College of Natural Resources
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Overview
Geography offers a unique perspective on many of today’s most important issues--from globalization, international development, and culture change to environmental problems, population growth, and climate change. Its theories and methods provide analytical techniques applicable to a wide range of questions significant to a broad spectrum of occupations. The geography major provides a balance between an education focusing on contemporary social, political, economic, and environmental issues and training in advanced computer-based techniques.
The department offers courses in human geography, physical geography, and geospatial computer techniques. Human geography is concerned with the spatial dimensions of the economy, politics, and culture; the significance of where people and their activities are located; how the movement of people, resources, and ideas creates links between rural and urban areas and between different regions of the world; the relationships between peoples and their environments; patterns of resource use; how differences and inequalities revealed in spatial patterns affect the quality of life; and how the processes of globalization are transforming regions, countries, and localities. Physical geographers study patterns of climate, landforms, vegetation, soils, water, and natural hazards and especially the factors and processes that produce those patterns, including human-environment interactions. Geospatial computer techniques involve Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), computer mapping, and remote sensing. These technologies have led to significant advances in the ways in which geographic information is collected, mapped, analyzed, and integrated in database and decision-making systems. The Department of Geography has excellent technical facilities, including a Geographic Information Systems lab, a remote sensing lab, and a biogeography lab.
Training in geography provides valuable, marketable skills that are in high demand in business, government, and education. Geography majors obtain employment in such diverse fields as geographic information systems, satellite imagery analysis, planning, transportation, marketing, health care, map making, land and water management, recreation, environmental conservation, and teaching. Employment opportunities are especially strong for students obtaining advanced training in geospatial computer techniques, which are used by both human and physical geographers. Undergraduates in the department have the opportunity to work with several local and county agencies while using their geospatial skills to enhance their education and employment prospects.
Options
In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the core curricula of the university and of the College of Natural Resources, geography majors must also complete 39 hours in geography and related disciplines. Course requirements vary according to the option that a student selects, but all majors must take GEOG 1004, 1014, 1104, 2314 and STAT 3604. Geography offers two options, both of which lead to the B.A. degree.
Those in the Culture, Regions, and International Development option must complete 15 hours from human geography classes (GEOG 2034, 2054, 2064, 2134, 3104, 3204, 3214, 3224, 3234, 3364, 4054, 4074, 4204, 4244, 4764, and SPIA 2004), of which at least 9 credits must be at the 3000-4000 levels; 3 credits from classes in geospatial analysis and the environment (GEOG 3114, 3304, 3314, 3404, 4044, 4084, and 4354); and 6 credits from geography or specified cognate electives, of which at least 3 credits must be at the 3000-4000 levels.
Students in the Geospatial and Environmental Analysis option must complete at least 6 credits from GIS and mapping courses (GEOG 3314, 4084, 4314, 4324, 4384, and 4844), at least 6 credits from environmental analysis courses (GEOG 3114, 3304, 3404, 4044, and 4354), and an additional 3 credits from either category; 6 credits from human geography classes (GEOG 2034, 2054, 2064, 2134, 3104, 3204, 3214, 3224, 3234, 3464, 4054, 4074, 4204, 4244, and 4764), of which at least 3 credits must be at the 3000-4000 levels; and 3 credits from geography or specified cognate electives.
Minor Requirements
To graduate with a minor in geography, a student must complete 21 hours of geography, including GEOG 1004, 1014, and 1104; 3 hours from GEOG 2314 or 3314; plus an additional 9 hours of geography classes, of which at least 6 hours must be at the 3000-4000 levels.
Satisfactory Progress
To make satisfactory progress towards the geography degree, upon completion of 60 hours, students must have completed 15 hours in geography. Upon completing 90 hours, students must have an in-major GPA of 2.0 or more. Courses for in-major GPA computation include all GEOG courses and SPIA 2004.
Undergraduate Courses (GEOG)
1004: INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN GEOGRAPHYIntroduction to geography as a social science. Development of a conceptual framework for studying and evaluating human-environment relationships. Examination of selected regional and global issues in terms of human and physical attributes of place. (3H,3C) I,II.
1014: WORLD REGIONS
Human and physical patterns of major regions of the world. Concepts and perspectives of geography as a social science; linkages and interdependence of nations and regions. (3H,3C) I,II.
1104: INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Integrated study of major subsystems of the natural environment of humans: the nature, distribution, and interrelationships of climate, landforms, vegetation, hydrology, and soils. (3H,3C) I,II.
2034: GEOGRAPHY OF GLOBAL CONFLICT
Discussion of geographical dimensions of global conflicts: territorial, environmental, locational, segregational and perceptual. Explains the background to conflicts, documents the current status of conflicts and discusses the different points of view in conflict. Analysis of the Holocaust in Europe, conflicts in Middle East, Northern Ireland, and Central Europe. Topics in the course will change as the geography of global conflict changes. (3H,3C)
II.
2054 (IS 2054) (PSCI 2054): INTRODUCTION TO WORLD POLITICS
An introduction to the prevalent methods and theories in the study of world politics. Topics include: historical context of contemporary world politics, global actors and power relations, international conflict and conflict resolution, international systems, interdependence, trade and integration, international law and prospects for global governance. (3H,3C)
2064 (IS 2064) (PSCI 2064): THE GLOBAL ECONOMY AND WORLD POLITICS
An introduction to the interaction of politics and economics, power and wealth, within the world political economy. Topics include: the international financial system, the dynamics and principles of trade, and the role of transnational firms, as well as issues of environmental protection, sustainable development, and the distribution of wealth and power. (3H,3C)
2134: GEOGRAPHY OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
Geographical dimensions of the global economy since World War II. Globalization and the emergence of a new international division of labor. The relative decline of the United States and the growth of Japan, East Asia and the European Union. Changing geographies of foreign direct investment location. Places and regions in geo-economic discourse. Population and resources issues in the early twenty-first century. (3H,3C) I.
2314: MAPS AND MAPPING
Introduction to mapping and its role in society. Fundamentals of map reading, analysis, and interpretation, as they are required for the solution of spatial problems. Influences of maps on attitudes toward and images of the geographic environment. (3H,3C) II.
2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
3104: ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS, POPULATION, AND DEVELOPMENT
Environmental problems considered in their social, spatial, and global contexts. Impacts of globalization, political economy, population, culture, and poverty on environmental crises. Examination of effects of relations between developed and developing countries on the environment. Focus on selected key environmental issues, such as population growth, pesticide misuse, the development process and the environment, the energy crisis, and environmental justice. (3H,3C)
3114 (GEOS 3114): INTRODUCTION TO METEOROLOGY
A nonmathematical introduction to meteorology including consideration of the structure of the atmosphere, energy balance in the atmosphere, clouds and precipitation, air masses and fronts, global circulation, storms, climatology, catastrophic weather, meteorological optics, and forecasting. (2H,3L,3C)
3204: GEOGRAPHY OF MIDDLE AMERICA
Assessment of human-environment interactions in the region from earliest human habitation to the present. Includes Pre-Columbian ecological adaptations; change introduced by European conquest and colonization; revolution and land reform; and contemporary geographic case studies. 3 hours of Geography required. (3H,3C) II.
3214: GEOGRAPHY OF AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT
Survey of African habitats, cultures, livelihood systems, and socioeconomic development mainly south of the Sahara. Human adjustments to changing environmental, demographic, economic, and political conditions during the colonial and post-colonial eras. 3 hrs in Geography required. (3H,3C) II.
3224: GEOGRAPHY OF APPALACHIA
Appalachia as a region: physical environment, development of internal settlement, cultural, economic, and political patterns. Human adaptations to environmental change and linkages to external regions. 3 hrs in Geography required. (3H,3C) II.
3234: GEOGRAPHY OF VIRGINIA
Virginia as a region: physical environment, development of settlement, cultural, economic, and political patterns. Human adaptation to environmental change, human modification of environments, and linkages to external regions. 3 hours in Geography required. Writing-intensive course. (3H,3C) I.
3304 (CSES 3304) (GEOS 3304): GEOMORPHOLOGY
Examines the variety of landforms that exist at the earth's surface. Detailed investigation of major processes operating at the earth's surface including: tectonic, weathering, fluvial, coastal, eolian, and glacial processes. Field excursion. Pre: 1104 or GEOS 1004 or GEOS 2104. (3H,3C) II.
3314: CARTOGRAPHY
Science and art of cartography including the conceptual framework of the cartographic method. Development of the skills necessary to create maps to be used in the analysis of spatial phenomena for geographic research. Emphasis on thematic cartography. (2H,3L,3C) I.
3404: MOUNTAIN GEOGRAPHY
Physical characteristics of mountains, such as steep slopes, climatic extremes, and sharp environmental gradients, and their influences on the ways in which people, animals, and plants interact. Physical processes that operate in high-relief environments, including consideration of climate, geomorphology and biogeography. Influence of physical processes in mountain environments on human culture and activities. Cultural significance of mountains. Mountains as a resource. Land use and human-land interactions in mountains. Course is intended for students with an interest in what makes mountains unique and inspiring landscape elements. Pre: 1104. (3H,3C)
3464 (AHRM 3464) (EDHL 3464) (HD 3464) (HUM 3464) (SOC 3464) (UAP 3464): APPALACHIAN COMMUNITIES
The concept of community in Appalachia using a multidisciplinary approach and experiential learning. Interrelationships among geographically, culturally, and socially constituted communities, public policy, and human development. 2000-level course in any cross-listing department required. (2H,3L,3C)
3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.
4044 (BIOL 4044): BIOGEOGRAPHY
A survey of the field of biogeography. A study of the factors influencing the distribution of plants and animals approached from ecological, historical, and cultural perspectives. Human influence on biotic patterns, such as crop domestication, habitat alteration, species introductions and extinctions, management issues, and environmental change, is a primary focus. Pre: 1104 or BIOL 2804. (3H,3C)
4054: GEOGRAPHY OF WINE
Analysis of physical and cultural forces that shape the production, consumption, and great variety of wine in the world. Wine as a complex commodity is examined through its economic, social, political, and ideological impacts in different parts of the world throughout history. Particular emphasis will be focused on place as an agent in defining the product. (3H,3C)
4074: MEDICAL GEOGRAPHY
Geographic patterns of disease and health care at various scales. Ecological, holistic approach to health problems emphasizes interrelationships of population-habitat-culture. Mapping of disease patterns and health services delivery and utilization. Field experience included. 3 hours of Geography required. (3H,3C) I.
4084 (GEOS 4084): INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Use of automated systems for geographic data collection, digitization, storage, display and analysis. Basic data in GIS applications. Overview of GIS applications. Group homework projects to develop proficiency in the use of current GIS software. Prior experience with personal computers recommended. (3H,3C)
4204: GEOGRAPHY OF RESOURCES
Environmental problems of Industrialized and Third World. Human impact on the environment, population-resource relationships, the relationship between resources and economic development, food production and the problem of world hunger, and energy-related issues. (3H,3C) I.
4244: GEOGRAPHY OF EUROPE
Overview of the physical geography, places, and peoples of Europe, past and present. Evolving cultural landscapes of Europe. Colonial linkages to other regions. Economic globalization and uneven development in the European Union. Comparative intracontinental regional case studies. One GEOG course at 2000 level or above, or consent. (3H,3C) II.
4314: SPATIAL ANALYSIS IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Theory and application of Geographic Information Systems, with special emphasis on analytical operations, database design, cartographic modeling, and raster GIS. Spatial data handling and analysis to facilitate decision-making through the communication of geographically referenced data. Pre: 4084. (2H,3L,3C)
4324: ALGOTRITHMS IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Computational methods in automated mapping and map analysis. Visual Basic programming and algorithm design for spatial display and analysis under both raster and vector data models. Requires regular use of the departmental microcomputer and UNIX workstation laboratory. Variable credit course. Pre: 4084, CS 1044.
4354 (GEOS 4354): INTRODUCTION TO REMOTE SENSING
Theory and methods of remote sensing. Practical exercises in interpretation of aerial photography, satellite, radar, and thermal infrared imagery. Digital analysis, image classification, and evaluation. Applications in earth sciences, hydrology, plant sciences, and land use studies. (2H,3L,3C)
4384: THE ARC/INFO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
Use of the Arc/Info software system for basic data tasks such as database development, digitization, storage, display and analysis under the UNIX operating system. Individual application projects will be developed throughout the semester in consultation with the instructor. Pre: 4314 or 4324. (1H,6L,3C) I.
4404 (ALS 4404) (NR 4404) (UAP 4404): APPROACHES TO INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
An introduction to issues relating to international development. The course will focus on areas to help students better understand the interdependencies between countries and how institutions and organizations can foster effective working relationships on global projects of mutual interest between countries. (1H,1C) I.
4764 (SOC 4764) (UAP 4764): INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND PLANNING
Examination of major development theories and contemporary issues and characteristics of low-income societies (industrialization, urbanization, migration, rural poverty, hunger, foreign trade, and debt) that establish contexts for development planning and policy-making. Junior standing required. (3H,3C) I.
4844 (CSES 4844) (ENSC 4844): SOIL INTERPRETATION USING GIS AND DSS
Use of Geographic Information System (GIS) software to compile digital maps, imagery, and natural resource data. Digital data will be downloaded from the Internet and verified in the field with GPS units. Decision support systems (DSS) will be used to produce interpretative maps from digital soil data. A hypothesis, proposal, and GIS project will be created and project results presented in class. Attendance required on daylong field trips to GIS application sites. Taught odd years. Pre: CSES 4124, GEOG 4084 or BSE 4344 or CEE 4204. (2H,3L,3C) II.
4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
College of Natural Resources Programs of Study
Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences | Forestry | Geography | Wood Science and Forest Products