Geography Courses

GEOG 150 Introduction to Cultural Geography (4) GE D3 

The interplay of cultures, places, and environments, with emphasis on the diversity, interrelationships, and spatial features of global cultures. Topics include characteristics and patterns of population, ethnicity, agriculture, geopolitics, language, religion, urbanization, industry, and folk and popular culture. 4 lectures.

GEOG 250 Physical Geography (4) (Also listed as ERSC 250) 

Addresses the origins and patterns of the earth's diverse assemblage of climates, landforms, biota and soils. A major focus on relationship between human cultures and these earthly environments. 4 lectures.

GEOG 300 Geography of the United States (4) GE D5 

The population (including origin, ethnicity, migration, and distribution), land utilization, and economic development viewed against the background of the physical environment. Topically and regionally organized. Pervading themes include landscape evolution and alteration, regional cultural distinctiveness, and current problems. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Areas A, D1 and D3. Social Sciences majors will not receive GE Area D5 credit.

GEOG 301 Geography of Resource Utilization (4) GE D5 

A multicultural, world view of the interconnections of the following resource systems: food, energy, water, and non-fuel minerals. A pervading theme is the sustainability of these systems. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Areas A, D2 and D3. Social Sciences majors will not receive GE Area D5 credit.

GEOG 308 Global Geography (4) GE D5 

Examination of the major world regions such as Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. Focus on the origins and content of contemporary cultural landscapes and on their utility for understanding international differences, interactions, and current events. Particular attention to the relationship between humans and the environment. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A and two courses from Areas D1, D2, D3, D4. Social Sciences majors will not receive GE Area D5 credit.

GEOG 317 The World of Spatial Data and Geographic Information Technology (4) GE Area F (Also listed as BIO/FNR/LA 317)

Basic foundation for understanding the world through geographic information and the tools available to utilize spatial data. Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technologies, including their scientific basis of operation. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: A course in computer science, completion of Area B, and junior standing.

GEOG 318 Applications in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (4) 

ArcGIS Desktop Geographic Information System (GIS) computer software to explore environmental, natural resource, social and economic issues using spatial data. Principles of cartography and map interpretation. Development of data base and software management competencies. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: Junior standing and computer literacy, or consent of instructor.

GEOG 325 Climate and Humanity (4) (Also listed as ERSC 325) 

Geographic perspective on the interrelationships between climate and human cultures. Effects of people on climate and the influence of climate and weather upon human activities and behavior. Focus on global human conditions which are responsible for the alteration of climate and in turn are vulnerable to climate change. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor.

GEOG 328 Applications in Remote Sensing (4) 

Introduction to the use of satellite imagery to analyze natural and human features on the earth. Applications in geology, water, climate, vegetation, agriculture, and urban land use. Fundamentals of processing digital satellite images. Emphasis on bridging the earth and social sciences. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: GEOG 250 or consent of instructor.

GEOG 333 Human Impact on the Earth (4) (Also listed as ERSC 333)

Global assessment of the impact of humans on the earth's vegetation, animals, soil, water and atmosphere. Emphasis on problems stemming from the interactions of human attitudes, technologies, and population with natural resources. 4 lectures.

GEOG 340 Geography of California (4) 

Geographic analysis of the land and people of California. Patterns of physical environment, natural resources, history, settlement, ethnicity, economy, politics, and urban growth. Current issues in a national and global context. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

GEOG 360 Geography of Europe (4)

The population, land utilization, and economic development viewed against the background of the physical environment. Topically and regionally organized. Pervading themes include landscape evolution and alteration, regional cultural distinctiveness, and current problems. Emphasis on Western Europe. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

GEOG 370 Geography of Latin America (4) GE D5

Geographic analysis of Mexico, Central America, and South America. The patterns of physical environment, culture, economy, and development. The issues (local, regional, and global) that shape Latin America. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A and two courses from GE Areas D1, D2, D3, D4. Social Sciences majors will not receive GE Area D5 credit. Change effective Fall 2007.

GEOG 380 Geography of the Carribbean (4) GE D5

Geographic analysis of the Caribbean including the Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, and the Caribbean coasts of Central and South America. Investigates patterns and relationships between the physical and cultural geographies from local, regional, and global perspectives. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE D5 except for Anthropology and Geography majors.

GEOG 414 Global and Regional Climatology (4) (Also listed as ERSC 414) 

The earth's pattern of climates and the physical processes that account for them. Focus on interrelationships between climate and the physical/biological and cultural environments. Special emphasis on modern climate changes and their consequences. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOG 250 or consent of instructor.

GEOG 415 Applied Meteorology and Climatology (4) (Also listed as ERSC 415) 

Physical processes in the atmosphere that determine regional weather, climate and climate variability. Surface and satellite systems for weather observation, and weather/climate modeling. Dynamics of weather systems, including thunderstorms and hurricanes. Emphases on weather/climate affecting agriculture and other human activities. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: GEOG/ERSC 250 or consent of instructor.

GEOG 440 Advanced Applications in GIS (4) 

Applications in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) emphasizing research, methodologies, and career fields to geography, earth sciences, and the social sciences. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: GEOG/FNR/LA 318 or consent of instructor.

GEOG 470 Selected Advanced Topics (1–4) 

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Schedule of Classes will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1–4 lectures. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.