KU Geography Logo Dr. Richard S. Courtney
Kutztown University Department of Geography
...making a world of difference
 

Biography

     I am originally from Burbank, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, in the San Fernando Valley.  After I graduated from Burbank High School, I attended college at California State University, Northridge where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (cum laude) in Earth Science with a Minor in Geology. The course of study I pursued while at CSUN was very broad indeed.  Earth Science offered me the opportunity to study widely in the physical sciences. Upon graduation, I decided to continue to study at CSUN and in an area that would allow me to study a wide variety of subjects, Geography. I developed an interest in urban systems dynamics while in the Master's program at CSUN.  I earned my Master's Degree (with distinction) in Geography.  My Master's Thesis is titled, "Urban System Development Trends in the Upper Midwest: 1900-1980." In my thesis, I employ multiple quantitative techniques of analysis.  My interest in urban systems dynamics carried over to my Doctoral studies at The Ohio State University. My dissertation is titled, "A Spatio-temporo-hierarchical Model of Urban System Population Dynamics: A Case Study of the Upper Midwest." In the dissertation I employ Casetti's Expansion Method to redefine a rank-size model into a 27 parameter equation capable of identifying spatial, temporal, and hierarchical dimensions of population redistribution that I use to study the urban system of the Upper Midwest.
    I joined the Department of Geography at Kutztown University of PA  in the fall of 1993.  I currently teach Introductory Physical Geography, Urban Geography, Cartography, and Research Methods.  I was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor effective Fall 2001.  I have served as Department Chair since the summer of 2008.

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