Introductory study of the distribution over the face of the earth of selected aspects of climate, plant cover, soils, and landforms and of processes and conditions giving rise to these distributions. The use of maps as communicative devices in comparative analysis and study of distribution and processes.

Consideration of the diversity of patterns of land use, settlement and movement established and evolved by humans as a result of the interaction of cultural and physical factors; emphasis on student use of maps and other tools of geographic presentation for analyzing the nature, variation and distribution of cultural features of the earth's surface.

Introduction to maps, map concepts, and geographic technologies. Maps are the most effective way to communicate spatial data, and introduces students to the quickly changing world of maps (both hard-copy and digital) and geographic technologies including map and aerial photograph interpretation, spreadsheet operations, introductory statistics, global positioning systems (GPS), Internet mapping, satellite and aerial images, and geographic information systems (GIS) that aid in data collection, analysis, and presentation. Lecture two hours; laboratory two hours.

Introduction to meteorological and climatological principles and concepts. These principles will be used to examine severe atmospheric phenomena, including hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, destructive winds, severe storms, heat waves, droughts and floods, particularly in relation to human-caused climate change and the effects of these phenomena on humanity.

Makes the ideas and relationships of introductory physical geography more clear by observation and experiment. Use is made of maps, globes, models, meteorological instruments and records, satellite photos and observations of the local scene. Laboratory, three hours.

Prerequisite: GEOG 1; may be taken concurrently.

Study of the content of geography with a consideration of basic concepts and methods. Emphasis is on patterns and relationships of the elements and manifestations of physical and cultural geography, including both topical and regional discussions.

Aerial photographs and scanned satellite images, emphasis on the former. Topics include the electromagnetic spectrum, cameras, films, image geometry as related to planimetric and topographic mapping, multispectral techniques, and interpretation of imagery, emphasizing land use and landforms. Lecture two hours; laboratory three hours.

Introduction to GIS, including history and overview of current applications; the nature of spatial data; geographic data structures, acquisition, analysis, and display of geographic data. Lab exercises use various computers and include both raster- and vector-based GIS systems. Lecture two hours; laboratory three hours.

Basic concepts of weather and weather elements: structure and general circulation of the atmosphere, earth's heat and water balance, precipitation, air masses and fronts, air pollution meteorology. Some micrometeorological concepts with application to air pollution, agriculture, and similar problems.

Prerequisite: GEOG 1 or instructor permission.

Study of past climate change and the techniques with which they are reconstructed. Focus on the various temporal scales at which climate change operates. Spatial variability of past, present and future climate changes. Anthropogenic climate change in the context of natural climate variability.

Prerequisite: GEOG 1 or instructor permission.

Present distribution and historical development of population, land use and industry in the U.S. and Canada in relation to regional variations in the physical environment and cultural heritage.

Emphasis is on sub-Saharan Africa with consideration given to selected topics such as population problems, industrialization, regional groupings, transportation, and internal and external relationships.

Focuses on how a place's social systems and physical systems intersect to create hazards. Considers the development of various theoretical approaches to hazards; risk perception and societal responses to hazard events; the history of U.S. disaster response; and approaches to risk/vulnerability assessment.

Explores the geography of transportation using both theory and applications, quantitative and qualitative methods. Topics include the history and economic importance of transportation systems for all major modes; their political, social, and environmental aspects; and basic analytical methods, including accessibility dynamics, network analysis, and spatial interaction models. Focus will be on the U.S., with frequent reference to local issues, though material will be drawn on from around the world.

Prerequisite: GEOG 141, GEOG 147, or GEOG 148 or instructor permission.

Study of the location and nature of the state's surface and underground water, including development by government agencies, water needs of cities, farms, recreation and wildlife, implications of water rights, water marketing and conservation, and management of floods, droughts and pollution.

Introduction to developing a GIS project, including planning, database research, proposal writing, analysis and evaluation. Lecture 2 hours; Laboratory 3 hours.

Prerequisite: GEOG 109.

Introduction to techniques useful in the analysis of spatial distributions and other geographic phenomena: basic descriptive and inferential techniques, time series, correlation, regression, and the use of models in geography.

Writing-intensive capstone course requiring students to complete independent research projects displaying their mastery of geography's content and methods. Projects undertaken in a given semester share a common thematic and/or regional focus. Students use bibliographic, field, spatial analytic, graphic, and verbal skills. Context for projects is provided by a review of the recent history of the discipline. Lecture/discussion three hours.

Prerequisite: GEOG 1, GEOG 2, GEOG 3, GEOG 102; senior standing, and GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; instructor permission.

Co-curricular activities related to subject matter and concerns of the Geography Department, e.g. students may qualify for credit by providing special tutorial assistance to EOP students or others in introductory courses.

Note: May be repeated for up to 6 units of credit.

Prerequisite: Consent of faculty Sponsor and department chair.

Individual projects or directed reading.

Note: Open only to students competent to carry on individual work.

Prerequisite: Approval of the faculty sponsor and Department chair.