Courses

As a student at the University of Louisiana Lafayette, you are free to select courses from the following list.  If you are are pursuing the minor in geography, keep in mind the  requirements for the degree. We recommend starting with two introductory courses, and then moving on to our regional or topical concentrations. Please note that not all courses are offered every semester, and therefore you should consult the university’s schedule for current and future offerings. You might also be interested in working closely with a professor on a topic of your choice, research project, or learn about Geographic Information Systems. You can do so by first contacting the faculty member you would like to work with to see if she or he can give you permission to register for independent study credits.

Introductory Courses 

GEOG 103 - World Geography (3 Credits).

Introduces the basic concepts of geography while examining human activities in different regions of the world. Special emphasis is placed on the geographic factors affecting the development of nations.

GEOG 104 - Physical Geography (3 Credits).
Survey of the factors of the natural environment that are of vital importance to human life and activities.

GEOG 201 – Human Geography (3 Credits).
Systematic treatment of the major concepts of human geography and their application to modern problems. Consideration of settlement patterns, migration, communication, and territoriality.

Regional Courses

GEOG 306 – Geography of Latin America (3 Credits).
Survey of the physical, political, economic, and human geography of the region for the purpose of analyzing its economic potential.
GEOG 310 – Geography of U.S. and Canada (3 Credits).
Geographic examination of culture, economy, natural and human resources.

GEOG 311 – Geography of Europe (3 Credits).
Survey of regional differentiation in Europe and the political and economic systems associated with it.

GEOG 313 – Geography of Asia and Australia (3 Credits).
Study of the natural resources and physical environment of the area and how they relate to present-day cultural and economic problems.

GEOG 315 – Geography of Middle East (3 Credits).
Regional survey of Southwest Asia and Northern Africa, emphasizing physical environment, mineral resources, economic development, and cultural diversity.

GEOG 317 – Geography of Africa (3 Credits).
Study of the potential of the nation-states of Africa based on their mineral, agricultural, environmental, and cultural resources.

GEOG 319 – Geography of Russia (3 Credits).
Problems and potential of the Russian State based on its mineral, agricultural, and cultural resources.

GEOG 350 – Geography of Louisiana (3 Credits).
Detailed geographic study of the State of Louisiana. Land forms, climate, and natural and human resources are considered from the standpoint of the role they play in influencing the economic and cultural potential of the state.

Topical Courses

GEOG 322 - Economic Geography (3 Credits).
Study of processes affecting the location of economic activities. Consideration of patterns of industrial and commercial location.

GEOG 330 - Urban Geography (3 Credits).
Examination of social, economic, and political forces related to the growth and development of the modern city.

GEOG 346 - Historical Geography of North America (3 Credits).
Regional survey of the historic linkage between human settlement and the physical environment of Canada and the United States from colonial origins to the closing of the western and northern land frontiers.

GEOG 358 - Social Geography (3 Credits).
Territoriality, segregation, decentralization, migration, and other social processes. Social aspects of new town planning applied to cultural challenges.

GEOG 371 - Cultural Spheres (3 Credits).
Content varies. Students are limited to a maximum of six (6) hours credit. Alternate subtitles will appear on student’s transcript. Regional and topical aspects of selected world cultural realms.

GEOG 375 - Political Geography (3 Credits).
Political organization of space and consideration of locational conflict at the international, regional, and metropolitan scale.

GEOG 410(G) - Historic Preservation Planning (3 Credits).
Urban and regional planning, community enhancement, use planning tools and techniques to further historic preservation and land use controls to further preservation efforts.

GEOG 431(G) - Heritage Tourism (3 Credits).
Literature, theory, and implementation of effective programs relevant to regional economic growth and urban revitalization.

GEOG 432(G) - Transportation Planning (3 Credits).
Role of transportation in comprehensive urban and regional planning and development. Origin-destination studies and trip distribution models.

GEOG 433(G) - Housing and Community Development (3 Credits).
Housing policy and urban renewal/rehabilitation.

Independent Studies

With permission of a geography faculty member, undergraduate and graduate students can sign-up for independent study credits to work on a research project, study a topic of particular interest, or learn about Geographic Information Systems.

GEOG 405 - Directed Individual Study I (1 to 3 Credits).
Restriction: Permission of advisor and instructor required.

GEOG 406 - Directed Individual Study II (1 to 3 Credits).
Restriction: Permission of advisor and instructor required.

GEOG 407(G) - Directed Individual Study III (1 to 3 Credits).
Restriction: Permission of advisor and instructor required.