Geography Courses

GEOG 210

Physical Geography

4

An introduction to the physical elements of geography and the environment in which people live. The focus is on natural processes that create physical diversity on the earth. Major topics are weather and climate, vegetation and soils, landforms, ecosystems, their distribution and significance.

GEOG 230

Environment & Society: Global Perspectives

4

An introduction to the ways in which humans, acting through social constraints and structures, have lived in and modified their environment. The spatial patterns produced from human activities (such as population growth, transportation systems, urban structure, economic development, resource use and management, and the evolution of political patterns) are considered in a global context. Case studies from several world regions illustrate the processes by which humans modify their world to create distinctive cultural landscapes.

GEOG 240

Geography of Wine

4

Core geographic concepts and themes through the framework of the geography of wine. Exploration of the physical and cultural dimension of grape growing and winemaking, ranging from historical geography to climate and climate change and cultural geography.

GEOG 310U

Climate & Water Resources

4

An inquiry-based examination of the principal controls on climate and hydrology, with emphasis on processes and interactions; students will do fieldwork, data analysis, and laboratory work. Recommended prerequisite: Natural Science Inquiry. Also listed as Sci 333; course may be taken only once for credit.

GEOG 311U

Climatology

4

A study of the physical processes, which comprise the climatic system, from the global scale to the local scale. Particular attention is given to the nature of climatic variability, its causes, and its implications for human activity. Recommended prerequisite: Geog 210.

GEOG 312U

Climate Variability

4

Examines the role of climate variability in the Pacific Northwest, including the nature of natural and human-induced variability and the effects on water resources of the region. Students will learn by gathering data, analyzing the data, and reporting on their results. Reading and discussion will accompany the data/laboratory portions of the course. Includes laboratory and/or fieldwork. Recommended prerequisite: Natural Science Inquiry. Also listed as Sci 334; course may be taken only once for credit.

GEOG 313U

Biogeography

4

This course examines current and historical distributions of organisms as explained by environmental and biological factors. The goal of the course is to improve student understanding of how multiple factors such as soil properties, natural selection, climate change, and human activities shape the geography of organisms at local to global scales. Recommended prerequisite: Geog 210.

GEOG 314U

Severe Weather

4

Examination of severe and hazardous weather processes such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunder storms. Evaluation of the human-environment interaction of severe weather and the potential consequences of global climate change on the intensity and location of severe weather phenomena. Recommended prerequisite: Geog 210.

GEOG 320

Geomorphic Processes

4

Study of landform processes at the earth’s surface including the work of water, wind, and ice in erosion, transportation, and deposition on land and sea. The significance of geomorphic processes to human activities is included. A one- to two- day weekend field trip is required. Three lectures; one 3-hour lab. This course is the same as Geology 374; course may be taken only once for credit. Recommended prerequisites: Geog 210 and Mth 111.

GEOG 321

Mt. Hood

4

Examines the physical and cultural systems that shape Mt. Hood and investigates some of the issues that arise when a mostly wild mountain abuts an urban area. Class involves lecture, discussion, research, and field trips.

GEOG 322U

Alpine Environments

4

Examines the geoecology of high elevation environments in tropical, mid-latitude, and high altitude regions with a special emphasis on the alpine environment of the Pacific Northwest. The primary objective is to promote understanding of the features and processes found in alpine areas including their susceptibility to human alteration. Topics include an examination of high elevation weather and climate, geomorphology, soils, and vegetation. Recommended prerequisite: Geog 210.

GEOG 331

Geography of Globalization

4

An introduction to theories and concepts related to global economic activities within agriculture, manufacturing, service, and information industries. The course focuses on global processes and linkages between local and global economies. Includes geographic distributions, areal interaction among urban and regional economies, the processes of regional economic development, and international economic linkages. Recommended prerequisite: upper-division standing.

GEOG 332U

Urban Geography

4

Introduction to the geographical factors affecting the development of the modern city. Topics include urban systems and the location of cities; residential, commercial, and industrial structure; social and physical characteristics of cities; the built environment; the urban economy; and planning the urban environment. Recommended pre- requisite: upper-division standing.

GEOG 333U

Weather

4

Introductory course in the atmospheric environment providing a comprehensive understanding of atmospheric structure and the changes over time that result in the weather we experience. Topics include, atmospheric moisture (fog, rain, clouds), atmospheric stability and cloud development, air pressure and winds, air masses and fronts, and hurricanes and tornados. This course is the same as Ph 333; course may be taken only once for credit. Recommended: upper division standing or Geog 210.

GEOG 340U

Global Water Issues & Sustainability

4

Examines the availability and quality of freshwater resources around the world. Includes the global water cycle, human use and modifications of global water systems, effects of climate change on global freshwater, water policy in international rivers, and sustainable water resource management. Focuses on case studies in major international rivers.

GEOG 345U

Resource Management

4

Survey of natural resources, their occurrence, and their management. Primary focus will be on the United States, with case studies from other countries and regions. Recommended prerequisite: upper-division standing.

GEOG 346U

World Population & Food Supply

4

An introduction to the dynamics of the current national and international problems associated with rapid population growth, unemployment, major population migrations, shortages of food and other critical commodities, and the present and potential adjustments to these situations. Recommended prerequisite: upper-division standing.

GEOG 347U

Environmental Issues & Action

4

Examines environmentalism as a phenomenon reflecting cultural appraisals of nature and society’s relationship to it. Explores the history and ideology of the environmental movement, and investigates the contemporary structure, concerns, effects, critiques, and directions of environmental- ism. Recommended prerequisite: upper-division standing.

GEOG 348U

Cultural & Political Ecology

4

Introduction to geographic perspectives on cultural and political ecology. Investigates cultural adaptation and environmental change from an ecological perspective, focusing on biomes, cultural adaptations within them and the political structures that influence cultural adaptations. Particular attention to traditional societies and the impacts of development. Recommended prerequisite: upper-division standing.

GEOG 349U

Mountain Geography

4

Investigates mountain environments as distinctive biophysical and cultural realms. Surveys the human occupation and use of mountainous areas of Eurasia, Africa, the Pacific, and the Americas, and explores highland-lowland interactions in selected cases. Topics include cultural adaptation, mountain resource management and policy, and developments and its impacts in highland environments.

GEOG 350

Geography of World Affairs

4

Examines the major world trouble spots in light of long-standing political-geographical rivalries, including ethnic group rivalries, economic disparities, and conflicting historical claims. Particular emphasis will be placed on political organization of territory, nationalism, boundary conflicts, colonialism, and, where relevant, metropolitan political fragmentation. Recommended prerequisite: upper- division standing.

GEOG 351U

Pacific Northwest

4

Study of the Pacific Northwest as a region of the United States. Overview of the region and its relationship to other parts of the world will be followed by an analysis of the physical environment, natural resources, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, population, and urban development. Special attention will be paid to theoretical developments in contemporary regional geography issues. Recommended prerequisite: upper- division standing.

GEOG 352U

The Himalaya & Tibet

4

Survey of the physical and cultural landscapes of the Himalaya-Hindukush and the Tibetan Plateau. It investigates not only the places and people with-in it but also ideas about it and their influence on its history and present situation.

GEOG 353U

Pacific Rim

4

Provides a comprehensive look at the events and people shaping the last 150 years of Asia-Pacific history and relates them to Pacific Basin relation- ships today. Reveals how, from the 19th century onward, modern nations have emerged from the rich and varied cultures and society of Pacific Asia. Particular emphasis is placed on political and economic geography of East Asia in relation to contemporary American and Japanese interests in the region. Recommended prerequisite: upper- division standing.

GEOG 354U

Geography of Europe

4

Focuses on the changing economic and political geography of Europe, post World War II, and the adjustments to changing world conditions. Analysis of the geographic conditions of individual countries. Examines their population, urban and rural settlements, physical geography, agriculture, and industry. Recommended prerequisite: upper-division standing.

GEOG 355U

Landscapes of Spain

4

Study of the landscapes of Spain, both the physical and the cultural, and the search for unity in a nation long characterized by diversity. Overview of the climate and topography, the historical development of regional distinctions, and the cultural and political conditions that shape the nation in the 21st century. Recommended prerequisite: upper- division standing.

GEOG 356U

Russia & Its Neighbors

4

An exploration of Russia and neighboring countries by topic and region. The course looks at the nature and significance of the country’s huge size and diversified physical environment; examines the origins and implications of its multinational character; and analyzes patterns of agricultural production and industry, with consideration of the distinctive institutions that have shaped them.

GEOG 360U

Latin America

4

Analysis of changing landscapes and lifeways in Latin America. The focus is on physical, cultural, and economic forces that have interacted to create a distinctive world region. Particular attention is given to the impact of large-scale issues such as global climate change, trade, the environment, and the debt crisis on the lands and lives of everyday people in the region. Recommended prerequisite: upper-division standing.

GEOG 363U

Geography of Africa

4

A survey course on the physical and human geography of the continent of Africa, focusing on the variability of the physical landscape, including geomorphology, vegetation, and climate and on the patterns and implications of cultural diversity. Examines links between natural resources, economic development, and environmental management on location, national and regional scales. Case studies from various countries and regions will be used.

GEOG 364U

Geography of The Middle East

4

A survey of the physical and cultural landscapes of southwestern Asia and North Africa, emphasizing the interaction of environmental factors and dynamic economic and political forces in the region as a whole. Problems common to the nations of the region are examined, including the difficulties of political cohesion, urbanization, and ecological impacts of tradition and contemporary land-use practices. Recommended prerequisite: upper-division standing.

GEOG 366U

Historical Geography of North America

4

Survey of the evolving geography of North America during the last four centuries; the formation and growth of regions from the initial period of European exploration and colonization to the present. Topics include the acquisition of geographical knowledge; cultural transfer and acculturation; westward expansion; resource exploitation; regional and national integration; and landscape change. Recommended prerequisite: upper-division standing.

GEOG 368U

United States & Canada

4

Survey of the contemporary regional geography of the United States and Canada including physical environments, cultural landscapes, and economic activities. Topics will include the development of distinctive regions; the changing spatial relation- ships between the location of resources and population; urban/rural disparities; and national and regional roles in the global economy. Recommended prerequisite: upper-division standing.

GEOG 380

Maps & Geographic Info

5

Examines maps as communicative tools, analytical devices, and cultural artifacts. Fundamental concepts such as scale, projection, coordinate systems, are reviewed and applied to higher level measurement and analytical methods with thematic and topographic maps. The data requirements and information content of maps are considered with respect to emerging digital geo-spatial technology.

GEOG 399

Special Studies

TBD

GEOG 4/501

Research

TBD

Consent of instructor.

GEOG 4/503

Thesis

TBD

Consent of instructor.

GEOG 4/504

Cooperative Education/Internship

TBD

Geog 404 Pass/No Pass only. Consent of instructor.

GEOG 4/505

Reading & Conference

TBD

Consent of instructor.

GEOG 4/507U

Seminar

TBD

GEOG 4/509

Practicum

TBD

Geog 409 Pass/No pass only. Consent of instructor.

GEOG 4/510U

Selected Topics

TBD

GEOG 4/513

Biogeography of Pacific Northwest

4

This course examines the regional biogeography of current and historical plant and animal distributions. Course topics include the abiotic constraints to species distributions, ecological processes (succession and disturbance), and biogeographic theory and management. The course includes two mandatory all day field trips. Recommended prerequisites: Geog 210, 313 or Bio 357.

GEOG 4/514

Hydrology

4

A detailed analysis of the physical processes of the hydrologic cycle, emphasizing an applied approach for the purposes of resource management and environmental analysis: precipitation, runoff processes, evapotranspiration, soil water, flooding and flood- plain utilization, and techniques of hydrologic data analysis. Recommended prerequisites: Geog 210 and Stat 243 and 244.

GEOG 4/515

Soils & Land Use

4

The origin, development and distribution of soils and the significance of soil to man. Examines the importance of soil to landforms, vegetation, and ecological development. Major emphasis is given to land use potentials and limitations on various kinds of soils with focus on urban and agricultural settings. There are two half-day field trips. Recommended prerequisite: Geog 210.

GEOG 4/518

Landscape Ecology

4

Examines the structure, function, and change of natural and human-modified communities at the scale between individual communities and region- al biomes. Focuses on spatial patterns and processes as they relate to the patch mosaic of inter- acting ecological communities. Recommended prerequisites: Geog 313 or Bi 357. Upper-division standing required.

GEOG 4/520

Field Methods in Physical Geography

4

Introduces students to field methods in physical geography. The goal is to familiarize the student with field techniques including research and sampling design, field measurements and mapping, data analysis and report writing and the use of field equipment. Field and lab exercises will focus on the examination of natural patterns and processes and those resulting from human activity. Techniques involving vegetation sampling, soil description, microclimatic conditions, and geomorphologic processes will be covered. Recommended prerequisite: eight credit hours of upper-division physical geography or graduate standing.

GEOG4/525

Field Methods in Human Geography

4

Field observation, description, and analysis in human geography. Students explore landscapes in Portland metropolitan region through a series of exercises including sampling techniques, field mapping, and photography supplemented by data collection from census records, tax records, historic maps and photographs, and published accounts about places. Recommended prerequisites: eight credit hours of upper-division or regional geography or graduate standing.

GEOG 4/530

Cultural Geography

4

Explores cultural geography as a subfield of the discipline. Examines the major organizing concepts of cultural geography—cultural ecology, region, landscape, symbolism. Focus is on how these concepts are used in cultural geography, the evolution of research in each area, how the use and application of the concepts have changed over time, current theoretical developments, and how this subfield of geography fits into the discipline. Includes fieldwork project. Recommended pre- requisite: Geog 230.

GEOG 4/532

Urban Landscapes

4

Analysis of the contemporary built environment of metropolitan areas; social, cultural, political, and economic forces that have given cities their form and image; historical processes of urban development; and messages and meanings of our surroundings. Focuses on common urban landscapes as well as designed spaces. In individual and group projects, students analyze the interrelationships of land use, residential density, street patterns, homes and yards, and open spaces in the Portland metropolitan area. Recommended prerequisite: Geog 332.

GEOG 4/542

Sustainable Cities

4

Examines efforts to create sustainable cities in the United States, drawing on ideas from around the world. Explores complexities of balancing social justice with environmental health and economic vitality. Topics include urban ecology and green city initiatives, new ideas in designing the built environment, growth management and land use planning, community-based efforts to improve quality of life, and challenges of globalization for local economies. Includes fieldwork project, half-day field trips, and community-based learning option. Recommended prerequisites: Geog 332 or 432; USP 311 or 313.

GEOG 4/545

Resource Management Topics

4

Focuses on advanced topics in administration and management of natural resources. Reviews historical issues and today’s struggles for a sustainable approach in the development of natural resource policy. Emphasis will vary, e.g. water resources, energy resources, public lands. Recommended prerequisite: upper-division standing.

GEOG 4/546

Water Resource Management

4

Analysis of the distribution, use and management of water resources, emphasizing the systems of water rights, legislation, and regulations, which govern water resources. Issues of water development and water quality are examined. Focus is on U.S. water resource, with case studies from other countries and regions. Examples are drawn from local, regional, and international water resource management schemes. Recommended prerequisite: upper- division standing.

GEOG 4/547

Urban Streams

4

Investigates issues associated with human dimensions of streams in the urban environment. Topics include the role of streams in the built environment, human modifications of stream systems and their consequences (e.g., disappearing streams, channelization), and local community responses to restore and protect urban streams. Case studies are drawn from national and international streams as well as local streams in the Portland metropolitan area. Recommended prerequisite: Geog 345 or Geog 347 or Geog 432/532.

GEOG 4/548

The Urban Forest

4

Examination of issues related to trees in the urban environment. Topics will include the values and roles of urban trees, species identification, site selection, spatial structure of the urban forest, management and regulation of urban trees, and techniques for evaluating the health of the urban forest and public and governmental efforts to pro- mote urban trees. Recommended prerequisite: one or more of Geog 313, 413/513, 415/515, 432/532, Bi 357.

GEOG 450

Geography of Portland

4

Analysis of the geography of Portland. Lectures and guided fieldwork. Students will work on group projects on specific topics involving research, data collection and analysis with oral and written presentations. Recommended prerequisite: 12 credits of geography.

GEOG 4/553U

Japan

4

The course focuses on the major geographical factors underlying Japan’s rise to industrial and economic greatness in the present day. The main emphasis is upon the rise and development of cities and industry, the agricultural characteristics of Japan, and its contemporary trade relationship with the Pacific Northwest. Recommended pre- requisite: Geog 353.

GEOG 4/562U

Sense of Place

4

Places are created by people, infused with meaning, and tied to personal experience. This course explores meaning in landscapes and identity in places, regions, and localities. It looks at places through three frameworks: place description and depiction (in media images, popular narratives, scholarly writings, photography, and art); the meanings and messages of places; and our personal experience and connections to places. Topics include: the distinctiveness of places, bioregional influences, personal memory and place, creating meaning in places, global-local tensions, territoriality, and contested places.

GEOG 4/565

Tuscany: Sustainability in City & Country

4

Explores historic and contemporary connections between city and country in Tuscany within a framework of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Topics include rural land use, sustainable agriculture and forestry, food production and food networks, agri-tourism, landscape stewardship, urban design, and alternative energy production. Examines international transferability of sustainability concepts. Expected preparation: junior/senior or graduate class standing; relevant experience; permission of instructor.

GEOG 4/575

Digital Compilation & Database Design

4

Class in applied geographic information systems featuring the project development of new digital geo-spatial data. Students learn to digitize existing map documents, design information databases to be used with these data, and employ a standardized documentation format to describe the data-base. Prerequisites: Geog 488/588, prior or con- current enrollment in Geog 492/592.

GEOG 4/580

Remote Sensing and Image Analysis

4

Visual interpretation and measurement from remotely sensed imagery used for mapping and spatial data development. Analysis of air photo pattern recognition and scale distortions. Examination of various satellite imaging platforms and product characteristics. Prerequisite: Geog 380.

GEOG 4/581

Digital Image Analysis I: Introduction

4

Interpretation and measurement from digital satellite imagery used for interpretation of the earth’s surface. Analysis will be largely based on the application of computer technology to imagery. The emphasis will be on natural landforms and vegetative cover. Recommended prerequisite: Geog 480/580.

GEOG 4/582

Digital Image Analysis II: Advanced

4

Satellite image classification methods are used for thematic information extraction and digital change detection methods for measuring land use/ land cover change. Image classification transforms digital satellite images to land cover types. Includes computer exercises in classification and change detection using leading satellite image processing software packages. Recommended prerequisite: Geog 481/581

GEOG 4/584

Cartographic Applications of GIS

4

Provides a general introduction to GIS by focusing on the mapmaking capabilities of GIS soft-ware. Topics include basic cartographic principles of visual communication and representation, how to turn geographic datasets into effective maps both for print and the web, and how to critique maps. Prerequisites: Geog 380.

GEOG 4/585

Map Design & Production

4

Introduction to the planning and execution of a map, with special emphasis on the arrangement of its graphic elements. Students will use cartographic and illustration software in the compilation, design and production of maps. Prerequisite: Geog 380.

GEOG 4/588

Geographic Info Systems I: Intro

4

Introduces the general principles and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Topics include geographic data models, the nature of geo- graphic data, databases, data collection, mapmaking, and spatial analysis techniques. Students will use GIS software to complete a series of computer lab exercises that demonstrate a variety of approaches to the analysis and display of spatial data. Students enrolling in this class also must register for a computer lab section. Also listed as USP 591. Prerequisite: Geog 380 or equivalent experience.

GEOG 4/589

Building a GIS Database with GPS

4

Develops knowledge and skills necessary to use the global positioning systems (GPS) to collect, process, and use geographic data. GPS theory and techniques through field survey experiences. Collect and integrate spatial and non-spatial data within an integrated geographic information sys- tem (GIS) framework. Prerequisites: Geog 488/588 or USP 591.

GEOG 4/590

GIS Programming

4

Introduction to GIS programming languages for customizing applications and streamlining spatial analysis. Topics include GIS software environment, programming syntax and styles, interface customization, GIS routines and functions, and basic algorithms. Programming lab included. Prerequisite: Geog 488/588 or USP 591.

GEOG 4/592

Geographic Info System II: Advanced GIS

4

Analysis and applications of geographic information systems concepts and technology to land planning and management issues. The multipurpose land information systems concept is used as an organizing device for spatial registration of data layers to achieve data sharing and compatibility among functions. User needs assessment and systems design provides the basis for systems procurement, implementation, and use. Students enrolling in this class also must register for a computer lab section. Also listed as USP 592. Prerequisite: Geog 488/588 or USP 591.

GEOG 4/593

Digital Terrain Analysis

4

Introduction to the theory and methods of the generation, compilation, analysis, and applications of digital elevation data. Topics include GIS terrain data models, digital photogrammetry, LiDAR data processing, terrain surface analysis, terrain visualization, and watershed delineation. Computer lab included. Prerequisites: GEOG 488/588 or USP 591.

GEOG 4/594

GIS for Water Resources

4

Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in hydrology and water resource management. Topics include hydrologic networks, watershed characterization by GIS, river channel modeling with GIS, GIS modeling and visualization of hydrographic data, time-series water resource data representation and analysis in GIS, and issues in the applications of GIS for watershed management. Expected preparation: Geog 380, 414/514, and 488/588 or USP 591.

GEOG 4/595

Maps, Models, & GIS

4

Analysis and display of spatial data, emphasizing environmental questions within the framework of the raster data model. Topics include an introduction to general systems theory, the nature of models, cartographic model development, model implementation procedures, map algebra, vector-to-raster data conversion, guidelines for symbol usage, and the incorporation of digital remote sensing data into map models. Prerequisite: Geog 380; Geog 485/585 recommended.

GEOG 4/596

Visualization of Spatial Data

4

The use of graphics as a fundamental descriptive and explanatory tool for visualizing data in geography and other disciplines. Topics include graphic types, their design and meaning, visualization of spatial data surfaces, cartographic counterparts to descriptive statistics, data classification techniques, data transformations, index numbers, and spatial graphics software. Recommended: 12 hours of coursework in geography.

GEOG 4/597

Spatial Quantitative Analysis

4

Introduction to the principles of inferential spatial statistics. Topics include point pattern analysis, spatial autocorrelation, spatial interpolation, and multivariate spatial data analysis. Expected preparation: Geog 496/596; Stat 243 and 244.

GEOG 521

Geographic Thought

4

Geography as a professional field. The first half of the course deals with the history of geographic thought and literature. The second half focuses on the role of geography among the arts and sciences and on more recent developments in the field. Required of all graduate students in geography.

GEOG 522

Research Design

4

A guided program for preparing graduate research papers and theses in geography. Attention is given to formulating topics, developing hypotheses, determining researchability, acquiring and analyzing data, developing conclusions, and organizing and writing reports. Required of all graduate students in geography.

GEOG 523

Geographic Research & Applications

1

Applications of theory and method in geography through discussion of faculty research; relates theoretical underpinnings of the discipline to faculty research agendas, broadens perspectives on geographical research questions. Required of all geography graduate students.

GEOG 601

Research

TBD

GEOG 603

Thesis

TBD

GEOG 605

Reading & Conference

TBD

GEOG 607

Seminar

TBD