Catalog - Geography

Department Information

Peter J. Valora, Department Chair
John D. Nielson
Departmental Office (208) 356-1424

Geography: It is recommended that those with an interest in becoming Geographers seek a broad background in many fields, especially in the Social and Earth Sciences. Geography majors may choose from careers in travel, cartography, business, government and education. Course work is designed for the student who will transfer to a university program with a two year Associate Degree in Arts and Sciences Major - Geography.

A geography-based, “Travel and Tourism” 4-year degree program is available at BYU. This program is for students interested in careers as travel agents, tourism specialists and other travel and tourism related careers. You can complete two of the core courses of this program (G 101 and G 120) while at Ricks. Contact Geography Department for further information.

Associate in Arts and Sciences with a major in Geography

Recommended sequence of courses:

First Semester
Religion 2
General Education 8
Geog 101 Physical Geog 3
Math Requirement 0
Electives 3
Total Credits 16

Second Semester
Religion 2
General Education 8
Geog 120 Geog Wld Affairs 3
Electives 3
Total Credit 16

Third Semester
Religion 2
General Education 6
Electives 8
Total Credits 16

Fourth Semester
Religion 2
General Education 5
Electives 9
Total Credit 16

General Education

Before choosing General Education courses and electives you should consult with your geography advisor to ensure your selections will strengthen your interest in cultural or physical geography and prepare you for further study.

The following course is highly recommended: Math 110 College Algebra.

Course Descriptions

Geog 101 **Physical Geography 3
Three instruction hours per week
The geographical study of man's physical environment: weather, climate, vegetation, soils, and landforms. Their interrelationships, distribution, and significance to man are emphasized.

Geog 101L **Physical Geography 1
Prerequisite: concurrent registration in Geog 101, or consent of instructor
One hour lab per week
Field trips will be required and fee assessed
The lab’s will include materials designed to bring a greater understanding of geographic principles, with emphasis upon map reading, photo interpretation, soil, vegetation, weather, climate and landform processes.

Geog 120* Geography and World Affairs 3
Three instruction hours per week
The study of human cultures as they interact with each other and with their physical environment. Its focus is on such topics as population, urban-ization, language, religion, political patterns, and economic development as these express themselves in world affairs.

* Gives GE credit in the Social Science area of Social Science

** Gives GE credit in the Physical Science Area of the Natural Science Requirement

GeographyDept@ricks.edu

ŠRicks College 1998