Undergraduate - Clarion University

Clarion University of Pennsylvania 97
Geography
Department of Anthropology, Geography, and Earth
Science (AGES); Patrick McGr eevy, Ph.D., chair
335 Peirce Science Center
Telephone: 393-2317
E-mail address: pmcgreevy@clarion.edu
Website: www.artsci.clarion.edu/ages/ages.htm
Professors: Howes, McGreevy, McKay, Shirey; Associate
Professor: Thomas, Vega; Assistant Professor: Ayad
People have always sought to understand the world they
inhabit. Geography begins with this curiosity about both
the familiar and the remote, but it does not stop with a simple
list of what is where. It seeks to know why things are where
they are. Geography is an integrative discipline concerned
with the nature and significance of the patterns, places, and
landscapes that make up the earth’s surface. It embraces
both the natural and human and is particularly concerned
with how humans interact with the earth’s natural systems.
The last fifteen years have seen a resurgence of geographical
study at all levels. Economic globalization has made
geographical knowledge increasingly crucial. In addition,
the digital revolution has transformed geography’s
traditional mapping tools into geographic information
systems (GIS) that can combine and analyze satellite and
other kinds of data. Today there is a large and expanding
job market for graduates with GIS skills. Geographers’
multidimensional training allows them to work in the
environmental field, as well as in business, planning, and
education. There is also a demand for students in geography
graduate programs where most students are fully supported.
As part of the AGES Department, the geography
program at Clarion is diverse and cross-disciplinary. The
faculty is engaged in local and international research.
Students often work as interns and collaborate on faculty
projects. The department maintains a state-of-the-art GIS
laboratory as well as a map library.
GEOGRAPHY, B.S. ..................................................... 36-45 credits
Required: ES 111; GEOG 100, six credits from: GEOG 125,
GEOG/ES 345, 400, 425, 450, 470 and 490; three additional
credits from: ANTH 211, 213 or 218.
Human Geography track: three credits from ES 150, 260, 280,
380; GEOG/ES 301, 320, 385, 404; six credits from GEOG 250,
252, 256, 257, and 258; 12 credits from GEOG 115, 244, 260,
265, 300, 310, 315, and 499; and nine additional credits from
ANTH, ECON, HIST, MATH, PS, and SOC.
Physical Geography track: 12 credits from ES 150, 260, 270,
280, 330, 380; GEOG/ES 301, 320, 385, 404; three credits from
GEOG 250, 252, 256, 257, 258; and six credits from GEOG 115,
244, 260, 265, 300, 310, 315, and 499; and nine additional credits
from BIOL, CHEM, CIS, MATH (221 strongly recommended),
and PH.
Geographic Information Sciences track: 12 credits from GEOG
125, GEOG/ES 345, 400, 425, 470, and 490; three credits from
ES 150, 260, 280, 380, GEOG/ES 301, 320, 385, and 404; three
credits from GEOG 250, 252, 256, 257, and 258; three credits
from GEOG 115, 244, 260, 265, 300, 310, 315, and 499; and
nine additional credits from BIOL, CHEM, CIS (any course
except 110 and 120, a programming course is strongly
recommended), and PH.
GEOGRAPY, MINOR ........................................................ 18 credits
There are no required courses, however students will have to
complete nine credits at the 300 level and at least three credits in
each of the following areas: Human Geography, Physical
Geography, and Techniques in Geography.
GEOGRAPHY INFORMATION SYSTEMS, MINOR ................ 18 credits
Students choose either GEOG/ES 125 or GEOG/ES 345; then
three from this list: GEOG/ES 400, 425, 470 and 490, as well as
two additional courses from Mathematics (MATH 100-499) and/
or CIS (except for CIS 110 and 120).
College of Arts
and Sciences
Geography Courses
NOTE: Geography (GEOG) courses carry social science credit only.
GEOG 100: INTRODUCTION TO WORLD GEOGRAPHY 3 s.h.
Provides an overview of important human and physical characteristics of the world’s cultural realms. Examines issues of
economic and social development, and religions and cultures found around the world in a regional or systematic context. Explores
contemporary environmental, political, and ethnic/racial problems.
GEOG 115: CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES 3 s.h.
Integrates the social and natural sciences by examining the concepts, methodologies and history of the Conservation of
Natural Resources. Includes soil, water, land, forest, wildlife, energy, clean air, and historic resources. Explores the many controversial
issues surrounding the management of public lands and regulation of private land. Examines the rationale and logic of federal and
state environmental laws. Every fall or spring. (Values Flag)
GEOG 125: MAP INTERPRETATION 3 s.h.
Broad study of maps, charts, and atlases. Develops awareness of the variety of maps available and promotes skill in their use.
Emphasizes understanding map characteristics and properties needed for effective map usage, projections upon which maps are
commonly drawn, co-ordinates and grid systems, map scales, aerial representations of relief, and statistical data. Prerequisite:
Consent of instructor. Offered annually.