Program Guide

Catalog Home

GEOGRAPHY 1100 (IAI S4 901) Western World Regional Geography 3 credit hours A regional survey of Anglo America, Latin America, Europe, Russia and Australia/New Zealand. Among topics covered are country locations and their physical landscapes, as well as economic and cultural landscapes. Often this course is framed in a political, economic or cultural context. Students may learn about trade agreements, U.S. military interventions and foreign policy, economic globalization, human rights, agriculture, wars, gentrification and other topics. (3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 1105 (IAI S4 902N) World Regional Geography: The Eastern World 3 credit hours A regional survey of the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Among topics covered are country locations and their physical landscapes, as well as economic and cultural landscapes. Often this course is framed in a political, economic or cultural context. Students may learn about trade agreements, U.S. military interventions and foreign policy, economic globalization, human rights, agriculture, wars, gentrification and other topics. (3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 1110 Political Geography 3 credit hours An exploration of power and space relations. This course explores how political decisions and processes impact people and their environs, as well as the meaning, history, implications, and combinations of the concepts of nation and state. It will explore the background and nature of borders, country shapes, regional conflicts, and boundary disputes and also compare major political systems and electoral geography. Students will also explore the politics of globalization, trade and trade agreements, and international law. (3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 1120 (IAI S4 903N) Economic Geography 3 credit hours An overview of the spatial distribution of economic activities and resultant economic landscapes. This course includes the study of the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions, neoliberal and participatory economics, the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Structural Adjustment Programs and the impact of free-market economics on traditional economies are examined. (3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 1130 (IAI S4 900N) Cultural Geography 3 credit hours A study of the spatial relationships among people, culture and the environment. This course covers the spread of cultural elements and their impact on human environments, human modification of the earth, cultural regions, population and migration, spatial patterns of social problems, and environmental hazards and perception. In addition, this course covers “new cultural geography,” which analyzes racial ideologies, sexuality, gender and identity, nationalism and geographies of labor. (3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 1140 (IAI S4 901) Urban Geography 3 credit hours A geographical examination of settlement patterns, economic activities, usage of space and representations in the urban environment. The form and function of cities are analyzed, as are issues of disenfranchisement and gentrification. (3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 1151 Geographic Information System I 3 credit hours An introduction to the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with examples of applications in various fields. Use GIS software to capture, store, query, analyze and display spatially referenced data such as roads, land parcels and vegetations stands on the earth’s surface. GIS software usage is covered by tutorial exercises in textbook, with assistance by instructor. (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

GEOGRAPHY 1152 GIS II 3 credit hours Focuses on the principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and emphasizes building skills using ESRI software. This course includes data structure, assembly of GIS data sets, map symbology, queries, spatial analysis, coordinate systems, projections and map presentation. GIS software usage is covered by tutorial exercises in textbook, with assistance by instructor. Students may also work to develop their own GIS projects. Prerequisite: Geography 1151 or consent of instructor (1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours)

GEOGRAPHY 1153 Applied GIS 3 credit hours An opportunity for students to learn through real-life GIS projects developed by public safety officials, public works departments, planners and other industry professionals. Prerequisite: Proficiency with the Windows operating system required; Geography 1151 and 1152 or consent of instructor (1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours)

GEOGRAPHY 1154 Geodatabase Development 3 credit hours Advanced study of Geodatabase development, maintenance, organization and editing within the ArcGIS suite of software. Students will explore the basic features and functionality that a geodatabase provides, as well as the ArcMap editing tools for creating and editing the geometry of spatial data stored in a geodatabase. Students will learn to create and manipulate Geographic Information Systems features that mimic real-world feature behavior, apply sophisticated rules and relationships between features, and access geospatial data from a centralized location. Prerequisite: Geography 1153 with a grade of “C” or better or consent of instructor. (3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 1155 GIS Capstone Project 3 credit hours Focus on student created projects solving problems in the fields of environmental science, marketing, urban planning, resource management and homeland security. Students will learn to draft a Geographic Information Systems proposal, which will include project timelines, system scope, cost-benefit analysis, risk planning, and delivering a final GIS product. Instructor will assist students with project topics, project approach, the availability and acquisition of source data, data organization and assembly, data preparation, GIS analysis techniques and project presentation. Throughout the course, instructor will guide students through the process of gaining GIS employment, including resume building, job interview techniques and obtaining national GISCI (Geographic Information Systems Certification Institute) status. Prerequisite: Geography 1154 with a grade of “C” or better or consent of instructor. (3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 1800 Experiential Special Topics 1 to 3 credit hours Experiential courses cover topics not otherwise covered by general education courses and other courses in the Catalog for Geography. These courses require direct experience and focused reflection in an in-depth study of a specific geographic topic and/or the critical analysis of contemporary issues in Geography. They are targeted to self-selected students with an interest in the subject matter and involve active participation. The course delivery incorporates an experiential component of no less than 30 percent but not to exceed 70 percent. This experiential component may include field studies, interdisciplinary learning, and/or the practical application of discipline-related concepts, theories, principles and methods with a specific focus. All courses require an orientation session to deliver academic and experiential information (syllabus, academic requirements, field preparation, logistics, etc.)

GEOGRAPHY 1820 Selected Topics I 1 to 3 credit hours Introductory exploration and analysis of selected topics with a specific theme indicated by course title listed in college course schedule. May be taken three times for credit as long as different topics are selected. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor (1 to 3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 1840 Independent Study – Individualized 1 to 4 credit hours Exploration and analysis of topics within the discipline to meet individual student-defined course description, goals, objectives, topical outline and methods of evaluation in coordination with and approved by the instructor. May be taken three times for credit as long as different topics are selected. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor (1 to 4 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 2204 Russia 3 credit hours This course examines the diverse geographic aspects of Russia and the former Soviet Union. The interrelationship between people and their geographic environments — physical, social, economic, political, demographic, cultural environments — are considered. Students are expected to learn basic place names, to understand geographic relationships and concepts as found in Russia and the former Soviet Union, and to think geographically about this region. (3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 2205 The Slavic Lands 3 credit hours A survey of the natural, social and historical features of the Slavic nations of Eastern Europe and Asia (including Russia, Ukraine, Poland, the Czech Lands, Slovakia, Bulgaria and the South Slavic peoples of the former Yugoslavia). These lands are examined in terms of their level and nature of economic development, social complexity and prevailing political ideologies. The futures of these nation and peoples are a prime topic of analysis. Extensive attention is given to the Balkanization of the former Yugoslavia, the wars of Eastern Europe, the recent genocides and the NATO response. The admittance of the Eastern European states to the European Union is also studied. (3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 2210 United States and Canada 3 credit hours A regional survey of the United States and Canada. Topics may include: Agriculture, manufacturing, the territorial expansion of the United States, Quebec separatism, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), gentrification, and urbanization. (3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 2220 Latin America 3 credit hours A geographical exploration and analysis of Latin America. In this survey course, students examine Latin America and its nations through the eyes of a geographer. An array of topics are discussed, ranging from physical landscapes and locations of cities and countries to U.S. foreign policy towards the region. Students should expect extensive discussion regarding the roles of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and Inter-American Development Bank in shaping the region and discussion of trade agreements such as the Uruguay Round, the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Central American Free Trade Agreement, and the Free Trade Area of the Americas. In addition, this course covers migration issues, and the intervention of the United States in Panama, Colombia and elsewhere, including discussion of the 1954 CIA overthrow of the government of Guatemala. (3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 2221 Mexico 3 credit hours A geographical exploration and analysis of Mexico. Topics covered may include physical landscape, economic conditions, the “War on Drugs,” Structural Adjustment and the International Monetary Fund, the North American Free Trade Agreement, the militarization of the U.S.-Mexico border, the Mexican Diaspora, and Mexican communities in the United States. (3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 2223 Colombia 3 credit hours A geographical exploration and analysis of Colombia. Topics covered may include physical landscape, economic conditions, the “War on Drugs” and U.S.-led counterinsurgency in the Andean nations, oil exploitation, the role of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Trade Organization, and Inter-American Development Bank in shaping the country, and U.S. foreign policy. (3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 2224 Juarez: The Laboratory of Our Future 3 credit hours This course explores Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and attempts to deconstruct the city. Explores issues leading to mass influx of individuals to Juarez from the Mexican countryside, and the ongoing femicide (A field study may be included as part of this course). When this course is offered as a field study, students must meet the legal requirements for entry into Mexico and return to the United States. (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

GEOGRAPHY 2235 The Middle East 3 credit hours A geographical exploration and analysis of the Middle East. This course provides a survey of the region through a geographic perspective. Included are country locations and discussion of physical features, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, U.S. foreign policy towards the region, the exploitation of resources (particularly oil), U.S. interventions in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan, and discussion relating to the “War on Terror” and the rise of “radical Islam.” (3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 2820 Advanced Selected Topics I 1-3 credit hours Advanced exploration and analysis of selected topics with a specific theme indicated by course title listed in college course schedule. May be taken three times for credit as long as different topics are selected. Prerequisite: At least one course in the discipline or consent of instructor. (1-3 lecture hours)

GEOGRAPHY 2860 Cooperative Education /Internship (Occupational) 1 to 4 credit hours Participation in occupational area of study work experience under supervision of both college and employer. Internship/cooperative education learning objectives developed by student and faculty adviser, with approval of employer, to provide appropriate work-based learning experience. Minimum of 75 clock hours per semester credit, up to four credits. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor or written permission of the Cooperative Education/Internship program staff and faculty adviser, 2.0 cumulative grade point average, and 12 semester credits of related study.

GEOGRAPHY 2865 Cooperative Education /Internship Advanced (Occupational) 1 to 4 credit hours Continuation of Cooperative Education/Internship (Occupational). Participation in occupational work experience under supervision. Learning objectives developed by student and faculty adviser, with approval of employer, to provide appropriate work-based learning experience. Minimum of 75 clock hours per semester credit, up to a minimum of 300 clock hours for four semester credits. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or written permission of the Cooperative Education/Internship program staff and faculty adviser, 2.0 cumulative grade point average, and 12 semester credits in a related field of study.

GEOGRAPHY 2870 Cooperative Education /Internship (Transfer) 1 to 4 credit hours Participation in transfer area of study work experience under supervision of both college and employer. Internship/cooperative education learning objectives developed by student and faculty adviser, with approval of employer, to provide appropriate work-based learning experience. Minimum of 75 clock hours per semester credit. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor or written permission of the Cooperative Education/Internship program staff and faculty adviser, 2.0 cumulative grade point average, and 12 semester hours of related study.

GEOGRAPHY 2871 Cooperative Education/Internship Advanced (Transfer) 1 to 4 credit hours Continuation of Cooperative Education/Internship (Transfer). Participation in transfer area of study work experience under supervision of both college and employer. Internship/cooperative education learning objectives developed by student and faculty adviser, with approval of employer, to provide appropriate work-based learning experience. Minimum 75 clock hours per semester credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or written permission of the Cooperative Education/Internship program staff and faculty adviser, successful completion of Cooperative Education/Internship I (Transfer), cumulative grade point average of 2.0, and 12 semester credits in related field of study.

To the top