Geography (GEOG)
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Geography courses are grouped into logical categories based on emphasis and content. Geography courses that may be taken without prerequisite are GEOG 1, 2, 3, 52 and 92.
1. GLOBAL PATTERNS: CLIMATE, VEGETATION SOILS AND LANDFORMS 4 hrs.
A holistic study of Earth's unique physical environment. The various aspects of weather, climate, water, landforms, soils and vegetation are examined. The impact of humans on the physical environment, and the effects of the physical environment on humans, are addressed. A weekly two-hour laboratory emphasizing practical map, aerial photograph, satellite imagery and computer analysis is required. No prereq.
An in-depth examination of the landforms of the Earth and the processes and factors that create them. Landforms related to folding, faulting, volcanism, weathering, mass movements, flowing water, glaciers, wind, waves and currents are examined. Practical applications involve field trips and map and aerial photograph interpretation. Prereq.: GEOG 1 or GEOL 1.
113. WEATHER AND CLIMATE 3 hrs.
Study of the elements, factors and processes affecting Earth's weather and climate. Topics include the atmosphere, temperature, atmospheric moisture, air pressure, winds, storms, world climates and climate change. The atmospheric causes and implications of environmental issues such as ozone depletion, acid rain and the greenhouse effect also are explored. Prereq.: GEOG 1.
An introduction to the spatial organization of human activities. Population distributions, world cultural patterns, organization of agriculture and urbanized societies including land use, transportation and communications.
122. CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY 3 hrs.
The geographic study of the diversity of human societies, their distribution, characteristics and cultural impacts on the landscape. Prereq.: GEOG 2 or consent of instructor.
3. WORLD REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY 3 hrs.
A systematic study of the major regions and nations of the world. Emphasis is on the spatial structure of their physical and cultural elements, regional problems and the interdependence of different areas of the world. No prereq.
A topical and regional analysis of Europe's people and their interaction with the landscape. Emphasis is on the geographic problems of Western Europe. Prereq.: GEOG 3 or GEOG1 and GEOG 2.
A survey of the natural, economic and cultural features of the continent as a whole and of the separate political divisions. Emphasis is given to the special problems of the developing countries in relation to the tropical environment and the resource base. This course is an approved general education elective in the Global Perspectives category. Prereq.:GEOG 3 or GEOG 1 and GEOG 2.
Geographic analysis of the interrelationships among physical, cultural, economic and political factors in South, East and Southeast Asia. This course is an approved general education elective in the Global Perspectives category. Prereq.:GEOG 3 or GEOG 1 and GEOG 2.
Study of the physical and human geographic patterns that characterize India and adjacent countries. Geographic aspects of social structure, population growth, economic development and international relations. This course is an approved general education elective in the Global Perspectives category. Prereq.:GEOG 3 or GEOG 1 and GEOG 2. [Spring 1999 Syllabus]
52. INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS 3 hrs.
Basic concepts and principles underlying raster- and polygon-based GIS are presented, discussed and illustrated using desktop computers. Data capture, storage, retrieval, analysis and display techniques, as applied to spatial information from a variety of disciplines, are emphasized. No prereq.
152. APPLICATIONS OF GIS 3 hrs.
The design and implementation of a project using GIS techniques and equipment. Problems and solutions related to data acquisition, analysis and display, encountered in meeting client needs, are explored. Projects are then selected from central Iowa sources. Prereq.:GEOG 52.
92. TOPICS IN GEOGRAPHY 1-3 hrs.
Discussions, lectures, demonstrations and/or field studies pertaining to study of a topic or topics in geography. Topics selected for study are of general interest, and no prerequisite background is required.
Off-campus field course involving study of areas selected for their geographic and regional significance. Prereq.: Consent of instructor.
192. ADVANCED TOPICS IN GEOGRAPHY 1-3 hrs.
Discussions, lectures, demonstrations and/or field studies pertaining to an in-depth study of a topic or topics in geography. Topics selected for study are of interest to geography majors and other students with appropriate interests and background in geography. Prerequisites are listed in the schedule of classes.
198-199. INDEPENDENT STUDY 1-3 hrs.
Independent study of geographic topics suited to the interest and/or needs of the student. Prereq.: Consent of instructor.
Updated: June2000