Course Directory

:: Course Offerings

The course offerings at Clarion University of PA go through an extensive review process by the Committee on Courses and Programs of Study (CCPS). This course offerings list is a comprehensive list of courses that could be offered; it does not mean they are currently being offered.

For a complete list of courses offered on the current or upcoming schedules, see the Registrar's page Schedule of Classes.

To start a new search enter the course number of the subject or title you are searching in the box below.

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)	Course Title	Course Description
GEOG 115	Conservation	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 rational and logic of federal and state environmental laws. Every fall or spring. (Values Flag.)
GEOG 210	Fund of Digital Mapping	Introduces the basic knowledge required to work with digital maps. General and specialized online and desktop mapping options are discussed, and an introduction to the geo-spatial technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Remote Sensing is emphasized. The potential uses of those technologies in the areas such as environmental studies, forestry, marketing, demographics, and utilities are also presented.
GEOG 225	Cartography I With Lab	Systematic study of basic concepts and components of thematic map-making. Emphasizes familiarization with and utilization of drafting instruments and equipment essential to map design and construction. Presents techniques of photographic reproduction, of student map projects. Two lectures and three hours of laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: GEOG 125 or consent of instructor. Offered annually.
GEOG 244	Planning the Human Environment	The course introduces students to the theory and practice of urban and regional planning. Examines the means and ways of managing land resources with respect to enhancing the use of land for residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural purposes. The course focuses on comprehensive planning, planning strategies, planning analysis, regulatory systems and the preservation and conservation of land resources for future generations and for aesthetic purposes. The ecological implications of development on natural resources is pivotal in the course in order to explain and analyze growth management practices in urban and rural communities. Offered occasionally.
GEOG 257	U.S. & Canada	Analyzes geographic problems, natural and cultural, of the United States and Canada; the synthesis of physical, biotic, economic, and social patterns and problems of geographic regions of North America; the interrelationship of North American political structures and their ties with the rest of the world. Each semester.
GEOG 260	Economic Geog	Explores the production, exchange, and use of the basic commodities of the world; the relationship between the physical factors and economic conditions and the patterns of major economic activities, world trade, and trade routes; economic landscapes; problems of economic development. Recommended for majors in economics, history, and political science. Every other year.
GEOG 300	Special Topics	Topics of special interest in various areas of physical, human, or regional geography. Professor selects format most suitable to the study. Enrollment by consent of the instructor. Offered occasionally.
GEOG 310	Sustainable Development	Examines the commonalities developing countries have faced and continue to face in their push toward development, particularly as they relate to the spatial aspects affecting the conditions of the development process. Analyzes theories of growth andsocial and economic development, as well as the historical and contemporary relationship between the developed and the developing world. Discusses issues such as population growth and human settlement patterns, the rural/urban dichotomy, industrialization and urbanization, regional trading blocks, transportation and development, and the socio-economic development planning. Examines the impact of cultural elements such as religion and the role of women in development. Writing intensive course. Pr\|
GEOG 315	Human Geog:Race,Class,Ge	Focuses on methods and theories geographers have used to explore how social relations of race, class, and gender have been structured, influenced, and expressed spatially. Exposes students to social/spatial construction theories (the social construction of race and gender, the social production of space, and the role of space in the construction of gender and race), and postmodern economic restructuring and its impact on the location and (race, class, and gender component of the) employment structure of flexible industries. Explores contemporary theories on the role of race/gender and class intersection in the reproduction process, and the colonial and postcolonial geographies of gender and race. Writing intensive course. Prerequisite: None\|
GEOG 325	Cartography II With Lab	A systematic study of the new dimensions of cartography in use today. Emphasizes the techniques used in the construction of three-dimensional maps and models of statistical surfaces, diagrams, cartograms, negative scribing, and color separation. Twolectures and three hours of laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: Cartography I and consent of instructor. Every other year.
GEOG 345	Computer Cartog w/Lab	Systematic study of the newest dimension of cartography in use today. Designing and constructing computer maps is an integral part of the course. Students create computer maps with a number of programs, including Atlas Graphics, Atlas Draw, Microam,Map Info. PC Globe, PS USA, Systate, etc. Introduces the use of the digitizer. Prerequisite CIS 110 or equivalent course, or consent of the instructor. Every other spring.
GEOG 358	Geography Of The Caribbean	Study of the Caribbean, with a special tour on the geography and the cultural and socio-economic aspects of the Caribbean. Emphasizes socio-economic history of slavery and the plantation economy, including issues of race relations and their spatial dimensions. Traces the economic transition away from the plantation economy, the rise of an active black leadership, urbanization and urban planning in the region, attempts at economic and political regional integration, economic development strategies of small Caribbean islands, and the impact of tourism as the new mono culture of the region. Offered occasionally.\|
GEOG 385	Climatology	Examines the major components of climate and climate change. Analyzes physical aspects of the atmosphere as a series of long-term weather phenomena. Studies regional characteristics of climate on the basis of worldwide weather patterns. Emphasizes, how applied aspects of climate demonstrate the interrelationships and importance of both physical and regional climatology to humankind. Also examines the causes of long-term climate change and variability. Acceptable for social science or natural, science credits. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher.
GEOG 400	Intro Remote Sensing/Lab	Explores aerial photographs for geographic investigation of physical and cultural features of the landscape; the application of remote sensing to topographic and planimetric map construction, agricultural and land use identification, landform study,and forestry. Each Fall Semester.
GEOG 404	Soils With Lab	Comprehensively examines the classification, formation, and interpretation of soils. Students examine the processes of soil classification (both the zonal classification and the soil taxonomy classification), soil formation (parent material, climate, slope, time and organic activity), and the interpretation of pedogenic sequences (as it relates to deposition, diagenesis, and climate change). Laboratory (one credit, two hours) complements lecture portion of the course. Emphasizes the field interpretation of soils as well as the geochemistry and textual classification of soils. Prerequisites: ES 150 and 255 or permission of the instructor.
GEOG 425	Adv Remote Sensing w/Lab	Examines satellite-based earth imaging instruments, data sources, and products, and their applications to land use management, geologic assessments, agriculture, forestry, soil resources, archeology, meteorology, and oceanography. Utilizes visual and digital data. Prerequisite: GEOG 400 (can be waived by permission of instructor). Every Spring.
GEOG 450	Field Geography w/Lab	Explores techniques essential to geographic field investigation. Emphasizes practical, first-hand experiences in the field where students learn the techniques and procedures of rural and urban land use, surveying, and field research. Prerequisites: consent of instructor. Summer on demand.
GEOG 460	Geospatial Data Handle & Integ	This course concentrates on how geographic data can be compiled from different sources into a GIS project. This includes geo-referencing scanned paper maps, translating the real-world into a geographic database, digitization of vector features, editing attribute data, working with and integrating GIS data available from different online sources, and manipulating metadata.
GEOG 470	Intro Geog Info Systems	Addresses basic concepts and principles of geographic information systems, data models, data structures, applications, and technical issues. Lab focuses on how these basic principles are implemented in a GIS. These include an entire sequence of building spatial database: data capturing, editing, adding attributes, building topography, registering layers to real-world coordinates, making map compositions, data conversion, and basic analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 345 (can be waived by instructor). Fall, annually.\|
GEOG 481	Spatial Analysis & Modeling	This course builds upon previous knowledge of GIS vector and raster data model handling. It concentrates on the use of those spatial data in analyzing different environmental phenomenon. It emphasizes how to derive new information from existing dat,"a, and handling them through interpolation methods and raster calculations. It will also involve the extraction of new knowledge in support of a decision making process through cell-based operations in an automated fashion using scripting and modeling techniques.
GEOG 490	Adv Geog Info Sys w/Lab	Provides students with the ability to apply GIS for spatial problem solving in applied settings. Lecture and application-/project-based. Lecture covers spatial modeling and analysis based on a raster data structure. Laboratory sessions introduce stud,"ents to three-dimensional surface modeling, cost-distance analysis, runoff modeling, and diffusion analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 470. Each Spring Semester.
GEOG 499	Sem: Meth In Geog Resear	Presents the opportunity for students with considerable interest and background in geography to utilize the various methods of analysis of the discipline to examine a concrete issue or research problem. Emphasizes analysis, synthesis, and communication. Students produce a written report and give an oral presentation of their project. Prerequisites: Junior or senior status in geography or permission of instructor. Every other spring.
GEOG 500	Intro Arphoto Int Rem Sens	Study and assessment of the physical and cultural features of the earth using satellite images and aerial photographs. Uses black and white photos, color infrared photos, and digital satellite images for planimetric map construction, agricultural and vegetation studies, landform identification, land use assessment, and forestry. Laboratory activities include analysis of imagery in different zones of the electromagnetic spectrum, geometric correction of satellite images, and computer-assisted land cover classification. Prerequisite: GEOG 125 or permission of instructor. Fall semester.
GEOG 525	Adv Remote Sensing w/Lab	Builds on the content of Introduction to Air Photo Interpretation and Remote Sensing. Uses Earth imaging satellites, such as Lansat, SPOT, and Ikonos, and introduces new instruments, including Radarsat, Space Shuttle, and Space Station earth imagineinstruments. Examines various digital data sets including digital elevation models (DEMS), digital orthophotos and digital topographic maps. Students will work together on a drainage basin study to assess the sources of acid pollution using computer-assisted land cover classification, manual photo interpretation, and field reconnaissance to identify trip mine areas and acid discharging oil/gas wells. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 500. Spring, annually.\|
GEOG 550	Field Geography w/Lab	Systematic study of techniques essential to geographic field investigation. Emphasizes practical, first-hand experiences in the field where students learn techniques and procedures of compass traversing, plane tabling, rural and urban land use surveying, and field research. Prerequisite: Cartography I and consent of instructor. Offered occasionally.
GEOG 560	Geospatial Data Handle & Integ	This course concentrates on how geographic data can be compiled from different sources into a GIS project. This includes geo-referencing scanned paper maps, translating the real-world into a geographic database, digitization of vector features, editing attribute data, working with and integrating GIS data available from different online sources, and manipulating metadata.
GEOG 570	Intro Geog Info Systems	Addresses basic concepts and principles of geographic information systems, data models, data structures, applications, and technical issues. Lab focuses on how these basic principles are implemented in a GIS. Lab includes an entire sequence of building spatial database: data capturing, editing, adding attributes, building topography, registering layers to real-world coordinates, making map compositions, data conversion, and basic analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 345 or permission of instructor. Fall, annually.\|
GEOG 581	Spatial Analysis & Modeling	This course builds upon previous knowledge of GIS vector and raster data model handling. It concentrates on the use of those spatial data in analyzing different environmental phenomenon. It emphasizes how to derive new information from existing dat,"a, and handling them through interpolation methods and raster calculations. It will also involve the extraction of new knowledge in support of a decision making process through cell-based operations in an automated fashion using scripting and modeling techniques.
GEOG 590	Adv Geog Info Sys w/Lab	Provides students with the ability to apply GIS for spatial problem-solving in applied setting. Lecture- and application/project-based course. Lecture covers spatial modeling and analysis based on a raster data structure. Laboratory sessions introduc,"e students to three-dimensional surface modeling, cost-distance analysis, runoff modeling, and diffusion analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 570. Spring, annually.
GER 100	Intro Germ German

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)

Course Title

Course Description

GEOG 115

Conservation

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 rational and logic of federal and state environmental laws. Every fall or spring. (Values Flag.)

GEOG 210

Fund of Digital Mapping

Introduces the basic knowledge required to work with digital maps. General and specialized online and desktop mapping options are discussed, and an introduction to the geo-spatial technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Remote Sensing is emphasized. The potential uses of those technologies in the areas such as environmental studies, forestry, marketing, demographics, and utilities are also presented.

GEOG 225

Cartography I With Lab

Systematic study of basic concepts and components of thematic map-making. Emphasizes familiarization with and utilization of drafting instruments and equipment essential to map design and construction. Presents techniques of photographic reproduction, of student map projects. Two lectures and three hours of laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: GEOG 125 or consent of instructor. Offered annually.

GEOG 244

Planning the Human Environment

The course introduces students to the theory and practice of urban and regional planning. Examines the means and ways of managing land resources with respect to enhancing the use of land for residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural purposes. The course focuses on comprehensive planning, planning strategies, planning analysis, regulatory systems and the preservation and conservation of land resources for future generations and for aesthetic purposes. The ecological implications of development on natural resources is pivotal in the course in order to explain and analyze growth management practices in urban and rural communities. Offered occasionally.

GEOG 257

U.S. & Canada

Analyzes geographic problems, natural and cultural, of the United States and Canada; the synthesis of physical, biotic, economic, and social patterns and problems of geographic regions of North America; the interrelationship of North American political structures and their ties with the rest of the world. Each semester.

GEOG 260

Economic Geog

Explores the production, exchange, and use of the basic commodities of the world; the relationship between the physical factors and economic conditions and the patterns of major economic activities, world trade, and trade routes; economic landscapes; problems of economic development. Recommended for majors in economics, history, and political science. Every other year.

GEOG 300

Special Topics

Topics of special interest in various areas of physical, human, or regional geography. Professor selects format most suitable to the study. Enrollment by consent of the instructor. Offered occasionally.

GEOG 310

Sustainable Development

Examines the commonalities developing countries have faced and continue to face in their push toward development, particularly as they relate to the spatial aspects affecting the conditions of the development process. Analyzes theories of growth andsocial and economic development, as well as the historical and contemporary relationship between the developed and the developing world. Discusses issues such as population growth and human settlement patterns, the rural/urban dichotomy, industrialization and urbanization, regional trading blocks, transportation and development, and the socio-economic development planning. Examines the impact of cultural elements such as religion and the role of women in development. Writing intensive course. Pr|

GEOG 315

Human Geog:Race,Class,Ge

Focuses on methods and theories geographers have used to explore how social relations of race, class, and gender have been structured, influenced, and expressed spatially. Exposes students to social/spatial construction theories (the social construction of race and gender, the social production of space, and the role of space in the construction of gender and race), and postmodern economic restructuring and its impact on the location and (race, class, and gender component of the) employment structure of flexible industries. Explores contemporary theories on the role of race/gender and class intersection in the reproduction process, and the colonial and postcolonial geographies of gender and race. Writing intensive course. Prerequisite: None|

GEOG 325

Cartography II With Lab

A systematic study of the new dimensions of cartography in use today. Emphasizes the techniques used in the construction of three-dimensional maps and models of statistical surfaces, diagrams, cartograms, negative scribing, and color separation. Twolectures and three hours of laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: Cartography I and consent of instructor. Every other year.

GEOG 345

Computer Cartog w/Lab

Systematic study of the newest dimension of cartography in use today. Designing and constructing computer maps is an integral part of the course. Students create computer maps with a number of programs, including Atlas Graphics, Atlas Draw, Microam,Map Info. PC Globe, PS USA, Systate, etc. Introduces the use of the digitizer. Prerequisite CIS 110 or equivalent course, or consent of the instructor. Every other spring.

GEOG 358

Geography Of The Caribbean

Study of the Caribbean, with a special tour on the geography and the cultural and socio-economic aspects of the Caribbean. Emphasizes socio-economic history of slavery and the plantation economy, including issues of race relations and their spatial dimensions. Traces the economic transition away from the plantation economy, the rise of an active black leadership, urbanization and urban planning in the region, attempts at economic and political regional integration, economic development strategies of small Caribbean islands, and the impact of tourism as the new mono culture of the region. Offered occasionally.|

GEOG 385

Climatology

Examines the major components of climate and climate change. Analyzes physical aspects of the atmosphere as a series of long-term weather phenomena. Studies regional characteristics of climate on the basis of worldwide weather patterns. Emphasizes, how applied aspects of climate demonstrate the interrelationships and importance of both physical and regional climatology to humankind. Also examines the causes of long-term climate change and variability. Acceptable for social science or natural, science credits. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher.

GEOG 400

Intro Remote Sensing/Lab

Explores aerial photographs for geographic investigation of physical and cultural features of the landscape; the application of remote sensing to topographic and planimetric map construction, agricultural and land use identification, landform study,and forestry. Each Fall Semester.

GEOG 404

Soils With Lab

Comprehensively examines the classification, formation, and interpretation of soils. Students examine the processes of soil classification (both the zonal classification and the soil taxonomy classification), soil formation (parent material, climate, slope, time and organic activity), and the interpretation of pedogenic sequences (as it relates to deposition, diagenesis, and climate change). Laboratory (one credit, two hours) complements lecture portion of the course. Emphasizes the field interpretation of soils as well as the geochemistry and textual classification of soils. Prerequisites: ES 150 and 255 or permission of the instructor.

GEOG 425

Adv Remote Sensing w/Lab

Examines satellite-based earth imaging instruments, data sources, and products, and their applications to land use management, geologic assessments, agriculture, forestry, soil resources, archeology, meteorology, and oceanography. Utilizes visual and digital data. Prerequisite: GEOG 400 (can be waived by permission of instructor). Every Spring.

GEOG 450

Field Geography w/Lab

Explores techniques essential to geographic field investigation. Emphasizes practical, first-hand experiences in the field where students learn the techniques and procedures of rural and urban land use, surveying, and field research. Prerequisites: consent of instructor. Summer on demand.

GEOG 460

Geospatial Data Handle & Integ

This course concentrates on how geographic data can be compiled from different sources into a GIS project. This includes geo-referencing scanned paper maps, translating the real-world into a geographic database, digitization of vector features, editing attribute data, working with and integrating GIS data available from different online sources, and manipulating metadata.

GEOG 470

Intro Geog Info Systems

Addresses basic concepts and principles of geographic information systems, data models, data structures, applications, and technical issues. Lab focuses on how these basic principles are implemented in a GIS. These include an entire sequence of building spatial database: data capturing, editing, adding attributes, building topography, registering layers to real-world coordinates, making map compositions, data conversion, and basic analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 345 (can be waived by instructor). Fall, annually.|

GEOG 481

Spatial Analysis & Modeling

This course builds upon previous knowledge of GIS vector and raster data model handling. It concentrates on the use of those spatial data in analyzing different environmental phenomenon. It emphasizes how to derive new information from existing dat,"a, and handling them through interpolation methods and raster calculations. It will also involve the extraction of new knowledge in support of a decision making process through cell-based operations in an automated fashion using scripting and modeling techniques.

GEOG 490

Adv Geog Info Sys w/Lab

Provides students with the ability to apply GIS for spatial problem solving in applied settings. Lecture and application-/project-based. Lecture covers spatial modeling and analysis based on a raster data structure. Laboratory sessions introduce stud,"ents to three-dimensional surface modeling, cost-distance analysis, runoff modeling, and diffusion analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 470. Each Spring Semester.

GEOG 499

Sem: Meth In Geog Resear

Presents the opportunity for students with considerable interest and background in geography to utilize the various methods of analysis of the discipline to examine a concrete issue or research problem. Emphasizes analysis, synthesis, and communication. Students produce a written report and give an oral presentation of their project. Prerequisites: Junior or senior status in geography or permission of instructor. Every other spring.

GEOG 500

Intro Arphoto Int Rem Sens

Study and assessment of the physical and cultural features of the earth using satellite images and aerial photographs. Uses black and white photos, color infrared photos, and digital satellite images for planimetric map construction, agricultural and vegetation studies, landform identification, land use assessment, and forestry. Laboratory activities include analysis of imagery in different zones of the electromagnetic spectrum, geometric correction of satellite images, and computer-assisted land cover classification. Prerequisite: GEOG 125 or permission of instructor. Fall semester.

GEOG 525

Adv Remote Sensing w/Lab

Builds on the content of Introduction to Air Photo Interpretation and Remote Sensing. Uses Earth imaging satellites, such as Lansat, SPOT, and Ikonos, and introduces new instruments, including Radarsat, Space Shuttle, and Space Station earth imagineinstruments. Examines various digital data sets including digital elevation models (DEMS), digital orthophotos and digital topographic maps. Students will work together on a drainage basin study to assess the sources of acid pollution using computer-assisted land cover classification, manual photo interpretation, and field reconnaissance to identify trip mine areas and acid discharging oil/gas wells. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 500. Spring, annually.|

GEOG 550

Field Geography w/Lab

Systematic study of techniques essential to geographic field investigation. Emphasizes practical, first-hand experiences in the field where students learn techniques and procedures of compass traversing, plane tabling, rural and urban land use surveying, and field research. Prerequisite: Cartography I and consent of instructor. Offered occasionally.

GEOG 560

Geospatial Data Handle & Integ

GEOG 570

Intro Geog Info Systems

Addresses basic concepts and principles of geographic information systems, data models, data structures, applications, and technical issues. Lab focuses on how these basic principles are implemented in a GIS. Lab includes an entire sequence of building spatial database: data capturing, editing, adding attributes, building topography, registering layers to real-world coordinates, making map compositions, data conversion, and basic analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 345 or permission of instructor. Fall, annually.|

GEOG 581

Spatial Analysis & Modeling

GEOG 590

Adv Geog Info Sys w/Lab

Provides students with the ability to apply GIS for spatial problem-solving in applied setting. Lecture- and application/project-based course. Lecture covers spatial modeling and analysis based on a raster data structure. Laboratory sessions introduc,"e students to three-dimensional surface modeling, cost-distance analysis, runoff modeling, and diffusion analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG/ES 570. Spring, annually.

GER 100

Intro Germ German