Geography
Geography
Geography is a dynamic discipline that it is concerned with where things are located on the surface of the Earth, why they are located where they are, and how places are similar and/or different. Geographers further examine our interactions with the environment and how physical and cultural landscapes change through time. There are two main branches of geography:
- physical geography, which focuses on the processes that drive Earth’s climate, create landforms, and govern the distribution of plants and animals; and
- human geography, which focuses on cultural phenomenon such as population, development, agriculture, language and religion. Geography students are trained to examine the spatial organization of physical features and human activities at a variety of spatial scales from local to global.
A background in geography is a necessity for careers involving business, economics, planning, education, history, international relations, cartography, conservation, GIS, demography, transportation, tourism and others.
This course is a spatial study of planet Earth's dynamic physical systems and processes. Topics include weather, climate, geomorphology, soils, and the biosphere. The emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and processes and their resulting patterns and distributions. Tools of geographic inquiry include maps, remote sensing, graphic data, and models.
This laboratory course is designed to be the hands-on measurement, computational and data analysis portion of the Physical Geography course. By using specific data, either provided by the instructor or generated by the students, activities focus on the detailed aspects and general patterns associated with the hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Specific activities include: topographic map interpretation/use/preparation, reading/preparing charts and tables, manipulation of numerical data and learning/performing field/laboratory techniques common to the discipline.
This course is a study of diverse human populations, their cultural origins, diffusion, and contemporary spatial expressions. Topics include demography, languages and religions, urbanization and landscape modification, political units and nationalism, and economic systems. Consideration is given to interrelationships between human activities and the physical environment.
This course is a nontechnical study of the earth's atmospheric phenomena: the basic weather elements - temperature, pressure and moisture conditions and the recording of data; investigation into the causes of weather and the world climate patterns.
This course is an introduction to the geography of California—its natural setting of mountains, valleys, deserts and coastline, and how people have adapted to this unique environment. Topics to be examined include weather and climate, agricultural activities, settlement patterns, use of natural resources, industry and manufacturing, and the problems facing California today.
This course is an introduction to the world's major geographic regions and the environmental issues they face as seen though the lens of modern geographic tools like Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Topics will include: survey of population distribution, cultural patterns, political structures and strife, and economic development; general land use patterns and resource utilization and their correlation with environmental elements including weather, climate, water resources, and landforms; interpretation of maps and other geographic imagery; and an emphasis on geography's uniquely spatial perspective within an interdisciplinary approach.
Field experiences are designed to apply basic geographic concepts and techniques in the study of diverse landscapes and the processes shaping them. The course will cover physical and cultural processes, characteristics, and landscapes of California and the Southwest. Spatial patterns of historic settlement, land use, wild land preservation, industry, economic development, and tourism will also be explored. Students will observe and analyze the geomorphic processes that shape landforms and evaluate the interrelationships between the physical and cultural environment. This course exposes students to the methods and techniques commonly used by geographers while conducting fieldwork. Thematic emphasis will vary depending on location.
This course provides an introduction to mapping and geospatial technologies. This is the foundation course for the use of GIS software. It covers the history, structure, uses, hardware and software requirements, as well as the basic operations of GIS. It also examines the use of other geospatial technologies (paper and digital maps, aerial photography, remote sensing, and global positioning systems (GPS)). Examples will be presented for the uses of these technologies in a number of fields including business, city planning, natural resource management and scientific research. This course is recommended for anyone who is using or anticipates using any of the many types of data that can be mapped.
This course is a hands-on computer-based mapping course covering the elements and procedures of using a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software package (ArcGIS) to learn GIS concepts. It covers all of the basic concepts and skills needed for operating GIS software including creating and editing digital maps, database access and editing, basic cartographic principles, and introductory GIS analysis. It also reviews various application areas that use GIS.
This course is an exploration of various Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques and concepts through an active learning approach. Students will define, propose, design, and execute a project that will incorporate GIS skills and knowledge.
This course is follow up to the project development work done in GEOG/GIS V28A. Various advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques and concepts will be explored through an active learning approach. Students will define, propose, design, and execute a project which will incorporate advanced GIS skills and knowledge.
This course offers specialized study opportunities for students who wish to pursue projects not included in the regular curriculum. Students are accepted only by a written project proposal approved by the discipline prior to enrollment.
This course offers students who are volunteers (unpaid) an opportunity to obtain work experience related to their field of study. Students are accepted as a result of consultation with a designate faculty member in the discipline and the acceptance of an approved work proposal.
This course offers students who are employed in the field an opportunity to expand their work experience related to their field of study. Students are accepted as a result of consultation with a designated faculty member in the discipline and the acceptance of an approved work proposal.