نظرة عامة على البرنامج

Introduction to the Geography Program

The Geography program provides a holistic view of the earth as a whole, its distinct and varied regions, as well as the types of and interaction between human activities and the physical world. Geography is the two-way bridge between the physical and social sciences as it explores the interrelationships between the earth's physical and biological systems and how these environmental systems provide a natural resource base for human societies.

Program Overview

Geography also provides the framework for the integration of new and emerging technologies such as GIS and remote sensing with studies in a broad range of academic disciplines. Geographers are interested in patterns and processes of physical and social change, including climate change, geographic information science and technologies, human settlement patterns, natural resources distribution and management, environmental studies, and in the inherent "sense of place" among peoples throughout the world.

Degree Options

The program offers two degree options:

• B.A. Degree: provides broad cultural training and background in the liberal arts with an emphasis on the circumpolar North and Pacific Rim.
• B.S. Degree: offers three emphasis options:
  • Environmental studies
  • Landscape analysis and climate change studies
  • Geographic information science and technology

B.A. Degree Requirements

To complete the B.A. degree, students must:

• Complete the general university requirements
• Complete the B.A. degree requirements
• Complete the following required foundation courses:
  • GEOG F101: Local Places, Global Regions: An Introduction to Geography (3 credits)
  • GEOG F211X: Earth Systems: Elements of Physical Geography (3 credits)
  • GEOG F312: People, Places, and Environment: Principles of Human Geography (3 credits)
  • GEOG F338: An Introduction to GIS (3 credits)
  • GEOG F490W,O: Geography Seminar (3 credits)
• Complete the program (major) requirements, which include:
  • Regional Geography: complete two of the following courses
    • GEOG F302: Geography of Alaska (3 credits)
    • GEOG F303: Geography of United States and Canada (3 credits)
    • GEOG F305W: Geography of Europe (3 credits)
    • GEOG F306: Geography of Russia (3 credits)
    • GEOG F311W: Geography of Asia (3 credits)
    • GEOG F410: Geography of the Pacific Rim (3 credits)
    • GEOG F427: Cold Lands (3 credits)
  • Physical Geography: complete one of the following courses
    • GEOG F339: Maps and Landscape Analysis (3 credits)
    • GEOG F401: Weather & Climate (3 credits)
    • GEOG F411: Pattern and Process in the Subarctic and Arctic (4 credits)
    • GEOG F412: Geography of Climate Change (3 credits)
  • Human Geography: complete one of the following courses
    • GEOG F203: World Economic Geography (3 credits)
    • GEOG F402: Resources and Environment (3 credits)
    • GEOG F404: Urban Geography (3 credits)
    • GEOG F405: Political Geography (3 credits)
  • Technique: complete one of the following courses
    • GEOG F301: Geographic Field Studies (3 credits)
    • GEOG F309: Cartography (4 credits)
    • GEOG F378: Introduction to Geoinformatics (3 credits)
  • Electives: complete two courses (six credits) from any of the above categories, or other courses appropriate to the student's chosen program of study

B.S. Degree Requirements

The B.S. degree offers three emphasis options:

• Environmental studies: provides the foundation necessary for understanding the natural and social environment, analysis of environmental issues from an interdisciplinary geographic perspective, a diverse technical and scientific approach to environmental issues, and the ability to find balanced solutions to environmental problems.
• Landscape analysis and climate change studies: integrates and synthesizes courses in geography, climate change, physical and biological sciences, and geographic information sciences and technology.
• Geographic information science and technology: emphasizes skills and practices in geographic information science, systems, technology and analytical aspects of geography.

Minor in Geography

A minor in geography is also available.

Notes

• Geography majors are encouraged to reinforce their program focus with a minor in one of the following areas: Alaska Native Studies, Anthropology, Asian Studies, Economics, Environmental Politics, Foreign Languages, Geology, Geophysics, Global Studies, History, Journalism, Natural Resource Management, Northern Studies, Political Science, Rural Development, Russian Studies.
• Students and faculty advisors should review carefully the prerequisites for courses outlined in each required and/or optional area, as some courses may require successful completion of one to three prerequisite courses.