Radford University
Undergraduate Catalog
for 1999-2000
GEOGRAPHY
Bernd H. Kuennecke*, Chairperson
Faculty
Loretta M. LeMay, Gregory Ioffe*,William E. O'Brien, Richard A. Roth, Susan
L. Woodward*
*Graduate Faculty
(For more information, follow the link above to the department's
Home Page.)
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
The Geography Department, while stressing breadth of geographical preparation, provides specialized course work for students who seek careers in planning or with environmental agencies, training in analog and digital cartographic techniques, training in geographic information systems, or admission to a graduate program. All concentrations provide flexibility for curricula to be designed in accordance with student interests and needs.
The department, which offers programs leading to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree, directs studies in rural and urban geography; environmental studies, including biogeography and human ecology; regional and international studies, especially in North America, Latin America, Europe, and the former Soviet Union; and cultural, economic, and political geography. Technical strengths include analog and digital cartographic techniques, geographic information systems, and digital image processing.
B.A. OR B.S. DEGREE
GEOGRAPHY MAJOR
All requirements for geography majors are outlined below. All majors must take the same Required Core courses and must complete course work in one of five concentrations.
General Education Requirements - 50
Required Core - 15
GEOG 100. Physical Geography. - 3
GEOG 101. Europe and the Americas [World Geography].
or
GEOG 102. Africa and Asia [World Geography]. - 3
GEOG 103. Introduction to Human Geography. - 3
GEOG 225. Map Interpretation. - 3
One 200-level regional geography course - 3
Concentration - 30-39
(Majors must choose one of the five concentrations shown below)
B.A./B.S. Requirements - 6-12
For all concentrations, the Bachelor of Arts degree requires completion
of the B.A. language requirements.
Bachelor of Science degree requirements for each concentration are described
within the concentration.
Electives
Students should consult with their academic advisers in selecting elective
courses to complete the 120 semester hours required for graduation.
Total Credits Needed For Degree - 120
CONCENTRATIONS
General Concentration
(24-25 semester hours)
The General Concentration is designed for students who wish a broad overview
of geography as an academic discipline. Students are encouraged to use electives
to gain competency in a particular region, topic, or technique of their
interest and/or to pursue a minor or second major. The concentration is
appropriate for students interested in teaching or pursuing graduate studies
in geography or wanting more flexibility than provided in other concentrations.
Required (24-25 hours)
GEOG 200-level. A non-North American or North American regional course (whichever
not taken to satisfy core requirement).
GEOG 300-level. An advanced physical geography course (334, 335, or GEOG
350/GEOL 360)
GEOG 302. Economic Geography
GEOG 305. Population Geography
GEOG 200/300-level. A geography techniques course (250, 311, 312, or 320)
GEOG 300/400-level. An environmental geography course (341, 481, 492, or
493)
Plus any two other 300- or 400-level geography courses.
B.S. Requirements - 6-8
Chosen from among INSY 181; CPSC 106, 109 or 120; STAT 208 or 211; or natural
sciences courses (any course in GEOL, PHSC, BIOL, CHEM)
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES CONCENTRATION
(40 semester hours)
The environmental studies concentration allows students to integrate the
interdisciplinary focus and analytic skills of geography with an understanding
of contemporary environmental problems. A student successfully completes
the concentration by meeting three requirements: (1) completion of the Required
Core courses in geography; (2) completion of geography courses required
for the concentration; and (3) completion of courses within an area of interest
defined during the focus seminar.
Required Geography Courses - 13
GEOG 140. Introduction to Environmental Studies. - 3
GEOG 240. Focus Seminar: Determining Area of Interest. - 1
GEOG 241. Environmental Regulation. - 3
GEOG 335. Biogeography. - 3
GEOG 496. Senior Capstone Project. - 3
Additional Geography Courses - 9
Nine semester hours to be selected with approval of adviser from among 300-level
and 400-level topical and technical courses in geography.
Area of Interest Courses - 18
Two courses required; remaining hours to be chosen by student according
to his/her focus. Required: one of Geography's technical courses (in addition
to Map Interpretation, required as part of the core); either ECON 272 Natural
Resource Economics or ECON 375 Environmental Economics.
Other 12 hours to be chosen from 300- and 400- level classes in any department to form a coherent course of study relevant to student's area of interest and approved by his/her adviser.
B.S. Requirements - 6-8
CHEM 101 and STAT 211 or equivalent (if not taken as part of General Education
requirements) or 6-8 hours from the natural or physical sciences.
NOTE: An internship with an organization working in the environmental field is strongly recommended. Credit for internships may be gained through GEOG 499.
PLANNING CONCENTRATION (34 semester hours)
The Planning Concentration emphasizes the development of planning skills
by combining 25 semester hours of physical, cultural and technical geography
courses with 9 semester hours in related courses from other disciplines.
Required Geography Courses - 19
GEOG 302. Economic Geography. - 3
GEOG 305. Population Geography. - 3
GEOG 312. Introduction to Cartography. - 4
GEOG 314. Digital Cartography. - 3
GEOG 492. Land Use. - 3
GEOG 493. Planning Techniques. - 3
Other Geography Courses - 6
Six semester hours of courses chosen from:
GEOG 311. Introduction to Remote Sensing. - 3
GEOG 323. The Urban Environment. - 3
GEOG 340. International Environmental Problems. - 3
GEOG 350. Geomorphology. - 3
GEOG 410. Geographic Information Systems. - 3
GEOG 420. Digital Imaging Processing - 3
GEOG 481. Conservation of Natural Resources. - 3
Courses Outside Geography - 9
Nine semester hours of courses related to planning skills in management,
economics, English, mathematics, speech, recreation.
B.S. Requirements - 6-8
Six to eight additional semester hours of math, computer science, statistics
and science courses. (MATH 325 does not meet requirements.)
NOTE: Internships are strongly recommended. Credit for internships may
be gained through GEOG 499.
REGIONAL STUDIES CONCENTRATION (36 semester hours)
The Regional Studies Concentration provides the opportunity to obtain the
skills and the interdisciplinary background to conduct rigorous analysis
of geographic regions. To complete this concentration successfully the student
must meet these requirements: (1) completion of the Required Core courses;
(2) completion of geography courses required by the concentration; (3) completion
of a combination of geography courses and courses in other disciplines which
concentrate on the student's region of specialization. The concentration
is appropriate for students wishing to work in foreign affairs or international
business or to pursue graduate studies in geography and related disciplines.
Required Geography Courses: 12
GEOG 302. Economic Geography. - 3
GEOG 322. Cultural Geography.
or
GEOG 303. Human Ecology. - 3
GEOG 305. Population Geography. - 3
GEOG 340. International Environmental Problems. - 3
Courses of Regional Specialization: 15
Fifteen semester hours of courses including geography courses in the student's
region of specialization (as indicated below) combined with upper division
courses dedicated to that region in other disciplines, subject to the approval
of the adviser. (NOTE: An internship in work directly related to
the region of specialization is strongly recommended. Credit for internships
may be gained through GEOG 499.)
Regional Specializations
North America
GEOG 202. Commonwealth of Virginia - 3
GEOG 201. North America. - 3
GEOG 203. Appalachian Geography. - 3
Latin America
GEOG 205. Middle America and the Caribbean.
GEOG 206. South America. - 3
Europe
GEOG 208. Europe. - 3
GEOG 210. The Former USSR. - 3
Other Geography Courses - 9
Nine semester hours of courses chosen from:
GEOG 303. Human Ecology. - 3
GEOG 312. Introduction to Cartography. - 4
GEOG 322. Cultural Geography. - 3
GEOG 323. The Urban Environmen - 3
GEOG 335. Biogeography. - 3
GEOG 340. International Environmental Problems - . 3
GEOG 481. Conservation of Natural Resources. - 3
GEOG 490. Field Research Methods. - 3
GEOG 492. Land Use. - 3
GEOG 480. Seminar - 3
B.S. Requirements - 6
Six additional upper division credit hours from any of the following areas:
economics, history, political science, business, or sociology/anthropology.
These courses must be approved by the adviser to ensure that they reinforce
course work in the student's region of specialization.
B.A. Requirements - 6-12
The Bachelor of Arts degree requires completion of the B.A.
language requirement. Six foreign language credit hours may be counted
toward meeting the 15-hour requirement of Courses of Regional Specialization.
Students selecting Europe or Latin America as a region of specialization
are encouraged to fulfill requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree.
TECHNICAL CONCENTRATION
(34 semester hours)
The Technical Concentration emphasizes the development of skills in cartography,
remote sensing, and computer applications, such as G.I.S. Requirements are
22 hours of geography and 12 semester hours to be selected from courses
listed in mathematics, statistics, computer science, and English.
Required Geography Courses - 16
GEOG 311. Remote Sensing. - 3
GEOG 312. Introduction to Cartography. - 4
GEOG 314. Digital Cartography. - 3
GEOG 412. Advanced Cartography. - 3
One topical geography course with approval of adviser - 3
Other Geography Courses - 6
Six semester hours chosen from
GEOG 410. Geographic Information Systems. - 3
GEOG 420. Digital Image Processing. - 3
GEOG 498. Independent Study. - 3
Required Courses Outside Geography - 12
Twelve semester hours chosen from
ART 280. Introduction to Graphic Design. - 3
CPSC 120. Principles of Computer Science I. - 4
CPSC 122. Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science. - 3
CPSC 124. Principles of Computer Science II. - 3
CPSC 430. Computer Graphics. - 3
ENGL 306. Preparation of Professional Papers. - 3
ENGL 406. Advanced Technical Writing. - 3
MATH 104. College Algebra. - 3
MATH 138. Precalculus Function Analysis. - 3
MATH 151:152. Calculus and Analyti Geometry. - 3:3
STAT 208. Statistics for the Social Sciences. - 4
B.S. Requirements - 8-9
Six to eight additional hours of math, computer science, statistics and
science courses. (MATH 325 does not meet requirements.)
NOTE: Internships are strongly recommended. Credit for internships may
be gained through GEOG 499. Internships are taken pass/fail and cannot be
used to fulfill requirements of the concentration.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To graduate with a major in geography, a student must have a grade point
average of 2.3 in all courses taken in the major including those from departments
other than geography.
GEOGRAPHY MINOR
(18 semester hours)
A minor in geography consists of 18 hours of geography, subject to approval
by the department. GEOG 100 and GEOG 103 are required.
GEOGRAPHY COURSES
Physical science courses, designated (PS), may meet the requirements for the required six to eight additional hours of science credits for the Bachelor of Science degree in some majors other than geography. Social science courses, designated (SS), meet general education requirements for social science. Courses in techniques used by geography are designated (T). Courses that qualify as a U.S. geography course for the Social Science major are designated with an asterisk (*).
GEOG 100. Physical Geography. (PS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Introduction to the physical geography of the Earth (atmospheric systems,
biosphere, and landforms) and the interrelationships among various environmental
elements.
GEOG 101. Europe and the Americas (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Recommended for students preparing to teach. Comprehensive review of physical
and cultural features of Europe, the former Soviet Union, the Americas and
Australia.
GEOG 102. Africa and Asia [World Geography] (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Recommended for students preparing to teach. Comprehensive review of physical
features and cultural history of Africa, Southwest Asia and the Orient.
GEOG 103. Introduction to Human Geography. (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Introduction to concepts and methods of examining human modification of
earth's surface; emphasis on processes fostering differences, similarities
and change in cultural patterns through space and time in a comparative
framework.
GEOG 140. Introduction to Environmental Studies. (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Review of contemporary local, national and international environmental problems
and of the various analytic and policy approaches for resolving such problems.
GEOG 201. North America.* (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Presentation of integrated spatial construction of the continent. Study
of physical and human elements in the creation of the present diversity
of life.
GEOG 202. The Commonwealth of Virginia.* (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Examination of physical and human features of the state; emphasis on past
and present human interpretations of the potentials of the land.
GEOG 203. Appalachian Geography.* (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
A regional geography of Appalachia, this course examines the spatial interactions
of people and the environment within Appalachia in historical and current
contexts.
GEOG 205. Middle America and the Caribbean. (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Examination of environmental characteristics, Indian, European and African
heritages, relationships with the United States and development of modern
agricultural and industrial patterns.
GEOG 206. South America. (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Examination of environmental characteristics, development of modern agricultural
and industrial patterns, problems of economic development and transportation
networks.
GEOG 208. Europe. (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Study of Europe; emphasis on physiography and development of cultural/demographic
patterns and economic and political systems.
GEOG 210. The Former USSR. (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Examines a broad set of geographical, historical, social and political preconditions
to processes unfolding within the ex-Soviet realm as a whole and within
its successor states.
GEOG 225. Map Interpretation. (T) (3)
Three hours lecture/laboratory.
Prerequisite: GEOG 100 or permission of instructor
Study of how physical and cultural information is presented on maps. Construction
of maps, charts and graphs depicting geographic phenomena.
GEOG 240. Focus Seminar Determining Area of Interest. (1)
One hour lecture.
Prerequisites: GEOG 14
Seminar in which student will define area of interest within environmental
studies and develop a course of study to advance this interest. Required
of all students in environmental studies and open only to those students.
GEOG 241. Environmental Regulation. (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Review of pertinent U.S. and international environmental laws and regulations
and of principal analytic tools that inform the creation and enforcement
of such laws and regulations.
GEOG 250. PC-Based GIS Applications. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Internet usage.
Course is designed to introduce non-technical students in geography as well
as students from other disciplines working with the general concepts of
Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Course will involve the use of Internet-available
technologies to practice and work with GIS technologies.
GEOG 302. Economic Geography. (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Introduction to principles governing distribution of economic activity.
Emphasis on development of theoretical models and their real world application.
Includes transportation and land use models, principles of industrial location,
methods of measuring location and dispersion of economic activity and urban
location.
GEOG 303. Human Ecology. (PS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or GEOG 335.
Investigation of ways in which humans have interacted with Earth's other
species. Focus is on the preindustrial modification of natural ecosystems
throughout the world, the domestication of plants and animals, and the dispersal
of wild and domestic species from their places of origin.
GEOG 305. Population Geography. (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: GEOG 101 or GEOG 102 or permission of instructor
Study of basic demographic processes and exploration of their spatial/geographic
dimensions.
GEOG 311. Introduction to Remote Sensing. (T) (3)
Three hours lecture and laboratory.
Introduction to the electromagnetic spectrum, the equipment and media of
contemporary remote sensing and the analysis, interpretation and application
of remotely sensed information.
GEOG 312. Introduction to Cartography. (T) (4)
Two hours lecture; two hours laboratory.
Intended for all geography majors. Course gives students practical experience
in design and drafting of maps utilizing both analog and digital cartographic
methods. Required for the Planning and Technical concentrations.
GEOG 314. Digital Cartography. (T) (3)
Three hours lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: GEOG 312.
Theory and practical experience in computer mapping and graphics. Digital
Cartography is a requirement for the Technical and Planning concentrations.
GEOG 322. Cultural Geography. (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Study of evolution of various cultures. Compares differences and similarities
of contemporary cultures and human landscapes.
GEOG 323. The Urban Environment. (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Introduces ideas governing distribution, function and form of urban settlement
(towns and cities) and their place within general fabric of human settlement
and occupancy of earth's surface.
GEOG 334. Climatology. (PS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: GEOG 100 or any physical science course or permission of the
instructor.
Deals with meteorological phenomena and their role in the formation of weather.
The effects of weather on the environment are studied in the larger context
of climate.
GEOG 335. Biogeography. (PS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: GEOG 100, or BIOL 101, 215, or 216; or permission of the instructor.
Study of the processes influencing the distribution patterns of terrestrial
organisms. Introduction to applied biogeography.
GEOG 340. International Environmental Problems. (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Overview of international environmental problems, climate change, energy
use, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, poverty and trade, population
growth, industrial policy. Discussion of appropriate U.S. and international
policy response.
GEOG 350. (GEOL 360) Geomorphology. (PS) (4)
Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
Prerequisite: GEOL 111.
Introduction to surficial processes and landforms. Fluvial, eolian, glacial,
karst and coastal zone processes analyzed. Map and air photo interpretation
included.
GEOG 410. Geographic Information Systems. (T) (3)
Three hours lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: GEOG 225, 312.
Theory and practice of a Geographic Information System. Spatial data capture,
manipulation of data sets, overlaying of spatial data and hard copy map
generation with a full feature Geographic Information System.
GEOG 412. Advanced Cartography. (T) (3)
Three hours lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: GEOG 314.
Theory and practice of advanced cartographic techniques. Research and cartographic
design of complex cartographic projects and graphic design of cartograms
will be practiced.
GEOG 420. Digital Image Processing. (T) (3)
Three hours lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: GEOG 311, three years high school preparatory mathematics
or MATH 138.
Course is designed to introduce students to the theory and practice of applying
digital image processing techniques to sense remotely imagery for the purpose
of extracting useful earth resource information.
GEOG 480. Seminar. (SS) (3,3,3)
Three hours seminar.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.
Intensive study of a special field of geography. Topics determined by instructors'
and students' interests. May be taken maximum of three times for no more
than nine semester hours of credit.
GEOG 481. Conservation of Natural Resources. (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.
Distribution of nation's resources: mineral, water, forest, soil, wildlife,
scenic and recreational; discussion of conflicts arising over use of resources;
and emerging environmental ethics.
GEOG 488H. Final Honors Project. (2-3)
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Honors Academy, completion of all
other Honors Academy requirements, a minimum 3.5 GPA in all courses and
in geography.
Project and topic to be determined by the student, the faculty member with
whom the student works, and the department. In order to receive honors credit,
a student must earn a grade of "A" or "B" for the final
project. Course may not be repeated.
GEOG 490. Field Research Methods. (T) (3)
Three hours lecture and field work.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.
Basic elements of geographic field research performed in Radford area. Course
focuses on tools of field analysis. Students prepare single or group projects
as indication of acquisition of logic of spatial analysis.
GEOG 492. Land Use. (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing.
Study of concepts and perception of land use. Course stresses compatibility
of geoecologic systems and land use.
GEOG 493. Planning Techniques. (SS) (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing.
Study of issues involved in comprehensive planning of communities and lands
beyond urban realms. Emphasis on discussion of major planning concerns;
particular attention paid to nature of rural problems and directions in
future.
GEOG 495. Directed Field Research. (T) (1-6)
Field course, variable number of weeks.
Field course to regions in the United States and elsewhere in the world.
(May be taken twice for credit but only six units may be used to meet requirements
for the major.)
GEOG 496. Senior Capstone Project. (3)
Three hours research.
Prerequisites: Last semester senior standing; major in geography.
An individual or group project that applies the knowledge and skills obtained
in any of the concentrations in the geography major. Required of all students
completing the concentration in environmental studies, optional for those
in general, planning, regional, and technical concentrations.
GEOG 498. Independent Study. (SS) (1-6)
See Independent Study.
GEOG 499. Internship. (T) (3-9)
Application of skills and concepts learned in classroom to a real life problem.
As a junior or senior, participating student drafts and submits a work proposal
to sponsoring agency and supervising instructor. Agency may pay student
for work. Grade of "P" or "F" given upon successful
completion of project.
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