Geography (GEOG)

Students who enroll in geography courses must have placed in ENGL 101 and are encouraged to either have completed ENGL 101 or be enrolled in that course when scheduling a geography course.

GEOG 200 World Regional Geography (A, W, SP, SU,–DL)

5 credits
This course serves as an introduction to the study of regional geography at the global scale. Students will become familiar with the basic concepts in geography, the topic of uneven development, and the factors (landforms, climate, population, resources, culture, economic activity and historical evolution) that affect uneven development within and among all the world’s major regions. A distance-learning (DL) version of World Regional Geography is available. Students taking the Web-based version of the course must be familiar with computers, have an e-mail address, and access to the Internet. Course content is identical to that presented in a traditional classroom setting. Examinations for distance-learning courses are administered at the Testing Center.
Lecture: 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

GEOG 207 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (A, W, SP, SU,–DL)

5 credits
This course introduces the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) including basic cartographic principles, map scales, coordinate systems and map projections. The uses of hardware and software elements that emphasize vector-based data structures using ArcView Spatial Analysis extension are explored. Various applications of GIS technology used in science, business and government are presented. Specific topics addressed include GIS terminology, raster and vector data structures, data sources and accuracy, methods of data conversion and input, requirements for metadata, working spatial databases (map features and attribute tables), spatial analysis (map overlays, buffers, networks). The above topics are reinforced in a laboratory with hands-on exercises on the use of map scales, coordinate systems, data sources and accuracy, data structures, working with spatial data, map features and attributes, map overlays, manipulation of data bases, creation of charts and graphs, and presentation of data in map overlays. A distance-learning (DL) version of Introduction to GIS is available. Students taking the Web-based version of the course must be familiar with computers, have an e-mail address, and access to the Internet. Course content is identical to that presented in a traditional classroom setting. Examinations for distance-learning courses are administered at the Testing Center.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 4 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

GEOG 280 Elements of Cartography (A, W, SP, SU,–DL)

5 credits
This course provides an in-depth introduction to the basic concepts and methods of cartography necessary to design and construct digital maps. Upon completion of the course, students should have a basic understanding of maps and how to design and construct them in order to provide a tool useful for other courses and later professional work. A distance-learning (DL) version of Elements of Cartography is available. Students taking the web-based version of the course must be familiar with computers, have an e-mail address, and access to the Internet. Course content is identical to that presented in a traditional classroom setting. Examinations for distance-learning courses are administered at the Testing Center.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 4 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

GEOG 290 Capstone Experience in Geography (On Demand)

3 credits
This course is for students completing the two-year Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree who have a special interest in continuing a baccalaureate degree program in geography. The course presents a basic introduction to geography research methodologies that students apply in researching a social science topic of interest. Course requirements include the assembly of a portfolio that covers student’s academic career at Columbus State Community College and participation in summative testing of academic skills. Open only to Associate of Arts or Associate of Science students preparing to graduate within two academic quarters.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 2 hours
Prerequisites: Completion of AA/AS core requirements and at least 75 hours toward the degree with five credit hours in Geography
Lab fee: $5.00

GEOG 293 Independent Study in Geography (On Demand)

1-5 credits
GEOG 293 is an individual, student-structured course that examines a selected topic in geography through intensive reading or research. The independent study elective permits a student to pursue his/her interests within the context of a faculty-guided program.
Lecture: 1 to 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and the chairperson and one course in geography
Lab fee: $5.00

GEOG 299 Special Topics in Geography (On Demand)

1-5 credits
GEOG 299 allows students to examine, in detail, selected topics of interest in geography.
Lecture: 1 to 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Varies
Lab fee: $5.00