Geography
Courses for GEOG (GEOG)
AGRO
977
Soil Genesis and Classification LINKCrosslisted as GEOG 967, NRES 977| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 2, Recitation 1 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Procedures used to classify soils, concepts behind the systems in use, and the genesis of the soils in the major categories of each system.
ANTH
478/878
Pro-seminar in Latin American Studies LINKCrosslisted as HIST 478/878, POLS 478/878, SOCI 478/878, MODL 478/878, LAMS 478, GEOG 478/878, EDPS 478/878| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Integrative Courses, Research and Reading |
Prereqs:
Junior standing and permission.
Topical seminar required for all Latin American Studies majors.
An interdisciplinary analysis of topical issues in Latin American Studies.
ANTH
994
Seminar in Anthropology and Geography LINKCrosslisted as GEOG 994| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
GEOG
412/812
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems LINKCrosslisted as NRES 412/812| Credit Hours: | 4 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3, Lab 2 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Techniques |
Lab exercises provide experience with GIS
Introduction to conceptual foundations and applications of computer-based geographic information systems (GIS). GIS database development, spatial data analysis, spatial modeling, GIS implementation and administration.
GEOG
414/814
Quantitative Methods in Geography LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Techniques |
Introduction to quantitative techniques utilized in geographic research. Fundamental statistical and mathematical techniques used in analyzing spatial relationships examined.
GEOG
415/815
Introduction to Computer Mapping LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 2, Lab 2 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Techniques |
Prereqs:
Introduction to the tools, techniques, and analytical uses of computer mapping. Programming necessary for producing own computer mapping programs.
GEOG
417/817
Cartography II: Electronic Atlas Design and Production LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lab 2, Lecture 2 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Techniques |
Prereqs:
GEOG 317 or permission.
Computer-map design and production for the purpose of assembling an environmental electronic atlas, using advanced computer hardware and software. Extensive discussions and demonstrations on content, design, and methods used in computer mapping.
GEOG
418/818
Introduction to Remote Sensing LINKCrosslisted as NRES 418/818| Credit Hours: | 4 |
| Course Format: | Lab 2, Lecture 3 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Techniques |
Prereqs:
9 hrs earth science or natural resource sciences including GEOG 155.
Introduction to remote sensing of the earth from aerial and satellite platforms. Aerial photography, multispectral scanning, thermal imaging and microwave remote sensing techniques. Physical foundations of remote sensing using electromagnetic energy, energy-matter interactions, techniques employed in data acquisition and methods of image analysis. Weekly laboratory provides practical experience in visual and digital interpretation of aerial photography, satellite imagery, thermal and radar imagery. Applications in geographic, agricultural, environmental and natural resources analyses.
GEOG
419/819
Applications of Remote Sensing in Agriculture and Natural Resources LINKCrosslisted as GEOL 419/819, AGRO 419/819, NRES 420/820| Credit Hours: | 4 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3, Lab 2 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Techniques |
Prereqs:
GEOG/NRES 418.
Introduction to the practical uses of remote electromagnetic sensing in dealing with agricultural and water-resources issues.
GEOG
420/820
Digital Image Analysis of Remote Sensing Data LINK| Credit Hours: | 4 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3, Lab 2 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Techniques |
Principles and methods of digital image processing of remotely sensed data. The biophysical basis of remote sensing and the various sensor systems typically used for monitoring terrestrial and aquatic environments. Algorithms for the preprocessing, enhancement, classification and mapping of digital data for agricultural, urban, geological, environmental, and natural resource management problems.
GEOG
422/822
Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Systems LINK| Credit Hours: | 4 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3, Lab 2 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Techniques |
Vector and quadtree data structures, use of relational database management systems, topologically structured databases, query languages, digital terrain modeling, advanced data analysis methods and research issues in GIS. Extensive practical experience with the current GIS software.
GEOG
425/825
Scientific Visualization in Cartography LINK| Credit Hours: | 4 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 2, Lab 3 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Techniques |
Prereqs:
GEOG 317 and either 415 or 417, or permission.
Explores cartographic applications of computer animation and multimedia for the dual purposes of assisting visual thinking in map-oriented research and data exploration, and in communicating geographic ideas to others.
GEOG
427/827
Introduction to the Global Positioning System (GPS) LINKCrosslisted as NRES 427/827| Credit Hours: | 2 |
| Course Format: | Lab 1, Lecture 1.5 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Junior standing and a basic familiarity with mapping and GIS, or permission.
Integrated lectures, lab exercises and field experience provide an understanding of GPS technology and applications. Students will learn to collect, correct and use GPS data in a geographic information system (GIS) environment.
GEOG
431/831
Cultural Geography LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Human-Economic Geography |
The history of cultural geography from von Humboldt through Carl Sauer to the 'new' cultural geographies of Don Mitchell, Gillian Rose and Noel Castree. The current theoretical debates of feminism, post-structuralism, post-colonialism and environmentalism, and the influences of literary and cultural studies in the development of cultural geography and the various methodologies involved.
GEOG
432/832
GIS Programming for Advanced Spatial Analysis and Modeling LINK| Credit Hours: | 4 |
| Course Format: | Lab 2, Lecture 2 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Techniques for Geoprocessing script programming to customize geographic information systems (GIS), utilize GIS tools, and implement application-specific spatial analysis, modeling algorithms and procedures.
GEOG
435/835
Cultural Survival: Indigenous People's Rights LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Human-Economic Geography |
Threats against indigenous peoples' lands, resources and cultural patrimony, languages and knowledge systems more than 500 years after Columbus instigated European colonialism, creating the first global world order. The responses of Indigenous peoples to the imposition of Western dominated economic and political systems. Land rights, economic development, and women's rights from the perspective of different Indigenous communities around the world.
GEOG
444/844
Geo-demographics and GIS LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture, Lab |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Human-Economic Geography |
Geo-demographic and GIS analysis, interpretation, and mapping of geographical patterns of population size, population composition and population change. Theoretical and applied investigation of geo-demographic issues involving marketing research, environmental impact analysis, public facilities planning, public health provision, and small-area population change forecasting. Particular attention to GIS use of TIGER and small-area Census data.
GEOG
447/847
Political Geography LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Human-Economic Geography |
Importance of factors of a physical, economic, and human character in political development at local to global scales; international geopolitical aspects of environment, territoriality, core areas, capitals, and boundaries; national geographical patterns of voting, representation, public administration and public policy.
GEOG
483/883
Cognitive Processes in Map Comprehension and Use LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Techniques |
How cognitive processes help individuals to comprehend the spatial circumstances or arenas they confront when carrying out their daily activities. Awareness of space, spatial knowing, formation of cognitive maps, importance of spatial images in negotiation of surroundings, and the relationship of cognitive maps to orientation and wayfinding.
GEOG
491/891
Geography Field Tour LINKCrosslisted as NRES 491| Credit Hours: | 2-3 |
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Course Format: | Field 40 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Physical Geography |
Off-campus travel required.
Group educational tours to specific sites that illustrate aspects of physical and cultural geography.
GEOG
497/897
Internship in Geography LINK| Credit Hours: | 1-6 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Independent Study |
Prereqs:
Permission.
Applying geographic training with on-the-job learning.
GEOG
498/898
Advanced Special Problems LINK| Credit Hours: | 1-24 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | Special Topics |
Prereqs:
Topic varies, see course description or registration guide.
GEOG
806
Spatial and Environmental Influences in Social Systems LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
How space, spatial structure, and spatially oriented behavior operate in social systems, emphasizing their influence on interpersonal communication and/or social exchange.
GEOG
899
Masters Thesis LINK| Credit Hours: | 6-10 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Admission to masters degree program and permission of major adviser
GEOG
901
Pro-seminar in Research Methods and Professional Development LINK| Credit Hours: | 2 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 2 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Development of skills required for success in completing a graduate degree and forging a career as a geographer. Setting career goals, designing a graduate program, preparing research proposals, presenting research at professional conferences, reviewing professional literature and writing articles for publication.
GEOG
902
General Seminar LINK| Credit Hours: | 1-2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
GEOG
903
History and Philosophy of Geography LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
History of geographical thought concentrating on the period since 1800. Emphasis on both the traditional and modern ways of viewing the nature of geography and to the linkages between them.
GEOG
904
Explanation in Geography LINK| Credit Hours: | 2-3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Course directly complements GEOG 903. Methodology or methods of explanation employed in geographic research and their relationship to the goals of the discipline. Problems, hypotheses, laws, theories, and models of a spatial nature.
GEOG
915
Seminar in Cartography LINK| Credit Hours: | 3-6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Review and examination of cartographic research on map design. Primary emphasis on efficiency and accuracy of maps as devices for spatial understanding and analytical cartography.
GEOG
931
Comparative Studies of the Dispossession of Indigenous Peoples LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Dispossession of the indigenous peoples of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States from a historical, spatial and interdisciplinary approach. Emphasis on human rights, including topics such as the legal assumptions of colonization, reduction of land holdings, population loss, resistance, and land claims.
GEOG
935
Seminar in Historical Geography LINK| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Discussion of current literature and research on selected aspects of historical geography. Specific theme of course varies according to instructor.
GEOG
940
Seminar in Human Geography LINK| Credit Hours: | 1-9 |
| Max credits per degree: | 9 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Structure of settlement patterns and the factors influencing their development.
GEOG
983
Seminar on Behavioral Processes in Person/Environment Relations LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Senior-level masters degree candidate or PhD-level in human geography or design or planning or any of the social and behavioral disciplines or permission
GEOG 983 consists of a four, participant-led, research/discussion sessions. Environments as potentially significant components of behavioral episodes based on the premise that places, settings, or environments provide the contexts for and arenas within which people act, interact, and transact. Significance of the physical/sociocultural surrounds derived not solely from their physical presence, but from them, meaning attached to them, and their importance. Topics: common importance of person/environment relations to diverse interests concerned with individual and group behavior in everyday, natural settings; how people experience their environments or “environmental knowing” through perceptual/cognitive processes; environmental representations, images, schemas, and/or cognitive “maps”; and attributions of meaning and significance to environments.
GEOG
996
Non-thesis Research LINK| Credit Hours: | 1-4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 24 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
24 hrs geography and permission
GEOG
999
Doctoral Dissertation LINK| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Admission to doctoral degree program and permission of supervisory committee chair
(1-24, max 55)
GPSP
400/800
Seminar in Great Plains Studies LINKCrosslisted as HIST 400/800, GEOG 400/800| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
A course in the study of the Great Plains.
GPSP/GEOG/HIST 400 is required for a GPSP major or minor.
Topic varies.
NRES
408/808
Microclimate: The Biological Environment LINKCrosslisted as GEOG 408/808, METR 408/808, HORT 408/808, AGRO 408/808, WATS 408| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Junior standing, MATH 106 or equivalent, 5 hrs physics, major in any of the physical or biological sciences or engineering; or permission.
Physical factors that create the biological environment. Radiation and energy balances of earth's surfaces, terrestrial and marine. Temperature, humidity, and wind regimes near the surface. Control of the physical environment through irrigation, windbreaks, frost protection, manipulation of light, and radiation. Applications to air pollution research. Instruments for measuring environmental conditions and remote sensing of the environment.
NRES
421/821
Field Techniques in Remote Sensing LINKCrosslisted as GEOG 421/821| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 2, Lab |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Field techniques as they relate to remote-sensing campaigns. Research methods, systematic approaches to data collection, field spectroscopy, collecting ancillary information linked with spectroscopic data sets as well as aircraft or satellite missions and subsequent analyses of acquired data.
NRES
452/852
Climate and Society LINKCrosslisted as GEOG 450/850, METR 450/850, AGRO 450/850| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Offered spring semester of even-numbered calendar years.
Impact of climate and extreme climatic events on society and societal responses to those events. Global in scope and interdisciplinary.
NRES
469/869
Bio-Atmospheric Instrumentation LINKCrosslisted as GEOG 469/869, METR 469/869, HORT 407/807, AGRO 469/869, MSYM 469/869| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 2, Lab 1 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Junior standing; MATH 106; 4 hrs physics; physical or biological science major.
Offered fall semester of odd-numbered calendar years.
Discussion and practical application of principles and practices of measuring meteorological and related variables near the earth's surface including temperature, humidity, precipitation, pressure, radiation and wind. Performance characteristics of sensors and modern data collection methods are discussed and evaluated.
NRES
477/877
Great Plains Field Pedology LINKCrosslisted as GEOG 467/867, AGRO 477, SOIL 477| Credit Hours: | 4 |
| Course Format: | Lab, Lecture 3 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
AGRO/SOIL 153.
Spatial relationship of soil properties on various parts of landscape typical of the Plains, causal factors, and predictions of such relationships on other landscapes. Grouping these properties into classes, naming the classes, and the taxonomy that results from this grouping. Application of a taxonomy to a real situation through making a field soil survey in a region representative of the Plains border, predicting land use response of various mapped units as it affects the ecosystem, and evaluating the effectiveness of the taxonomic system used in the region surveyed.
NRES
484/884
Water Resources Seminar LINKCrosslisted as GEOG 484/884, GEOL 484/884, AGRO 484/884, WATS 484| Credit Hours: | 1 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 1 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Junior or above standing, or permission.
Seminar on current water resources research and issues in Nebraska and the region.
NRES
922
Seminar in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) LINKCrosslisted as GEOG 922| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Study of current research and trends in geographic information systems (GIS), GIScience, and GeoComputation. Advanced spatial analytical techniques and geospatial modeling emphasizing GIS applications in natural resources assessment, environmental analyses, agriculture, and land management.
POLS
466/866
Pro-seminar in International Relations I LINKCrosslisted as HIST 479/879, SOCI 466/866, ANTH 479/879, GEOG 448/848, ECON 466/866, AECN 467| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| Groups: | International Relations |
Prereqs:
Senior standing and permission.
Open to students with an interest in international relations.
Topic varies
Description
For a brief description of the program, application requirements and contact information, view the graduate program summary.
Coordinator and Geography Graduate Committee Chair: James W. Merchant, Ph.D.
Graduate Committee: Professors Amedeo, Archer, Dewey, Lonsdale, Merchant, Narumalani, Rundquist, Stoddard, Wilhite, Wishart; Associate Professors Hanson, Wardlow, Zygielbaum; Assistant Professors Guan, Knutson
Graduate students can pursue either an MA or PhD in Geography. Particularly strong programs exist in: (1) Geographic Information Science, emphasizing geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing and cartography; (2) Historical and Human Geography, focusing on culture and settlement of the Great Plains, environmental perception and political behavior; (3) Natural Resources and Environmental Geography, emphasizing geospatial dimensions of conservation, water resources, natural hazards, climatology and related areas, and (4) Community and Regional Planning, a cross-disciplinary doctoral program combining strengths of the Faculty of Geography and GIScience and faculty of Community and Regional Planning. Graduate College approved specializations in geography include Community and Regional Planning (doctoral-level only), Environmental Geography, Ethnic Studies, Great Plains Studies, and GIS/Cartography/Remote Sensing. When completed successfully, specializations are explicitly indicated on the student transcript. Students may have concentrations of work in areas other than Graduate College approved specializations.
Geography graduate students have considerable flexibility in designing academic programs tailored to their individual interests and career goals. Teaching and research assistantships are provided on a competitive basis; internships with public agencies are often available as well. Many Geography faculty and students are affiliated with UNL research centers such as the Center for Advanced Land Management Information Technologies, the National Drought Mitigation Center, the High Plains Regional Climate Center and the Center for Great Plains Studies.
Prospective students should have either earned a prior degree in Geography or should be prepared to take a prescribed set of essential geography prerequisite courses if accepted into the graduate program. GRE scores (verbal and quantitative) are required for graduate admission.