The tools of doing geography are changing dramatically, but the need for good, rigorous geographical thinking is a constant. Varying levels of preparation among students and the gaps revealed by the geographic diagnostic exam are the motivation for changing the techniques courses. Geographic Techniques, the new foundations course, is the focus of this new approach. The objective is to introduce basic concepts and skills as students move through the program. This goal is not to see how many techniques can be taught to students but to build a functional base. The new computer-based laboratory is a major instrument in achieving the goals of the new introductory course as well as an important instrument in the following techniques courses. Sophomores and juniors intending to major in geography are directed to Geographic Techniques after having completed a minimum of three introductory geography courses. This course is the prerequisite for all of the traditional techniques courses in the department. As students complete this course they should be comfortable working in the computer lab; able to use e-mail and move about the Internet; have the beginnings of the vocabulary of geographic techniques; have an integrated exposure to content of the various techniques used in geography; be aware of the nature of geographic data and how to get such data for local questions or global questions; and have some experience in using a word processor, spreadsheet, and the Idrisi GIS package. The impact of building this foundation can be realized in all subsequent techniques courses as well as in the preparation of the students as they move into their internship and ultimately into the work place or on to graduate school.
