Geography 580
Seminar
Catalog Entry
Geography 580. Seminar
Credit Hours (1-4).
Prerequisites: Minimum of 9 hours of undergraduate geography (GEOG 225 & GEOG 250 or equivalent, plus another geography course of choice) or permission of Instructor.
Intensive study of a special field of geography An outline of topics will be made available each time the course is offered. May be taken for credit more than once, providing the topics are different each time.
Detailed Description of Course
A course outline will be available each time the course is offered and interested graduate students should consult the Department Chair for detailed course information on the course offered before registering. Expected is a maturity of thought commensurate with the graduate level course in analyzing geospatial data, performing the appropriate supportive research, and communicating such findings in written and oral forms to peers and course instructors.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Depending on the topic, the instructor and the size of the group, the course may be conducted using a lecture/laboratory format or a seminar with a laboratory component approach. It may include discussions, oral presentations, example work (theoretical and practical, if applicable), laboratory work (using a GIS and various appropriate extensions to the software), or a variety of other approaches.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
The Seminar provides an opportunity for students seeking graduate level coursework in Geography, and to explore a body of knowledge for which no formal, regularly scheduled course currently exists within the discipline of geography at Radford University. The specific goals and objectives of the course will obviously depend on the specific topic(s) covered. In general, a student successfully completing the course will have an understanding of one or more advanced topics in the realm of geospatial analysis in geography. The course will include laboratory components and the student successfully completing the course will have developed specific computer or technical skills in the areas of GIS and associated modules and software extensions.
Assessment Measures
Assessment will vary with the instructor and the particular topic within geospatial analysis. Depending on the topic(s) and the instructor, students may have several options. They may be asked to demonstrate a graduate-level of proficiency with the theoretical and practical materials of this course (including theoretical background of software and associated extensions, and high-level proficiency in the applications of these technologies, ranging from database developments to hardcopy output of end-products such as maps, charts, graphs, and tables). Expected of the students is a maturity of thought commensurate with this graduate level course in analyzing geospatial data, performing the appropriate supportive research, and communicating such findings in written and oral forms to peers and course instructors. Graduate students in this course may be asked to demonstrate understanding of the course materials or instructional modules by taking on a role as competent presenter of material. Or they may be asked to submit library research papers on related topics. Examinations can be used for assessment as well. Laboratory components are part of the course and students may be asked to demonstrate their laboratory skills to carry out sophisticated analyses, and/or to take responsibility for the design and execution of selected modules and/or learning technologies. The exact requirements will be discussed with the instructor at the beginning of the semester.
Other Course Information
1. Transcripts will show course topic (e.g., "Seminar: Hydrologic Modeling")
2. Course outline will be approved by the Department of Geography before courses are offered.
3. GEOG 580 may be repeated for credit if the topic is different.
Review and Approval
Date Action Reviewed By
ACPR 11/30/04
VPPA 12/3/04
