GEOGRAPHY AND METEOROLOGY COURSES

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The following are the courses offered by the department and their descriptions. 100-400 level courses are undergraduate courses, 500-600 level courses are graduate courses.  A G assigned to a 400-level course indicates a course that can be taken for graduate credit.  All classes are 3 semester hours unless otherwise indicated.

INTRODUCTORY

100 Introduction to Human Geography (meets Social Sciences General Education requirements). Analysis of the spatial patterns of population, population trends, human migrations, ecological processes, and the impact of people on the natural environment.

110 World Regional Geography (meets Social Sciences as well as Multicultural Studies General Education requirements). A survey of the world's regions emphasizing the spatial arrangements of resources, population, institutions, economic activities, and cultural landscapes, and their significance for distinctive regional problems.

120 Introduction to Weather and Climate (4 hours, meets Natural Sciences General Education requirements). The earth in space: its relationship to other celestial bodies; major weather elements; characteristics and distributions of climates and associated vegetation. Laboratory course.

121 Introduction to Landforms (4 hours, meets Natural Sciences General Education requirements). An introduction to landforms, major processes affecting landforms, and the landform regions of the U.S. Laboratory course.
 

THEORY AND METHODOLOGY COURSES

208. Cartographic Design for GIS. An introduction to basic cartographic principles and design techniques necessary for Geography Information Systems (GIS) map production. Laboratory.

301 Introduction to Quantitative Analysis. Principles of quantitative analysis and its application to geographical problems. Prerequisite: two courses in geography and Math 128 or high school algebra.

308 Introduction to GIS. A foundation course dealing with fundamental raster and vector Geographic Information Systems (GIS concepts and the creation, collection and conversion of spatial data for GIS visualization and analysis. Laboratory.

401G Air Photo Interpretation. Introduction to the techniques of interpreting features of the physical and cultural environment from air photos, with emphasis upon practical applications.  Prerequisite: Geog 100 or 120, or consent of instructor.

403G Remote Sensing. Principles of remote sensing with particular reference to interpretative applications in the earth sciences, agronomy, conservation, forestry, archaeology, and anthropology. Analysis of radar, infrared, near infrared, and visible light imagery.  Prerequisite: Geog 120 and 121 or Geol 110 and 112, or a lab sequence in biology or physics.

405 Methods of Research (2 hours). A Writing Instruction in the Discipline (WID) course.  Prerequisite: Eng 280 and Senior Status.

408 Environmental Geographic Information Science. Emphasis upon raster and 3D modeling based upon continuous data. Laboratory exercises focus on typical environmental problems solved with GIS. Topics include the integration of thematic data and concepts when appropriate for the solution of environmental problems. Prerequisites: Geog 308 or 402; and Geog 301 or Stat 171 or equivalent.

409 Thematic Geographic Information Science. Emphasis upon GIS modeling based upon coordinate-based spatial data. Integration of raster-based GIS data and concepts when appropriate to the solution of vector-based problems. Laboratory. Prerequisite: Geog 308 or Geog 402; and Geog 301 or Stat 171 or equivalent.

450 Map and Compass (1 hour, repeatable to 2 with permission of department chair).  Introduction to topographic map interpretation and compass procedures. Coverage includes symbolization, scale, location, landform representation, compass skills, and navigation techniques. Basic orienteering will be studied.

501 Quantitative Methods. Quantitative and statistical techniques in current geographic problems; the literature and methods of applying techniques to old and new problems; handling and analyzing data.

504 Philosophy and Literature. The purpose is to acquaint the student with the various types and sources of literature of geography, its nature, content and value, and the history and philosophy of the subject.

505 Methods of Research. Research techniques employed in graduate work. Methods used in solving geographic problems and in evaluating geographic research projects.

508 GIS and Cartographic Design. An introduction to basic cartographic principles and the application of geographic information system (GIS) tools. Students will learn theory and techniques that will be applied to projects associated with their discipline.

509 Fundamentals of GIS Analysis. An introduction to geographic information system (GIS) analysis tools. Students will learn theory and techniques that will be applied to projects associated with their discipline.

610 Seminars in Theory and Methodology (1-3 hours, repeatable up to 9). Seminars are available under the following titles: Cartography; Field Methods; Quantitative Methods; Remote Sensing.

SYSTEMATIC-PHYSICAL COURSES (INCLUDES METEOROLOGY)

220 Severe and Unusual Weather (2 hours). Exploration of the physical principles of severe and unusual weather and their impact on societies around the world. Students will learn about floods, blizzards, thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, and more. Prerequisite: Geog 120.

300 Principles of Meteorological Instruments (2 hours). A survey of the instruments and reporting techniques associated with standard weather observations, leading to the ability to identify meteorological phenomena and report their occurrences in an understandable format. Prerequisite: geography major and Geog 120, or consent of instructor.

322 Synoptic Meteorology I. Study of the large-scale circulation of the atmosphere and its relationship to surface weather. Introduction to observational reports, map analysis, and numerical weather prediction products. Prerequisite: Geog 120.

325 Astronomy. Descriptive astronomy. Prerequisite:  Geog 120.

327 Environmental Climatology. This course deals with the mechanisms of heat flow, radiation exchanges, and water vapor flux and with the effects of climate on organisms, ecosystems, and human societies as well as changes in global environment. Prerequisite: Geog 120, or consent of instructor.

329 Dynamic Meteorology I. Examination of gas laws, equation of state hydrostatic equilibrium, atmospheric thermodynamics, atmospheric moisture, adiabatic processes, use of thermodynamic charts, cloud development, and precipitation mechanisms. Prerequisite: Geog 322, and Math 133.

421G Physiography. Characteristics and distribution of landforms of the United States.  Prerequisite: Geog 120 and 121 or Geol 110 and 112.

422 Synoptic Meteorology II. Advanced weather map analysis and forecasting techniques. Examination of surface weather conditions and upper-air circulation relative to cyclogenesis and mesoscale development (tornadoes and thunderstorms). Prerequisite: Geog 322.

425 Satellite and Radar Meteorology. The theoretical principles and operational procedures fundamental to weather radar; the uses of weather radar in synoptic meteorology. Prerequisite: Geog 322 or permission of instructor.

426G Conservation and Management of Natural Resources. Problems in the conservation and management of natural resources, including soil, water, rangeland, forest, wildlife, air, and energy resources. Special attention to resource problems of the United States. Prerequisite: Geog 120 and 121 or  consent of instructor.

428G Geography of Soils. Distribution of soils, and their regional aspects. The relationship of different kinds of soils to other environmental conditions, both natural and human. Prerequisite: Geog 120 or Agri 278, or consent of instructor.

429 Dynamic Meteorology II. Examination of atmospheric fluid motion including pressure gradient force, Coriolis effect, geostrophic and gradient winds, thermal winds, vorticity, atmospheric kinetics, and numerical weather prediction. Prerequisite: Geog 322, Geog 329, and Math 134.

430 Natural Hazards. An examination of the characteristics and geographical extent of selected natural hazards in North America and their effect on human activities.

432 Physical Meteorology. An introduction to the optical electrical, acoustical, and thermodynamic phenomena of the atmosphere, its chemical composition, laws of radiation, and formation of clouds and precipitation. Prerequisite: Geog 322 or consent of instructor.

450 Weather in Our Daily Lives (1 hour). Workship on the practical and scientific understanding of weather terminology and phenomena ecountered in our daily lives. Weather map analysis and weather forecasting are emphasized. Not open to students with credit in Geog 322. Prerequisite: elementary algebra or equivalent. Graded S/U only.

456 Biogeography (Cross-listed with Biological Sciences). Study of the geographical distributions of organisms, the evolutionary and ecological processes underlying the patterns of distribution, and the role of biogeography in biological conservation. Prerequisites: Bot 200 and Zool 200, or permission of instructor.

630 Seminars in Physical Geography (Repeatable up to 9 hours). Seminars are available under the following titles: Climatology; Conservation; Soils; Paleogeography; Physiography; Water Resources Planning.
 

SYSTEMATIC-CULTURAL COURSES

341 Economic Geography. The production and distribution of the world's commodities and their regional aspects. The reproductive, extractive and manufacturing industries and their natural and cultural relationships. Prerequisite: GEOG 100 or consent of instructor.

443G Population Geography. Analysis of population phenomena in space and time, their mutual interactions, their relationship with non-demographic elements and, especially, the impact of population pressure on natural environments. Prerequisite: two courses in geography or consent of instructor.

444G Political Geography. Geographic foundations of political phenomena; significant geographic factors in the growth and development of states, boundary problems, population distribution, and international problems. Prerequisite: two courses in geography or consent of instructor.

445G Urban Geography. An analysis of the nature, distribution, and principal functions of urban settlements and supporting areas.

448G Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning. An examination of the contemporary planning process. Emphasis is placed upon utopian planning antecedents, the framework for planning and the mechanisms for carrying out the planning process, and comprehensive planning and its implementation. Prerequisite: PolS 370, or its equivalent, or consent of instructor.

548 Urban Planning. The spatial aspects of the contemporary urban unit, its structural evolution over time, and the challenge it presents to a rational procedure of planned development. Particular emphasis is placed upon the social, political, and economic forces which are shaping the land use arrangements of the American city, and the way in which planning can utilize these forces to develop an urban system that both recognizes and benefits all segments of its present and future citizenry.

549 Nonmetropolitan Planning. An advanced course on the process of nonmetropolitan planning. Particular emphasis is placed upon planning for smaller communities, and the restrictions that geographic space places on the planning process, especially in the delivery of public services.

557 Planning Implementations. An examination and application of the various instruments that may be used to implement comprehensive or development plans. Topics included are land use regulation, ownership, taxation, and public investment. Particular emphasis is placed upon the preparation of an implementation program for a unit of government within the western Illinois region.

650 Seminars in Cultural Geography (1-3 hours, repeatable up to 9). Seminars are available under the following titles: Agricultural Geography; Economic Geography; Environmental Assessment; Historical Geography; Land Use Policy; Manufacturing Geography; Political Geography; Population and Resources; Regional Planning; Rural Development; Settlement Geography, Transportation, Urban Geography.
 

REGIONAL COURSES

461G The United States and Canada. Analysis of regional variations in physical environments, and of humans and their activities in the United States and Canada. Prerequisite: two courses in geography or consent of instructor.

466G World Regions (repeatable up to 9 hours with different regional subtitles). Analysis of the physical and cultural geography of a major world region chosen from the following: Latin America, Middle America, South America, Europe, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, the former USSR, Middle East and North Africa, Africa, Asia, China, Monsoon Asia, Australia, and the Pacific. Prerequisite: two courses in geography or consent of instructor.

INDIVIDUAL STUDY AND RESEARCH COURSES

495 Honors Thesis.

497 Internship in Applied Geography (1-3 hours, repeatable to 3). Assignment as an undergraduate assistant in public, private, or university agencies engaged in planning, meteorology, environmental assignments, cartography, etc. Only 3 s.h. may be applied to minimum degree requirements. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Graded S/U only.

498 Individualized Studies (1-3 hours). This course is available to students who are interested in the study of topics which are not currently part of the curriculum. The students should consult their advisor or the department  chairperson about the procedure which is to be followed.

499 Special Problems in Geography (Research), (1-3 hours, repeatable to 3). Prerequisite: 15 s.h. in geography and consent of instructor.

596 Internship in Applied Geography (1-6 hours, repeatable to 6 but no more than 3 hours may be applied to the minimum credit hours requirement of the graduate program). Assignment as an assistant in public, private, or university agencies engaged in meteorology, cartography, etc.

597 Internship in Planning (1-6 hours, repeatable but no more than 3 hours may be applied to the minimum credit hours requirement of the graduate program). Assignment as a student assistant in governmental and other public agencies that are engaged in urban, rural, or regional planning and development.

598 Directed Study-Research (3-6 hours repeatable but no more than 6 hours may be applied to the minimum credit hours requirement of the program). A research course designed to allow the students to investigate geographic phenomena not covered in their previous graduate-level courses.

680 Seminars in Regional Geography (1-3 hours, repeatable to 9 but no more than 3 hours may be applied to the minimum credit hours requirement of the graduate program). Regional seminars will be offered on an irregular basis. Topics will be compatible with the currently listed courses in the Regional Geography program group. Individual study and research.

697 Applied Project. For students in the Applied Project option.

698 Thesis. For students in the thesis option.

699 Geography Papers. For students in the two-paper degree option. The student will write and defend two papers on topics approved by a committee of three faculty members selected by the student and approved by the chair of the Departmental Graduate Committee.