Geography

Overview

Program Paths

In addition to the required courses in geography, students may choose to specialize in urban and social geography or geospatial techniques. The first option focuses on the study of metropolitan areas and the socio-spatial patterns that characterize them. Students are introduced to principles of urban planning and urban design and the dynamics of urbanization. The latter option includes instruction in field methods, computer-assisted mapping, statistics, geographic information science, and interpretation of aerial photos and satellite images.

Program Objectives

Students of the Geography program of the Northeastern Illinois University are expected to:

• apply both a systematic approach and a regional approach to interpret, analyze and organize geographic information at global, regional, and local scales

• show an understanding of physical geographic systems such as weather, climate, landforms, soils, natural vegetation, and hydrology

• demonstrate knowledge about how humans shape landscapes, with particular attention to urban, economic and other cultural patterns

• interpret maps, data and images; to collect geographic data from multiple sources; to make effective maps and to conduct analysis using Geographic Information Systems

• demonstrate critical thinking skills to interpret, evaluate and predict spatial patterns or phenomena, and to propose solutions to geographic problems at various scales of analysis

• demonstrate effective skills working individually and within a group for research as well as for oral, written, and graphic presentations