Course Descriptions
GEOG 300
Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in GEOG 301 (Physical Geography Lab) is suggested. GEOG 301 meets the UC and CSU transfer requirement for a 1-unit science lab.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course investigates the interrelationships between Earth and humans, with an emphasis on natural systems (solar energy balance, weather and climate, water resources, landforms, natural hazards, vegetation, and soil). Relevant application of these elements to today's world is stressed to help students better understand Earth's physical environment as well as human-environment interaction. A field trip may be required to relate class discussions to the real world.
GEOG 301
Physical Geography Laboratory
1 Unit
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: GEOG 300; (may be taken previously). Grade of "C" or better required to meet corequisite.
General Education: CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LAB
This course provides "hands-on" study of the basic principles and concepts involved in understanding Earth's environment systems. Labs feature observation, collection, analysis and display of data related to the study of Earth's energy balance, weather and climate, vegetation, tectonic processes, landforms, and natural hazards. Additionally, labs involve geographic methods and technology, including interpretation of maps and other geographic imagery, weather instrumentation, navigation equipment such as a compass and the Global Positioning System (GPS), and other relevant computer and Internet applications. A field trip (with possible small fee) may be required.
GEOG 302
Environmental Studies & Sustainability
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area V (b)
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This introductory course offers an interdisciplinary perspective on the major environmental problems confronting society and explores solutions directed toward producing a more sustainable future. Course topics include an introduction to environmental issues, and related values, ethics and politics; a primer on Earth system sciences, the interconnected nature of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere; a global survey of natural resources and exploitation; changing global climates; the world water crisis; the demography of human population, and contrasts between less- and more-developed countries; agricultural and food supply challenges; renewable and nonrenewable energy resources; and land use patterns and related issues. Throughout the course, human impacts on the environment, environmental impacts on human societies, and the sustainability of economies and practices at local, regional, and global scales are investigated. A field trip may be required to relate class discussions to the real world.
GEOG 305
Global Climate Change
3 Units
Same As: BIOL 351
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This interdisciplinary course explores the natural and human factors causing the Earth's climate to change. Whether alarmed, skeptical, or just curious about climate change, this course will provide the scientific tools to analyze the evidence that climate change is a looming threat. Through lectures, readings, discussions and projects, students will examine the Earth's present and past climates as well as the influence of climate on the geographical distribution of plants, animals and human societies. This course is the same as BIOL 351, and only one may be taken for credit. See "Cross-Listed Courses" in the catalog.
GEOG 306
Weather and Climate
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course is an introduction to atmospheric processes including energy and moisture exchanges, atmospheric pressure, winds, and global circulation. Severe weather conditions such as hurricanes and tornadoes are also studied. World, regional, and local climates are investigated. Student work will include weather observations and analysis of atmospheric data using charts, weather maps and radar and satellite imagery from the Internet and other sources. Because this course involves the use of some quantitative concepts, students are encouraged to have fundamental algebraic skills prior to enrolling in the course.
GEOG 310
Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area V (b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D5; IGETC Area 4E
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course investigates the diverse patterns of human settlement, development, and movement on earth, which evolved as a result of cultural and environmental factors. Emphasis is placed on understanding global population and migration patterns, language, religion, ethnicity, political and economic systems, development issues, agriculture and urbanization.
GEOG 320
World Regional Geography
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area V (b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D5; IGETC Area 4E
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course is a global survey of the world's major geographic realms: their physical environments, cultures and economies; their origins, interactions and global roles. Basic geographic concepts and ideas are used to study and compare cultures, landscapes, resources, livelihood and land use across Earth. Explanation for the globalization of culture and economy, the widening gap between rich and poor countries, and ethnic diversity in the United States and abroad is stressed throughout the course. A major goal of this course is to improve each student's "mental map of the world."
GEOG 322
Geography of California
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area V (b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D5; IGETC Area 4E
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course investigates California's physical, cultural, and economic environments, analyzing cardinal changes resulting from both natural and human interaction. The emphasis is on cultural diversity, human alteration of the landscape, and contemporary problems resulting from accelerated competition for natural, financial, and human resources.
GEOG 331
Exploring Maps and Geographic Technologies
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 44 hours LEC; 30 hours LAB
Maps are the most effective way to communicate spatial information. This course introduces students to the quickly changing world of maps (both hard-copy and digital) and geographic techniques and technologies such as map and aerial photograph interpretation, spreadsheet operations, basic statistics, cartography, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Internet mapping, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that aid in data collection, analysis and presentation.
GEOG 335
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Applications
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: CISC 302
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 30 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer-based tools that are used to generate spatial data in order to make a decision. Through the use of ArcGIS software, this course establishes an understanding of GIS, its applications, and functionality. Students build a foundation of theory and techniques for GIS functionality, data formats and input, spatial analysis, data presentation and manipulation, and map production. Students will learn many of the functions of GIS. This course is not open to students who have received credit for GEOG 335.1, 335.2, and 335.3.
GEOG 335.1
Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems
1 Unit
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: CISC 302
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer-based tools that are used to generate spatial data in order to make a decision. Through the use of ArcGIS software, this course establishes a basic understanding of GIS, its applications, and functionality. Students build a foundation of theory and techniques for GIS functionality, data formats and input, spatial analysis, data presentation and manipulation, and map production. Students will learn many of the basic functions of GIS including presentation, symbology, and labeling of data as well as spatial data analysis and map production. This course is not open to students who have received credit for GEOG 335. See "Cross-Referenced Courses" in the catalog.
GEOG 335.2
Intermediate GIS
1 Unit
Prerequisite: GEOG 335.1 with a grade of "C" or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are systems of computers and people used to generate spatial data in order to make a decision. Through the use of ArcGIS software, this course builds on the foundation of GIS techniques learned in Geography 335.1. Students will learn techniques for GIS data input, spatial analysis, methods of ArcGIS customization, and database management. The basics of spatial data models will be discussed. Students will learn how to input spatial data, normalize spatial data, perform spatial analysis, measure distances, and output GIS based maps.
GEOG 335.3
Projects Using GIS
1 Unit
Prerequisite: GEOG 335.2 with a grade of "C" or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 6 hours LEC; 36 hours LAB
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are increasingly being used by business, industry, and research institutions in place of other analysis of spatial data. This course is designed to allow students to produce projects using industry-leading GIS software and technologies. The students will work individually to plan and produce a project including data selection and input, spatial data analysis, production of output materials, and presentation of results. The types of information analyzed may include political, social, health, environmental, or economic data. The final grade will be partly based on the project produced.
GEOG 353
Introduction to the Global Positioning System (GPS)
.5 Unit
Prerequisite: None.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 9 hours LEC; 12 hours LAB
This course introduces the Global Positioning System (GPS). Topics include basic concepts of GPS including hands-on operation of the technology, real-world applications, computer interfaces, GIS and other mapping software. A field trip may be required which could include a nominal fee.
GEOG 370
Introduction to GIS Programming
2 Units
Prerequisite: GEOG 335.2 with a grade of "C" or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 30 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
This course introduces students to programming skills in Geographic Information Systems. Fundamentals of Object Oriented Programming Languages, programming techniques in ArcView's Avenue and introduction to GIS application development will be covered. Students will learn how to customize the ArcView interface and create and modify commands. Students will use Avenue to integrate GIS with existing software, automate GIS operations and customize methods of GIS analysis.
GEOG 390
Field Studies In Geography
.5-4 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course covers the study of geographic principles and processes in specific environments (mountains, deserts, coastal, urban, etc.). Course content will vary by destination and will include topics in physical geography, human geography, as well as an introduction to geographic tools and techniques for field research. For specific details, see the course description (s) listed in the schedule. Students will be responsible for providing their own lodging (or camping equipment) and food. Field trip (s) required. This course may be taken four times for credit under a new topic or destination.
GEOG 481
Honors Seminars: Nature & Culture
3 Units
Same As: HONOR 382 and HUM 484
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C2; CSU Area D5; IGETC Area 3B; IGETC Area 4E
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This seminar examines multicultural interpretations and use of the environment from the Native American era to modern day using various geographic regions as case studies. Interdisciplinary in approach, this course draws upon the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences to explain how the physical environment has been interpreted, utilized, and impacted differently by various cultures through time. Two field trips are required as part of this seminar. This course is intended for academically-accomplished students, regardless of major. Enrollment is limited to Honors Program students (see catalog). This course is the same as HONOR 382 and HUM 484, and only one may be taken for credit. See "Cross-Listed Courses" in the catalog.
GEOG 482
Honors Seminar in Geography
1 Unit
Same As: HONOR 384
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 9 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
Honors Seminars in Geography are special one-unit intensive courses for academically accomplished students or those with the potential for high academic achievement. In these seminars, students will study advanced topics from the area of Geography. Enrollment is limited to Honors Program students (see catalog). This course is the same as HONOR 384. This course, under either name, may be taken a total of four times for credit on different topics. See "Cross-Listed Courses" in the catalog.
GEOG 495
Independent Studies in Geography
1-3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
GEOG 499
Experimental Offering in Geography
.5-4 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB