2006-07 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
Geography (GEOG)
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.
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GEOG 418 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Crime Mapping and Social Scientific Analysis |
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GEOG 419 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Environmental Applications |
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GEOG 101 Introduction to Geography: Human Environment
3c-0l-3cr
Throughout history, human life and society have been shaped by the physical environment. Today, human activity threatens that environment. The relationship between humans and environment is examined in the context of the surface processes of weather, climate, plate tectonics, population distribution, and soil formation. Topics include agriculture, acid rain, global warming, deforestation, desertification, erosion, volcanism, and pollution.
GEOG 102 Geography of United States and Canada
3c-0l-3cr
The cultural landscape of North America is studied. The relationship between man and environment is examined and spatial patterns of environment, economy, society, and politics are considered.
GEOG 104 Geography of the Non-Western World
3c-0l-3cr
Relates theories of the discipline of geography to problems in the developing world. Emphasizes geographic components of dependency theory; indigenous-versus-industrial strategies of resource management; world systems theory; spatial legacies of colonialism; and development economics, theories of migration, and urban structure to explore causes, characteristics, and consequences of underdevelopment.
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 RGPL 213; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
3c-0l-3cr
An introduction to cultural geography, including population, settlement, historical, urban, and political geography, human relationships with the natural environment, and the literature and methods of cultural geography.
3c-0l-3cr
An introduction to geographic concepts, methods, and skills related to spatial patterns of production, consumption, and exchange over the earth’s surface.
GEOG 251 Geography of Pennsylvania
3c-0l-3cr
Regions of Pennsylvania are examined in detail to identify man-environment relationships. Soils, topography, climate, vegetation, population, and economic patterns are studied.
GEOG 252 Geography of Latin America
3c-0l-3cr
The impact of rapid population growth and economic development on the environment and spatial organization of Latin America is considered. The resource base and cultural heritage of the region are studied.
3c-0l-3cr
Investigates relationships underlying land use, dominant international problems, boundary disputes, and regional complexes of the European continent.
GEOG 254 Geography of Russia and the Soviet Sphere
3c-0l-3cr
Examines the Russian Republic and the former Soviet empire including the new nations emerging from the U.S.S.R. and former satellite nations. Settlement patterns, economics, cultures, and physical environments are studied. Contemporary topical emphasis is on efforts at transformation from communist to market economics and the geopolitical status of the new nations.
3c-0l-3cr
A systematic survey of the physical, economic, political-historical, and cultural geography of the continent is followed by regional studies of countries and peoples in Africa, south of the Sahara.
GEOG 256 Geography of East Asia
3c-0l-3cr
Studies China, Japan, Korea, Outer Mongolia, Taiwan. Geographic background for development and wise use and restoration of natural resources are dealt with.
GEOG 257 Geography of South and Southeast Asia
3c-0l-3cr
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia are studied with special attention to regional similarities and differences, particularly as they pertain to human adjustment.
3c-0l-3cr
The geography of the grape, its production, products, social significance, and consequences of the global wine trade are explored. Students develop an appreciation for the environmental constraints and characteristics of wines and wine regions. Field trips to visit wineries are an essential element of the course. Verifiable proof of 21 years of age required for voluntary wine-tasting activities.
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 RGPL 281; may not be taken as duplicate credit under same title)
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: GEOG 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 RGPL 313; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
GEOG 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 RGPL 314; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
GEOG 316 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: GEOG 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 RGPL 316; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
3c-0l-3cr
Spatial variations in numbers, characteristics, and dynamics of human population, models, and theoretical constructs relevant to demographic structures and processes are studied, as well as major world and regional problems.
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 RGPL 332; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
GEOG 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 RGPL 333; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
GEOG 334 Political Geography
3c-0l-3cr
Geographic factors and conditions are analyzed as they relate to the character and function of states. Political institutions are evaluated in light of geographic conditions.
3c-0l-3cr
Covers patterns and problems of energy production and consumption in human societies. Descriptions of what, where, and how much are combined with issues such as technological change, conservation, allocation, environment impacts, and economic development. Topics include global history and trends of energy development, pricing systems, types of energy, locations of production areas, and the energy status of the United States.
3c-0l-3cr
Focuses on spatial dimensions of the American society. The distribution of various social groups and their impact on the landscape are considered.
3c-0l-3cr
Studies of past geographies, geographical change through time, and historical perspectives on the cultural landscape are included. Historical geography of the United States is emphasized.
3c-0l-3cr
Examines the elements of weather and climate on Earth. The location and causes of global climatic regions are examined in relation to moving pressure and wind systems. Also considers the climatic history of the planet and recent human modifications of the atmospheric environment.
3c-0l-3cr
Focuses on landform types and their spatial distribution. Emphasizes the tectonic forces that build landforms and the weathering and erosional processes that erode and shape surface features. The relationship between human activities and landforms is also considered.
GEOG 343 Geography of Fresh Water Resources
3c-0l-3cr
Learn about surface and groundwater as a resource with unique properties. Fresh water is defined physically by storage in the hydrologic cycle and the values assigned by different cultures. Problems featured relate to consumptive and withdrawal water uses, the problems of water supply and scarcity, water law and its inconsistencies, flooding and floodplain management, sources of contamination and pollution, wetlands, and case studies of selected river basins.
GEOG 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 RGPL 345; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: RGPL 350 or instructor permission
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 RGPL 352; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
3c-0l-3cr
Develops an appreciation and provides information related to aerospace activities and contributions; offers background for teaching aerospace courses; discusses aviation/space careers; and presents the basic principles of flying (usually including some flight instruction). Taught Summer only.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites: GEOG 213, 230, 231, and 341 or 342
Deals with history of the discipline, great ideas, leading problems, and unresolved issues.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: GEOG 411
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 RGPL 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 RGPL 415; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
GEOG 417 Technical Issues in GIS
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: GEOG 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 RGPL 417; may not be taken for duplicate credit)
GEOG 418 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Crime Mapping and Social Scientific Analysis
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: 60 completed credits or instructor permission
Provides knowledge of the theoretical basis of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its applications for criminologists and other social scientists. In the process of demonstrating some of the capabilities of GIS, the specifics of selected GIS and database software packages will also be covered. Develop the skills to use GIS packages, manipulate and query geographic data to solve problems, perform simple spatial analysis, and understand how to utilize GIS in law enforcement/social science problem-solving and decision-making processes.
GEOG 419 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Environmental Applications
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: 60 completed credits or instructor permission
Provides knowledge of the theoretical basis of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its applications for environmental scientific analysis. In the process of demonstrating some of the capabilities of GIS, the specifics of selected GIS and database software packages will also be covered. Students develop the skills to use GIS packages, manipulate and query geographic data to solve problems, perform simple spatial analysis, and understand how to utilize GIS for environmental analysis and resource management.
GEOG 421 Enterprise GIS Management
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: GEOG 417 or instructor permission
Principles and methods for creating, operating, maintaining, and managing data for multi-user geospatial information systems are studied. Each student will customize, document, and operate a multi-user geographic information system of his or her design. (Also offered as RGPL 421; may not be taken for duplicate credit.)
GEOG 431 Geography of American Indians
3c-0l-3cr
Focuses on the historical/cultural geography of Native Americans. Population, resources, land use, development, settlement patterns, and other selected topics are covered.
3c-0l-3cr
The geographical context of crime is examined from historical and contemporary viewpoints. Relevant concepts and analytical approaches are introduced.
GEOG 440 Conservation: Environmental Analysis
3c-0l-3cr
Problems of exploitation and utilization of regional resources such as soils, minerals, forests, and wildlife are considered in relation to population growth and regional planning and development.
3c-0l-3cr
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 RGPL 464; 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 481 are primarily for upper-level undergraduate students. (May also be offered as RGPL 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-1-6cr
Prerequisites: Admission to departmental honors program; prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department chairperson, dean, and Provost’s Office
An intensive, focused study involving independent research culminating in a written thesis approved by a thesis director and two faculty readers/committee members. May be taken more than once to a maximum of 6cr.
GEOG 484 Field Studies in Geography and Social Studies
var 1-3cr
Prerequisite: Instructor permission
Immerses the student in a regional environment. Helps the student to see critically and to interpret a cultural landscape. The experience is predominantly off campus. Using a combination of structured field exercises, culturally specific readings, primary and secondary data, and standard geographic field techniques, the course strives to develop a deeper affective and cognitive understanding of a cultural region. May be repeated under a different study area title.
var-3-12cr
Professional learning experience with emphasis on application of academic background. Open to majors and minors in geography with a total of 57cr and 15cr in the major. See internship supervisor for additional information.
var-3-6cr
Independent research and study under faculty direction. Interested students should approach department chairperson for information.
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