(Note: see information on faculty for links to their class web pages.)

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES (GEOG)

GEOG 1004: INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Introduction 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.

GEOG 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.

GEOG 1104: INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Integrated study of major subsystems of the natural environment of man: the nature, distribution, and interrelationships of climate, landforms, vegetation, hydrology, and soils.

GEOG 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 will change as the geography of global conflict changes. Taught by Joseph Scarpaci - CNR

GEOG 2055-2056 (IS 2055-56) (PSCI 2055-56): WORLD POL. AND ECON.
Introduction to the study of world politics and political economy. Topics include balance of power, conflict resolution, interdependence, international trade and monetary management, poverty and development, as well as the role of values in world order.

GEOG 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. Taught by Joseph Scarpaci - CNR

GEOG 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.

GEOG 2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

GEOG 2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

GEOG 2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

GEOG 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.

GEOG 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).

GEOG 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. Taught by Joseph Scarpaci - CNR

GEOG 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.

GEOG 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.

GEOG 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.

GEOG 3244: THE U.S. CITY
The economic, political, and social forces driving urbanization in the United States. The American city in historical context with particular emphasis on the rise of manufacturing, deindustrialization, and suburbanization. Case studies from the manufacturing and sunbelt regions to illuminate key constructs from urban and human geography. “Border” examples of comparative urbanization from the U.S.-Mexican border, the Caribbean, and Canada. (3H, 3C)

GEOG 3254: GEOGRAPHY OF EAST ASIA
A geographical analysis of several modern states in East Asia, specifically China, Japan and the Koreas. Economic, political, and cultural change since the end of World War II. Globalization and the emergence of the China as a demographic and economic giant. (3H, 3C)

GEOG 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 GEOL 1004 or GEOL 2104.

GEOG 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.

GEOG 3324: INTRODUCTION TO APPLIED METEOROLOGY
A web-based course emphasizing the operational aspects of weather prediction and severe storm forecasting. Focus is on surface data analysis, upper air soundings and skew-T diagrams, pressure maps, frontal analysis, atmospheric moisture and its implications for forecasting, Doppler radar and satellite imagery, forecast models, hurricanes, atmospheric instability, convection and thunderstorm life-cycle, forecasting thunderstorm types, tornadoes and severe weather forecasting. (3H, 3C)

GEOG 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 or equivalent (3H, 3C)

GEOG 3464 (EDHL 3464) (HD 3464) (HUM 3464) (NE 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.

GEOG 3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course

GEOG 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: GEOG 1104 or BIOL 2804 (3H, 3C)

GEOG 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)

GEOG 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.

GEOG 4084: INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Use of automated systems for geographic data collection, digitization, storage, display and analysis. Basic data flow 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.

GEOG 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.

GEOG 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.

GEOG 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.

GEOG 4324: ALGORITHMS 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. Pre: CS 1044, 4084.

GEOG 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.

GEOG 4384: ARC/INFO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
Use of the Arc/Info software system for basic data tasks such as data base 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.

GEOG 4764 (SOC 4764) (UAP 4764): INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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.

GEOG 4844 (CSES 4844): SOIL INTERPRETATION USING GIS
Use of Geographic Information System (GIS) software to compile digital maps, imagery, and natural resource data. Downloaded data will be field checked with GPS, and additional field data collected. Decision support systems (DSS) that produce interpretative maps from digital soil data will be demonstrated. A hypothesis, proposal, and GIS project will be created and project results presented in class seminars. Attendance at field trips to GIS application sites is mandatory. Pre: CSES 4124 and one of GEOG 4084 (Introduction to Geographic Information Systems), BSE 4344 (GIS for Engineers), or CEE 4204 (GIS Applications in Civil and Environmental Engineering). (2H, 3L, 3C) II.

GEOG 4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

GEOG 4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

GEOG 4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

GEOG 4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

 

Graduate courses

(Note: 4000-level classes can also be taken for graduate credit)

GEOG 5014: GEOGRAPHIC THEORY AND RESEARCH
Study of how physical geography, human ecological concerns, and the spatial perspective have been synthesized into a unified academic discipline. Formulation of geographic research problems, including collection, organization, and analysis of geographic data.

GEOG 5024 (FL5024) (HIST 5024): AREA STUDIES METHODS
Introduction to recent theories and methods in history, foreign languages and literary studies, and geography with a focus on issues that have facilitated exchanges between the three disciplines. Practical aspects of Area Studies research are highlighted with particular reference to Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. The formulation of research problems using interdisciplinary approaches is given special attention. Graduate standing required. (3H,3C).

GEOG 5034: ANALYSIS OF SPATIAL DATA
Methods of describing and analyzing spatial distributions, including spatial autocorrelation, quadrant analysis, trend surface analysis, and methods of map comparison. Applications to student research problems. Pre: STAT 4102.

GEOG 5104 (FOR 5104): SEMINAR IN REMOTE SENSING AND GIS
Interdisciplinary seminar devoted to current research in the fields of remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems, and related topics. Seminars, workshops, and presentations conducted by students, faculty, and visitors. Pre: Graduate standing. (1 credit, but can be taken again for credit)

GEOG 5124: AERIAL PHOTOINTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS
Principles, history, and methods of aerial photographic interpretation. Introduction to photographic systems and application to aerial photography. Human dimension to photointerpretation. Applications to varied fields of knowledge such as land-use mapping, earth sciences, forestry, agriculture, history and archaeology, and military and strategic studies. Pre: 4354, FOR 4214, or equivalent. (3H, 3C)

GEOG 5144 (HIST 5144): THE TRANSATLANTIC WORLD
Comparative and interdisciplinary study of encounters and exchanges between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Surveys of literature on selected topics from the onset of European colonization until the present time. (3H,3C).

GEOG 5204 (UAP 5204): GEOGRAPHY OF THIRD WORLD DEVELOPMENT
Geographical, historical, and ecological perspectives on Third World development. Applicability of development theory to particular case studies. Problems in planning and constraints on economic development.

GEOG 5214: HEALTH AND THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT
Examination of human-environment relations in the context of health and disease using a global perspective. Investigation of dynamic interactions between humans and the total environment, including the physical, biological, cultural, political, and economic environments, in relation to disease. Analysis of geographic variations in health, disease, and health care delivery, including differences between developed and developing regions and within a variety of human and physical environments. (3H, 3C)

GEOG 5224 - TOURISM AND SUSTAINABILITY
Examines the role of natural and cultural sustainability in international tourism. Theoretical perspectives on conceptualizing and operationalizing sustainable tourism. Case studies drawn mainly from low-income and tropical climes. Graduate standing required. Taught by Joseph Scarpaci - CNR

GEOG 5234: HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Human impacts on patterns and processes in the physical environment, including hydrology, soils and landforms, climate and atmosphere, and biota. Social and cultural processes associated with human impacts. Analysis of causes of geographic variations in impacts on environment, including differences between developed and developing countries, arid and humid environments, and islands and continents. Historical and contemporary transformations in the environment considered. (3H, 3C)

GEOG 5244 (CSES 5244): ADVANCED SOIL INTERPRETATION USING GIS
Use of Geographic Information System (GIS) software to compile digital maps, imagery, and natural resource data and decision support systems (DSS) to produce interpretative maps from digital soil data as part of a research proposal and project. Field trip and class attendance required. Pre: CSES 4124 and either GEOG 4084, BSE 4344, or CEE 4204. (2H, 3L, 3C). II.

GEOG 5264 (UAP 5264): GLOBAL CHANGE AND LOCAL IMPACTS

All jurisdictions, national, regional, or local, function in an interconnected global market. Understanding the structure and interactions within that global market and the impacts therein is the focus of GEOG/UAP 5264. Thematic topics include a review of welfare state functions, privatization, decentralization, and nonprofit organizations and their relation to global market dynamics. Upon completion of the course, students will have an understanding of how global forces influence local areas and how local leaders have developed strategies to cope with their position in an increasingly global market. (3H,3C)

GEOG 5314: ADVANCED SPATIAL ANALYSIS IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Theory and application of geographic information systems. Spatial data handling and analysis to facilitate decision-making through the communication of geographic information. Development of such systems from existing data sources using both packaged and student produced software systems. Pre: 4084.

GEOG 5344: GLOBALIZATION OF NATURE
The transport of species including plants, animals, and microbes, around the world by people in both historical and recent times. The causes, consequences, and global patterns of biological invasions. The impacts of invasive species on physical and biotic systems, including the human condition, will be a major theme, along with discussion of current high-tech mitigation strategies. Societal attitudes toward “exotic” and “invasive” species will also be considered. (3H, 3C)

GEOG 5364: (FOR 5264) GIS APPLICATIONS IN NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Acquiring and using publicly available natural resources data sources. Methods and algorithms to terrain modeling and landscape metrics. Evaluation of the impacts of data errors and variability on analysis results, including sensitivity analysis of GIS-based resource assessments. Special issues related to temporal data and the management of natural resources information systems. Pre: 4084 or FOR 4214. (2H,3L,3C).

GEOG 5424: TOPICS IN POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY
Territorial basis of political systems, political processes, and political behavior from local to global scales; evolution of contemporary political geographic patterns, territorial divisions, and process of partitioning the earth.

GEOG 5434: TOPICS IN REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY
Selected topics concerning development and change in a specific region such as Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, Appalachia, or the European Community. Spatial, ecological and historical perspectives, including examination of pertinent social theory. Can be taken up to three times provided the subject material is different.

GEOG 5654 (SOC 5654): THE GLOBAL DIVISION OF LABOR
Theory and research on the globalization of the division of labor during the recent past as well as over the past several centuries. Examines the development of the capitalist world-system including the role of technological forces; the roles of transnational corporations and states in the global economy; the effects of globalization on work and quality of life in the U.S., other developed countries, and the Third World; analyses of globalization in the manufacturing and service sectors; and possible solutions for problems associated with globalization.

GEOG 5894: FINAL EXAMINATION
Pass/Fail only.

GEOG 5904: PROJECT AND REPORT
Variable credit course.

GEOG 5954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.

GEOG 5974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

GEOG 5984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

GEOG 5994: RESEARCH AND THESIS
Variable credit course.

NR 6104: ADVANCED TOPICS IN REMOTE SENSING
In-depth coverage of advanced topics in the field of remote sensing selected to cover emerging techniques and technologies. Examples of topics, which will differ each semester, include field data in support of remote sensing, accuracy assessment, and hyperspectral remote sensing. Critical assessment of the ways in which remotely sensed data and information are employed in varied scientific disciplines and by society. Pre: GEOG/GEOS 4354, FOR 5254, and GEOG/FOR 5104 (2H, 3L, 3C)

NR 6314: ADVANCED TOPICS IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Literature, case study, and hands-on coverage of advanced topics in the fields comprising geographic information technology: geographic information systems, remote sensing, and the Global Positioning System. Topics selected cover emerging techniques and technologies. Includes discussion of GIT tools as they fit into the domain of natural resources and general scientific inquiry. Application topics differ each semester. Pre: GEOG/GEOS 4084, GEOG/FOR 5104, and GEOG 5314. Recommended: GEOG/GEOS 4354. (2H, 3L, 3C)