Graduate Courses for Geography (GEOG)
Schedule of Classes:
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
Summer
(Only current and next semester available)
GEOG 410 Washington, D.C.: Past and Present (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG410 or
GEOG454. Formerly GEOG 454.
Development of the Washington, D.C. area from its origin as the Federal
Capital to its role as a major metropolitan area. The geographic
setting, the L'Enfant Plan and its modification, the federal government
role, residential and commercial structure. The growth of Washington's
suburbs.
GEOG 415 Land Use, Climate Change, and Sustainability (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG123, GEOG306, or permission of department.
Recommended: GEOG201/211, GEOG340, GEOG342, or GEOG331. Credit will be
granted for only one of the following: GEOG415 or GEOG498D. Formerly
GEOG 498D.
The issues of climate change and land use change as two interlinked
global and regional environmental issues and their implications for
society and resource use are explored.
GEOG 418 Field and Laboratory Techniques in Environmental Science (1-3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Credit will be granted for only
one of the following: GEOG418 or GEOG448. Formerly GEOG 448.
Lecture and laboratory learning each week. A variable credit course that
introduces field and laboratory analyses in environmental science.
Individual learning contract are developed with instructor.
GEOG 431 Culture and Natural Resource Management (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG421 or
GEOG431. Formerly GEOG 421.
Basic issues concerning the natural history of humans from the
perspective of the geographer. Basic components of selected behavioral
and natural systems, their evolution and adaptation, and survival
strategies.
GEOG 432 Location Theory and Spatial Analysis (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG430 or
GEOG432. Formerly GEOG 430.
Theories and procedures for determining the optimal location of
industrial, commercial and public facilities. Techniques to evaluate
location decisions. The provision of services with regions and
metropolitan areas. Emerging trends.
GEOG 433 Transportation Networks (3 credits)
The theory and practice of analyzing transportation networks, including
modes, links, routes, flows and regions. Examples drawn from different
transportation modes.
GEOG 434 The Contemporary City (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG434 or
GEOG450. Formerly GEOG 450.
The contemporary urban system: towns, cities and metropolitan areas and
their role as concentrations of social and economic activity. Patterns
of land-use: residential, employment, commercial activity,
manufacturing, and transportation. Explanatory and descriptive models.
International comparisons.
GEOG 435 Population Geography (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG422 or
GEOG435. Formerly GEOG 422.
The spatial characteristics of population distribution and growth,
migration, fertility and mortality from a global perspective. Basic
population-environmental relationships; carrying capacity, density,
relationships to national development.
GEOG 437 Political Geography (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG423 or
GEOG437. Formerly GEOG 423.
Geographical factors in the national power and international relations;
an analysis of the role of geopolitics and geostrategy, with special
reference to the current world scene.
GEOG 438 Seminar in Human Geography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 6 credits if
content differs.
Selected topics in human geography.
GEOG 440 Advanced Geomorphology (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG340 or GEOL340 or permission of department. Credit
will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG440 or GEOG441.
Formerly GEOG 441.
A quantitative investigation of the fundamental geomorphic processes
shaping modern landscapes, with emphasis on coastal, fluvial or glacial
processes. Discussion of historical environments. Field, instrumentation
and laboratory analyses.
GEOG 442 Biogeography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG342 or equivalent. Recommended: GEOG123. Credit will
be granted for only one of the following: GEOG442, GEOG447, or GEOG484.
Formerly GEOG 447.
Current Biogeographical topics of global significance, including a
consideration of measurement techniques, and both descriptive and
mechanistic modeling. Topics may include: scale in biogeography, climate
and vegetation, global carbon cycle, biodiversity, interannual
variability in the biosphere, land cover, global biospheric responses to
climate change, NASA's Mission to Planet Earth and Earth Observation
System.
GEOG 445 Climatology (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG345. Credit will be granted for only one of the
following: GEOG445 or GEOG446. Formerly GEOG 446.
Quantitative investigations into the Earth's radiation balance, water
cycle, and the interrelationship of climate and vegetation.
Methodologies in climate research. Case studies related to global
climatic change.
GEOG 446 Applied Climatology (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG345 or permission of department.
Components of earth's radiation balance and energy budgets: radiation,
soil heat flux and the evaporation process. Measurement and estimation
techniques. Practical applications of microclimatological theory and
techniques.
GEOG 456 The Social Geography of Metropolitan Areas in Global Perspective (3 credits)
A socio-spatial approach to human interaction within the urban
environments: ways people perceive, define, behave in, and structure
world cities and metropolitan areas. Cultural and social differences
define spatial patterns of social activities which further define
distinctions in distribution and interaction of people and their social
institutions.
GEOG 471 Advanced Computer Cartography (3 credits)
Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite:
GEOG371. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG471
or GEOG481. Formerly GEOG 481.
Advanced topics and skills of computer map mapping using more
sophisticated software package. Map projection evaluation and
selection, coordinate system conversion, techniques of quantitative
thematic mapping, map design and generalization, hypermedia and animated
cartography. Emphasis on designing and making cartographically sound
sophisticated thematic maps.
GEOG 472 Remote Sensing:Digital Processing and Analysis (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG306, GEOG372 or equivalent. Credit will be granted for
only one of the following: GEOG472 or GEOG480. Formerly GEOG 480.
Digital image processing and analysis applied to satellite and aircraft
land remote sensing data. Consideration is given to preprocessing steps
including calibration and geo registration. Analysis methods include
digital image exploration, feature extraction thematic classification,
change detection, and biophysical characterization. One or more
application examples may be reviewed.
GEOG 473 Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis (3 credits)
Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite:
GEOG373. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG473
or GEOG482. Formerly GEOG 482.
Analytical uses of geographic information systems; data models for
building geographic data bases; types of geographic data and spatial
problems; practical experience using advanced software for thematic
domains such as terrain analysis, land suitability modeling,
demographic analysis, and transportation studies.
GEOG 475 Computer Cartography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG373. Credit will be granted for only one of the
following: GEOG471 or GEOG475. Formerly GEOG 471.
Advanced skills of computer mapping using more sophisticated software
packages. Map projection evaluation and selection, coordinate system
conversion, techniques of quantitative thematic mapping, map design and
generalization, hypermedia and animated cartopgraphy. Emphasis on
designing and making cartographically sound sophisticated thematic maps.
GEOG 476 Programming for Geographers (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG306 or equivalent. Credit will be granted for only one
of the following: GEOG498G or GEOG476. Formerly GEOG 498G.
An introduction to programming for geography. Introduces the concepts of
computer programming as applied to Geography. Implementation language is
Visual Basic.
GEOG 496 NASA Academy (4 credits)
Two hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: College Permission. Junior standing. Also offered as
CMPS496 and ENES496. Credit will be granted for only one of the
following: CMPS496, GEOG496 or ENES496.
A ten-week resident summer institute at Goddard Space Flight Center for
juniors, seniors and first-year graduate students interested in pursuing
professional and leadership careers in aerospace-related fields. The
national program includes research in a Goddard laboratory, field trips
to NASA centers, and a combination of lectures and workshops on the
mission, current activities and management of NASA. Students interested
in the Academy will find information at http://nasa-academy.nasa.gov
Application should be made by the end of January; sponsorship by an
affiliated State Space Grant Consortium is customary, but not required.
GEOG 498 Topical Investigations (1-3 credits)
Restricted to advanced undergraduate students with credit for at least
24 hours in geography and to graduate students. Any exceptions should
have approval of department. Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
Independent study under individual guidance.
GEOG 600 Introduction to Human Geography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department.
Introduces students to current trends and developments in human
geography in the areas of geography as social science, space and place,
and human dimensions of global change, and to research procedures in
this field.
GEOG 602 Introduction to Physical Geography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department.
Introduces students to current trends and developments in physical
geography and to research procedures in the field.
GEOG 603 Masters Research Tutorial (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG 600; and permission of department. Credit will be
granted for only one of the following: GEOG 603 or GEOG 610. Formerly
GEOG 610.
Development of Masters scholarly paper topic, critical literature
review, formulation of geographical approach to research methodology.
Individual meetings with faculty. Comprehensive exam before the end of
the semester.
GEOG 604 PhD Research Tutorial (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG 600; and permission of department. Credit will be
granted for only one of the following: GEOG 604, GEOG 610D, or GEOG 611.
Formerly GEOG 611.
Development of Doctoral research proposal: critical literature review;
formulation of research methodology; data identification and evaluation.
Individual meetings with faculty. Doctoral proposal defense before end
of semester.
GEOG 606 Quantitative Spatial Analysis (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG 305; or permission of department. Credit will be
granted for only one of the following: GEOG 605 or GEOG 606. Formerly
GEOG 605.
Multivariate statistical method applications to spatial problems. Linear
and non-linear correlation and regression, factor analysis, cluster
analysis. Spatial statistics including: trend surfaces, sequences, point
distributions. Applications orientation.
GEOG 609 Seminar in Remote Sensing (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG 480. Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
Topics in Remote Sensing: These may include agricultural, forestry,
coastal environments, urban environments, and other major applications
of remote sensing. Also may focus on new and existing earth observation
missions dedicated to land research.
GEOG 614 Human Dimensions of Global Change (3 credits)
The intersection of human and biophysical systems from the vantage point
of the impact of human actions on the environment are examined. The
impact of the biophysical environment on humans is also discussed.
GEOG 615 Land Cover and Land Use Change (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG435, GEOG442, GEOG472, or GEOG473; or permission of
department.
This class provides an examination of land cover and land use change
science, addressing the causes, impacts and projection of change. Key
concepts of land use science are presented and recent research papers
and case studies are reviewed. Class consists of lectures, invited
presentations and individual student projects and presentations.
GEOG 617 Field Course (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Credit will be granted for only
one of the following: GEOG 601 or GEOG 617. Formerly GEOG 601.
Graduate field course consisting of preparatory class, laboratory work,
field instruction, field data collection, recording and analysis. This
will be followed by preparation of a field report of methods, data
collection, and data analysis results. Additionally, this will
complement other graduate classes and provide skills that can be
employed for graduate thesis work.
GEOG 618 Seminar in Geomorphology (3 credits)
Selected topics; this can include discussion of empirical and
theoretical research methods applied to geomorphological problems
including review of pertinent literature.
GEOG 628 Seminar in Climatology (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 6 credits if
content differs.
Selected topics in climatology chosen to fit the individual needs of
advanced students.
GEOG 632 Economic Geography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department.
An advanced graduate level introduction to the effects of geography on
economic activities and the effects of economic incentives,
institutions, and activities on the nature and sustainability of human
and environmental geographic systems.
GEOG 635 Population and Environment (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG635 or
GEOG788B. Formerly GEOG 788B.
Course explores the reciprocal relationship between human and phyical
systems that result in changes in the environment. Focuses on the roles
of demographic variables of population growth and migration and physical
envronmental variables from both a historic and recent time frame. These
processes will be examined at various scales, from local changes to
global changes.
GEOG 636 Qualitative Methods in Geography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Formerly GEOG 648C.
Use of qualitative methods for qualitative geographic research. Design
procedures and analysis of qualitative studies are the focus of the
course. Includes readings and trying out various methods. Students will
be able to present their own research and use it as an example
throughout the course.
GEOG 638 Seminar in Biogeography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 6 credits of biogeography, ecology or related courses.
Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
Topics in Biogeography: Biological aspects of Geography. These may
include ecology, biodiversity, climate-vegetation interactions, impacts
of global change.
GEOG 639 Seminar in Physical Geography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 6 credits if
content differs.
Examination of selected themes and problems in physical geography.
GEOG 642 Ecosystem Processes and Human Habitability (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG442 or permission of department. Formerly GEOG 788C.
Biological and biogeographical processes relevant to the capability of
the earth's biota to support the demands of its human populations.
GEOG 645 Advanced Climatology (3 credits)
Advanced study of elements and controls of the Earth's climate. Analysis
of the energy and water balacnes at the Earth's surface and their
importance and application to life on this planet.
GEOG 648 Seminar in Cultural Geography (3 credits)
Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
Examination of selected themes and problems in cultural geography.
GEOG 658 Seminar in Historical Geography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 6 credits if
content differs.
An examination of themes and problems in historical geography with
reference to selected areas.
GEOG 668 Seminar in Economic Geography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 6 credits if
content differs.
Examination of themes and problems in the field of economic geography.
GEOG 671 Remote Sensing Instruments and Observtions (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG472 or equivalent; or permission of department.
Detailed examination of land remote sensing instruments, observatories
and resultant measurements in the optical portion of the EM spectrum.
Includes computer-based exercises that examine the importance of data
geo-registration and radiometric calibration in land measurements.
GEOG 672 Biophysics of Optical Remote Sensing (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG472 or equivalent; or permission of department.
Biophysical principles, phenomena and processes underlying multispectral
remote sensing in the optical portion of the EM spectrum. Includes
computer-based exercises that explore the biophysical basis of land
patterns and dynamics observed in remote sensing data.
GEOG 673 GIS Modeling (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG306 and GEOG473 or equivalent. Credit will be granted
for only one of the following: GEOG673 or GEOG695. Formerly GEOG 695.
Process modeling and spatial analysis within the GIS context.
Introducestheoretical fundamentals and conceptual approaches to frame
and represent geographical phenomena and spatial decision making.
GEOG 674 GIS Spatial Databases (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG473 or equivalent. Credit will be granted for only one
of the following: GEOG674 or GEOG696. Formerly GEOG 696.
Introduces fundamental concepts and practical skills required to
design, implement and use GIS databases. Students will learn to store
and represent geospatial data in databases, design and create a spatial
database, manage and query geospatial data, and deliver and present
geospatial data.
GEOG 676 Programming for GIS (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG306 or equivalent and GEOG373 or equivalent.
An introduction to programming for geography. Introduces the concepts of
computer programming as applied to geography and geographic information
systems. Implementation language is Visual Basic.
GEOG 679 Seminar in Urban Geography (3 credits)
Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
Post-industrial urbanization; urban planning and management;
metropolitan systems; internal structure of the city; use of techniques
in urban locational research; transportation and land use.
GEOG 688 Seminar in Third World Devlopment (3 credits)
Selected topics in international development for the advanced student.
Core-periphery spatial exchanges, location and accessibility issues,
resource constraints and opportunities, planning for rural and
agricultural development, urbanization processes, emerging regional
patterns.
GEOG 694 Computerized Map Projections and Transformations (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG 373 or equivalent in computer science, or permission
of department.
Computer generated projections; techniques for transforming one
coordinate system to another; software for producing different map
projections; mathematical and perceptual problems in producing and
using projections.
GEOG 695 Spatial Models (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG 483 or equivalent; and GEOG 605 or equivalent.
Mathematical and other models for varied subject matter. Models for
point, line, area, surface spatial data contexts. Descriptive and
normative models. Aggregate and dis-aggregate models. Tools for
research, planning, decision making. Information systems context.
Intuitive understanding emphasized. Practical experience using several
computer tools.
GEOG 696 Design for Geographic Information Systems (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG 473 or permission of department.
The design, use, and management of computer based geographic
information systems. Computer assisted spatial data collection,
management, and display in education, government, and industry.
GEOG 698 Seminar in Cartography (1-6 credits)
Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
Selected topics; this can include: forensic cartography, tactile maps,
design with new technologies, perception and cognitive mapping, history
of cartography, laboratory management.
GEOG 699 Seminar in Computer Cartography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: GEOG 373 or equivalent course in computer science or
permission of department. Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
Selected topics in computer-assisted cartography: algorithms for linear
generalization, containing three-dimensional mapping and
continuous-time mapping.
GEOG 718 Seminar in Integrative Studies (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 06 credits if
content differs.
Selected topics integrating various areas of study within the field of
geography and/or related disciplines.
GEOG 738 Seminar in Humaan Geography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 06 credits if
content differs.
Selected topics in human geography.
GEOG 745 Seminar in Climatology (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOG 628 or GEOG
745. Formerly GEOG 628.
Topics in Climatology: climatological aspects of geography. These may
include causes and consequences of global climatic change,
atmosphere-biosphere intteractions, paleoclimatology, climatic
variability, and techniques in climate research.
GEOG 748 Seminar in Physical Geography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 06 credits if
content differs.
Selected topics in physical geography.
GEOG 749 Seminar in Biogeography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 06 credits if
content differs.
Selected topics in biogeography.
GEOG 778 Seminar in Remote Sensing (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 06 credits if
content differs.
Selected topics in remote sensing.
GEOG 779 Seminar in Geographic Information Science (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 06 credits if
content differs.
Selected topics in geographic information science.
GEOG 788 Selected Topics in Geography (1-3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 12 credits if
content differs.
Readings and discussion on selected topics in the field of geography.
GEOG 789 Independent Readings (1-3 credits)
Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
Independent reading as arranged between a graduate faculty member and
graduate student.
GEOG 790 Internship in Geography (3 credits)
Field experience in the student's specialty in a Federal, state, or
local agency or private business. Research paper required.
GEOG 798 Selected Topics in Geography: Seminar Series (1 credits)
Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
Readings and discussions on selected topics in the field of geography.
GEOG 799 Master's Thesis Research (1-6 credits)
GEOG 898 Pre-Candidacy Research (1-8 credits)
GEOG 899 Doctoral Dissertation Research (1-8 credits)
