103 GEOGRAPHY OF THE WORLD'S ENVIRONMENT
(3+0 or 3) 3 credits

Physical elements of the earth, its natural features and their significance to man. Earth form and motion, landforms, climate, vegetation and soils. Four laboratory experiences required. Prerequisite: Core mathematics requirement, or Corequisite: MATH 128 or higher.

106 INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY
(3+0 or 3) 3 credits

Systematic consideration of the spatial aspects of human culture. Major thesis: spatial history and morphology, society-land relations and economic development and resource utilization.

121 CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
(3+3) 4 credits

Past, present and likely future climate. Impacts on the landscape, especially water resources, species distributions, and wildfires. Laboratory experiences on climate data and models. (Core Course) Prerequisite: Math 128

___________________________________________________________________________

200 WORLD REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY
(3+0) 3 credits

Synthesis of the geographic factors (physical and human) that give distinctive character to specific culture regions of the world. Emphasis on globalization and cultural diversity.

205 APPLICATIONS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
(2+3 ) 3 credits

Beginning techniques focusing on concepts and hands-on experience using a Geographic Information System (GIS), special database software used in solving problems that can be mapped.

210 MEASURING AND MAPPING THE EARTH
(3+0) 3 credits

An introduction to the basic techniques and methods used to investigate spatial information. Students will learn aspects of cartography, GIS, GPS, remote sensing, and spatial reasoning. Crosslisted as Geol 210.

211 INTRODUCTION TO MAPS AND COMPASS
(1+3) 2 credits S/U only

Use of maps and compass for terrain navigation. Laboratory exercises and extensive fieldwork.

221 STRANGE AND DANGEROUS WEATHER
(3+0) 3 credits

Observational analysis of phenomena such as dust devils, pogonip, lightning, heat waves, and hurricanes. Geographical distribution and physical processes associated with odd and extreme weather. Prereq(s): any core science course.

___________________________________________________________________________

300 GEOGRAPHY OF THE WORLD ECONOMY
(3+0) 3 credits

Emphasizes worldwide patterns of economic activity. World population, food and development problems; natural and economic factors related to economic activity. Study of selected agricultural and industrial commodities.

305 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
(3+0) 3 credits

Local environmental problems involving their causes, effects and possible solutions. Examples also drawn from nearby regions and states. Local field study. Prerequisite: ENV 101 or Geog 103 or a course in the natural sciences. (Same as ENV305).

310 SEMINAR IN CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY
(3+0) credits

In-depth study of one or more aspects of cultural geography. May be elected more than once to pursue different studies. Prerequisite: introductory cultural or economic geography course. Maximum of 9 credits.

311 MAPS AND IMAGE INTERPRETATION
(2+3) 3 credits

Advanced use of maps images, databases and web sites for landscape analysis. Maps and images from a variety of geographic traditions past and present.

312 CARTOGRAPHY
(1+6) 3 credits

Map making: includes projections, lettering, map use and analysis, computer and manual cartography, graphic design and geographic data representation, and the history of cartography.

314 FIELD METHODS
(1+6) 3 credits

Introduction to field techniques and methodologies used in geographic research. Emphasis on practical experience and analysis of data. Prerequisite: Geography major or minor. Maximum of 6 credits.

321 UNDERSTANDING CLIMATE
(3+0) 3 credits

Physical characteristics of local, regional, and global climate. Emphasis on dynamical processes and changes at annual to decadal time scales. Prerequisite: GEOG 103

325 RESEARCH METHODS
(3+0) 3 credits

Introduction to field and archival research in geography.

342 HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY
(3+0) 3 credits

Details processes, procedures, practices, and methodologies used to study the geographical past. Landscape analysis, "imperial" geography, and environmental history are examined with changing regional foci. Prereq(s): GEOG 106 or GEOG 200.

350 CLIMATE AND MYTH
(3+0) 3 credits

Analysis of mythological characters and stories used by different cultures to explain climatic phenomena. Emphasis oncase studies that relate scientific evidence to ancient traditions. (General capstone course.)

385 FUNDAMENTALS OF URBAN PLANNING
(3+0) 3 credits

Introduction to the history, principles, policies, concepts and themes of urban planning. Primary focus on the planning profession.

_________________________________________________________________

400, 600 INTERNATIONAL ISSUES FOR WATER DEVELOPMENT
(1+0) 3 credits

Evaluation of the integration of science, technology, culture, policy, and economics in international water issues for large and small-scale project implementation. Study of how water use and management has been influenced by cultural dynamics, economic systems, political organization, technological change, and scientific understanding. CAPSTONE.

405R, 605R GIS I: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND SCIENCE
(3+3) 4 credits

Introduction to modern spatial data processing, development and functions of geographic information systems (GIS); and theory, concepts and applications of geographic information science (GISci). Prerequiste: Geography 205 or 210 or consent of instructor.

407R, 607R GIS II: ADVANCED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND SCIENCE
(3+3) 4 credits

Advanced tools, data management, and functions in geographic information systems (GIS) (ArcGIS); topics in spatial data analysis, 3d-visualization, and modeling of geographic information science (GISci). Prerequisite: Geography 405 or consent of instructor and a course in college-level statistics.

409R, 609R GIS DESIGN STUDIO
(2+3) 3 credits

Culmination course in which students are expected to apply knowledge and skills, acquired through personal experience and course work, to real world research and practical problems. In addition, programming and command line skills we be introduced.

411, 611 MODELING USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
(2+3) 3 credits

Introduction to the techniques of modeling and spatial analysis of non-deterministic processes in GIS for geographers and natural scientists.

Prereq(s): GEOG 405/605 and basic statistical knowledge or approval of instructor.

412, 612 COMPUTER MAPPING
(3+0) 3 credits

Computer assisted cartography in theory and practice. Cartographic communications, data acquisition and design for computer generated mapping. Prerequisite: course in cartography, computer science or statistics.

416, 616 SPATIAL ANALYSIS IN GEOGRAPHY
(3+0) 3 credits

Statistical and mathematical techniques applied to spatial problems, especially mappable date. Description, inference, hypothesis testing and statistical mapping, Prerequisite: college algebra or higher.

418 GEOGRAPHIC THOUGHT
(3+0) 3 credits

History of geographic thought; place of geography among the fields of knowledge; geographic methods; current trends in the field. Prerequisites: major or minor in geography, GEOG 325. (Major capstone course).

421, 621 CLIMATOLOGY
(3+0) 3 credits

Physical characteristics of the atmosphere. World climatic classification. Local atmospheric field study. Prerequisite: GEOG 103 or ENV 101 or a course in physics or meteorology.

431, 631 LANDFORMS
(2+3) 3 credits

Origin, description and classification of landforms. Distribution of landforms and their significance to environmental and resource problems in the United States. Prerequisite: GEOG 103 or GEOL 101.

434, 634 BIOGEOGRAPHY
(3+0) 3 credits

Brief treatment of plant and animal evolution. Prehistoric, historic and present-day worldwide distribution of plant formations and associated animal life. Examples of human impact on biotic life such as domestications, transfers and extinctions. (Same as BIOL 434, 634).

435, 635 CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
(3+0) 3 credits

Basic information regarding current and future problems and methods of conservation this countries renewable and nonrenewable resources. Prerequisite: one of the following: (1) junior (or higher) standing; or (2) at least 3 credits of work in geography or geology or a biological science (Same as RES 435, 635).

437, 637 GEOGRAPHY OF PAST ENVIRONMENTS
(3+0) 3 credits

Physical patterns and processes of historic and prehistoric landscapes at multiple temporal and spatial scales. Techniques for analyzing natural archives of environmental change. Prerequisite: GEOG 103 or GEOL 101.

438, 638 WESTERN WATER RESOURCE AND MANAGEMENT
(3+0) 3 credits

Examination of water issues facing the public, resource manager, and water users in the western U.S., including both water allocation and water quality management.

440, 640 MOUNTAIN GEOGRAPHY
(2+3) 3 credits

Geographic investigation of various mountain regions. Field study in the Sierra Nevada and basin-range mountains emphasizing mans impact on the mountain environment.

446, 646 POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY
(3+0) 3 credits

Spatial analysis of political systems. Territorial organizations trends in local government and the sovereign state. Changing geopolitical patterns of power. Prerequisite: introductory geography courses.

452, 652 URBAN GEOGRAPHY
(3+0) 3 credits

Origin and historical development of cities; world survey of cities today; city site, situation and functions with emphasis on American examples. Field trip. Prerequisite: introductory geography course or work in related field such as engineering, history, economics, political science or sociology.

454, 654 URBAN LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS
(3+0) 3 credits

Examination of the process leading to the patterns of land uses found in cities and suburbs. Contemporary situations and future directions are explored.

455, 655 PLANNING ETHICS
(3+0) 3 credits

Professional ethics for design practitioners. Historic and current theories and practices in moral philosophy. Problematic issues of practice; environmental ethics, conflicts-of-interest, whistle-blowing.

457, 657 TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND POLICY
(3+0) 3 credits

Contemporary issues in intraurban transportation; transportation planning process & methods; thorough investigation of the reciprocal relationship between land use patterns and transportation systems.

458, 658 LAND USE PLANNING AND POLICY
(3+0) 3 credits

Urban and suburban growth management from the perspective of the historical reasons for managed growth and the techniques employed in and impacts of management strategies.

459, 659 HOUSING PLANNING AND POLICY
(3+0) 3 credits

Physical conditions and building regulations; social and equity aspects; economic factors; roles of local, state and federal government.

460, 660 ETHNIC GEOGRAPHY
(3+0) 3 credits

Issues confronting ethnic groups in contemporary United States: push and pull factors; migration and refugees; assination and segregation; and access to jobs, housing and transportation. (Diversity course)

464, 664 RACE, GENDER AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(3+0) 3 credits

The influence of race and gender on concepts of nature, allocation of natural resources, pollution and environmental quality, and environmental activism and professions. (General capstone.)

466, 666 ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND POLICY
(3+0) 3 credits

The practice of urban planning framed within the context of environmental concerns. Emphasis is placed on a diverse array of environmental impact assessments as the consequence of land use change.

470, 670 GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORATION
1 to 3 credits S/U only

Intensive field study at various locations. Physical geography, settlement patterns, cultural landscapes and environmental issues. Maximum of 8 credits.

471, 671 ANGLO-AMERICA
(3+0) 3 credits

Physical and cultural geographic pattern in the United States and Canada, using both the systematic and regional approach. Historical origins considered. Prerequisite: introductory geography course.

472, 672 GEOGRAPHY OF ARID LANDS
(3+0) 3 credits

Climate, geomorphology, hydrology, ecology, and desertification of the world's arid and semi-arid areas. Field trips may be required. Prereq(s): 6 credits in natural science.

473, 673 NEVADA: PATTERNS ON THE LAND
(3+0) 3 credits

Physical, historical and economic aspects of the western Great Basin and nearby areas such as the Sierra Nevada and the southern Columbia Plateau. Field Trip.

474, 674 THE AMERICAN WEST
(3+0) 3 credits

Survey of the West's varied landscapes, exploring the regions physical, economic and historical geography. Added emphasis on natural resources, urbanization, ethnicity and change. Prerequisite: GEOG 106 or 103 or equivalent.

476, 676 LATIN AMERICA
(3+0) 3 credits

Regional survey of physical, economic, cultural and political aspects of Latin America. Prerequisite: introductory geography course.

477, 677 GEOGRAPHY AND FILM
(3+0) 3 credits

The connection between cinema and physical and cultural landscapes, concentrating on the techniques of geographical film critique. (General capstone course.)

482, 682 EUROPE
(3+0) 3 credits

Consideration of the physical, cultural and historical geography of Europe and its regions. Prerequisite: introductory geography course.

485, 685 RUSSIA
(3+0) 3 credits

Regional analysis of the environment, resources, peoples, and economic development of the world's largest state. Prerequisite: introductory geography course.

487, 687 MIDDLE EAST
(3+0) 3 credits

Regional geography of area with limits in terms of Arab and Islamic influences or related cultural and historical circumstances. Oriented around strategic core of territory as crossroads of three continents. Prerequisite: introductory geography course.

488R, 688R CREATING NORTH AMERICAN LANDSCAPES
(3+0) 3 credits

An examination of how distinctive America landscapes, places, and spaces are created and then transformed by human action through time. (General capstone course.)

488B, 688B LANDSCAPE OF LAKE TAHOE
(3+0) 3 credits

Interdisciplinary perspectives on the creation, history, and perception of Lake Tahoe. Local field study possible. Prerequisite: ENG 102, CH 201, and junior or senior standing.

489, 689 EAST ASIA
(3+0) 3 credits

Regional and national analysis of the physical, political and cultural geography of China, Japan, and Korea. Comparison of varied development experiences.

490, 690 GEOGRAPHY COLLOQUIUM
Credit(s): 1 to 3 S/U only

Presentation of original research by visiting scholars, NSHE faculty, and graduate students. Maximum of 4 credits.

491, 691 SPECIAL TOPICS
1 to 3 credits

Independent study of selected geographical problems, including library research, fieldwork and reports. Maximum of 8 credits.

495, 695 INTERNSHIP IN GEOGRAPHY
1 to 6 credits S/U only

Professional work experience with a government agency or private company. Maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisite: geography major or minor.

___________________________________________________________________________

506 TOPICS IN GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION
(1+0) 1 to 3 credits S/U only

Emphasis on geographic concepts and their application in curriculum development. Topic include: a) physical geography, b) human geography, c) urban studies, d)landforms, e) climatology, f) vegetation, g)technology in the classroom, h) field methods, i) geography through literature, j) curriculum development. Maximum of 12 credits.

___________________________________________________________________________

700 HISTORY AND NATURE OF GEOGRAPHY
(3+0) 3 credits

Various schools of thought, paradigms and trends within geography. Relation of geography to other disciplines. Development of concepts and methods for geographic research.

701 ADVANCED GEOGRAPHY
1 to 5 credits each

(a) Geographic thought, (b) historical, (c) cultural, (d) economic, (e) urban, (f) regional, (g) field methods, (h) cartography, (j) educational methods, (k) environmental perception, (m) statistical methods, (n) conservation problems, (p) physical, (r) climatology, (s) biogeography, (t) soils. Consists of either lectures, conferences, supervised reading, laboratory work, or field work. May be repeated more than once to pursue different studies.

707 PLANNING METHODS
(1+0) 1 credit

Traditional approaches to forecasting demographics and economic impact. Applied multivariate regression analysis for planners. Prerequisite: Undergraduate statistics course.

710 HISTORY AND NATURE OF PLANNING
(3+0) 3 credits

Exploration of the history of the ideology and practice of planning. Emphasis on understanding planning from the 1880s until the early 2000s.

711 PLANNING THEORY
(3+0) 3 credits

Planning process and philosophy. Examines the progression of competing planning paradigms and the arguments that seek to legitimize planning. Answers how and why we plan.

720 SEMINAR IN ADVANCED CLIMATOLOGY
(3+0) 3 credits

Topics in physical, regional, or applied climatology, world climates, microclimates, climatic change, statistical techniques and problems pertaining to people. Prerequisite: GEOG 421 or 422.

752 THEMES IN CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY
(3+0) 3 credits

Uses the topical approach in the study of the roles played by such factors as population, race, social traits, economy, politics in shaping the diverse cultural regions of the earth.

756 PLANNING LAW
(3+0) 3 credits

Constitutional basis of private property rights and land use regulation; review of legal cases pertaining to themes in land use regulation; introduction to legal research

759 INTRODUCTION TO PLANNING STUDIO
(1+0) 1 credit

An introduction to the proper procedure for constructing a regional planning design. This course should be taken prior to registering for GEOG 760, Planning Studio.

760 PLANNING STUDIO
(2+3) 3 credits

Application of planning knowledge and methods acquired in program to real-world planning project. Prereq(s): GEOG 759.

795 COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
1 credit S/U only

Course is used by graduate programs to administer comprehensive examinations either as end of program comprehensive examinations or as qualifying examinations for doctoral candidates prior to being advanced to candidacy.

796 PROFESSIONAL PAPER
Credit(s): 1 to 2

Required for all M.S. in Geography students enrolled in Plan B (non-thesis option.)

797 THESIS
1 to 6 credits

For majors in the land use planning policy and geography master's program only.

798 EXIT EXAMINATION
(1+0) 1 credit

Required for all M.S. in Land Use Planning Policy enrolled in Plan B (non-thesis option).

799 DISSERTATION
1 to 12 credits

___________________________________________________________________________

899 GRADUATE ADVISEMENT
1 to 4 credits

Provides access to faculty for continued consultation and advisement. No grade is filed and credits may not be applied to any degree requirements. Limited to 8 credits (2 semester enrollment).

Check a Courses Status
Enroll before they fill up!

Get the Latest Class Schedule