2004-05 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
Department of Geography and Regional Planning
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit designation below each title is expressed in (c) class hours per week, (l) lab or (d) discussion section hours per week, and (cr) credits per semester.
| RGPL 350 Introduction to Planning | |
3c-0l-3cr
Introduces principles of thematic map construction. Emphasizes techniques of choropleth mapping and the production of scientific graphs and charts. (Also offered as GEOG 213; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in
the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic
identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered
primarily for lower-level undergraduate students. (May also be offered as
GEOG
281; may not be taken as duplicate credit under same title)
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
RGPL 213
Gives an understanding of the compilation and use of maps and quantitative data.
Develops skills essential to the construction of various types of maps. (Also
offered as
GEOG 313; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
RGPL 314 Map and Photograph Interpretation
3c-0l-3cr
Maps and air photographs, along with remote sensing materials, permit inventory and analysis of geologic, land use, urban development, and other landscape phenomena. The understanding of these materials and associated tools for their use is presented. (Also offered as GEOG 314; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
RGPL 316 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
RGPL 213, or equivalent, or instructor permission
Automated methods for creating, maintaining, and analyzing spatial data are
presented. Topics include (1) specialized GIS hardware and software, (2) vector
vs. raster vs. object-oriented spatial data structures, (3) creation and
manipulation of geographic data files, (4) database design and management
concepts, (5) spatial analysis, and (6) cartographic design. (Also offered as
GEOG 316; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
3c-0l-3cr
Basic concepts of urban geography including site, situation, function, urban land use, urban structure, and urban hierarchy are introduced. Relationships between urban geography and urban planning are explored. (Also offered as GEOG 332; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
RGPL 333 Trade and Transportation
3c-0l-3cr
Deals with the spatial aspects of transportation systems and their use. Circulation, accessibility, time and distance concepts, and trade patterns are discussed. (Also offered as GEOG 333; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
RGPL 345 Biogeography for Environmental Managers
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: One of the following:
GEOG 341,
342,
BIOL 103,
112,
115
Examines the distribution of plants and animals across the earth’s surface, as
influenced by natural and human processes. Emphasizes landscape and regional
habitat dynamics as they relate to environmental planning and management. Field
trips supplement lectures and readings. (Also offered as
GEOG 345; may not be
taken for duplicate credit)
RGPL 350 Introduction to Planning
3c-0l-3cr
An introduction to the profession and activity of contemporary American urban and regional planning. Emphasizes land use control, design, growth management, and development regulation. The legal and institutional bases of planning practice are covered as well.
3c-0l-3cr
Research, analytical design, and plan-making techniques in urban and regional planning. Examines basic items necessary to prepare urban and regional comprehensive plans. (Also offered as GEOG 352; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
3c-0l-3cr
Introduces professional graphic communications. Emphasizes the use of 2-D Computer Aided Design (CAD) applications, plan graphics, and professional standards to represent and solve basic physical planning problems.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
RGPL 468
This senior seminar and workshop is a capstone course that focuses on recent
research in the major field. Students carry out a research project on a topic of
local or regional importance. (Also offered as
GEOG 412; may not be taken for
duplicate credit)
3c-0l-3cr
Deals with air photographs, satellite imagery, thermal sensing, and radar imagery and their application to deriving information about the earth’s physical and cultural landscapes. (Also offered as GEOG 415; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
RGPL 417 Technical Issues in GIS
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
RGPL 316
A project-based class in which students learn the skills to develop and maintain
a Geographic Information System. Through cooperative learning, students design
and implement functional systems. Methods for designing GIS systems to user
specification, data collection, data input, project management, and system
documentation are covered. (Also offered as
GEOG 417; may not be taken for
duplicate credit)
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites:
RGPL 350,
353 or instructor permission
Introduces the activity of design, design programming, design decision making,
and design communications. Focuses specifically on the development of site
planning, site analysis, and site design skills as well as the translation of
design program elements into physical form.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
RGPL 350
Introduces principles of land use law. Focus is on federal constitutional
principles and key Supreme Court cases, especially as they relate to actions of
local units of government and municipal planning practice. Deals with the
present state of land use law and with current trends and issues.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite:
RGPL 350
Introduces and provides an overview of land use issues at the regional, state,
and federal levels. Emphasizes the evolution of contemporary policy strategies,
constitutional issues, and regional controversies involved in the regulation of
metropolitan growth, central city decline, and management of public lands. (Also
offered as
GEOG 464; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites:
RGPL 350,
352,
454, or instructor permission
A seminar on contemporary debates concerning planning traditions, principles,
and practices. The activity of planning is investigated from several theoretical
frames and analytic positions.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in
the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic
identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 481 are primarily for
upper-level undergraduate students. (May also be offered as
GEOG 481; may not be
taken for duplicate credit under same title)
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: Prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department
chairperson, dean, and Provost’s Office
Students with interest in independent study of a topic not offered in the
curriculum may propose a plan of study in conjunction with a faculty member.
Approval is based on academic appropriateness and availability of resources.
var-1-12cr
Professional learning experience with emphasis on application of academic
background. Open to majors and minors in regional planning with a total of 57cr
and 15cr in the major. See internship supervisor for additional information.
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