Brigham Young University
Back Geography

   

Richard H. Jackson, Chair
690-E SWKT, PO Box 25462, (801) 378-6063

College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences Advisement Center
2254 SFLC, PO Box 26797, (801) 378-3541

Admission to Degree Program

All degree programs in the Department of Geography are open enrollment. However, special limitations apply for teaching majors.

The Discipline

Geography offers a variety of programs centered around spatial analysis and tailored, so far as possible, to meet the future needs of individual students. Our modern computer laboratory allows students to gain practical experience with geographical information systems (GIS), cartography, and other programs in planning, urban, travel, and population studies.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are employed in a wide range of both private and governmental positions. Job titles include geographer; teacher of geography; city or regional planner; cartographer; photo interpreter; commodities and industrial location analyst; intelligence, travel industry, or environmental and GIS specialist; and many others.

Skills in spatial analysis make geography a valuable minor or supporting field for many other disciplines.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a bachelor's degree a student must fill three groups of requirements: (1) general education requirements; (2) university requirements; and (3) major requirements.

General Education Requirements

Please see your college advisement center for information about general education courses you should take to dovetail with your major program.

Languages of Learning

Precollege Math (zero to one course)
(or Math ACT score of at least 22)
0–3.0 hours
First-Year Writing (one course) 3.0
Advanced Writing (one to four courses) 3–8.0
Advanced Languages/Math/Music
(one to four courses)
3–20.0

Liberal Arts Core

Biological Science (one to two courses) 3–6.0
Physical Science (one to two courses) 3–7.0
American Heritage (one to two courses) 3–6.0
Wellness (one to three courses) 1.5–3.0
Civilization (two courses) 6.0

Arts and Sciences Electives

Arts and Letters (one course) 3.0
Natural Sciences (one course) 3–4.0
Social and Behavioral Sciences (one course) 3.0

Note 1: For a complete list of courses that will fill each GE category, see the General Education section of the current class schedule.

Note 2: Additional information about general education requirements can be found in the General Education section of the current class schedule or this catalog.

Minimum University Requirements

Religion 14.0
Upper-division hours 40.0
Residency 30.0
Total hours 128.0

Cumulative GPA must be at least 2.0.

Note: See the Graduation section of this catalog for more information.

Major Requirements

Complete the major requirements listed for one of the folowing undergraduate degree programs.

Undergraduate Programs and Degrees

BS Geographic Information Systems
BS Geography
Emphasis (optional):
Travel and Tourism Studies
BS Geography Teaching
BS Planning and Resource Management
Minors Geographic Information Systems
Geography
Geography Teaching
Travel and Tourism Studies

For help or information on the undergraduate programs, please see your college advisement center.

Graduate Programs and Degrees

MS Geography

For more information, see the 1998-99 Graduate Studies Catalog.

General Information

  1. Core Classes: all students pursuing an undergraduate degree in any of the majors offered by the Geography Department must complete the following core courses:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 300, 301, 322.

  2. Prerequisites: all students admitted to one of the geography majors listed above must complete the following courses within one year of declaring a major:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 300.



BS Geographic Information Systems (46–49 hours*)

Major Requirements

  1. No D credit is allowed in major courses.

  2. Prerequisites: Complete the following core courses within one year of declaring this major:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 300.

  3. Complete the following:
    Geog 212, 301, 312, 322, 412, 517.
    CS 130.

  4. Select five courses from the following:
    Geog 313, 430, 512, 513, 515, 518R, 519.

  5. Select one regional course from the following:
    Geog 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 471, 480, 485.

  6. Majors are strongly encouraged to also take course work in a systematic area such as urban studies, land use planning, or climatology.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Geography (37-39 hours*)

Major Requirements

  1. No D credit is allowed in major courses.

  2. Prerequisites: Complete the following core courses within one year of declaring this major:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 300.

  3. Complete the following:
    Geog 212, 301, 322, 450.

  4. Select two regional courses from the following:
    Geog 455, 460, 465, 470, 471, 480, 485, 502R.

  5. Select three systematic courses from the following:
    Geog 302, 310, 312, 313, 331, 341, 346, 350R, 370, 371, 401, 405, 501R.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Geography: Travel and Tourism Studies Emphasis (37 hours*)

Major Requirements

  1. No D credit is allowed in major courses.

  2. Prerequisites: Complete the following core courses within one year of declaring this major:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 300.

  3. Complete the following:
    Geog 270, 301, 322, 352, 370, 371, 450.

  4. Select one of the following regional courses:
    Geog 455, 460, 465, 470, 471, 480, 485.

  5. Students should include appropriate courses in business, communications, and/or organizational behavior.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Geography Teaching (84-92 hours,* including certification hours)

Major Requirements

  1. No D credit is allowed in major courses.

  2. A teaching minor is required for certification (approximately 16–21 hours).

  3. Prerequisites: Complete the following core courses within one year of declaring this major:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 300.

  4. Complete the following:
    Geog 212, 301, 322, 331, 450.

  5. Select two regional courses from the following:
    Geog 455, 460, 465, 470, 471, 480, 485, 502R.

  6. Select three systematic courses from the following:
    Geog 302, 310, 312, 313, 341, 346, 370, 371, 401, 405, 501R.

  7. Complete the Professional Education Component (28–29 hours); see the Secondary Education section of this catalog for certification requirements.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Planning and Resource Management (47 hours*)

Major Requirements

  1. No D credit is allowed in major courses.

  2. Prerequisites: Complete the following core courses within one year of declaring this major:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 300.

  3. Complete the following:
    Geog 212, 301, 302, 310, 322, 331, 410, 412, 450.

  4. Select 9 hours from the following (or courses approved by advisors):
    Geog 341, 399R, 401, 405, 510, 518R.
    CM 426.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Geographic Information Systems (18-21 hours)

  1. Complete the following:
    Geog 211, 212, 312, 412.

  2. Select three courses from the following:
    Geog 313, 430, 512, 515, 517, 518R, 519.



Minor Geography (18 hours)

  1. Complete the following :
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 301, 450.

  2. Select 3 hours of electives. Electives cannot include Geog 270, 275, 300, 322, 399R, 493R, or any Geog 500 or above courses.



Minor Geography Teaching (18 hours)

  1. Complete the following:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 301, 450.

  2. Select 3 hours of electives. Electives cannot include Geog 270, 275, 300, 322, 399R, 493R, or any Geog 500 or above courses.



Minor Travel and Tourism Studies(19 hours)

  1. Complete the following:
    Geog 120, 270, 352, 370, 371.

  2. Select one regional course from the following:
    Geog 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 471, 480, 485.



Geography (Geog)

Class Schedule Major Academic Plan (MAP)
3.0
Advanced Writing (one to four courses) 3–8.0
Advanced Languages/Math/Music
(one to four courses)
3–20.0

Liberal Arts Core

Biological Science (one to two courses) 3–6.0
Physical Science (one to two courses) 3–7.0
American Heritage (one to two courses) 3–6.0
Wellness (one to three courses) 1.5–3.0
Civilization (two courses) 6.0

Arts and Sciences Electives

Arts and Letters (one course) 3.0
Natural Sciences (one course) 3–4.0
Social and Behavioral Sciences (one course) 3.0

Note 1: For a complete list of courses that will fill each GE category, see the General Education section of the current class schedule.

Note 2: Additional information about general education requirements can be found in the General Education section of the current class schedule or this catalog.

Minimum University Requirements

Religion 14.0
Upper-division hours 40.0
Residency 30.0
Total hours 128.0

Cumulative GPA must be at least 2.0.

Note: See the Graduation section of this catalog for more information.

Major Requirements

Complete the major requirements listed for one of the folowing undergraduate degree programs.

Undergraduate Programs and Degrees

BS Geographic Information Systems
BS Geography
Emphasis (optional):
Travel and Tourism Studies
BS Geography Teaching
BS Planning and Resource Management
Minors Geographic Information Systems
Geography
Geography Teaching
Travel and Tourism Studies

For help or information on the undergraduate programs, please see your college advisement center.

Graduate Programs and Degrees

MS Geography

For more information, see the 1998-99 Graduate Studies Catalog.

General Information

  1. Core Classes: all students pursuing an undergraduate degree in any of the majors offered by the Geography Department must complete the following core courses:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 300, 301, 322.

  2. Prerequisites: all students admitted to one of the geography majors listed above must complete the following courses within one year of declaring a major:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 300.



BS Geographic Information Systems (46–49 hours*)

Major Requirements

  1. No D credit is allowed in major courses.

  2. Prerequisites: Complete the following core courses within one year of declaring this major:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 300.

  3. Complete the following:
    Geog 212, 301, 312, 322, 412, 517.
    CS 130.

  4. Select five courses from the following:
    Geog 313, 430, 512, 513, 515, 518R, 519.

  5. Select one regional course from the following:
    Geog 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 471, 480, 485.

  6. Majors are strongly encouraged to also take course work in a systematic area such as urban studies, land use planning, or climatology.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Geography (37-39 hours*)

Major Requirements

  1. No D credit is allowed in major courses.

  2. Prerequisites: Complete the following core courses within one year of declaring this major:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 300.

  3. Complete the following:
    Geog 212, 301, 322, 450.

  4. Select two regional courses from the following:
    Geog 455, 460, 465, 470, 471, 480, 485, 502R.

  5. Select three systematic courses from the following:
    Geog 302, 310, 312, 313, 331, 341, 346, 350R, 370, 371, 401, 405, 501R.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Geography: Travel and Tourism Studies Emphasis (37 hours*)

Major Requirements

  1. No D credit is allowed in major courses.

  2. Prerequisites: Complete the following core courses within one year of declaring this major:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 300.

  3. Complete the following:
    Geog 270, 301, 322, 352, 370, 371, 450.

  4. Select one of the following regional courses:
    Geog 455, 460, 465, 470, 471, 480, 485.

  5. Students should include appropriate courses in business, communications, and/or organizational behavior.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Geography Teaching (84-92 hours,* including certification hours)

Major Requirements

  1. No D credit is allowed in major courses.

  2. A teaching minor is required for certification (approximately 16–21 hours).

  3. Prerequisites: Complete the following core courses within one year of declaring this major:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 300.

  4. Complete the following:
    Geog 212, 301, 322, 331, 450.

  5. Select two regional courses from the following:
    Geog 455, 460, 465, 470, 471, 480, 485, 502R.

  6. Select three systematic courses from the following:
    Geog 302, 310, 312, 313, 341, 346, 370, 371, 401, 405, 501R.

  7. Complete the Professional Education Component (28–29 hours); see the Secondary Education section of this catalog for certification requirements.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Planning and Resource Management (47 hours*)

Major Requirements

  1. No D credit is allowed in major courses.

  2. Prerequisites: Complete the following core courses within one year of declaring this major:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 300.

  3. Complete the following:
    Geog 212, 301, 302, 310, 322, 331, 410, 412, 450.

  4. Select 9 hours from the following (or courses approved by advisors):
    Geog 341, 399R, 401, 405, 510, 518R.
    CM 426.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Geographic Information Systems (18-21 hours)

  1. Complete the following:
    Geog 211, 212, 312, 412.

  2. Select three courses from the following:
    Geog 313, 430, 512, 515, 517, 518R, 519.



Minor Geography (18 hours)

  1. Complete the following :
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 301, 450.

  2. Select 3 hours of electives. Electives cannot include Geog 270, 275, 300, 322, 399R, 493R, or any Geog 500 or above courses.



Minor Geography Teaching (18 hours)

  1. Complete the following:
    Geog 101, 120, 211, 301, 450.

  2. Select 3 hours of electives. Electives cannot include Geog 270, 275, 300, 322, 399R, 493R, or any Geog 500 or above courses.



Minor Travel and Tourism Studies(19 hours)

  1. Complete the following:
    Geog 120, 270, 352, 370, 371.

  2. Select one regional course from the following:
    Geog 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 471, 480, 485.



Geography (Geog)

Class Schedule Major Academic Plan (MAP)

Undergraduate Courses

101. Introduction to Physical Geography. (3:3:0) F, W, Sp, Su Independent Study also.

Physical environment, distribution and interrelationships of climates, landforms, ecosystems and their human significance.

120. Geography and World Affairs. (3:3:0) F, W, Sp, Su Independent Study also.

Survey of the world, stressing geography of major political regions.

211. Maps and Air Photographs. (3:2:2) F, W, Sp or Su

Maps and air photographs as tools for spatial analysis of problems in physical and cultural geography.

212. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. (2:1:2) F, W

Concepts in the use of small- and large-scale digital map data, emphasizing landscape interpretation and feature description.

270. Travel Planning, Rates, and Tariffs: Domestic and International. (4:4:0) F, W, Sp

Procedures of domestic and international trip planning, including ticketing, routing, fare structure, rates, and tariffs.

275. Tourism Automation. (2:1:1) F, W, Sp Prerequisite: Geog 270.

Computer usage for international and domestic scheduling, reservations, and ticketing.

300. Analytical Methods in Geography. (3:3:0) F, W, Sp or Su

Methodology of spatial analysis. Theory and techniques in geographic data description and population inference.

301. Cultural Geography. (3:3:0) F, W, Alt. term

Culture distributions and their relationship to existing geographic phenomena.

302. Geography of Urban Environment. (3:3:0) F

Urban patterns, city structures, and spatial analysis of cities as they affect their residents.

310. Principles of Land Use Planning. (3:3:0) F

Land use concepts, practical and theoretical problems, activities, and techniques.

312. Cartographic Design. (4:2:4) F Prerequisite: Geog 211.

Graphic perception, layout, typography, color, statistical methods, and symbolization of thematic maps through computer-aided techniques.

313. Remote Sensing of Environment. (3:3:0) WPrerequisite: Geog 211, 212

Introduction to airborne and spaceborne sensors, including instrument characteristics, image acquisition, georeferencing, enhancement, and classification. Emphasizes land cover mapping applications appropriate for environmental monitoring.

322. Design and Methodology in Geographic Inquiry. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: Geog 300.

Organizing, acquiring, and using geographic data for research purposes; emphasizes learning and applying research techniques in individual geographic projects.

331. Economic Geography. (3:3:0) F, Alt. term

Introduction to economic processes and spatial patterns, emphasizing theoretical approaches, locational strategies, and changing economic land-use patterns.

341. Political Geography. (3:3:0) F, W

Spatial analysis of global politics; focus on geopolitics, territory and conflict, nationalism, and the politics of resources.

346. Population Geography. (3:3:0) W odd yr.

Spatial perspective on wide field of population studies, focusing on distribution, development, structure, and movement of populations; introduction to basic demographic measures.

350R. Topics in Systematic Geography. (3:3:0 ea.)

Detailed investigation of selected systematic topics; emphasis on current world affairs and problems.

352. Tour Operation. (3:3:0) F, W Independent Study also.

Broad overview of tour operations; travel counseling.

370. Tourism: A Conceptual Framework. (3:3:0) F, Sp Independent Study also.

Introduction to tourism as a field of study; four elements of tourism: dynamic, service, functional, and consequential.

371. Tourism: Patterns and Analysis. (3:3:0) W, Sp Independent Study also.

Patterns in domestic and international tourism; interrelationship between geography and tourism in understanding the patterns and their impact.

399R. Cooperative Education. (1–3:Arr.:Arr. ea.) F, W, Sp, Su

On-the-job experience. No more than 3 hours total in cooperative education may be counted in major.

401. Geography of Climates. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: Geog 101 or instructor's consent.

Elements, controls, distribution, and classification of the earth's climates.

405. Geography of Landforms. (3:3:0) F Prerequisite: Geog 101 or instructor's consent.

Elements of landforms: distributions and cultural significance.

410. Practices of Land Use Planning. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: Geog 310.

Applications of methods and techniques commonly used in the land use planning process, emphasizing data collection and analysis, fieldwork, and writing skills.

412. Vector Methods in Geographic Information Systems. (3:2:2) W Prerequisite: Geog 212 or instructor's consent.

Theory and practice of vector GIS data acquisition, editing, and analysis.

430. Image Processing and Interpretation. (2:2:0) F odd yr. Prerequisite: Geog 313.

Computer processing of low-altitude and satellite images for geographic analysis of physical and cultural phenomena on earth.

450. United States and Canada. (3:3:0) F, W Independent Study also.

Analysis of the natural environment, historical development, cultural patterns, economic systems, and political structures of geographic regions.

455. Middle and South America. (3:3:0) W

Environmental, cultural, economic, and political parameters of Latin American societies.

460. Europe. (3:3:0) F

Systematic approach to physical base, social and political problems, economic issues, and regional summary.

465. Russia and the Former Soviet Union. (3:3:0) W

Physical features, resources, political issues, economy and industries, population concerns, and role in world affairs.

470. Asia. (3:3:0) W odd yr.

Physical, social, economic, and political influences in cultures of South, East, and Southeast Asia.

471. Middle East. (3:3:0) F even yr.

Physical and cultural geography of Southwest Asia and North Africa, emphasizing the cultural mosaic, geopolitics, environment, and resources of the region.

480. Australia and New Zealand. (2:2:0) F odd yr.

Comparison of physical patterns, historical development, and present cultural patterns.

485. Sub-Saharan Africa. (3:3:0) W even yr.

Geographical analysis with a focus on resource management, political issues, development, environmental problems, economic development, and urban-rural change; case studies from selected countries.

493R. Special Problems. (1–3:Arr.:0 ea.) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: geography major or departmental approval.

500-Level Graduate Courses (available to advanced undergraduates)

501R. Topics in Systematic Geography. (1–3:Arr.:0 ea.)

Detailed investigation of selected geographic topics.

502R. Seminar in Regional Geography. (1–3:0:0 ea.)

510. Advanced Urban Dynamics and Planning. (3:3:0) W even yr. Prerequisite: Geog 310, 410, or equivalent.

Urban geography and land use planning, emphasizing urban morphology, land use patterns, and spatial analysis; critical evaluation of models and theories.

512. Issues in Computer Cartography. (3:2:2) W Prerequisite: Geog 312 or equivalent.

Current techniques for compilation, integration, and display of digital map data..

513. Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. (3:2:3) Sp

Using data obtained from visible range (photographs) and broader ranges (radar, microwaves, infrared, remote, etc.) of the electromagnetic spectrum to solve engineering problems with mapping procedures; photo and electronic data interpretation.

515. Decision Making in Geographic Information Systems. (3:3:0) F, W Recommended: CS 103, 130, 142, or equivalent.

Analysis of geographic information for decision making with emphasis on developing GIS applications using Visual Basic, Avenue, and AML.

517. Analytical Cartography. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: two courses in computer programming including CS 130 or other introductory course in C or C++; introductory course in trigonometry.

Geocoding, spatial data representation, and map-based transformations.

518R. Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing. (2:1:2) W even yr. Prerequisite: Geog 212 or equivalent.

Application of GIS and satellite remote sensing methods to practical problems in urban and physical environments.

519. Global Positioning Systems. (2:1:2) F Prerequisite: Geog 211 or instructor's consent.

Earth coordinate systems, map projections, and global positioning system methods.

580. Geography of the Developing World. (3:3:0) F odd yr.

Analysis and description of the developing world from a spatial perspective; emphasis on environmental challenges to development.

599R. Cooperative Education. (1–3:Arr.:Arr. ea.)

On-the-job experience. No more than 3 hours in cooperative education may count toward major requirements.

Graduate Courses

For 600- and 700-level courses, see the 1998-99 BYU Graduate Catalog.



Geography Faculty

Professors

Hudman, Lloyd E. (1970) BS, U. of Utah, 1964; MS, PhD, U. of Kansas, 1968, 1970.

Jackson, Richard H (1969) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1965, 1966; PhD, Clark U., 1970.

Associate Professors

Hardin, Perry J. (1988) BS, MA, Brigham Young U., 1982, 1984; PhD, U. of Utah, 1989.

Shumway, J. Matthew (1991) BS, MA, Brigham Young U., 1984, 1987; PhD, Indiana U., Bloomington, 1991.

Assistant Professors

Davis, James A. (1990) BS, Brigham Young U., 1978; MA, California State U., Fullerton, 1987; PhD, Arizona State U., 1993.

Emmett, Chad F. (1992) BA, Utah State U., 1979, MA, Brigham Young U., 1983; PhD, U. of Chicago, 1991.

Otterstrom, Samuel M. (1997) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1990, 1994; PhD, Louisiana State U., 1997.

Plewe, Brandon (1997) BS, Brigham Young U., 1992; MS, PhD, State U. of New York at Buffalo, 1995, 1997.

Emeriti

Grey, Alan H. (1964) BA, Brigham Young U., 1959; MA, PhD, U. of Wisconsin, Madison, 1960, 1963.

Hinckley, Thomas K. (1972) BA, Brigham Young U., 1958; MA, U. of Pittsburgh, 1960; PhD, U. of Western Ontario, Canada, 1979.

Horiuchi, Russell N. (1961) BA, Brigham Young U., 1953; MA, U. of California, Berkeley, 1958; PhD, U. of Washington, 1975.

Layton, Robert L. (1954) BS, MS, U. of Utah, 1951, 1952; PhD, Syracuse U., 1962.






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