XII. Course Descriptions
Geography
Department of Geography
Students majoring in other departments may take a number of Geography courses without the prerequisites listed below if they obtain the permission of the instructor.
Note: Several courses in Geography are listed as acceptable for the Natural and Mathematical Science B.A. Distribution Requirements or as Non-Science Electives for B.Sc. students.
For courses without a semester designation, or with an alternate year designation, please check with the department.
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GEOG*1200 Society and Space F,W (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course introduces key concepts in contemporary Human Geography. The course applies a spatial perspective in exploring a wide ranging series of processes and issues in society. Topics include population growth and migration, models and challenges of urban and rural development, interpretation of cultural landscapes and selected issues relating to social welfare. (Also offered through distance education format.) |
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GEOG*1220 Human Impact on the Environment F,W (3-0) [0.50]
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| A global overview of the changing relationships among society, technology and the environment. This course emphasizes the major stages of human use of resources and the environmental consequences of global changes in production systems. It contrasts Third and First World experiences, focusing on core-periphery relationships. (Also offered through distance education format.) |
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GEOG*1300 Introduction to the Biophysical Environment F,W (3-2) [0.50]
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| An introduction to Physical Geography. The principles and processes governing climate-landform-soil-vegetation systems and interrelationships. Natural and human-induced changes to environmental systems. Laboratories will address techniques of measurement, representation and analysis of environmental systems through maps, air photographs, remote sensing and field observations. (Also offered through distance education format.) |
| Restriction(s): |
GEOG*1350
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GEOG*1350 Earth: Hazards and Global Change F,W (3-0) [0.50]
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| An introduction to the principles and processes governing climate-landform-soil-vegetation systems. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships between human and environmental systems through the examination of natural hazards and global climate change. |
| Restriction(s): |
GEOG*1300
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GEOG*2030 Political Ecology & Geography F (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course examines the changing world political map and relations between society and ecology from the perspective of intra- and inter-state structures and processes. Territorial restructuring, international law, environmental movements, localization and globalization are considered. Particular attention is paid to ecological and development processes and strategies in various parts of the world. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
5.00 credits, GEOG*1220 is recommended |
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GEOG*2210 Environment and Resources W (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course examines the interrelationships between people and biophysical processes. The main themes are: 1) characteristics of natural resources and processes through which they are developed and used and 2) human response to environmental conditions, including natural hazards and global change. Contemporary Canadian case studies will be presented at the regional and national scales. (Also offered through distance education format.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
GEOG*1220 is recommended |
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GEOG*2230 Economic Geography F (3-0) [0.50]
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| An introduction to the spatial distribution of economic activity. The course examines patterns, processes and problems in extractive activities, manufacturing, marketing and the service sector, including the transportation of commodities and people. The principles of economic location are applied to regional economic analysis and development. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
GEOG*1200
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GEOG*2260 Applied Human Geography W (3-2) [0.50]
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| This course introduces students to the geographical research process, guiding them through key methodological issues and techniques in human geography. The lab component of the course focuses on data collection using secondary documents, surveys, interviews, and participant observation, as well as both quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. Lab assignments and class illustrations draw on a range of topics in human geography. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
GEOG*1200 or (ANTH*1150 and GEOG*1220) |
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GEOG*2420 Aerial-photo Interpretation F (2-3) [0.50]
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| An introduction to the principles and techniques of air photo interpretation and elementary photogrammetry. Topics include stereoscopic viewing, parallax, flightline planning, and mapping from air photos. Lab exercises focus on specific applications in natural habitats and in rural and urban settings. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
0.50 credits in geography and/or earth science |
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GEOG*2460 Analysis in Geography F (3-2) [0.50]
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| The application of modern techniques to geographic study. The interpretation of geographic phenomena by objective methods. Major honours students in Geography must complete this course by the end of semester 4. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
0.50 credits at the 1000 level in Geography |
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GEOG*2480 Mapping and GIS W (3-2) [0.50]
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| An introduction to the theory and techniques of manipulating and displaying spatial data in a GIS (Geographic Information System). Mapping concepts such as scale, co-ordinate systems, map projections, symbolization and vector data encoding are introduced. Major honours students in Geography must complete this course by the end of semester 4. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
5.00 credits |
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GEOG*2510 Canada: A Regional Synthesis W (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course is designed to provide a better understanding of the nature and basis of Canadian regionalism. The first section of the course stresses the biophysical base and the inequality of the natural resource endowment. The historical geographic approach and the systematic overviews of contemporary Canada stress respectively the development and nature of the Canadian space-economy. The final section on regions, regionalism and nationalism provides an overview of the heartland-hinterland dichotomy and centrifugal and centripetal forces operative in the nation. |
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GEOG*3020 Global Environmental Change F (3-1) [0.50]
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| Major global environmental issues examined include climate change, deforestation, desertification and global fisheries. This course is interdisciplinary, exploring the interactions of bio-physical processes with human socio-economic dynamics, including policy initiatives. Particular attention is given to global climate change, its causes, its nature and extent, its implications for ecosystems and societies, and its governance implications. (Also offered through distance education format.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits, (GEOG*2210 recommended) |
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GEOG*3050 Development and the City W (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course examines different theoretical and policy perspectives of urbanization and urban development, as well as social, economic and environmental living conditions in cities of the global "south". It refers to concrete examples of cities in their national and international context, paying due attention to diversity and the fluidity of urban-rural boundaries. Specific urban development issues, including migration, housing, employment, health and environment are also addressed. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits, (GEOG*2030 and GEOG*2260 recommended) |
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GEOG*3090 Gender and Environment F (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course introduces feminist scholarship and perspectives to explore men and women's experiences with both the natural and built environment. The course draws on case studies from developing and developed countries to demonstrate the importance of gender difference in understanding human interactions with the environment. Students will observe gendered use, access, knowledge, responsibility and control in rural and urban landscapes. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits, (GEOG*2210 and GEOG*2260 recommended) |
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GEOG*3210 Management of the Biophysical Environment F (3-0) [0.50]
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| An examination of resource management, focusing on public and private decision-making processes. Consideration of techniques for evaluating resources, including EIA and risk analysis. Emphasis is on the economic, social and environmental implications of resource development and use. Contemporary Canadian case studies will be presented at appropriate scales. (Also offered through distance education format.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits including (ENVS*2010 or GEOG*2210) |
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GEOG*3320 Agriculture and Society F (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course adopts a geographical perspective in exploring the structure and functioning of agriculture and food systems in contemporary society. Particular attention is paid to the interaction of farms with the social, economic, institutional and environmental forces that combine to shape local types and regional patterns of agricultural activity. The concept of sustainability is used as an integrating theme for the consideration of selected issues. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits |
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GEOG*3420 Remote Sensing of the Environment W (2-3) [0.50]
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| This course explores the nature and acquisition of remotely sensed imagery, and provides students with the technical expertise required to process and interpret this type of digital data. The application of digital image processing techniques to analyzing geographic problems is stressed, and its integration in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environmental is demonstrated. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
10.00 credits including GEOG*1300
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GEOG*3480 GIS and Spatial Analysis F,W (3-3) [0.50]
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| This course focuses on the use of raster and vector-based geographic information systems to analyze spatial data. Topics include map digitizing, data query and overlay, spatial interpolation, multi-criteria evaluation, least cost pathway determination and digital elevation models. This course requires some familiarity with numerical methods and computer operations. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
10.00 credits, including GEOG*2480
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GEOG*3490 Tourism and Environment W (3-0) [0.50]
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| An integrative perspective on tourism, addressing diverse interactions between people and tourist resources. Emphasis is on experiences derived from the use of resources, the environmental, economic and cultural impacts of tourism, and approaches to managing these impacts. (Also offered through distance education format.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits |
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GEOG*3610 Environmental Hydrology W (3-1) [0.50]
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| An introductory course in hydrology, the study of water in the environment. Emphasis is placed on understanding and modeling the hydrologic cycle. Topics include hydrologic processes, water resources, and case studies of freshwater systems. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits, (GEOG*2460 or STAT*2040), (1 of GEOG*2000, GEOG*2110, or another 2000 level earth science or engineering science course is recommended) |
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GEOG*3620 Desert Environments F (2-2) [0.50]
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| This course investigates the interrelationships among various biophysical processes that control weathering rates, sediment transport and landform/landscape development in arid environments. Topics will include: the concept of desertification, use and misuse of surface and ground water, salinization and the effect of human disturbance on landscape development. (Offered in even numbered years.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits, (GEOG*2460 or STAT*2040), (1 of GEOG*2000, GEOG*2110, or another 2000 level earth science or engineering science course is recommended) |
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GEOG*4150 Sedimentary Processes W (3-2) [0.50]
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| This course examines the basic properties and flow characteristics of fluids that control the entrainment and transport of sediment by air and water. Bedform development in fluvial, coastal and aeolian environments are also discussed in relation to fluid flow mechanics. Lectures are complemented by weekly labs using the wind tunnel, flume and wave tank. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
GEOG*3000
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GEOG*4200 Seminar in Urban Geography W (3-0) [0.50]
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| Many of the traditional features of cities are changing in light of powerful forces of globalization. The course examines spatial patterns and processes of economic restructuring, social dynamics and political change in Canadian and non-Canadian cities. Students discuss and interpret evolving urban forms from a geographical perspective. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
GEOG*2260, (GEOG*3050 recommended) |
| Restriction(s): |
GEOG*3400
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GEOG*4210 Environmental Governance F (3-1) [0.50]
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| This course provides an opportunity for advanced studies in resource and environmental governance. A central aim is developing an understanding of principles, practices and emerging issues relating to environmental governance. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
GEOG*3210
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GEOG*4220 Local Environmental Management W (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course explores local environmental management from two perspectives: state-driven (where local government agencies or forums created by governments are used) and non-state driven (where local actors come together in new governance arrangements to undertake environmental management). Through comparing and contrasting these broad perspectives in an experiential learning setting, the course builds understanding of a key trend in environmental governance. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
GEOG*3210
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GEOG*4250 Coastal Processes F (3-1) [0.50]
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| This course examines the geomorphic processes and associated landforms found in the coastal zone. Initially the focus is on developing an understanding of the major controls on coastal erosion and sediment transport, including waves, nearshore currents and water level fluctuations. This is followed by the study of features and processes in selected coastal environments such as beaches, barrier islands and spits, coastal sand dunes and bluff coasts. In each case applications to problems of coastal management are introduced. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of GEOG*3000, GEOG*3610, GEOG*3620
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GEOG*4390 Seminar in Rural Geography F (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course surveys themes and issues in contemporary rural geography. Specific attention is given to the processes of restructuring and change in rural systems in Canada and other developed economies. Themes include transformations in the use of rural land, the new rural economy, restructuring in service delivery, and the sustainability of rural communities and systems. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
GEOG*2260, GEOG*3320
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GEOG*4480 Applied Geographic Information Systems W (3-2) [0.50]
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| This course adopts a project-oriented approach to the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in spatial analysis. Students will have the opportunity to design and implement a research project using GIS techniques to investigate a problem in any area of Geography. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
GEOG*3480
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GEOG*4690 Geography Field Research F (3-6) [1.00]
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| This course provides an opportunity for senior students to develop skills in the design, implementation and presentation of a field research project. The course involves a field trip of about 10-14 days, either in Canada or abroad. This component of the course takes place between the end of the summer session and the start of classes in the fall semester. Classes during the fall semester focus on the analysis and interpretation of data and incorporate student research seminars. Information on the location and cost of the field research course is available from the department in the winter semester prior to each fall offering. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
12.50 credits |
| Restriction(s): |
Restricted to majors in Geography B.A. and B.Sc.(Env.) and in Earth Surface Science (B.Sc.) with an overall average of at least 70% at the time of registration. |
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GEOG*4880 Contemporary Geographic Thought W (3-0) [0.50]
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| A critical overview of the evolution and current status of Geography. Particular emphasis will be given to the variety of approaches and convergence and divergence within the discipline. The interaction between human and physical geographers and their approaches to issues and the subject will be analyzed. |
| Restriction(s): |
Restricted to major honours students in Geography at semester 6 or above. |
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GEOG*4990 Independent Study in Geography U (3-0) [0.50]
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| The independent study option is designed to provide senior undergraduate students with an opportunity to pursue library or field research under faculty supervision and to prepare a research report. Formal agreement between the student and the faculty supervisor is required, as is approval of the department chair. |
| Restriction(s): |
Restricted to majors in Geography B.A. and B.Sc.(Env.) and in Earth Surface Science (B.Sc.) with an overall average of at least 70% at the time of registration. |
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