Courses
Courses
Area: Physical
Physical processes of atmosphere in relation to day-to-day changes in the weather. (3) (Same as Atmospheric Science 1050)
Area: Human
Introductory analysis for general education. Regional character, spatial relationships, major problems of Europe, North America (United States and Canada) and Latin America. Organized around basic concepts in the field of geography. (3)
Course Highlights
Geog 1100: Regions and Nations (Western Hemisphere)
This section of Regions and Nations of the World course provides an introduction to the regional geography of the western hemisphere including North America, Latin America, and Europe. It consists of an introduction to regional analysis, thematically structured overviews of selected realms and regions in the western hemisphere, and geographic interpretations of contemporary social and environmental issues confronting the globe.
- Learn about the unique and diverse cultures, places, and peoples of the western hemisphere.
- Sharpen your understanding of the western hemisphere before traveling or studying abroad.
- Delve deeper into issues including climate change, sustainability, globalization, and geopolitical conflict in discussion sections.
Professor Hurt + Discussion Section
Meets Social Science Requirement for Gen Ed
Area: Human
Introductory analysis for general education. Regional character, spatial relationships, problems of environment and development of the former Soviet Union, Pacific World, South and East Asia, Africa and Middle East. Organized around basic concepts in the field of geography. May be taken independently of Geography 1100.
Area: Human
Examines human culture as a geographical element; the power of culture and human institutions in human-environmental interaction and the creation of agriculture, folk culture, popular culture, cities and a broad range of cultural landscapes. Prerequisite: Geography 1100 or 1200 or sophomore standing. (3)
Area: Physical
This course will explore the role of physical science, environmental politics and public policy in shaping contemporary debate concerning climate change, mitigation and adaptation strategies. (3)
Introduction to technologies used to map a changing world, with an emphasis on digital mapping explorations of human and environmental interactions on earth. Course includes lab and fieldwork to introduce geographic information data collection and analysis techniques. The course serves as a survey introduction to how geospatial technologies are used in human and environmental interactions on earth for many different fields, jobs and circumstances, such as: virtual globes, geographic information systems, global positioning satellites and remote sensing. (3)
Area: Physical
Introduction to methods of map interpretation and geographic communication through maps. Primary Emphasis is on the development of skills in map analysis, with laboratory work and possible field analysis. Prerequisite: Geography 1100 or 1200 or sophomore standing. (3)
Area: Human-environment interactions
This course focuses on using documentary and Hollywood films as a way to study how global environmental change is impacting the four spheres of our dynamic planet: Lithosphere; Atmosphere; Hydrosphere; Biosphere. To ensure a more complete understanding of course material, films are supplemented with active lectures and discussions of assigned readings from both periodicals and peer-reviewed literature that emphasize key points illustrated in the films. In doing so, this course synthesizes material from numerous fields of study to provide an international perspective on the pace and pattern of environmental change as we progress into The Anthropocene. This synthetic approach is used to highlight the formidable linkages on Earth between the non-living and living, thus permitting students to gain an appreciation and holistic understanding of how global environmental change is impacting Earth processes responsible for creating both our current landscapes and the remarkable diversity of life that inhabit them.
We are all explorers. As children, we grew up testing the boundaries of our known worlds and trying to understand what was beyond. Geography gives us the means to formalize this impulse to explore the world around us, both local and distant. It allows us to make sense of the ways in which space and relationships between objects drives much of human, social, and environmental interaction. In this course, we will illustrate some of the principle ways in which Geographers investigate, explain, and map meaning, pushing the boundaries of what we know as individuals and society. Using a combination of discussion and field exercises, students will be asked to engage with a number of critical societal issues that have geographical elements at their core. Examples include the Geography of crime, imagining place, the city of the future, environmental change, terrorism, human trafficking, drones, and sustainability.
Area: Human
Intensive examination of selected North American areas and distributions. Regional systems, problems and planning. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. (3)
Area: Human
Physical, human, economic, and political geography of Missouri; regions of the state. Prerequisite: Geography 1100 or junior standing. (3)
(same as PEA_ST 2280, SOCIOL 2280). A sociological approach to understand race/ethnicity, identity, citizenship, human rights, violence, and political and economic systems in the Caribbean. Comparisons of the culture, politics, and historical trajectories of Cuba and Haiti using Post-Colonial and Feminist theories. Graded on A-F basis only.
Focusing on towns and communities and their regional history and cultural traditions, we will examine the issues and concerns of small town America in the context of recent hardships and adverse economic trends. Examples of topics to be covered include case studies of communities such as Marceline, Missouri (Walt Disney's boyhood home), race and the immigration of non-whites in to rural areas; gender roles in small communities, the role of religion in small-town identity formation, and other current issues faced by "middle America". The responsiveness of government, large corporations, and institutions to the problems of diverse communities will be critically examined, with a multidisciplinary approach that will draw on key theories and works in the disciplines of sociology, rural sociology, community development, and geography.
This course examines the forces of globalization that are transforming our world, and explores the various responses - psychological, social and political -- that people have been making over the past fifty years. Part I examines globalization as an economic and geographical process, generating huge social consequences, with rapid growth, population movements, political change and a vast gap between global wealth and poverty. Part II focuses on the ways in which individuals are now seeking to find themselves in this globalizing world. Emphasis will be placed on the ways in which national identity, faith, gender and sexuality are emerging as key loci around which contemporary people (especially young people) are trying to forge new social identities for themselves. The course will conclude by examining the recently emerging (and highly contested) concept of 'global citizenship'.
Physical environment and culture in the regional development of South America. Prerequisite: one course in geography or instructor's consent. (3)
Area: Physical
Examination of the interacting natural systems that comprise the Earth's physical environment, including the atmosphere, biosphere, and landforms. Focus on relating fundamental physical, chemical and ecological processes to the global geographic patterns they produce. Prerequisite: Geography 1100 or 1200 or sophomore standing.
Area: Human and Physical
Historical perspectives on the human agency in transforming the earth, with emphasis on international environmental problems. Topics include basic biogeography; environmental impacts of population growth, underdevelopment and overdevelopment; and new approaches to managements of global resources. Prerequisite: Geography 1100 or 1200. (3)
Area: Human
Geographical location and organization of world's major economic activities. Emphasizes agricultural and industrial patterns, commodity flows, transport networks, geographical principles of market and industrial location, internal spatial organization of cities, land-use models, geographic aspects of economic growth. (3)
Area: Human
Study of cities: origin, development, distribution, social, economic, and demographic significance. Consideration of theories of structure, urban hierarchies, and land use planning. Prerequisites: Geography 1100, 1200 and two other geography courses, or instructor's consent. (3)
Organized study of selected topics. Subjects and earnable credit may vary from semester to semester. Prerequisites: sophomore standing, departmental consent for repetition.
Area: GIS
Introduces theory, concepts and techniques related to the creation, manipulation, processing, and basic analysis of spatial data using GIS. Data management, current data models, GIS applications and course topics are reinforced through hands-on computer laboratory exercises. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; instructor consent required. (3)
Area: Human
Physical environment and culture in the regional development of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Prerequisite: one course in geography or instructor's consent. (3)
Area: Human
Cultural, physical and historical geography of the Middle East, with emphasis on cultural adaptations to environments and conflicts over the resources.
Independent investigation leading to a paper or project. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: Instructor's consent. (1-3)
(same as PEA_ST 3496). This course introduces students to Indigenous studies in a digital world. The course begins with study of Indigenous sovereignty and representation, and moves quickly to critical and theoretical readings in new media, tracing both the historical impact of digital technologies (such as GIS) on Native communities, and the ways that both urban and rural Native communities have engaged in innovative digital projects that expand the way we understand information and storytelling in digital environments. The course materials will cover a wide range of platforms and audio-visual genres, from documentary, community video, and animation productions, to GIS, video games, and social media sites. Students will engage with both scholars and artists working with new media through a program of public lectures, classroom visits, and Skype interviews. All interview will be archived as podcasts from the course website. Students will write weekly short response papers and produce independent audio-visual projects over the course of the semester, with opportunities to revise their work leading up to substantial final projects. The course will also integrate community outreach into the curriculum through online participation of students from the Kiowa Kids, an Indigenous language immersion and storytelling program.
Area: Human
Analysis of selected geographical patterns and themes in the continent's past. Focus is explicitly geographical, stressing extensive use of maps and recent scholarly work by historical geographers. Prerequisites: junior standing or instructor's consent. (3)
This is a course on the social and cultural geography of North America. We will focus on Native American peoples, place-making, their land, natural resources, and their use of geotechniques for social and cultural empowerment. Indigenous geographies exist today despite repeated attempts by Euro-Americans to destroy, marginalize, distort, or ignore them. At the same time, native peoples have used western technologies and science to construct representations of ‘indigenous geographies.’ Throughout the course, we will study the principles and systems underlying some indigenous geographies, indigenous ways of knowing the world, natural resources, relationships to animals and landforms, sense of place, place-names, sacred land, counter-mapping and geographic information systems. We will attempt to attain some cross-cultural understanding of these geographies within the context of North America geography. (3)
This class explores creative nonfiction work that attends to the geographical dimensions of human experience and the character of place - "placewriting". Students will investigate how creative nonfiction evokes the human relationship with place and the geographical dimensions of personal and group identity. The class consists of two parts: discussion and critique of six creative nonfiction works on place, and a writer's workshop designed to enable students produce their own work in the genre focused on a local community or place. Recommended: GEOG 1550.
A study of the world distribution of climates based on "cause and effect" relationships. Special attention is given to the impacts of climate on humanity. Prerequisites: Geography 1050 or equivalent or graduate standing. (3)
Study of natural regions of the United States by integrating topics from landforms, climate, soils, vegetation, water, resources, and land use. Prerequisite: Geography 1100 or Geography 2610 and junior standing or consent of instructor. (3)
Systematic study of landforms and the processes which govern them. Provides a foundation for the theoretical, technical, and practical understanding of environmental systems. Prerequisites: Geography 2610 and junior standing, or consent of instructor. (3)
This course provides an overview of geography’s role in regional planning. In particular, this course focuses on the use of GIScience and location analysis in efficiently addressing regional service needs. Geographic issues will be addressed to highlight the practical relevance of location analysis with respect to planning. Utilization and implementation considerations using GIS and location analysis will be explored. (3)
(same as REL_ST 3760). Explores the significance of place in the origin, diffusion, distribution and practice of religions, emphasizing imprints of religion on the cultural landscape and connections between culture, politics, economics, and religion.
Geographic factors in the development of political boundaries, traditions, and societal perspectives. Spatial patterns and geopolitical processes are explored in selected regions of the world. Prerequisites: Geography 1100 or 1200 or sophomore standing. (3)
This course examines the fundamentals of the geography of tourism and travel in both foreign and domestic contexts. During the past few decades, tourism has been a fast growing industry around the world, although tourism can easily be negatively influenced by terrorism, natural disasters, and economic downturns. During the semester we'll look at several common types of tourism and focus on the positive and negative impacts of tourism upon local cultures, the environment, and economic development. Graded on A-F basis only.
Credit Hours: 3
Recommended: Geog 1100 or Geog 1200 or sophomore standing
Introduction to the principles of remote sensing of the environment. Digital imagery from spacecraft, conventional and high-altitude aerial photography, thermal imaging, and microwave remote sensing. Prerequisite: Geography 2840. (3)
Principles of computer-assisted cartography. Automated cartographic display. "Hands on" experience with computer mapping software and hardware systems. Role of computers in map design. Digital encoding of geographic data. Prerequisite: Geography 2840. (3)
The geospatial sciences play a critical role in how we approach and understand issues in national security including environmental disasters, terrorism, military support, infrastructure security, law enforcement, resource management, and epidemiological concerns. These complex issues have a tremendous spatial component and geospatial technologies such as remote sensing and geographic information systems are essential for developing/implementing security plans and responding to emergencies/disasters. This course will discuss topics related to the contribution of the geospatial sciences in the collection, processing, visualization and analysis of spatial information related to national security. (3)
Geopolitics examines politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors. To reveal and forecast global trends, we examine the interactions of geographical contexts and perspectives with international and domestic political processes. Our geopolitical analysis is both thematic and regional. Geographical themes are multi-disciplinary and include location and place, physical geography and natural resources, population and immigration, culture and ethnicity, religion, economics and trade, foreign policy, conflict, globalization, and development. These are examined in the context of eight world regions and the polar realms. (3)
Independent readings selected in consultation with supervisory faculty member. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: instructor's consent and Independent Study Contract needed. (1-3)
The course examines the parallel and independent geographies of terrorism and drugs. Their common features include dangerous cultural landscapes that cannot sustain other forms of land use. They are typically marginal, remote, and beyond the reach of authorities. Crackdowns on terrorists and drug producers in one locale usually fails to eradicate the problems as they emerge elsewhere. The wars on terrorism and drugs often stimulate greater enrollments and production. Where poverty and alienation are common, both livelihoods offer social accommodation and ready entry into the cash economy. Alternative means of combating terrorism and drug production are explored. (3)
Examines the role of natural resources play in contemporary conflicts among indigenous peoples, neocolonial states and corporations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The course emphasizes understanding the social, cultural, political, economic, and ecological issues at stake in individual case studies set in a global context. Possible solutions to these conflicts are examined. (3)
Analysis of the patterns and processes of plant distribution in the contemporary landscape, stressing environmental influences and vegetation dynamics, particularly as they relate to North Amerian vegetation. Prerequisite: Geography 2610 or instructor's consent. (3)
Systematic study of river mechanics, stream-channel form, river management and restoration. Provides a theoretical and practical understanding of stream systems. Prerequisites: Geography 2610 and Geography 3630 or instructor's consent. (3)
Application of statistical methods to geographic research. Prepares students to utilize advanced methodologies and models in spatial analysis. Includes computer analysis of geographical data. Prerequisite: Mathematics 1100 or equivalent. (3)
(same as CV_ENG 4185; cross-leveled with GEOG 7740, CV_ENG 7185). Overview of location analysis in regional-planning and spatial-decision support. Focuses on the use of Geographic Information Science (GIS) and location analysis methods in addressing regional service needs. May be repeated for credit.
Explores demographic, economic, and social issues surrounding immigration and migration. The course focuses on the global labor migration system, immigration to the United States, and internal migration within the US, as well as the linkages between these systems. (3)
This course is designed for social science students interested in learning about the tools available in GIS for linking to and analyzing spatial qualitative data. This course is not structured to provide a complete understanding of GIS principles and practices. Rather, the course makes use multiple data sources (qualitative and quantitative), applied within a social context, using spatial investigation procedures to detect geographical trends in data sets. We will primarily focus on qualitative research methods and how they may be applied to GIS, and how GIS can enhance qualitative research. Our class will undertake an original project using American Indian oral histories to better understand the relationships between places, culture, society, economics, and the environment. At the conclusion of the course students, 1) will have a basic understanding of geographic information systems; 2) knowledge of qualitative research methods and GIS; 3) participate in original geographic information social science research. (3)
Examination of the landscape-scale approach to biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and habitat management. Particular emphasis on the use of Geographic Information Systems to analyze the spatial dimension of ecological patterns and processes. Prerequisite: Geography 4840 or instructor's consent. (3)
The course presents a review of the geography of transportation. Four major sets of ideas are discussed: spatial organization, network analysis, allocation, and urban transportation analysis. (3)
Resource management techniques for processing digital imagery acquired by land resource satellites; emphasis on classification and mapping of agricultural land uses and wildlife habitats. Prerequisite: Geography 4830. (3)
Organized study of selected topics. Subjects and earnable credit may vary from semester to semester. Prerequisites: junior standing and instructor's consent; departmental consent for repetition. (1-3)
Advanced study and application of Geographic Information Systems technology to natural resources planning. Focus on individual research projects. Prerequisite: Geography 3040 or instructor's consent. (3)
Regularized individual work experience with local, regional, state or national agencies, with guidance and readings supplied by faculty coordinator. May repeat to maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisites: upper-level standing in geography, cartographic training, and departmental consent. (1-3)
A seminar in selected themes in geography. Class will focus on research, writing, presenting, and discussing themes in contemporary geography. Required of all majors prior to graduation. Prerequisite: Five courses in geography or instructor's consent. Winter semester only. Writing Intensive. (3)
(3)
Special work for Honors candidates in geography. Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required
Special work for Honors candidates in geography. (3)
The geospatial sciences play a critical role in how we approach and understand issues in national security including environmental disasters, terrorism, military support, infrastructure security, law enforcement, resource management, and epidemiological concerns. These complex issues have a tremendous spatial component and geospatial technologies such as remote sensing and geographic information systems are essential for developing/implementing security plans and responding to emergencies/disasters. This course will discuss topics related to the contribution of the geospatial sciences in the collection, processing, visualization and analysis of spatial information related to national security. (3)
Geopolitics examines politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors. To reveal and forecast global trends, we examine the interactions of geographical contexts and perspectives with international and domestic political processes. Our geopolitical analysis is both thematic and regional. Geographical themes are multi-disciplinary and include location and place, physical geography and natural resources, population and immigration, culture and ethnicity, religion, economics and trade, foreign policy, conflict, globalization, and development. These are examined in the context of eight world regions and the polar realms. (3)
The course examines the parallel and independent geographies of terrorism and drugs. Their common features include dangerous cultural landscapes that cannot sustain other forms of land use. They are typically marginal, remote, and beyond the reach of authorities. Crackdowns on terrorists and drug producers in one locale usually fails to eradicate the problems as they emerge elsewhere. The wars on terrorism and drugs often stimulate greater enrollments and production. Where poverty and alienation are common, both livelihoods offer social accommodation and ready entry into the cash economy. Alternative means of combating terrorism and drug production are explored. (3)
Case studies in the patterns and processes of human-environmental interactions. Study of the cultural forces responsible for the continual transformation of the earth's cultural landscapes. Prerequisite: Geography 2550 or instructor's consent. (3)
Examines the role of natural resources play in contemporary conflicts among indigenous peoples, neocolonial states and corporations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The course emphasizes understanding the social, cultural, political, economic, and ecological issues at stake in individual case studies set in a global context. Possible solutions to these conflicts are examined. (3)
Analysis of the patterns and processes of plant distribution in the contemporary landscape, stressing environmental influences and vegetation dynamics, particularly as they relate to North American vegetation. Prerequisite: Geography 2610 and junior standing, or instructor's consent. (3)
Application of statistical methods to geographic research. Prepares students to utilize advanced methodologies and models in spatial analysis. Includes computer analysis of geographical data. Prerequisite: Mathematics 1100. (3)
(same as CV_ENG 7185; cross-leveled with GEOG 4740, CV_ENG 4185). Overview of location analysis in regional planning and spatial decision support. Focuses on the use of Geographic Information Science (GIS) and location analysis methods in addressing regional service needs. May be repeated for credit.
Explores demographic, economic, and social issues surrounding immigration and migration. The course focuses on the global labor migration system, immigration to the United States, and internal migration within the US, as well as the linkages between these systems. (3)
This course is designed for social science students interested in learning about the tools available in GIS for linking to and analyzing spatial qualitative data. This course is not structured to provide a complete understanding of GIS principles and practices. Rather, the course makes use multiple data sources (qualitative and quantitative), applied within a social context, using spatial investigation procedures to detect geographical trends in data sets. We will primarily focus on qualitative research methods and how they may be applied to GIS, and how GIS can enhance qualitative research. Our class will undertake an original project using American Indian oral histories to better understand the relationships between places, culture, society, economics, and the environment. At the conclusion of the course students, 1) will have a basic understanding of geographic information systems; 2) knowledge of qualitative research methods and GIS; 3) participate in original geographic information social science research. (3)
Examination of the landscape-scale approach to biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and habitat management. Particular emphasis on the use of Geographic Information Systems to analyze the spatial dimension of ecological patterns and processes. Prerequisite: Geography 4840 or instructor's consent. (3)
Introduces concepts of computer analysis of geographic data and emphasizes the techniques for handling geographic data. Application of computer-based GIS systems in coursework. Prerequisite: Geography 2840. (3)
Introduction to fundamental concepts and modes of analysis in transportation geography. Focus on descriptive, explanatory, as well as normative approaches. Topics reviewed include spatial organization, transportation economics, spatial interaction, network analysis, location/allocation, and urban transportation planning. (3)
Resource management techniques for processing digital imagery acquired by land resource satellites; emphasis on classification and mapping of agricultural land uses and wildlife habitats. Prerequisite: Geography 4830. (3)
Organized study of selected topics. Subjects and earnable credit may vary from semester to semester. Repeatable upon consent of department. Prerequisite: instructor's consent. (1-3)
Advanced study and application of Geographic Information Systems technology to natural resources planning. Focus on individual research projects. Prerequisite: Geography 4840 or instructor's consent. (3)
Research not leading to thesis. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: instructor's consent and Independent Study Contract needed. S/U grading. (1-6)
Advanced studies to meet the needs of the individual student. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: instructor's consent and Independent Study Contract needed. (1-3)
Research leading to a thesis. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Prerequisite: instructor's consent. Graded on a S/U basis only. (1-8)
Advanced readings and analysis of topics in the geography of the Middle East. Emphasis is on case studies of human-induced environmental problems in the region today. Prerequisite: instructor's consent. (3)
May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and departmental consent. (1-3)
Elements of Mapping and Spatial Analysis is a methods course designed to introduce graduate students to basic principles of cartography and select analytical techniques to incorporate into their thesis/dissertation work. The course is not designed for graduate students with previous course work in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, or cartography. Nor is the course designed to be an overarching introduction to GIS, remote sensing, or cartography. Rather, curriculum will focus on developing spatial analysis skills, map-making, and spatial database construction. At the conclusion of the class, students will have fundamental knowledge of GIS, be able to produce publishable maps, and create their own geospatial databases. Prerequisites: Graduate student: Masters or Doctoral. Recommended: For graduate students with little to no cartography or spatial analysis experience.
Application of scientific methods in geographic research. Critical evaluation of current geographical methodology. (3)
Directions and stages in the development of American geographic thought. Course is built around landmark writings by American geographers. Prerequisite: graduate standing in geography and instructor's consent. (3)
Techniques of geographical investigation in the field. (3)
Analysis of remotely sensed data for resource management application. Acquisition of data, project planning, hands-on image interpretation experience, design of output products and project report preparation. Prerequisite: Geography 4830 or instructor's consent. (3)
Organized study of selected topics. Subjects and earnable credit may vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: instructor's consent; departmental consent for repetition. (1-3)
The exact nature and content of the program of study is highly flexible, and customized to the student's interests. Full-time students typically take three 3-credit courses for each of their first three semesters (Fall1, Spring1, and Fall2), with the fourth semester (Spring2) largely reserved for completing thesis research and writing.
Beyond the two required courses - Geography 8750 and Geography 8760, which are normally taken during the first two semesters, students are expected to participate in two graduate seminars and take two courses in geographic methods and techniques. Available courses include Geography classes numbered 7000 or above, as well as a host of relevant coursework available in other allied disciplines.
- 7130—Geospatial Science in National Security
- 7200—Geopolitics
- 7400—Geographies of Terrorism and Drugs
- 7560—Resources and Indigenous Peoples
- 7620—Biogeography: Global Patterns of Life
- 7710—Spatial Analysis and Geography
- 7740—Location Analysis and Site Selection
- 7770—Migration and Immigration
- 7790—Geographic Information Systems for the Social Sciences
- 7810—Landscape Ecology and GIS Analysis I
- 7840—Geographic Information Systems I
- 7850—Transportation Geography
- 7860—Advanced Remote Sensing
- 7904—Topics in Geography-Social Science
- 7940—Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS II)
- 8080—Research and Geography
- 8085—Special Investigations in Geography
- 8090—Research in Geography
- 8270—Seminar in the Geography of the Middle East
- 8710—Seminar
- 8720—Elements of Mapping and Spatial Analysis
- 8750—Research Design
- 8760—Geographic Thought
- 8820—Field Geography
- 8840—Seminar: Applied Remote Sensing
- 8902—Topics in Geography-Biological/Physical/Mathematical