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.
| GEOG*1200 Society and Space F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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.)
|
| GEOG*1220 Human Impact on the Environment F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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.)
|
| GEOG*1300 Introduction to the Biophysical Environment F,W (3-2) [0.50] |
| This course provides an introduction to physical geography, focusing on the principles and processes governing climate, landforms,
and vegetation systems and their interrelationships and will examine natural and human-induced changes to environmental systems.
Laboratories will address techniques of measurement, representation and analysis of environmental systems using maps and satellite
imagery, laboratory techniques, and field observation.
|
| GEOG*1350 Earth: Hazards and Global Change F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course investigates physical aspects of natural hazards that affect people and society and will focus on the natural
systems and processes that cause climate variability and change, floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, hurricanes, tornadoes
and other natural disasters.
|
| GEOG*2030 Environment and Development F (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course examines the changing relations between society and ecology by focusing on relations of power, including intra-
and inter-state structures and processes. Environmental movements, conflicts, identities and values are considered along with
localization and globalization. Particular attention is paid to ecological and development processes and strategies in the
developing world.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
5.00 credits, GEOG*1220 is recommended
|
| GEOG*2210 Environment and Resources W (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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
|
| GEOG*2230 Economic Geography F (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| GEOG*2260 Applied Human Geography W (3-2) [0.50] |
| 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)
|
| GEOG*2420 The Earth From Space F (2-3) [0.50] |
| This course provides an introduction to the principles and techniques of air photo and satellite image interpretation. 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 |
| GEOG*2460 Analysis in Geography F (3-2) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| GEOG*2480 Mapping and GIS F,W (3-2) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| GEOG*2510 Canada: A Regional Synthesis W (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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.
|
| GEOG*3020 Global Environmental Change F (3-1) [0.50] |
| 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)
|
| GEOG*3050 Development and the City W (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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)
|
| GEOG*3090 Gender and Environment F (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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)
|
| GEOG*3210 Management of the Biophysical Environment F (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course provides an examination of resource management, focusing on public and private decision-making processes and considers
techniques for evaluating resources, including Environmental Impact Assessment (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*2150 or GEOG*2210)
|
| GEOG*3320 Food Systems: Issues in Security and Sustainability F (3-0) [0.50] |
| Many argue that current food systems are unsustainable and will be unable to provide adequate and appropriate nutrition for
the global society in the 21st century. This course will explore this issue by taking a global and historic perspective to
understand the structure and functioning of agriculture and food systems. We will pay particular attention to the interaction
of farms with social, economic, institutional and environmental forces that combine to shape patterns of agricultural activity.
In particular, we will explore ways of assessing the extent to which different kinds of food systems are “sustainable” as
well as assess how resilient and robust these food systems are to environmental problems (such as climate change) and economic
upheaval.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits |
| GEOG*3420 Remote Sensing of the Environment W (2-3) [0.50] |
| 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*2420 |
| GEOG*3480 GIS and Spatial Analysis F,W (2-3) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| GEOG*3490 Tourism and Environment W (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| GEOG*3610 Environmental Hydrology W (3-1) [0.50] |
| 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)
|
| GEOG*4150 Sedimentary Processes W (3-2) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| GEOG*4200 Seminar in Urban Geography F (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| GEOG*4210 Environmental Governance F (3-1) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| GEOG*4220 Local Environmental Management W (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| GEOG*4230 Environmental Impact Assessment W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course examines environmental impact assessment (EIA) from philosophical, methodological and institutional perspectives.
The evolution of EIA in Canada will be the focus. Case studies illustrating major issues and applications will be presented
at a variety of geographical scales. The preparation and presentation of a research project is an integral component.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
GEOG*3210 |
| Equate(s): |
ENVS*4220 |
| GEOG*4250 Coastal Processes F (3-2) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| GEOG*4390 Seminar in Rural Geography W (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| GEOG*4480 Applied Geomatics W (3-6) [1.00] |
| This course adopts a project-oriented approach to the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing
in spatial analysis. Students will have the opportunity to design and implement a research project using geomatics techniques
to investigate a problem in any area of Geography.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
GEOG*3480 |
| GEOG*4690 Geography Field Research F (3-6) [1.00] |
| 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 Earth Surface Science, Environmental Geoscience and Geomatics, Environmental Governance, Geography
and B.Sc.(Env.) with an overall average of at least 70% at the time of registration. Instructor consent required.
|
| GEOG*4880 Contemporary Geographic Thought W (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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. |
| GEOG*4990 Independent Study in Geography U (0-3) [0.50] |
| 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 Earth Surface Science, Environmental Geoscience and Geomatics, Environmental Governance, Geography
and B.Sc.(Env.) with an overall average of at least 70% at the time of registration. Instructor consent required.
|
