GEOGRAPHY

Minné Hall, Room 228 (507-457-5432)

Geography Minor

Course Descriptions

FACULTY

Jerry Gerlach, Professor; B.A., M.A., University of Nebraska; Ph.D., University of Oklahoma; 1988 -

PURPOSE

The study of geography affords students the opportunity to examine the differences and similarities of the various physical and cultural environments in which we live. Drawing on concepts from both the physical and the social sciences, geographers work in such fields as education, urban and regional planning, government agencies, conservation, international business, tourism, cartography, and international relations.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
For a checklist of the University’s graduation requirements, see page 23. Specific requirements for geography minors are as follows:
• A grade of “C” or better is required for any course used to complete the requirements of the minor.
• Four courses (12 S.H.) must be taken at WSU.

B.A. MINOR - GEOGRAPHY (GEOG)
24 S.H.

REQUIRED COURSES - GEOG (12 S.H.)
211 Economic Geography (3)
212 Physical Geography (3)
213 Cultural Geography (3)
450 Cartography (3)

ELECTIVES (12 S.H.)
Six credits must be from courses 300-level or above. GEOG 110 does not apply to the minor.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS (GEOG)

110 - World Regional Geography (3 S.H.)
A survey of physical and cultural aspects of world regions including landforms; climate; levels of economic development; cultural diffusion; attitudes toward the land, the social structure, and values. Grade only. Offered yearly.
211 - Economic Geography (3 S.H.)
A systematic study of the geographic bases of human economic activities in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. This course explains—by theory and example—why, where, and how activities are distributed in our economic world. Grade only. Offered yearly.
212 - Physical Geography (3 S.H.)
An introduction to the significance and aerial distribution of various physical elements of our environment with emphasis on climate, landforms, gradational work of streams, and glaciation. Grade only. Offered yearly.
213 - Cultural Geography (3 S.H.)
An introduction to the significance and aerial distribution of various cultural elements of our environment with emphasis on population, cultural origins, language, religion, and agriculture. Grade only. Offered yearly.
223 - Geography of the Orient (3 S.H.)
A study of the physical and cultural features of the Far East. Grade only. Offered every other year.
224 - Geography of Africa (3 S.H.)
Natural setting, distribution of people, important occupations and problems of Africa’s future development. Grade only. Offered every other year.
225 - Geography of Latin America (3 S.H.)
A study of the complex cultural, racial, political, demographic, and economic patterns which have developed in Latin American since 1492—within its physical geographic setting. Grade only. Offered yearly.
233 - Geography of the Middle East (3 S.H.)
Environmental setting, population distribution, important occupations, crossroads, functions, and problems of development. Grade only. Offered every other year.
270 - Introduction to the Geography of Tourism (3 S.H.)
An introduction to the study of the geography of tourism. This course studies the origin, development, and spread of tourism. Particular emphasis is placed on the location of tourist areas in the U.S. Grade only. Offered every other year.
320 - Geography of the United States (3 S.H.)
An examination of the various regions of the United States with emphasis on the ways in which physical geography, sources of economic activity, and cultural heritage combine to produce the unique character of each region. Grade only. Offered yearly.
326 - Geography of Europe (3 S.H.)
A study of nations, regions, and economies of Europe with special attention to current problem areas. Grade only. Offered every other year.
332 - Geography of Canada (3 S.H.)
A detailed examination of Canada’s geography with special emphasis on developmental problems. Grade only. Offered every other year.
349 - Maps and Air Photos (3 S.H.)
A study of the elements of map scale and projection, and the use of air photos in map preparation. Practice in reading and interpreting various kinds and series of maps. Grade only. Offered every other year.
370 - The Geography of Tourism: Advanced Study (3 S.H.)
An in-depth study of tourist locations worldwide. The course emphasizes detailed examination and classification of tourist types and locations. Grade only. Offered every other year.
450 - Cartography (3 S.H.)
Theory and design of map-making skills using a variety of techniques in the production and reproduction of qualitative and quantitative maps. Grade only. Offered every other year.
455 - Remote Sensing (3 S.H.)
An examination of various remote sensing techniques including radar, infra-red, high-altitude photography and LANDSAT earth satellite imagery, and their application to geographical inquiry in areas such as land use, agriculture, forest and range management, and urban studies. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. Grade only. Offered every other year.
490 - Independent Reading in Geography (1-3 S.H.)
A course designed to aid those planning to attend graduate school or who have a special area of interest which they desire to pursue beyond formal course limits. Work is undertaken with an instructor chosen by the student. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. Grade only. Offered by arrangement.