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GEOGRAPHY COURSES

GEO 100 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL AND HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

A general examination of everyday physical occurrences of the earth. A wide range of topics is briefly covered, including destructive storms; earth-moon relationships; oceans; land forms; continental drift; erosion; weather; and climate. Physical effects on the human environment, activities potential, and limitations are investigated. The course is geared to students with no background in physical science. Students who have taken GEO 101 or 103 should not enroll. (Fall) Hickey/Three credits

GEO 101 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY

An introductory look at physical and chemical properties of sea water, marine geology, ocean currents, tides, deep-ocean circulation, bottom topography, marine life, sediments, and the sea’s resource potential will be discussed. No science background is necessary, only an interest in the field. The purpose of the course is to give the student an overall understanding of the environment which constitutes 73% of the earth’s surface. (Spring) Hickey/Three credits

GEO 103 INTRODUCTORY METEOROLOGY

An introductory examination of our atmosphere with special attention being paid to the study of weather phenomena and their causes. Practical use of meteorological data, climatic controls, weather systems, and weather prediction exercises. No science background is necessary, only an interest in the field. (Spring, alternate years) Hickey/Three credits

GEO 106 HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA

A study of social and physical geographic motivations and restraints that helped to develop the United States. Emphasis will be mainly post-1800, with particular attention to: settlement patterns, ethnicity, city growth, slave agriculture, transportation, life styles, economics, and westward expansion. Stress will be on geographic implications of historical fact. (Spring, Alternate Years) Hickey/Three credits

GEO 108 WORLD POPULATION ISSUES

Lecture and open discussion on current population problems existing in the world today. Topics will include statistical processes; world food production and standards; female roles; adolescent pregnancy; migration; medical assistance; world economic issues; developing countries; issues on aging; foreign aid; and responses to population pressures, especially in urban areas. Same as SOC 108. (Fall, Alternate Years) Hickey/Three credits

GEO 120 INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL STUDIES

The course introduces students to several of today’s most pressing global issues and demonstrates how they are interconnected. It explores, subject to various perspectives, the issues of global conflict; security and peace, including weapons proliferation; global economics, including trade and capital flows; development; and the natural environment. Attention is devoted to the debate over globalization and the development of international institutions. (Fall) (Same as ECO 120) Available to freshmen/sophomores or by permission. Hickey, Kantarelis, Lynn/Three credits

GEO 134 CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Topical study of issues relating to natural resources: their use, abuse, and future potential. U.S. resources will be stressed. A partial list of topics dealt with includes energy, alternative energy, water, fish resources, the Law of the Seas, waste disposal, environmental laws, and effective regional planning. Other issues will arise from class projects and discussion. (Fall, alternate years) Hickey/Three credits

GEO 222 REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AMERICA

A systematic study of the current physical and cultural landscape of the area south of the Panama Canal. Individual countries and discussions of issues concerning all of South America will be stressed. Topics to be covered will include current political structures, resource base, agriculture, land tenure, and the economic development potential of South American countries. Western policy regarding this area completes the course. Open to all students. (Fall, alternate years) Hickey/Three credits

GEO 224 REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY OF ASIA

A geographic survey stressing physical and cultural features. India, S.E. Asia, China, and Japan are discussed in depth particularly regarding their development problems and potentials. Current policy and changes regarding South Asia and the Pacific Rim’s future economic and political role within the world’s systems are discussed. Open to all students. (Spring, as needed) Hickey/Three Credits

GEO 226 REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY OF ANGLO AMERICA

A study of the major physical, cultural, and current economic components of the U.S. and Canada. Relationships between the physical environment and current economic activity will be stressed. Some time will be spent reviewing current trends in population, urban growth, and natural resources. Open to all students. (Fall, as needed) Hickey/Three credits

GEO 232 REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY OF AFRICA

The object of this course is to attain a fundamental economic/geographic conceptual view of Africa as it exists today. Political geography as well as the region’s physical terrain, climate, and resources will be studied. Land use patterns and the interrelationships between natural environment and human economic activities, especially AIDS, give focus to the materials. Readings on current issues are assigned. Western policy regarding this area completes the course. Open to all students. (Fall, as needed) Hickey/Three credits

GEO 251 ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY

A theoretical look at what creates economies and how they interrelate with physical and human environments. The course has no prerequisites although some knowledge of basic economics is helpful. It begins with an introduction to world economic systems and ranges through economic location theory, retail site analysis, and industrial location, as well as transportation, urban economics and housing. Open to all students. (Spring, Alternate Years) Hickey/Three credits

GEO 252 LAND USE GEOGRAPHY AND PLANNING LAW

The course begins with a review of many landmark land use legal cases and their effects on current land uses. Topics such as nuisances, zoning regulations, spot zoning, aesthetic planning, natural resource protection, and due process will all be discussed. Some geographic and urban theory will be reviewed stressing new techniques of metropolitan planning with emphasis on low-income land uses. No knowledge of law is necessary. Class discussion of the case readings is the focus of the class. (As needed) Hickey/Three credits

GEO 399 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GEOGRAPHY

Individually supervised study with one or more professors on an advanced topic. Open to qualified Juniors and Seniors with the permission of the Chairperson. (Fall/Spring) Hickey/Three credits

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20% of Assumption undergraduate students are first-generation college students.