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Geography Course Descriptions (2008-2009 Catalog)

Geography 151
Introduction to Regional Geography: North America, Europe, and Russia
Credit Hours: 3
Description: An integrated study of the cultural, economic, political, and physical aspects of countries and regions within North America, Europe, and Russia.
Prerequisites: None

Geography 152
Introduction to Regional Geography: Africa, Asia, and Latin America
Credit Hours: 3
Description: An integrated study of the cultural, economic, political, and physical aspects of countries and regions within Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Prerequisites: None

Geography 180
Topics in Geography
Credit Hours: 1 to 4
Description: Study of special topics or travel-study experiences at an introductory level not requiring extensive prerequisites in the discipline.
Prerequisites: Instructor's approval

Geography 201
Introduction to Physical Geography
Credit Hours: 3
Description: An introduction to patterns and processes that shape earth's natural environments.
Prerequisites: None

Geography 202
Introduction to Cultural Geography
Credit Hours: 3
Description: An introduction to patterns and processes of the world's cultural systems, landscapes, and built environment.
Prerequisites: None

Geography 210 - All-New Course for 2005-2006!
Methods in Geoscience
Credit Hours: 2
Description: Survey of the field and laboratory methods and associated technology commonly used by geologists and geographers.  Topics include: The nature of spatial data, map interpretation, basic GPS and GIS, remote sensing, microscope analyses, research design, field study design and implementation, conducting literature searches, scientific and technical writing, preparation of oral presentations, and geostatistics.
Prerequisites: GEOL 110-120 or GEOG 151-152 or GEOG 201-202.  (Same as GEOL 210).

Geography 305
Introduction to Meteorology
Credit Hours: 3
Description: An introduction to the elements and processes that shape the weather.  Weather observation techniques, weather analysis, and forecasting will be emphasized.  Atmospheric hazards and air quality issues will also be presented.
Prerequisites: None

Geography 310
Principles of Geographic Information Systems
Credit Hours: 3
Description: An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a tool with which to construct and conduct computer-based spatial analysis and mapping.  Topics related to data acquisition database development, fundamental analytical procedures, and cartographic output are emphasized.
Prerequisites: None

Geography 364
Introduction to Remote Sensing
Credit Hours: 3
Description: An introduction to the principles and concepts of remote sensing as a tool for geographic inquiry.  Emphasis will include the nature of remote sensing images (photographs, satellite imagery, radar) and their analysis and interpretations for applications in geographic inquiry and environmental assessment.
Prerequisites: Junior standing;  GEOG 201 or permission of instructor.

Geography 365
Tennessee's Geologic and Cultural Landscapes
Credit Hours: 3
Description: Lectures and field excursions emphasizing the interactions of geology and culture in Tennessee.  Geologic topics include: Physiographic regions and geologic history, landforms, structural and tectonic history, natural and economic resources, and environmental issues across the state.  Cultural topics include: Settlement history, economic development, political patterns, and distributions of populations.  Attention is given to current state issues.
Prerequisites: GEOL 110-120 or GEOG 201-202. (Same as GEOL 365/565)

Geography 380
Geography of North America
Credit Hours: 3
Description: A region-by-region examination of the United States and Canada.  The physical features, settlement histories, agricultural production, industrialization, urbanization, political problems, and cultural practices of North America's regions will be emphasized.
Prerequisites: Junior standing.

Geography 381
Geography of Europe
Credit Hours: 3
Description: A systematic study of the cultural, economic, political, and physical characteristics of Europe.
Prerequisites: Junior standing

Geography 410
Geographic Information Systems: Modeling and Applications
Credit Hours: 3
Description: A systematic study of the development of a Geographic Information System (GIS) to produce analytical and spatial models of the natural and cultural environments.  Database development and spatial modeling will be emphasized.
Prerequisites: Junior standing or permission of instructor.

Geography 441-442
Travel-Study
Credit Hours: 3, 3
Description: A faculty-supervised domestic and/or international educational group tour.  A maximum of two credit hours can be counted towards a major.
Prerequisites: None

Geography 444
Geography/Travel-Tourism Internship
Credit Hours: 3 to 9
Description: Provision for an advanced student to benefit by supplementary practical experiences in a particular branch of Geography or Travel-Tourism.  Specific assignments are arranged in consultation with an adviser during the semester preceding that in which the students expects to enroll in this course.  Course performance is based on specific academic and work assignments.  Grades will be based upon academic performance and work evaluation by a job supervisor.  The internship may or may not include monetary compensation.  This course can be taken only once.
Prerequisites: Geoscience major in Geography or Travel-Tourism concentration and Junior standing.

Geography 461
Economic Geography
Credit Hours: 3
Description: A study of the spatial patterns, processes, and developmental aspects of production.  Concepts, models, and current literature related to to the geography of agriculture, mining, manufacturing, retailing, and services are examined.
Prerequisites: Junior standing

Geography 462
Political Geography
Credit Hours: 3
Description: A study of the spatial patterns and processes of political phenomena.  Concepts, models, and current literature related to territories such as nation-states and congressional districts, the formation and dissolution of empires, geopolitics, and international conflict are examined.
Prerequisites: Junior standing

Geography 471
Cartography
Credit Hours: 3
Description: An introduction to map interpretation and design.  Concepts and techniques related to map preparation, data management, the use of thematic symbols, and graphic design are presented.
Prerequisites: Junior standing

Geography 472
Climatology
Credit Hours: 3
Description: A non-mathematical analysis of systematic and regional atmospheric behavior.  First part of course deals with basic physical laws affecting the elements of weather.  The second part of the course examines the distribution of climates and the impact of climates on human activity.
Prerequisites: Junior standing

Geography 481
Research Practicum
Credit Hours: 3
Description: A seminar course in which upper-division students undertake a research project under faculty supervision and guidance.  The student will be responsible for the project selection, a literature review, research design, analysis, and a final report.  Students will be required to submit a formal written paper and to present an overview of their project through an oral presentation to a faculty committee.  In addition to the research project requirements, students must also formally submit a Portfolio consisting of original copies of substantive papers, maps, and other work produced through assignments completed in other upper-division geography courses.
Prerequisites: Senior standing and permission of instructor.