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Course Descriptions for Geography

Please note: Some GEG and GEL courses became either ENV or GIS effective Spring 2003. For convenience the crosswalk is given below.

Changes effective Spring, 2003: GEG 1200=ENV 1200; GEG 1400=ENV 1400; GEG 2250=GIS 2250; GEG 3210=GIS 3210; GEG 3220=GIS 3220; GEG 3250=GIS 3250; GEG 3400=ENV 3400; GEG 3620=ENV 3620; GEG 4200=ENV 4200; GEG 4410=ENV 4410; GEG 4420=ENV 4420; GEG 4430=ENV 4430; GEG 4840=GIS 4840; GEG 4850=GIS 4850; GEG 4860=GIS 4860; GEG 4870=GIS 4870; GEG 4890=GIS 4890; GEG 4960=ENV 4960; GEL 1540=ENV 1540; GEL 1710=GIS 1710; GEL 3540=ENV 3540; GEL 4000=ENV 4000; GEL 4010=ENV 4010; GEL 4960=ENV 4970

GEG 1000-3 World Regional Geography (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests
This course presents the study of the formation, behavior, and interaction of social, political, cultural, and economic regions throughout the world. (General Studies-Level II, Social Sciences)

GEG 1100-3 Introduction to Physical Geography (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests
This survey course is designed to provide an understanding of all the elements of the physical environment. The course emphasizes the four spheres: the atmosphere (weather and climate), the lithosphere (soils, geology, and landforms), the hydrosphere (oceans, streams, and groundwater), and the biosphere (vegetation and animals). (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

GEG 1120-1 Orienteering (0 + 2)
This course familiarizes students with the reading and interpretation of topographic maps and the use of the compass. Orienteering exercises are conducted in the field.

GEG 1220-2 Map Use (1 + 2)
This is an introductory course providing basic information on the use and interpretation of maps, map projections, map scale, map symbols, remote sensing, and Geographical Information Systems.

GEG 1240-3 Landforms of the U.S. (3 + 0)
Students study the physical features of the earth's surface and the shape or form of the landscape as influenced by interaction between basic earth processes and rock types, structure, climate, and weathering. U.S. and especially Colorado, examples are used to illustrate landforms.

GEG 1300-3 Introduction to Human Geography (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests
This course is an introduction to geographic perspectives, concepts, and methods as they apply to the study of human activities. Special emphasis is placed on patterns of human distribution, adjustments to the natural environment, land use practices, and culture traits. (General Studies-Level II, Social Sciences)

GEG 1500-1-3 Current Topics in Geography: Variable Topics (1-3 + 0)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
These courses cover important topics in geography, usually involving contemporary issues. The course content will vary and the course may be repeated for credit as the course topic changes.

GEG 1530-1 Ghost Towns of Northern Colorado (1 + 0)
This course investigates the ghost towns of northeastern Colorado. Through lecture and field work, students will learn how perceptions of the land affected settlement patterns and land use in northeastern Colorado. Related topics include use of the land by Native Americans, physical geography, transportation patterns from trails to highways, planned communities and the Buffalo Commons proposal. Note: Students cannot take both GEG 1530 and GEG 3530 for credit.

GEG 1610-1 Introduction to Planning (1 + 0)
This course provides an overview of the role of planning in land use, different types of planning processes, public and private sector actors, skills required of planners, and planning documents and maps.

GEG 1920-3 Concepts and Connections in Geography (2 + 2)
Prerequisite: minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment tests
This course will cover basic concepts and themes of geography as well as the primary division of the discipline. Topics include major world regions and the interconnections between them, the geography of human activities, physical geography, and human interaction with the environment. Basic geographic tools, methodologies and theories are used as keys to understanding past, present, and future events in the world. The region of the Middle East will be used to demonstrate relationships between physical and human geography and resource development. (General Studies-Level II, Social Sciences)

GEG 2020-3 Geography of Colorado (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing and mathematics preassessment placement tests
This course presents the study of the physical, economic, and cultural features of Colorado. These features include climate, landforms, history, water resources, energy and minerals, mining, soil, natural vegetation, agriculture, population characteristics, the economy, current issues, as well as their interactions, and the overall geographic setting. (General Studies-Level II, Social Sciences)

GEG 2100-2 Geography of Latin America (2 + 0)
Prerequisite: a course in geography or permission of the instructor
This course studies the physical, political, and economic geography of Latin American countries. The course emphasizes contemporary land-use patterns and use of natural resources.

GEG 2200-3 Geography of the United States (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: six hours of earth science courses
This course is a survey of the geography of the U.S., including an overview of the physical characteristics, landforms, climate, soil, vegetation, and natural resources. Regions of the U.S. are studied, including the distribution of population, agriculture, industry, transportation, and culture. Geographic problems and issues are raised.

GEG 2300-3 Geographic Analysis of Social Issues (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: GEG 1300
This course is a geographic analysis of current social issues. Topics include urban spatial problems, such as crowding and crime, drugs and gangs, population growth, environmental perception, resource use, and culturally based land-use patterns. The administration of space, boundaries, territoriality, and spatial learning are discussed.

GEG 3000-3 Historical Geography of the U.S. (3 + 0)
Prerequisites: six hours of geography or permission of instructor; GEG 1300, GEG 2200, or HIS 1210 recommended
This course examines the unique interrelationships between geography and history. Topics covered include frontiers and boundaries, settlement patterns, environmental perception, sequent occupancy, changing land-use practices, migration, and urban growth. Further, the course addresses the interrelationships between different physical environments and cultural landscapes.

GEG 3300-3
(NAS 3300, PSC 3300) Land Use, Culture and Conflict (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: ENV 1400 or NAS 1000 or PSC 1010 and junior or senior standing
This course is designed to introduce students to theories, approaches and controversies concerning use of land and resources on Indian Reservations. Reading and discussion will be directed toward questions related to differing views on land use and resources, how modernization impacts traditional settings, as well as treaties and governmental policies that govern Indian land. Case studies which illustrate current conflict/resolution issues between Native Americans and other actors such as federal, state and local governments will be examined. Credit will be granted for only one prefix. (General Studies - Level II, Social Science; Multicultural)

GEG 3360-3 Geography of Economic Activity (3 + 0)
Prerequisites: GEG 1000 or GEG 1300 plus six additional hours of geography and MTH 1210. ECO 2010 or ECO 2020 recommended
This course investigates the "economic landscape" and analyzes global patterns of spatial interdependence in a systems framework. Spatial economic models are examined through case studies and class exercises. The relationships between human activity and land-use patterns are examined in a world/regional context.

GEG 3520-2-3 Regional Geography: Variable Topics (2-3 + 0)
Prerequisite: six hours of earth science courses
Specific regions of the world will be selected for in-depth study. Topics will include physical and cultural geography, demographics, economic activity, urbanization, political geography and environmental issues. The course may be repeated for credit as a different region is studied.

GEG 3530-1 Advanced Ghost Towns of Northern Colorado (1 + 0)
Prerequisite: nine hours of geography or geology or permission of instructor
This course examines the ghost towns of northeastern Colorado. Through lecture and field work, students will evaluate how perceptions of the land affected settlement patterns and land use in northeastern Colorado. Additional topics to be evaluated include use of the land by Native Americans, physical geography, transportation patterns from trails to highways, planned communities and the Buffalo Commons proposal. Note: Students cannot take both GEG 1530 and GEG 3530 for credit.

GEG 3600-3 Urban Geography (3 + 0)
Prerequisites: GEG 1000, GEG 1300
This course examines theories of urban development and factors that affect urbanization, such as demographic change, annexation, zoning, and infrastructure development. Models of urban land use are examined in the context of cities in the United States. Students learn how to prepare and analyze census-tract maps.

GEG 3610-3 Principles of Land Use Planning (3 + 0)
Prerequisites: six hours of geography, GIS 2250 recommended
In this course students learn basic land-use planning concepts and how to analyze land-use patterns, interpret land-use maps, and analyze existing land-use plans. Further, students learn how to collect relevant data, prepare a comprehensive land-use plan, and predict future planning issues. Special attention is paid to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in land-use planning.

GEG 3630-3 Transportation Planning and Land Use (3 + 0)
Prerequisites: GEG 3610, six additional hours of geography
This course is an analysis of transportation systems as they relate to other types of land use. Transportation networks are examined in terms of types, patterns, and densities. Consideration is given to alternative transportation systems as they relate to energy savings, pollution prevention, and the reduction of congestion.

GEG 3920-2-6 Directed Study in Land Use (0 + 4-12)
Prerequisites: 15 hours in earth science courses and approval of instructor and department chair
This course provides an opportunity for upper-division students with a strong background in earth science to pursue study in a specific topic of interest and value. The course requires permission of the instructor and chair of the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department and frequent meetings between student and instructor.

GEG 4610-3 Urban and Regional Planning (3 + 0)
Prerequisites: GEG 3600, GEG 3610 or equivalent
This course studies the philosophy and scope of urban and regional planning and the principles and factors of planning and their interrelationships.

GEG 4620-3 Residential Land Use Patterns (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: GEG 3600 or GEG 3610 or six hours of urban studies courses
This course examines spatial patterns of urban growth, factors that affect housing, the role of nonprofit developers in the current housing market, as well as theories that explain the residential mosaic of North American cities. It includes an analysis of current housing trends as well as the housing types, densities, patterns and geographic distribution, as well as the interrelationships with other aspects of the urban environment, including infrastructure.

GEG 4640-3 Recreational Land Use Patterns (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: GEG 3610 or permission of instructor
This course considers various types of recreation space, including greenbelts; open space; wilderness areas; and national, state and local parks. It relates recreational land to the land-use planning process, as well as the environmental impacts of recreation.

GEG 4710-3 Legal Aspects of Land Use (3 + 0)
Prerequisite: ENV 4010 or GEG 3610 or permission of instructor
This course studies the laws, ordinances and regulations related to land use, as well as the role of federal, state and local government in regulating and controlling land use. The course makes use of case studies and local issues.

GEG 4950-2-15 Internship in Land Use (0 + 6-45)
Prerequisites: Land Use major with upper division standing plus 12 upper division hours of earth science courses and permission of the chair of the earth and atmospheric sciences department
This course provides an on-the-job internship experience with a land-use-related company or agency. The experience must be done under qualified supervision and under the direction of an earth and atmospheric sciences faculty member.



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