GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 101:
Weather and Climate 4 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU, UNBC
An introduction to the fields of meteorology and climatology. Emphasis will be placed on atmospheric processes, weather forecasting, and local climates, and on the relationship of these topics to a variety of environmental issues.
GEOG 102:
Evolution of the Earth’s Surface 4 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
The study of the origins and development of the earth’s surface features. Emphasis will be placed on the physical processes underlying the dynamics of our changing landscape.
GEOG 130:
Geography of Canada 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
An introduction to the geography of Canada using the concepts and methods of regional geography to examine the Canadian experience as a set of distinct regions and a nation. Emphasis will be placed on the geographic analysis of current issues, and on the detailed analysis of regional character.
GEOG 131:
British Columbia 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
Using the concepts and techniques of regional geography, this course examines topics in physical geography, settlement, social, economic and resource geography, and the patterns, landscapes and images which characterize the province.
GEOG 140:
Human Geography 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
This course is intended to be a broad survey of human geography. You will develop a range of skills that will allow you to describe and interpret the regions, societies and landscapes which result from the interaction between humans and their environment.
GEOG 201:
Introduction to Climatology 4 credits
Prerequisites: GEOG 101
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, UNBC
A survey course in introductory climatology. The basic principles of atmospheric energy, moisture, and motion. Topics covered will range from the micro-scale (air pollution), to synoptic-scale (hurricanes), and global-scale (climate change).
GEOG 202:
Introduction to Geomorphology 4 credits
Prerequisite: GEOG 102 or equivalent
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU, UNBC
GEOG 202 is a first course in geomorphology that will build on numerous concepts developed in GEOG 102. Topics covered in the course include a review of geology, history of geomorphology, mass movements, glacial geomorphology, and an introduction to drainage basins and river networks. Examples of the geomorphology of British Columbia will be used whenever possible. A weekend field trip to Cache Creek and local in-class trips will develop practical skills in landform analysis.
GEOG 233:
Selected Regions 3 credits
Prerequisites: any course in geography
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the regional geography of a major world region. Subject matter will include topics drawn from physical and human geography, with emphasis placed on the human/environmental interactions, historic and contemporary, which account for the geographical character of the region.
GEOG 211 (formerly GEOG 111):
Environmental Issues 3 credits
Prerequisites: Any first year Geography course
An introduction to
the study of people in their physical surroundings. The central themes of the course focus
on humans as agents of environmental change, and as users of the earth’s resources.
Emphasis will also be placed on an examination of fundamental concepts, methods, and
techniques used to study human/environment systems.
GEOG 241:
Social Geography 3 credits
Prerequisite: GEOG 140
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
This course presents students with the opportunity to critically assess the interrelationship between urban space and lifestyle. Focusing on the connections between people and their social environment, topics explored include gender and space, crime, residential segregation and concepts of community and neighbourhood.
GEOG 242:
Economic Geography 3 credits
Prerequisite: GEOG 140
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
Introduces the basic concepts and theories of economic geography. Special attention is directed to an analysis of the location of settlement patterns, agricultural land use, resource extraction, energy development, manufacturing, retailing and other economic activities. The objective will be to examine the impact of economic decisions on the spatial organization of economic activity on the local, regional, national, and global scale.
GEOG 251:
Cartography I 4 credits
Prerequisites: any other geography course
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
An introduction to major topics in the field of cartography, with emphasis placed on map and air photo interpretation, on the collection and graphic portrayal of spatial data, and on elementary surveying methods. The course explores a variety of tools and techniques used by geographers in the analysis of physical and human landscapes. Some consideration of computer applications and Geographic Information Systems is also included.
GEOG 253:
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 4 credits
Prerequisite: any first-year course in geography
Transferability: pending
A geographic information system is defined as a configuration of system hardware and software that captures, stores, analyzes, and displays geographic information. The focus of this course is on the theory and practice of GIS as a tool in geographical analysis and data management. Students will develop competency in the operation of GIS software in a computer lab setting.
GEOG 270:
Field Techniques in Human Geography 3 credits
Prerequisites: GEOG 130 or 131 or 233; 140, 241, or 242; and 251
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
This course provides an intensive introduction to a variety of tools and techniques used by human geographers to describe and analyze the cultural landscape and the spatial organization of society. Required lab and fieldwork will cover a range of different topics studied in earlier courses, and students will design a major field project based on their specific area of interest.
Second-year standing and instructor’s permission required.
GEOG 271:
Field Techniques in Physical Geography 3 credits
Prerequisites: GEOG 101 and 102; GEOG 111 and 251
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
This course provides an intensive introduction to a variety of tools and techniques used by geographers to describe and analyze the physical environment.
GEOG 301
Synoptic Climatology 4 credits
Prerequisites: GEOG 201 and MATH 104 or 106, or instructor’s permission
An advanced course in synoptic climatology. Examination of the structure of the atmosphere through climatological and meteorological data analysis. Weather prediction using satellite imagery and radar. Emphasis is placed on applied laboratory exercises.
GEOG 302:
Advanced Geomorphology 4 credits
Prerequisites: GEOG 202
Transferability: OU, SFU
A full course in geomorphology that will expand upon many of the topics introduced in GEOG 202. Emphasis will be placed on the coastal, fluvial, and glacial geomorphic systems useful in the understanding of the natural landscape of British Columbia. Field trips throughout the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland are an integral component of the course.
GEOG 343:
Geography of Transitional Societies 4 credits
Prerequisites: GEOG 241 or 242
A cultural-ecological approach will be used to survey the geographical patterns of the recent past and to attempt to understand the changes in the world’s transitional societies, including environmental and cultural change, cultural processes, and the development of primary production and urban growth.
GEOG 344:
Geography of Urban Development 4 credits
Prerequisites: GEOG 241 or 242
This course will apply the principles of urban geographical analysis to the study of urbanization as exemplified in the development of cities in Europe and North America.
GEOG 345:
Historical Geography I 4 credits
Prerequisites: GEOG 241 or 242
This course explores the fundamental approaches, methodologies, and techniques which characterize the field of historical geography. Students will review examples of research drawn from a range of different historical and regional settings, but emphasizing the North American scene. An appreciation of the ways of doing historical geography along with an exploration, interpretation, and evaluation of the historical record as it pertains to such research, will be integral parts of the course.
GEOG 352:
Quantitative Methods in Geography 4 credits
Prerequisites: GEOG 251, and one of MATH 104, 106 or PSYC 201, or acceptable statistics course
This course introduces geography students to methods in the collection, description, analysis and mapping of data. Techniques in the collection and recording of primary and secondary data will be covered and methods of statistical description and inference will be surveyed. The course will also include topics in the spatial display of data, particularly through computer mapping packages.
GEOG 360:
Introduction to Regional and Community Planning 4 credits
Prerequisites: GEOG 241 or 242
Transferability: SFU, OU
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theories, methods and legalities of community and regional planning in Canada. The planning challenges and social responsibilities accompanying the dynamic nature of urban and suburban development will be debated emphasizing Canadian and British Columbian examples and case studies. Students will also have the opportunity to apply course content to local planning issues or urban problems.
GEOG 401:
Global Climatology 4 credits
Prerequisites: GEOG 201 and MATH 104 or 106
An advanced course in global climatology. Exploration of the global climate system. Examination of past, present, and possible future climate scenarios. Environmental and socio-economic impacts of nuclear winter, ozone holes, and global warming. Policy responses.
Note: Other students with a relevant science background are encouraged to seek permission to register for this course, providing that a suitable research project related to their specific background can be mutually agreed upon.
GEOG 402:
Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology 4 credits
Prerequisites: GEOG 302; or GEOG 202 with instructor’s permission
Transferability: OU, SFU
This course will examine selected aspects of the stratigraphy, geomorphology and surficial geology of the Quaternary. Glacial and fluvial depositional models introduced in Geography 302 will be reviewed. Regional emphasis will be placed on southwestern British Columbia and adjacent regions of the United States. Fieldwork is an essential component of this course.
GEOG 433:
Geography of Selected Regions 4 credits
Prerequisites: 60 credits including four credits of 300/400-level geography courses.
A study of the geographical character of a selected region.
GEOG 443:
Comparative Cultural Geography 4 credits
Prerequisites: Any one of GEOG 343, GEOG 344, GEOG 345, GEOG 360, or instructor’s permission
Corequisites: none
Transferability: OU, SFU
A comparative study of selected world cultures and landscapes in the light of recent theoretical developments in geography. The human use of the earth over time by various cultures will be examined.
GEOG 444:
The Geography of Suburban Development 4 credits
Prerequisites: Any one of GEOG 343, GEOG 344, GEOG 345, GEOG 360, or instructor’s permission
Corequisites: none
This course represents an extension of the urban geographical themes developed in GEOG 344. Whereas GEOG 344 establishes the framework of urban development in Canada and the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries, the focus in GEOG 444 is on the particular nature of suburban development, especially of the post-industrial era.
GEOG 445:
Historical Geography II 4 credits
Prerequisites: Any one of GEOG
343, GEOG 344, GEOG 345 or
GEOG 360
This course considers recent approaches and techniques in historical geography. Students will explore research from several historical and regional settings, with emphasis placed on studies of Canada, British Columbia, and the Fraser Valley. A significant portion of the course will be devoted to the finding, evaluation, and use of local source materials. Students will be expected to design and research a major study on some historical aspect of Fraser Valley geography.
GEOG 452:
Field Methods and Techniques 4 credits
Prerequisites: GEOG 352
This course will provide students with opportunities to apply the concepts and skills acquired in previous geography courses to specific research problems in the field. Working both in the classroom and in a local area, students will define and formulate research problems, collect and analyze appropriate data, and design and write formal research reports on their findings. Field problems will be drawn from topics in both physical and human geography. Research reports will be expected to reflect an integrated approach to the study of a local region.
GEOG 460:
Practicum in Planning 4 credits
Prerequisites: GEOG 360 and instructor’s permission
Planning is generally defined as an applied or action-oriented profession, dedicated to addressing ecological, social, economic, and land use challenges at a local or broad level. The purpose of this course is to enable students to engage in an applied program of planning work under the supervision of a planner who is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP). The four-month practicum presents students with the opportunity to apply techniques and methods as well as establish contacts with practising planners.
GEOG 480:
Directed Readings 4 credits
Prerequisites: permission to enter requires written consent of both the supervising faculty member and the department head
Designed for upper-level Geography students who wish to continue research started in conjunction with an earlier course.
GEOG 482:
Directed Studies 2 credits
Prerequisites: Permission to enter requires written consent of both the faculty member supervising the student and the department head.
Designed for upper-level geography students who wish to continue research started in conjunction with an earlier course.
GEOG 483:
Directed Studies 3 credits
Prerequisites: permission to enter requires written consent of both the faculty member supervising the student and the department head.
Designed for upper-level geography students who wish to continue research started in conjunction with an earlier course.
GEOG 484:
Directed Studies 4 credits
Prerequisites: permission to enter requires written consent of both the faculty member supervising the student and the department head.
Designed for upper-level geography students who wish to continue research started in conjunction with an earlier course
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