[ Geography & Geosciences ]

Course Offerings

2009–2010

One unit of course credit equals four semester hours.

Introductory
Regional
Topical-Systematic
Techniques-Skills
Research and Field Experience
January Term

INTRODUCTORY

GEO 101 Introduction to Meteorology
Study of the major characteristics, patterns, and processes of dynamic change that distinguish the earth's weather and climate and its related influence on the biosphere. Topics include solar and earth radiation, air temperature, air pressure and winds, precipitation, air masses and fronts, circulation patterns, severe weather occurrences, storms, and climate. The impact of human technology on weather and climate and the biosphere is discussed as a major social and ethical issue. Includes laboratory with required materials fee. Fall Term, Spring Term.

GEO 102 Earth’s Landforms
Scientific study of the earth's landforms, their characteristics, patterns and shaping processes. Topics include rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, and landforms created by rivers, glaciers, wind, and waves. Tools used to study landforms include topographic maps and aerial photographs. Brief analysis of landform regions of the United States in a regional approach. Includes laboratory with required materials fee. Fall Term, Spring Term.

GEO 111 Regional Study of the Modern Industrial World
A geographic overview of the distinctive  characteristics. patterns, problems, and trends that distinguish life in the modern, industrial areas of the world where Western cultural influence has been pervasive, e.g., United States, Canada, Europe, European Russia, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Fall Term, Spring Term.

GEO 112 Regional Study of the Developing World
A geographic overview of life in the traditional societies of Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The distinctive identities of these regions and the current issues which influence their development are examined in light of major concepts and theories in geography, the cultural heritage of each region, and the global political-economic structure of the world. Fall
Term, Spring Term.

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REGIONAL

GEO 311 Regional Study of Europe
A geographic analysis of Europe, excluding the former Soviet Union. The analysis includes the physical and cultural characteristics of Europe. Emphasis is placed on the development of cultural spatial patterns, especially the language, religious, political, urban, and economic patterns.

GEO 315 Regional Study of United States and Canada
A systematic/regional analysis of the United States and Canada. Major emphasis on the relationship of the physical environment to the economic, political, and social characteristics, patterns, problems, and trends of the region.

GEO 317 Regional Study of Latin America
A systematic/regional study of Latin America which emphasizes the relationship of the physical environment to economic, political, and social patterns, problems, and trends of the region. Latin America's increasing role in Western Hemispheric relations is also examined.

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TOPICAL-SYSTEMATIC

GEO 375 Geography and International Relations
A geographic analysis of current world affairs. Important political, economic, territorial, and strategic decisions and policies of countries are examined within the context of major historical, spatial/environmental, and cultural geographic factors that impact them. Of special interest to political science and international business majors.

GEO 406 Advanced Physical Geography
Study of selected topics and processes in the subfields of physical geography including climatology, geomorphology, and biogeography. Laboratory and research skills commonly used by physical geographers are included. The spatial distribution of these processes and the human impact on these processes are studied. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: GEO 101 and GEO 102.

GEO 411 Urban Geography
A theoretical and practical inquiry into the geographic principles that influence the size, spacing, internal organization and external relations of cities. Specific attention is given to the spatial structure of cities, their transportation systems and to their political and economic roles and organization. This course is of specific interest to urban studies and logistics and supply chain management majors.

GEO 412 Political Geography
The study of how geographic factors, concepts, and theories influence political decisions and government policies at the local, national, and international levels. Also, attention is given to how political decisions and policies, in turn, impact people and their environments. This course may be of special interest to political science and international business majors.

GEO 413 Economic Geography
An examination of the principles and factors which influence the development and spatial organization of agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and retail activities. Location models are emphasized to help explain contemporary economic land use patterns and practices. Of special interest to business and economics majors.

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TECHNIQUES – SKILLS

GEO 207 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
An introduction to the art and science of computer cartography and design methods that enhance visual communication. This course examines the processing, compilation, and symbolization of spatial data used to create thematic maps and emphasizes the ability to produce technically correct maps. Windows-based standard mapping and desktop publishing software are used. Materials fee required. Prerequisite: GEO 102 or concurrent enrollment or consent of instructor.

GEO 302 GIS and the Urban Environment
Examination of urban infrastructure systems, problems, environmental concerns from a spatial perspective. Urban infrastructure systems include water systems, air pollution concerns, and land issues as well as population migration trends in the form of urban sprawl. Case studies of resources in northeastern Illinois and field trips. Use of GIS methodology is stressed. Prerequisite: GEO 207 or concurrent enrollment or consent of instructor.

GEO 308 Remote Sensing: Applications and Interpretations
Interpretation of the earth's physical and cultural phenomena from aerial photographs and satellite images. Air photo measurement techniques and digital processing are introduced. Applications include urban and rural land use analysis, agricultural disease detection and yield estimates, pollution detection, resources exploration, and change detection. Of special interest to biology and urban studies majors. Prerequisites: GEO 101, GEO 102, and GEO 207.

GEO 309 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) II–Spatial Analysis
An introduction to the development and use of geographic computer databases. Topics include data sources, database organization, and spatial and statistical analysis methods. Students will have direct access to a Windows-based computer GIS that will be used to model geographic information about the earth's economic and environmental conditions. Prerequisites: GEO 101, GEO 102, GEO 207, and GEO 308 or consent of instructor.

GEO 440 Teaching Geography in the Secondary School
Half or full course
An overview of some of the major themes of teaching modern geography in the secondary school. Topics include organizational goals and content of modern geography in the high school curriculum, instructional materials, and different teaching strategies and methodologies used in effective geographic education. Prerequisites: major in geography and SEC 410. Upon request.

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RESEARCH AND FIELD EXPERIENCE

GEO 390 Geography and Geosciences Cultural Study and Off-Campus Experience
Directed field and travel study of geographical topics with a cultural theme determined by faculty experience and student interest. Offered as needed.

GEO 468 Internship/Field Experience
An internship designed to allow junior/senior majors the opportunity for work experience with private or governmental planning agencies. Prerequisites: major in geography or environmental geosciences and consent of department chair. Pass/No Pass only. Upon request.

GEO 470 Senior Capstone Experience
A course required of all majors in the Department of Geography and Geosciences. The student will develop a research project incorporating methods of geographic research and knowledge gained as a geography major. To be taken in the first or second term of the senior year. The student will work with assistance of a faculty advisor in the department.

GEO 492 Independent Study
Half or full course
An opportunity to pursue additional research in topics of interest raised in any other geography course. The form of this offering is determined by nature of topic, student, and instructor. The student may receive transcript credit for this course more than once, with a maximum of two courses. Prerequisite: consent of the department chair. Upon request.

GEO 495 Honors Independent Research
Half course
This course affords Honors Program students the opportunity to design and implement a significant research project in the field of geography and geosciences culminating in an appropriate public dissemination of the research methods and findings. This research must build upon previous course work taken within the major or minor, facilitating faculty supervision and  guidance. Repeatable for credit. Permission of the faculty supervisor and the Director of the Honors Program required prior to registration.

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JANUARY TERM
The Department of Geography and Geosciences offers a varied format of special courses during the January Term. Special courses may include Geology of the National Parks, Global Warming, and Maritime Geography.

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