Approved by: Undergraduate Course and Curriculum Committee
Implementation Date: Spring 2015
Note: Deletions are strikethroughs. Insertions are underlined.
Catalog Copy
Geography
The Geography curriculum is oriented toward the concepts and methodologies of social science that stress the importance of location. Geography is the study of spatial variation – of how things vary from place to place on the surface of the earth; how places are connected to each other, and the factors that shape how places interact and change over time.
Geography is studied at many levels, from the local to the global, and from many perspectives (i.e. social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental). Conceptual treatment of geographic issues deal with urbanization; globalization; migration; sustainability; patterns of land use;, transportation systems; the flow of goods, services and information; business location; planning for the natural and built environment; and human-environmental interaction in both urban and rural settings. Special emphasis is placed on how these factors shape our world, the places where we live and work, and the ways in which we interact.. Geographic analysis involves information technology; mapping and statistical analysis; social area analysis; remote sensing and satellite imagery; and especially the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A host of courses prepare students in both the concepts and methods of contemporary spatial analysis. The Department also leads the interdisciplinary minor in Urban Studies and Geography majors find careers in urban and regional planning, cartography, GIS applications and development;, marketing research, transportation planning, real estate development and teaching. While a wide range of career options are available to undergraduate geography majors, graduate studies provide additional options. (See the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog regarding the M.A. in Geography program.)
The Geography curriculum is oriented toward the methodologies of social science in which the importance of location is stressed. Traditional regional studies and conceptual courses that deal with land use patterns, transportation systems, industrial location, the distribution of retail activities, city planning, and urban systems are augmented by technique-oriented courses such as map design and compilation, computer mapping, analysis of satellite images, statistical methods, and geographic information systems (GIS). These courses prepare students in both the concepts and methods of contemporary spatial analysis.
Geography majors find careers open to them in urban and regional planning, cartography, GIS, marketing research, transportation planning, real estate development and teaching. While a wide range of career options are available to undergraduate geography majors, graduate studies provide additional options. (See the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog regarding the M.A. in Geography program.)
Bachelor of Arts in Geography
A major leading to a B.A. degree consists of 40 hours in Geography and Earth Sciences coursework. A major leading to a B.A. degree consists of 36 hours in geography and earth sciences.
Required Core Courses (21 hours)
- GEOG 1101 World Regional Geography (3)
- GEOG 1103 Spatial Thinking (4)
- GEOG 1105 Location of Human Activity (3)
- GEOG 1110 Introduction to Planning (3)
- GEOG 2110 Introduction to Geographic Research (3)
- ESCI 1101 Earth Science-Geography (3)
- ESCI 1101L Earth Science-Geography Lab (1)
- GEOG 4600 Professional Seminar (1)
Required Courses (17 hours)
GEOG 1101 World Regional Geography (3)GEOG 1105 Location of Human Activity (3)GEOG 2103 Elements of GIScience and Technologies (4)GEOG 2110 Introduction to Geographic Research (3)ESCI 1101 Earth Science-Geography (3)ESCI 1101L Earth Science-Geography Lab (1)
Elective Courses (19 hours)
Except for required courses, the B.A. degree requires 19 hours of elective coursework numbered 2000 or above, with at least six hours in coursework at the 4000-level. Up to three elective courses may be selected from courses with the ESCI, GEOL, and METR prefix. Students are encouraged to take additional coursework in related disciplines or to select a second major. Consult the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences for a suggested schedule to complete the B.A. degree with a major in Geography.
Bachelor of Science in Geography
A major leading to a B.S. degree consists of 4995 hours of Geography and Earth Sciences and at least six hours of extra departmental coursework (551 hours total). In addition, to departmental core coursework students must complete ENGL 2116 (Introduction to Technical Communication) and a mathematics course above MATH 1103 with STAT 1221 or STAT 1222 strongly suggested. Although students pursuing a B.S. in Geography are not required to declare a concentration, Fformal concentrations within the major include Urban, Social and Economic Geography, Urban and Regional Planning, and GIScience and Technology. Other plans of study may be developed; students should contact their advisors to develop a program of study that matches their career objectives. In addition to the required 31 hours of core coursework all students except those pursuing the GIScience & Technology Concentration (see below) are required to complete 18 hours of elective GEOG coursework at the 3000 or above level. Up to three elective courses may be selected from courses with the ESCI, GEOL, and METR prefix. Students should work closely with their academic advisors to ensure that their program of study is tailored to their career goals.
Degree RequirementsBachelor of Science in Geography
A major leading to a B.S. degree consists of 44 hours of geography and earth sciences. In addition, students must complete ENGL 2116 (Introduction to Technical Communication) as well as General Education English requirements, and a mathematics course above MATH 1103 or STAT 122X. Although not required, concentrations options within the major include Urban, Social and Economic Geography;, UrbanCommunity and Regional Planning;, and GIScience and Technology. Other concentrations may be developed; students should contact their advisors about these and other possible concentrations. Except for required courses, all work offered for the major must be in courses numbered 2000 or above. Consult the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences for a suggested schedule to complete the B.S. degree with a major in Geography.
Degree Requirements
Required Core Courses (31 25 Departmental hours)
- GEOG 1101 World Regional Geography (3)
- GEOG 1103 Spatial Thinking (4)
- GEOG 1105 Location of Human Activity (3)
- GEOG 1110 Introduction to Planning (3)
- GEOG 2110 Introduction to Geographic Research (3)
- GEOG 3120 Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (4)
- GEOG 4600 Professional Development Seminar (1)
- ESCI 1101 Earth Science-Geography (3)
- ESCI 1101L Earth Science-Geography Lab (1)
Required Extratra Departmental Core Required Coursework (6 hours)
- MATH or STAT course above MATH 1103 (3)
- ENGL 2116 Introduction to Technical Communication (3)
Concentration in Urban, Social and Economic (USE) Geography (14 hours)
From the local to the global, patterns of urban growth and development connect people to each other, their communities, and their work at every scale of life. Accordingly, this concentration emphasizes how cities grow, how urban populations change, how urban areas interact with one another as well as the implications of these transitions and interactions at the local, regional and international levels. Coursework is tailored to student interest and typically involves foundational courses in urban, social and economic dynamics; population, migration and labor studies; poverty, inequality and housing; transportation and locational analysis; global and globalizing cities and the impacts of globalization at all geographic scales. Through classroom and research-based activities, students become grounded in the theory and methods of applied geographical analysis in an increasingly interdependent world that (1) informs stakeholders and the general public; (2) prepares them for careers in the public and private sectors with consultancies, non-profit agencies, international business, think tanks, transnational organizations, while; (3) preparing them for further academic study. Specific course work for this concentration in urban, social and economic geography is developed in consultation with the student’s advisor.
Concentration in Urban & Regional Planning Concentration (14 hours)
Planners solve social and environmental problems in the built environment by translating knowledge into action. Planners work across cultural and disciplinary boundaries to create healthy, just, and sustainable communities. Therefore, the Urban and Regional Planning concentration supplies students with a trans-disciplinary perspective on major societal issues. Specific areas of instruction include land use, transportation and infrastructure, social justice, urban design, environmental preservation, and analytical methods. Knowledge, skills, and methods gained from the Urban and Regional Planning concentration afford students with opportunities for successful careers in public, private, and non-profit organizations. The concentration also prepares students for graduate studies in planning, geography, policy studies, and associated fields. Those in the Urban & Regional Planning concentration should select their courses in consultation with their advisor.
Concentration in GIScience and Technology Concentration (13-164 hours)
The GIScience and Technology concentration focuses on the acquisition, representation, analysis, modeling and dissemination of geospatial information with cutting-edge computer technologies. Emphasis is placed on both fundamentals of GIScience concepts, and building expert knowledge in the use of geospatial technologies such as GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis and modeling, database development and management, programming, Web GIS and geovisualization. Students benefit from systematic training through technical and applied GIS coursework taught by GIScience faculty. Graduates with a GIScience and Technology concentration will find themselves well prepared to start a career in a geographic information technology field. Career opportunities have been growing fast as GIScience in high demand in a wide range of professions, including GIS analysts, GIS developers, cartographers, urban and city planners, location analysts, transportation planners and natural resource specialists. Strong connections between the Department and local and state agencies offer excellent opportunities to help students achieve their career goals. Students pursuing the Concentration in GIScience and Technology are urged to select their courses in consultation with their advisor consult frequently with their academic advisors to develop an appropriate program of study in this rapidly evolving field.
Additional Required Coursework for the GIScience and Technology Concentration
- GEOG 2100 Introduction to Cartographic Design (4)
And select at least two courses from the GIS techniques list and one or more from the GIS Applications list below:
GIS Techniques
- GEOG 4103 Computer Programming for GIS Applications (3)
- GEOG 4180 Web GIS (3)
- GEOG 4150 Spatial Database Development with GPS and GIS (4)
- ESCI 4180 Digital Image Processing in Remote Sensing (4)
GIS Applications
- GEOG 3260. Medical Geography. (3)
- GEOG 4131 Environmental Modeling with GIS (4)
- GEOG 4132 GIS Spatial Modeling for Social and Economical Applications (4)
- GEOG 4140 Geographic Information Techniques for Community Planning (4)
- GEOG 4155 Retail Location (3)
- ESCI 4170 Fundamentals of Remote Sensing (4)
- GEOG 4265. Transportation Analysis Methods. (3)
Students in the GIScience and Technology Concentration are required to take at least 13 hours of additional GIS related coursework from the courses listed above and an additional 2 to 55 hours in elective departmental coursework at the 3000 or above level (total 18 hours). Students should work closely with their academic advisors to ensure that their program of study is tailored to their career goals.
Required Courses (21 hours)
GEOG 1101 World Regional Geography (3)GEOG 1105 Location of Human Activity (3)GEOG 2103 Elements of GIScience and Technologies (4)GEOG 2110 Introduction to Geographic Research (3)GEOG 4120 Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (4)ESCI 1101 Earth Science-Geography (3)ESCI 1101L Earth Science-Geography Lab (1)
Community & Regional Planning Option
Select 5 courses:
GEOG 3200 Land Use Planning (3)GEOG 3205 Internal Structure of the City (3)GEOG 3210 Regional Planning (3)GEOG 3215 Environmental Planning (3)GEOG 4210 Urban Planning Methods (3)
Economic Geography Option
Select 5 courses:
GEOG 3000 Topics in Regional Geography (3)GEOG 3105 Geography of Global Economy (3)GEOG 3150 Manufacturing Geography (3)GEOG 3205 Internal Structure of the City (3)GEOG 3605 Geography of Europe (W) (3)GEOG 4000 Selected Topics in Geography (3)GEOG 4108 Sport, Place & Development (3)GEOG 4155 Retail Location (3)GEOG 4160 Geography of Transportation Systems (3)GEOG 4255 Applied Population Analysis (3)
Option-Related Electives to Complete B.S. Degree May Be Selected From:
GEOG 3100 The City and Its Region (3)GEOG 3115 Urban Transportation Problems (3)GEOG 3205 Internal Structure of the City (3)GEOG 3265 Behavioral Geography (3)GEOG 4103 Computer Programming for GIS Applications (3)GEOG 4130 Advanced GIS (4)GEOG 4155 Retail Geography (3)GEOG 4209 Small Town Planning (3)GEOG 4255 Applied Population Analysis (3)GEOG 4400 Internship in Geography (3-6)
Geographic Information Systems Option
Select 5 courses:
GEOG 4101 Cartographic Techniques (3)GEOG 4102 Cartographic Design & Map Construction (3)GEOG 4103 Computer Programming for Geographic Information Systems Applications (3)*GEOG 4120 Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (5)GEOG 4130 Advanced Geographic Information Systems (4)*ESCI 4170 Fundamentals of Remote Sensing (4)ESCI 4180 Digital Image Processing in Remote Sensing (4)
*Required
Note: It is recommended that students supplement these courses with computer programming and database courses such as ITCS 1214 and ITCS 3160.
GEOG 1103. Spatial Thinking. (4) This course is intended to provide students with an overview of spatial thinking fundamentals and how geospatial technology can be used to illustrate these notions. Spatial thinking combines (1) concepts of space, (2) tools of representation, and (3) processes of reasoning, to better structure spatially-explicit phenomena, and generate hypothesis to understand and explain those issues. This course will emphasize various aspects of spatial thinking as a way of addressing spatially explicit phenomena applied to an array of disciplines. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
- For a new course or revisions to an existing course, check all the statements that apply:
____ This course will be cross listed with another course.
____ There are prerequisites for this course.
____ There are corequisites for this course.
____ This course is repeatable for credit.
____ This course will increase/decrease the number of credits hours currently offered by its program.
__X__This proposal results in the deletion of an existing course(s) from the degree program and/or catalog.
For all items checked above, applicable statements and content must be reflected in the proposed catalog copy.
GEOG 1110. Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning. (3) An overview of current and historical trends in Urban and Regional Planning. Examines how plans and planning have been used to resolve social, environmental, and economic conflicts. Specific topics include planning in industrial cities, land use planning, planning and social injustice, economic development, transportation planning, planning for global sustainability (Fall).
- For a new course or revisions to an existing course, check all the statements that apply:
____ This course will be cross listed with another course.
____ There are prerequisites for this course.
____ There are corequisites for this course.
____ This course is repeatable for credit.
__X__ This course will increase/decrease the number of credits hours currently offered by its program.
____This proposal results in the deletion of an existing course(s) from the degree program and/or catalog.
For all items checked above, applicable statements and content must be reflected in the proposed catalog copy.
GEOG 21002. Introduction to Cartographic Design. (4) A study of cartography and its essential processes, with particular emphasis on the map as a communication system, the effective communication of data by means of graphical symbols, map interpretation and geovisualization, and thematic map design and discussion of map production techniques. This course replaces GEOG 2100 and GEOG 2101 (Fall, Spring).
- For a new course or revisions to an existing course, check all the statements that apply:
____ This course will be cross listed with another course.
____ There are prerequisites for this course.
____ There are corequisites for this course.
____ This course is repeatable for credit.
____ This course will increase/decrease the number of credits hours currently offered by its program.
__X__This proposal results in the deletion of an existing course(s) from the degree program and/or catalog.
For all items checked above, applicable statements and content must be reflected in the proposed catalog copy.
GEOG 3120. Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems. (4) Prerequisites: GEOG 1103 and GEOG 2110, or permission of instructor. Development, current state-of-the-art and future trends in geographic information processing with emphasis on data gathering, storage, and retrieval, analytical capabilities and display technologies. A laboratory component will include development and completion of an applied GIS research project. Three lecture hours, one two-hour lab per week. (Fall, Spring)
- For a new course or revisions to an existing course, check all the statements that apply:
____ This course will be cross listed with another course.
__X__ There are prerequisites for this course.
____ There are corequisites for this course.
____ This course is repeatable for credit.
____ This course will increase/decrease the number of credits hours currently offered by its program.
__X__This proposal results in the deletion of an existing course(s) from the degree program and/or catalog.
For all items checked above, applicable statements and content must be reflected in the proposed catalog copy.
GEOG 4180. Web GIS. (3) Prerequisite: GEOG 3120. Introduction to the basic knowledge of, and advances in, Internet/Web GIS. Emphasis on the principles, methods, and applications of Web- or Internet-based GIS coupled with hands-on laboratory exercises for conducting GIS data operations, query, mapping, and spatial analysis/modeling via the Internet. (Spring)
- For a new course or revisions to an existing course, check all the statements that apply:
____ This course will be cross listed with another course.
__X__ There are prerequisites for this course.
____ There are corequisites for this course.
____ This course is repeatable for credit.
____ This course will increase/decrease the number of credits hours currently offered by its program.
____This proposal results in the deletion of an existing course(s) from the degree program and/or catalog.
For all items checked above, applicable statements and content must be reflected in the proposed catalog copy.
GEOG 4600. Geography Professional Seminar. (1) Prerequisite: GEOG 2110 and senior status. Examination of opportunities and key issues involved in the transition from the undergraduate degree program to professional life or continued formal education at the graduate level. Design and/or completion of essential documents to facilitate the transition including resume, professional portfolio, graduate program applications, exit survey, and assessment examination. (Spring)
- For a new course or revisions to an existing course, check all the statements that apply:
____ This course will be cross listed with another course.
__X__ There are prerequisites for this course.
____ There are corequisites for this course.
____ This course is repeatable for credit.
__X__ This course will increase/decrease the number of credits hours currently offered by its program.
____This proposal results in the deletion of an existing course(s) from the degree program and/or catalog.
For all items checked above, applicable statements and content must be reflected in the proposed catalog copy.