DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY

Bachelor of Arts in Geography | Bachelor of Science in Geography |Social Sciences Composite - Geography Emphasis | Social Sciences Composite-Geography Emphasis (Bachelor of Science) | Teacher Certification | Minor in Geography | Minor in Geographic Information Systems | Course Descriptions

Chair: Marcus Gillespie (936) 294-1233

Faculty: Don Albert, Chris Baldwin, Cody Barron, Brian Cooper, Marcus Gillespie, Gang Gong, Mark Leipnik, Dennis Netoff, Jim Tiller, Betsy Torrez, and C. Allen Williams

Website: http://www.shsu.edu/~gel_geo

The Department of Geography and Geology is an excellent blend of two disciplines that have a common thread. Both programs are concerned with the physical environment, its impact on and the ways that humans have modified the natural environment. Students may major or minor in either program.

Mission

The primary mission of the Department of Geography and Geology is to provide students of the two complimentary programs a comprehensive understanding of the range and depth of these scientific disciplines which encompass, respectively, the human and physical domains of geography, and the physical and historical domains of geology. This understanding is intended to enable our students to achieve their full potential as skilled professionals and well-qualified technical employees in a diverse range of companies and governmental organizations, and to become effective teachers and community leaders. Our programs enable students to become informed users of a range of technologies and prudent stewards of our natural resources. This understanding of the world will promote successful careers, active life-long learning, and an ability and desire to contribute positively to society.

GEOGRAPHY PROGRAM

Coordinator: Marcus Gillespie (936) 294-1233

Faculty: Don Albert, Cody Barron, Gang Gong, Marcus Gillespie, Mark Leipnik, Dennis Netoff, Jim Tiller and C. Allen Williams

Website: http://www.shsu.edu/~gel_geo/

Geography is the study of the earth and its people. Contrary to popular belief, it is NOT about memorizing place-names and coloring maps. On the contrary, it is about understanding the world, and this includes an understanding of both the natural environment and the cultural world of politics, economics, and religion. Because of the breadth of its subject matter, it integrates information from a wide variety of other disciplines and examines that information from a spatial perspective. For those individuals that are curious about the world, there are few disciplines that will satisfy that curiosity as much as Geography.

The relevance of geography is highlighted by the fact that the world’s population recently passed the six billion mark and it continues to grow rapidly, thereby creating a wide variety of problems that we must try to solve. If an individual counted one person on earth each second, it would take about 200 years to count all of the people on earth! Because of the rapid rate of population growth, three billion more people will be added to the world’s population by the year 2050. With nine billion people to be housed, fed and educated over the next few decades, while resources are becoming increasingly scarce and damage to the environment accelerates, many environmental and social issues are becoming more acute and difficult to solve. For this reason, geography has become increasingly focused on the nature of the relationship between humans and their environment. The resource limits that every society must deal with also affect such things as the social, political and economic characteristics of a society and the way in which that society interacts with others. Through a study of these things, our students develop an understanding and appreciation of the fact that we live in an increasingly interdependent world in which the welfare of the environment and of other cultures affects all of us. In a world of global markets, global transportation systems, and global telecommunications, such knowledge is of fundamental importance for helping people to better understand one another and for helping them to deal with environmental, social, and economic issues.

Academic Programs

• BA in Geography
• BS in Geography
• Teacher Certification (BA or BS in Social Science Composite – Geography Emphasis)

Highlights

Located on the third floor of the Lee Drain Building, the department maintains both a Geographic Information System (GIS) lab and a combination GIS and remote sensing lab. These labs contain state-of-the-art computers, software and scanners. We also have a van for fieldtrips, a Zodiac watercraft used for field research, a coring device capable of taking 20-foot core samples, highquality GPS receivers, and a large-scale flume to demonstrate sedimentation processes. In order to enhance learning, all of our rooms are outfitted with video-projection systems, and our lecture rooms have sound systems and dedicated computers with Internet access that are used by the instructors for teaching purposes. Many of our students obtain internships and work with faculty members on research projects.

Career Opportunities

Because of the breadth of geography, there are a wide variety of career opportunities for geography graduates. These opportunities include careers in the following:

• military
• urban planning
• environmental companies and state environmental agencies
• state transportation departments
• city government
• education
• marketing agencies
• energy companies
• emergency management.

Geography’s focus on spatial relationships, in conjunction with new advances in technology, have led to the development of new geographical tools—principally Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS)—that are now used by many geographers in a wide variety of fields. Because GIS can be applied within virtually any field (government, business, military, etc.) it is one of the fastest growing job fields and the demand for people with GIS experience exceeds the supply. To prepare our students for this field, we established an Interdisciplinary Minor in GIS that consists of both Computer Science and Geography courses. The combination of geographic and computer science skills is highly marketable. With their broad background, geography graduates have an ability to see connections where others do not, and this enables geographers to work in many different fields. Geography literally offers a world of opportunities.

Suggested Minors

• GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
• Geology, Biology, Environmental Science
• History
• Sociology
• Political Science
• Military Science
• Economics
• International Business
• Marketing
• Computer Science
• Journalism
• Foreign Language
• Social Science Composite

Student Organizations

• Geographers of Sam Houston (GOSH) - GOSH is intended to enhance appreciation for geography through club-sponsored field trips, guest lectures, and other activities, and to promote camaraderie among geography students.
• Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) - GTU is the National Geography Honor Society and was established to promote geographic awareness and the pursuit of geographic knowledge. To be eligible for membership in this honor society, students must have at least 12 hours of geography coursework, a minimum GPA of 3.25 in their geography coursework, and an overall GPA of at least 3.0.

Internships

Educational and research opportunities using GIS are available through a variety of internship opportunities that will increase students’ skills and employment opportunities.

Scholarships

• GERALD L. HOLDER SCHOLARSHIP FOR GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS: $500 - $700 one semester. Geography majors or minors, senior status, 3.0 GPA Geography overall.
• JAMES ELLISON KIRKLEY SCHOLARSHIP: Two awards (amounts vary) to majors in history, political science, geography, or sociology. Recipients are selected on basis of high academic achievement.
• THE ELTON M. SCOTT SCHOLARSHIP FOR GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS: $500 - $700 one semester. Geography majors or minors, senior status. 3.0 GPA Geography overall.
• JOHN H. BOUNDS SCHOLARSHIP FOR GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS: $500 - $700 for one semester. Requirements: geography majors or minors, senior status. Contact department for GPA requirements.

Request information from: B. Marcus Gillespie, Chair, Department of Geography and Geology, Box 2148, Huntsville, TX 77341-2148. (936)294-1233

Program Specific Requirements

Students must meet the academic standards established by the university.

Curriculum

Required Courses for Major.

All geography majors must take the following courses: GEO 131/111, 265, 266, 330, 331, 369, and 2 technical/applied courses from GEO 362, 363, 433, 444, or 448. (It is advisable to take GEO 362 before taking GEO 363, 25 hrs.444 or 448.). In addition to these requirements, students must take the courses shown below for the respective degree.

Major in Geography
Bachelor of Arts

Major in Geography
Bachelor of Science

Major in Social Sciences Composite
(Geography Emphasis)
Bachelor of Arts

Major in Social Sciences Composite
(Geography Emphasis)
Bachelor of Science

Teacher Certification

Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with a major in Social Sciences Composite (Geography Emphasis) and teacher certification at the secondary level (grades 8-12) should use their 15 elective hours and an additional 9 hours to satisfy the required certification requirements. Students seeking a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree with a major in Social Sciences Composite (Geography Emphasis) and teacher certification at the secondary level (grades 8-12) should use their 13 elective hours and an additional 11 hours to satisfy the required certification requirements. The required education courses are listed below and with teacher certification, the BA degree total is 137 hours and the BS degree total is 139 hours. Those students not seeking certification should use their electives to fulfill the University requirement for advanced elective hours – preferably in their major or minor field of study.

SED 383, 394, 464, 480, 496, 497, RDG 392, SED 374 or PSY 374 (24 hours)

For teacher certification, no grade below C in social science courses is accepted.

Minor in Geography

GEO 265, 266, 330, 369, plus 6 hours advanced geography.

Minor In GIS
(Geographic Information Systems)

GEO 362, GEO 444, GEO 435, CS 160, CS 278, CS 334 or MIS 390, plus 3 hours of designated electives in either Geography (GEO 363, GEO 448, or GEO 475) or an appropriate course in Computer Science. Double dipping of courses from the major and minor fields is limited to two courses.

Geography Course Descriptions

GEO 131 Weather and Climate. [GEOG 1301] A systematic introduction to weather and climate as it pertains to man. Topics discussed will include components of weather, weather processes and their measurement, severe weather, climatic elements and control factors, and climate as a factor of physical environments. Credit 3.

GEO 111 Weather and Climate Laboratory. Concurrent enrollment in GEO 131 is strongly recommended. Credit 1.

GEO 161 Introduction to Geography. [GEOG 1300] An introductory course designed to acquaint students with the breadth of Geography. This includes an examination of the physical environment, environmental issues, and the cultural, economic, and political factors that influence human activities and societies. Attention will be focused upon the spatial interrelationships that exist between man and his environment. In addition, selected geographic skills will be covered, including latitude and longitude determination, earth-sun relationships, time, map projections and map scale. Credit 3

GEO 265 World Regional Geography: Europe, Asia, And Australia. [GEOG 1303] An introductory level course giving a general overview of the land and people. Topics discussed will include the physical environment, cultural characteristics and the various ways people live and make their living. Attention will be focused upon the relationships which exist between location, the physical environment and human activity. Examples of countries covered are Russia, Germany, France, China, Japan, and United Kingdom. Credit 3.

GEO 266 World Regional Geography: Latin America, Africa, and South Asia. [GEOG 1303] An introductory level course giving a general overview of the land and people. Topics discussed will include the physical environment, cultural characteristics and the various ways people live and make their living. Attention will be focused upon the relationships which exist between location, the physical environment and human activity. Examples of countries covered are Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Egypt, Republic of South Africa, Israel, Iran, and India. Writing Enhanced. Credit 3.

GEO 330 Cultural Geography. An evolutionary examination of man as an agent of change within the environment. Innovation, development, and diffusion of agriculture, language, religion, music, sport, and other attainments and institutions will be examined for their expression on the landscape. Credit 3.

GEO 331 Location and Human Activity. An examination of the importance of location to human activity. The locational characteristics of primary, secondary, and tertiary economic activities are examined, with an emphasis on land use and urban form, its theory, and descriptive analysis, as well as an explanation of market forces and their consequences. Credit 3.

GEO 362 Map Use and Map Interpretation. This course teaches students how to use and interpret topographic maps and helps them to develop an appreciation of their use as tools by geographers. It familiarizes students with map projections and their limitations, various coordinate systems, map measurements, GPS, and the basics of air photo interpretation. Credit 3.

GEO 363 Computer Cartography. Fundamentals of thematic mapping, including appropriate usage, projections, basemap compilation, data measurement and analysis, map design and construction, color principles, and other cartographic concepts will be emphasized. Prerequisite: GEO 362. Credit 3.

GEO 368 Historical Geography of the United States. A survey of the changing geography of the United States including initial exploration, European perception of North America, geographical expansion of the United States to the Pacific, and geographical factors underlying the urbanization and industrialization of the nation. Writing Enhanced. Credit 3.

GEO 369 Anglo-America. This course provides a general overview of the land and people of the United States and Canada. Topics covered include the physical environment (weather patterns, landforms and water resources), cultural differences, and the various ways people live and make their living. Attention is focused upon the relationships which exist between location, the physical environment and human activity. Writing Enhanced. Credit 3.

GEO 433 Field Studies. Use of geospatial technologies such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS), laser surveying, digital aerial photography and computerized mapping (GIS) will be stressed. Applications of these technologies will include surveying, water resources, forestry, soil science, wetlands delineation, urban and transportation planning, automobile accident reconstruction and crime scene evidence recovery. Half of the class meetings will take place at a variety of outdoor locations. Credit 3.

GEO 435 Applied Geographic Information Systems. Applied GIS is designed to meet the needs for a highly applied course with realistic practical training extending the fundamental principles learned in Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GEO 444). The application of GIS technology to mapping, modeling and management of large data bases will be emphasized. Writing Enhanced. Prerequisite: GEO 444. Credit 3

GEO 442 Geomorphology. This course focuses on surficial geological processes and the resulting landforms. Specific topics include landscape processes associated with streams, glaciers, wind, coasts, mass wasting, weathering and soil development, and geologic structure. Labs emphasize landform analysis through interpretation of topographic maps and aerial photos. Writing Enhanced. Prerequisite: GEL 133. Two-hour laboratory. Credit 4.

GEO 444 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. This course will introduce basics of geographic information systems (GIS) with an emphasis on environmental and resource management applications. Students will design and develop a digital spatial database, perform spatial analyses, create hardcopy maps, and generate reports. Students will be introduced to several GIS software packages. Writing Enhanced. Credit 3.

GEO 448 Remote Sensing. This course introduces students to the methods used to analyze and interpret aerial photography and satellite imagery. Emphasis is placed on multispectral satellite imagery, digital image processing, and land use and land cover analysis using remotely sensed imagery. Credit 3.

GEO 461 Conservation of Natural Resources. This course stresses the impact of human activities on the natural world, environmental protection, and the wise use of the earth’s resources. Topics include: environmental history, economics, law and ethics, ecology, population issues, agriculture and grazing, soil conservation, forestry, endangered and exotic species, water availability and water pollution, hazardous and solid waste management, air pollution (including global warming), energy resources (fossil, nuclear, and renewable), and the impact of technology on the future health of the planet. Credit 3.

GEO 471 Texas. A survey of the regional geography of Texas. Consideration is given to the significance of primary and secondary activity within the state, urbanization, and potential for development. Writing enhanced. Credit 3.

GEO 472 Ethnic Texas: A Multicultural Geography. A developmental study of the state stressing the perception, manipulation and change of its environment by its people. Ethnic/culture groups considered will include the following: Anglo, Black, French, German, Greek, Indian, Italian, Jewish, Mexican-American, Scandinavian-American (Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes), and Slavic-Americans (Czechs, Poles, Slovaks, and Wends). Credit 3.

GEO 475 Readings in Geography. A course designed specifically for advanced students of geography who are capable of independent study. Registration is permitted only upon approval of the program coordinator. This course may be taken for Academic Distinction credit. See Academic Distinction Program in this catalog. Writing Enhanced. Credit 1-3.

.*Subject to action by the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.