Geography

Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Geography
Minor in Geography

Department Chair
Paul Blank, Ph.D.

Department of Geography
Founders Hall 109
(707) 826-3946

The Program

Students completing this program will have demonstrated the ability to:

collect data; know where to acquire such and what technology should be employed
layout and design best geo-graphics
develop and apply information literacy
understand causes and implications of spatial interactions and movement patterns
demonstrate skills and competencies of geographic traditions
analyze, synthesize, and interpret spatial information
apply geographic thinking in real-world context
analyze and/or appraise real-world societal issues.

We offer a quality undergraduate program incorporating a wide range of courses in human and physical geography and cartography. The department upholds a strong tradition of field study, such as annual expeditions to the Tibet Plateau, the Grand Canyon, the Sierra Nevada, and other Western venues as well as linkages to overseas programs in China, Europe, and Latin America. Geography also sponsors an annual delegation to the West Coast Model Arab League.

Research and teaching facilities include a 15-station laboratory dedicated to mapping and design. Cartographic and visualization skills are incorporated throughout the geography curriculum.

The department is a center for geographic education in California. It is the headquarters of the California Geographic Alliance, which specializes in geography outreach for teachers, students, and the general public. The department also houses the California Geographic Bee.

Opportunities abound for students to participate in geographic education outreach efforts through internships and other activities. Geography has a strong record of placing students in prestigious internships with organizations such as the National Geographic Society, the National Park Service, the California Coastal Commission, and local planning agencies.

Our graduates find employment in a number of fields, including teaching, environmental and city planning, international development, foreign affairs, and cartography. Many go on to pursue graduate degrees in geography or related fields.

Preparation

High school students should take history, government, mathematics, science, and a foreign language.

Requirements for the Major

Students must earn a minimum grade of C- in all required courses for the major.

Students must take a minimum of four upper division depth experience courses (designated as “M”).

LOWER DIVISION

GEOG 105 Cultural Geography
GEOG 106 Physical Geography
GEOG 106M Physical Geography Depth Experience
GEOG 216 Mapping Science

UPPER DIVISION

Note: Geography majors should take the higher unit value in variable-unit geography courses.

Foundation course:

GEOG 311 Geographic Research & Writing

Two human/cultural courses from:
GEOG 300 Global Awareness
GEOG 304 Migrations & Mosaics
GEOG 360 Geography of the World Economy
GEOG 470 Topics in Geography for Teachers
GEOG 471 Topics in Systematic Geography

Two physical/environmental courses from:
GEOG 301 / ENVS 301 International Environmental Issues & Globalization
GEOG 352 Regional Climatology
GEOG 353 Mountain Geography
GEOG 473 Topics in Advanced Physical Geography

One techniques course from:
GEOG 316 Cartography
GEOG 416 Advanced Cartography Design Seminar
NRPI 377 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
NRPI 470 Intermediate GIS

One regional course from:
GEOG309I Silk Road
GEOG 322 California
GEOG 332 Geography of the Mediterranean
GEOG 335 Geography of the Middle East
GEOG 344 South America
GEOG 472 Topics in Regional Geography

Four depth experience (D. E.) courses (taken as co-requisites for above courses):
GEOG 300M Global Awareness D. E.
GEOG 304M Migrations & Mosaics D. E. GEOG 322M California D. E.
GEOG 332M Geography of the Mediterranean D. E.
GEOG 335M Geog. of the Middle East D. E.
GEOG 344M South America D. E.
GEOG 352M Regional Climatology D. E.GEOG 353M Mountain Geography D. E.
GEOG 360M Geography of the World Economy D. E.
GEOG 361M Settlement Geography D. E.
GEOG 471M Topics in Systematic Geography D. E.
GEOG 472M Topics in Regional Geog. D. E.
GEOG 473M Topics in Physical Geog. D. E.

Senior capstone course:
GEOG 411 Senior Field Research

Completion of a related minor
(to be determined in consultation with an advisor)

Requirements for the Minor

Students must earn a minimum grade of C- in all required courses for the minor.

GEOG 105 Cultural Geography
GEOG 106 Physical Geography

Plus three upper division electives via written contract with the department chair.

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