the geography faculty for advice and information about courses appropriate to their particular interests and desired career paths. Seniors and some juniors will be able to complete their geography degrees from their present catalog using the geography courses listed below or substitutes approved by the their geography advisor and program coordinator.
Studying geography fosters an understanding of the relationship between human activities and the physical and cultural environments on global, regional, and local scales. Geography synthesizes concepts and information from other natural and social sciences, acting as a bridge between the various natural and social science disciplines. Fundamental geographic methodology asks "What is it? Where is it? Why is it there?"
Geography courses explore subjects as varied as global climate change, the mosaic of human settlement in Asia, regional voting patterns in the United States, which grapes grow best where, and the depletion of natural resources in developing countries.
Minors
Geography
(24 credits)
| Physical Environment I or II (ES 111 or 112) | 4 |
| Introduction to Human Geography (GEOG 107) | 4 |
| Maps, Cartography, and Geospatial Technology (ES/GEOG 349) | 4 |
| Select 12 credits of upper division geography courses with the approval of the departmental advisor. | 12 |
Land Use Planning
(See Land Use Planning Program)
Teacher Licensing
Students who would like to teach social studies at the middle or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete at least one course 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 School of Education regarding admission requirements for the MAT program.
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 University Studies (Explorations). |
| GEOG 103 Survey of World Regions |
| 4 credits |
| Offers a description, analysis, and interpretation of 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 University Studies (Explorations). |
| GEOG 108 Global Lands 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 University Studies (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. |
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, GEOG 107, ES 111 or 112, and computer skills. |
| 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. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisite: Completion of Explorations sequences in sciences and social sciences (geography sequences preferred). |
| GEOG 336 Geography of East and Southeast 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. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisite: Completion of Explorations sequences in sciences and social sciences (geography sequences preferred). |
| GEOG 338 Geography of Central and Southwest Asia |
| 4 credits |
| Studies the regional geography of the countries of central and southwest Asia that form the ancient core of the Muslim world: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen, as well as the non-Muslim countries they envelop, including Armenia and Israel. Emphasizes Turkic and Arab countries. Covers climate, landscape, resources, cultural history, political history, and contemporary issues. Provides essential background for understanding the history and current events in the Middle East and the essential connections to events in Europe, the United States, Russia, China, and India. Approved for University Studies (Integration). |
| GEOG 349 Maps, Cartography, and Geospatial Technology |
| 5 credits |
| Provides a fundamental understanding of map reading and interpretation, along with the principles and techniques used in design and compilation of maps for effective cartographic communication. Provides an overview of the geospatial technologies of global positioning systems, remote sensing, and geographic information systems. Four hours of lecture and one three-hour lab. Prerequisite: Proof of computer proficiency. Corequisite: GEOG 349L. (Cross-listed with ES 349.) |
| 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. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis/Integration). Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements. |
| GEOG 360 Global Issues in Population, Development, and the Environment |
| 4 credits |
| Examines contemporary global issues and investigates the roles played by cultural values, technologies, infrastructure, and sociopolitical organizations 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. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis/Integration). Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements. (Cross-listed with IS 360.) |
| GEOG 386 Environmental Data Analysis |
| 4 credits |
| Applies statistical principles and techniques to geographical data. Formulates questions appropriate to statistical analysis, statistical problem solving, data collection, and documentation with particular emphasis on using statistics as an effective communication and decision-making tool through computer-based analysis, figure and table production, and writing. Four hours of lecture and one three-hour lab. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisite: MTH 243. Corequisite: GEOG 386L. (Cross-listed with ES 386.) |
| 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 433/533 Soil Science |
| 4 credits |
| Offers an introduction to pedology and field techniques in describing soils. Develops a quantitative and qualitative understanding of morphology, origin, chemistry, and classification of soils. Topics include weathering, mineral and organic constituents of soil, nutrient cycling, soil erosion and contamination, biological activity in soils, and agriculture. Explores issues related to the environment and land use planning with respect to soils. Two 50-minute lectures and one 2-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: G 102 and 112, or ES 112; completion of University Studies (Quantitative Reasoning) requirements; and upper division or graduate standing. (Cross-listed with G 433/533.) |
| 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, 112, or 210; upper division or graduate standing. (Cross-listed with SSPC 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 Oregon’s land use planning legislation and its regional implementations. GEOG 350 recommended. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisites: GEOG 107, 108, or ES 210 and upper division or graduate standing. (Cross-listed with SSPC 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. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisite: GEOG 350 or 439. |
| GEOG 451/551 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems |
| 4 credits |
| Explores uses of computer-based geographic information systems (GIS) for analyzing environmental 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, and demography. Four hours of lecture and one three-hour lab. Prerequisite: ES/GEOG 349. Corequisite: ES 451L/551L. (Cross-listed with ES 451/551.) |
| GEOG 453/553 Introduction to Remote Sensing |
| 4 credits |
| Designed to introduce students to remote sensing of the environment through digital image processing of satellite data. Develops an understanding of inventorying, mapping, and monitoring earth resources through the measurement, analysis, and interpretation of electromagnetic energy emanating from features of interest. Four hours of lecture and one three-hour lab. Prerequisite: ES/GEOG 349. Corequisite: GEOG 453L/553L. (Cross-listed with ES/G 453/553.) |
| GEOG 457/557 Introduction to Global Positioning Systems |
| 4 credits |
| Covers the fundamentals of global positioning systems (GPS). Includes an overview of the GPS system, its operation, and major sources of error. Field and lab exercises allow for AGPS data collection and application of various data-processing techniques, including differential correction, quality control, and export to geospatial software. Four hours of lecture and one three-hour lab. ES/GEOG 489/589 recommended. Prerequisite: ES 349. Corequisite: GEOG 457L/557L. (Cross-listed with ES/G 457/557.) |
| 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 be familiar with basic logarithms, trigonometry, and topographic-map–reading skills. Prerequisites: G 102 or ES 111, 112; completion of the University Studies (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 Earth’s 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. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisites: ES 111 or GEOG 209; completion of the University Studies (Quantitative Reasoning) requirement; and upper division or graduate standing. |
| GEOG 490 Field Geography Capstone I |
| 1 credit |
| Introduces the capstone experience for geography majors. Demonstrates 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 490 and 491. Prerequisites: GEOG 340 and senior standing in the major. |
| GEOG 491 Field Geography 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 490. |
| GEOG 492/592 Field Geography Capstone III |
| 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 490, 491. |
| GEOG 496/596 Geographic Internship |
| 2 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. |
