Curriculum

Geography

108.METEOROLOGY(1 course)
Using satellite technology, data from the global weather network as well as earth-bound observations from the United States, this course will attempt to provide an understanding of the processes that produce daily and seasonal weather patterns. Fronts, weather systems, cloud patterns, severe weather, climate, and climate change will be studied within a framework of the planetary radiation budget and upper wind system. LAB, Fall semester.

232.THE AMERICAN SOUTH(1 course)
A study of the past and present physical and cultural landscapes of the South as a distinctive American region. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. SOSCI. Fall semester.

233. CENTRAL AMERICA/CARIBBEAN (1 course)
This course focuses on the historical and contemporary geographic landscapes of the Central America/Caribbean region. Past and present physical and cultural environments will be examined, including pre-Columbian cultures, the Spanish conquest, colonialism and neo-colonialism, and the impact of commercial farming, logging, and eco-tourism. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. NWEST, Spring semester, even years.

235.SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA(1 course)
This is a regional course providing an introduction to the physical, social, economic and political environments of the continent. We will attempt to set aside our cultural bias and step into the complexity of Africa with its triple heritage: the African traditional society, the Islamic influence, and the influence of the European colonists. To come to an understanding of Africa, it is important to recognize the influence of cultural bias in approaches to problems. In this way "development" programs will be assessed on the basis of acceptability in the cultural context and appropriateness in terms of sustainablility and affordability. Thus, throughout the course, a Western and a Non-Western view is contrasted. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. NWEST, Fall semester.

239.CLIMATE AND HUMAN AFFAIRS(1 course)
The course begins with a short review of basic climatic processes affecting energy, moisture, and air circulation, emphasizing ocean-atmosphere interactions. An examination of ways people have modified these processes constitutes the major part of the course and will include such topics as global warming (the Greenhouse Effect), air pollution, droughts, floods, severe weather, and solar energy applications. Prerequisite: GEG-108. Offered occasionally.

243. WATER RESOURCES (1 course)
This course examines physical as well as cultural elements of water resource management. After an introduction to the principles of surface and groundwater hydrology, the emphasis turns to the socio-economic aspects of water resource development, including the role of federal, state, and local governments, water rights, and water law. Water resource problems from the American West, Canada, Middle East, and the Upper Mississippi River Basin are examined. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. GEO-111 recommended. Fall semester.

340.GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS(1 course)
This course examines the theory and methods of geographic information systems. Students learn to: identify components of a G.I.S.; collect, evaluate, and analyze various types of spatial data; and use vector and raster GIS computer software to solve land-use planning, natural resource management, and business geography problems,. Prerequisite: at least sophomore standing. Fall semester annually and Spring semester, even years.

341.CARTOGRAPHY(1 course)
An introduction to the basic techniques of map compilation and drafting, including data collection and statistical mapping. Sources, interpretation, and use of maps as aids in scientific research are also emphasized. Laboratory instruction with some computer applications. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. Offered occasionally.

342.QUANTITATIVE METHODS(1 course)
An introduction to quantitative techniques employed in geographic investigations. Emphasis is placed on how certain statistical and quantitative analyses are used in a problem solving context. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. Fall semester.