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Please see the section on Course Description Symbols and Terms in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

Geography and Planning Course Offerings

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: High school biology, chemistry, or physics is recommended.
This course is a survey of the basic processes that determine flows of energy through the atmosphere and examines the subsequent interactions among water, landforms, soil, and vegetation that create and modify the surface of the earth. Students develop a recognition of landscape patterns, as well as an understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological principles and functions that create those patterns, in order to understand the natural environment in which we live and the role of humans affecting that environment. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity.This is an approved Writing Intensive course. This is an approved General Education course. (003857)
Survey of human populations and activities, with an emphasis upon how social, economic, political, and religious institutions influence interrelationships with the physical environment. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (003859)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Honors Program.
A special section of GEOG 102 for students in the Honors in General Education Program. Survey of human populations activities with an emphasis on how social, economic, political, and religious institutions influence interrelationships with the physical environment. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (020002)
Provides an overview of evolving geospatial technologies and explores their impact on the individual and society. Questions how economics, politics, culture, and values affect technological development. Examines issues such as privacy, representation, geopolitics, surveillance, equity, and social justice. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (021148)
Broad overview of spatial and temporal changes in the California landscape resulting from the interaction of various cultural groups with their environment. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (003860)
The historical cultural geography of the American West, emphasizing how various cultural groups have each made a unique imprint on the western landscape. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (003861)
Introduction of concepts and techniques of geographic information system analysis and the presentation of map data. The course introduces the ArcMap application. Not for geography majors. 1 hour lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 2.0 units. (020348)
Intermediate level study of concepts and techniques of geographic information system analysis and the presentation of map data. Not for geography majors. 1 hour lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 2.0 units. (020349)
Advanced study of concepts and techniques of geographic information system analysis and the presentation of map data. Not for geography majors. 1 hour lecture. (020350)
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (003869)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020160)
Introduction to essential geographic problem solving techniques which include: data collection, analysis, and presentation of spatial information. Techniques include map measurement and interpretation, aerial photo analysis, field observations with GPS, introductory geographic information systems, computer cartography, summary of numerical data, elementary probability, distributions, and introduction to statistical inference. This is an inductory tools course for students majoring in geography, the natural and earth sciences, and in such applied fields as planning and recreation. Several software analysis packages are introduced. 3 hours lecture. (015867)
A systematic survey of human economic activities. Analysis of resource exploitation and use, including agriculture, extractive activities, industry, commerce, and service functions. Recommended for business and liberal arts majors. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (003871)
Geography in the news. Analysis of current world conflicts and problem areas, with an emphasis upon examination of social, economic, political, and environmental realities. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (003872)
Geographic analysis of humanity's interaction with the environment. Examines natural and human systems, resources, population, energy, and pollution. Develops an appreciation of the beauty, balance, and complexity of natural systems and human success in attaining harmony with them. Enhances awareness and perception of each individual's role in and with the environment. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (003873)
This course provides a broad global overview of disasters resulting from natural or technological hazards. Disasters contrive to maim and kill, and property losses due to disaster have continued to increase. This course emphasizes the spatial and temporal distribution of hazards, the human impact of disaster, roles played by technology and society in creating or worsening risky situations, and policy options for disaster preparation and loss reduction. 3 hours lecture. (003875)
Examination and evaluation of library research materials pertinent to geography. Practice in analysis and writing of geographical reports. Successful completion required for all geography majors before enrolling in WP course to meet writing requirement. 3 hours discussion. (003876)
Prerequisite: GEOG 211.
This course is an intermediate examination of concepts, technical issues, and emerging developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and science. Topics include data structures, spatial database design and implementation, UML modeling, customized geoprocessing, and WebGIS mapping. Focus on all available GIS data models but with particular focus on object-oriented vector data models and relational databases. Provides students with the opportunity to apply concepts and techniques in a hands-on manner. 3 hours lecture. (021425)
Prerequisites: GEOG 219 or equivalent.
Introduction to the compilation, design, and production of thematic maps. Emphasis is on maps as communication devices. 3 hours lecture. (003880)
Prerequisites: GEOG 219 or MATH 105 or equivalent.
Introduction to quantitative analysis of spatial data using single and two sample inference, analysis of variance, correlation, multiple regression, analysis of co-variance, experimental design, repeated measures, nonparametric procedures, categorical data analysis, clustering/classification, and principal components analysis. Examples are drawn from geographical themes in economics, demography, politics, planning, natural and earth sciences. Statistical packages are introduced. 3 hours lecture. (003881)
Prerequisites: Junior status at the end of semester in which course is taken and current enrollment in the Honors Program.
This course is also offered as ENGL 316H.
An overview of contemporary human geography and some aspects of women's studies, emphasizing the importance of space, movement, place, environment, and family. Primary texts such as novels, memoirs, and films will be used to explore the perspectives of a variety of culture groups. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (003882)
Analysis of various field techniques and tools employed by geographers, and supervised application of field techniques in geography. Written and oral presentation of Field Survey. 6 hours activity. (003939)
Prerequisites: GEOG 219.
An introduction to the theory, techniques, data acquisition, processing, and presentation of imagery acquired through aerial photographic and satellite means of remote sensing. Application of basic skills of aerial photographic interpretation and satellite digital image processing and analysis to physical and cultural geographic phenomena. 3 hours lecture. (003941)
Prerequisites: GEOG 219 or equivalent.
This course provides an introduction to topics in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The course will combine a conceptual discussion of topics with practical exercises using microcomputer software. Both the theory and practice of GIS analysis will be presented. 3 hours lecture. (003883)
Study of the theory and practice of planning. Analysis of planning processes, elements of the comprehensive plan, zoning, environmental impact of development, regional policies, and growth. Includes investigation of a practical planning problem. 3 hours lecture. (003884)
Study of spatial and locational aspects of tourism, including environmental factors influencing tourism's location and character. 3 hours lecture. (003888)
Prerequisites: GEOG 101 or GEOS 102 or equivalents, or faculty permission.
Systematic analysis of the origin and development of landforms. Emphasis is on the study of geomorphic processes using maps, air photos, and field data. 3 hours discussion. (003926)
Prerequisites: GEOG 101 or GEOS 120 or equivalent.
Systematic analysis of the processes and controls of the earth's climatic systems. Use of climatic classification systems; examination of climatic regions, microclimatology, and climatic applications. 3 hours lecture. (003928)
A regional study of our nation in terms of the physical earth and its human use. The course includes emphasis on issues and problems related to resources, environmental concerns, and settlement patterns. Cultural and regional differences in human-environmental relationships are compared and contrasted. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (003902)
This course is also offered as LAST 357.
Study of the physical environment, human settlement, development, and modern problems of the nations of Latin America. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (021143)
This internship is offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Students must register directly with a supervising faculty member. The internship provides service learning experience as a volunteer or supervisor in a campus or community environmental organization or agency. Each unit of credit requires a minimum of three hours of activity in the assigned role. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (003922)
Prerequisite: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.
The course introduces students to topics and analyses in the geographical tradition; examines and evaluates library, public and Internet resource materials pertinent to geographical research; and prepares students for independent geographical scholarly research. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (020989)
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 2 hours lecture. (003923)
Prerequisites: Junior standing and current enrollment in the Honors Program.
In a format designed for students in the Honors Program, this course will present selected topics not covered in the regular curriculum. Topics will vary from one semester to another. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (003924)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (003925)
Prerequisites: GEOG 101 and GEOG 102 or equivalents.
An analysis of the complex interactions between humans, plants, and animals in the restoration process. Includes the use of maps and other graphic material as well as reading, lecture, and discussion. Emphasis on how human activities can affect the distribution and abundance of various plant and animal species in both negative and positive ways. Restoration work on the Butte Creek Ecological Reserves and other similar sites provide a focus for class projects and discussion. 3 hours lecture. (003930)
Prerequisites: GEOG 342, GEOG 343; GEOG 444 or GEOG 445.
This course brings together the fields of climatology, biogeography, and geomorphology to study earth systems science as an integrative discipline of spatially dependent earth processes with implications for human systems. Major mechanisms and processes which produce climate change are covered with an examination of the impacts of past climate change on human societies. Observations and modeling of selected earth system components at various spatial scales of analysis facilitate an understanding of spatial modeling from simple to complex systems. 3 hours lecture. (015873)
Prerequisites: GEOG 313, GEOG 319 (may be taken concurrently).
Cartographic data entry, manipulation, and analysis in a computer mapping environment. Emphasis is on geographic information processing. 3 hours lecture. (003932)
Prerequisites: GEOG 315 and GEOG 319.
This course is an in-depth examination of technical issues, emerging developments, and advanced spatial analysis within GIS and science. Topics include data structures, database design considerations, UML modeling, geoprocessing, Python programming, WebGIS mapping, and spatial problem solving. Focus on all available GIS data models but with particular focus on object-oriented, vector, and raster based GIS analysis. Students collaborate to design, develop, and present a GIS pilot study. They apply GIS theory and techniques to solve problems in land and resource management, utilities, and municipal government. Covers all stages of a GIS project: planning, design, analysis, and presentation. 2 hours lecture, 1 hour activity. (003942)
Examination of economic, social, demographic, and political bases for sustainable community and regional development and planning. Introduces the theory, evolution and practice of planning for sustainable communities and regions through examination of environmental, economic, and equity issues. 3 hours discussion. (003947)
Prerequisites: GEOG 304 or equivalent.
Analysis of local, regional, national, and international water resource projects, distributions, and characteristics. 3 hours seminar. (003948)
Prerequisites: GEOG 320 or equivalent.
Study of the legal antecedents to California environmental impact legislation; analysis of environmental review procedures, environmental research, preparation and evaluation of EIRs, and conditional negative declarations. 3 hours discussion. (003949)
Prerequisites: GEOG 219, GEOG 320, or equivalent.
Relationship of physical, biotic, cultural, and aesthetic factors to land planning. Techniques of solving site problems dealing with topography, grading, slope stability, seismicity, hydrology, vegetation, wildlife, soils, micro-climate energy use, view-shed, and functional design. Land development projects are analyzed, and plans for new development projects are prepared. 3 hours discussion. (003950)
Prerequisites: GEOG 219, GEOG 320. Recommended: GEOG 101, GEOS 130, or NSCI 101.
This course introduces the theory and application of environmental and conservation planning. It critically examines the activities of environmental planning and the analytical approaches that can be used to direct resources toward conservation that yields the greatest return on biodiversity protection and ecosystem services sustainability. Students gain knowledge of the theories, techniques through practical experiences in planning activities, and institutional legalities of environmental and conservation planning. Using sustainability as a framework, this course presents the underlying concepts of sustainable land-use planning to best manage for abiotic and biotic resources. Focus is on the regional, local, and landscape scales. 3 hours lecture. (020744)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
A regional and topical description of North America at selected time periods, including cultural groups, land tenure systems, settlement patterns, agriculture, exploration and mapping, resource use, urbanization, population and migrations, and present-day results. 3 hours discussion. (000412)
Prerequisites: GEOG 301, GEOG 320, or faculty permission.
An analysis of the function and distribution of the various modes of transportation and their role in urban and regional development. Techniques of planning transportation systems based on land use. 3 hours discussion. (003955)
Prerequisite: GEOG 102.
Examines the location, evolution, shape, spatial patterns, and classification of cities in the United States and elsewhere. Studies the evolution of urban systems and the spatial organization of neighborhoods, central business districts, and suburbs. Explores environmental, economic, and social issues associated with urbanization, and the policies used to address them. Examines the roles of class, race, ethnic diversity, gender, and consumption in shaping the experience of urban life. 3 hours lecture. (021163)
Prerequisite: GEOG 390 with a C- or higher for Geography majors.
Analysis of the special character of North American landscapes. Examination of the historical evolution of contemporary landscapes through maps, reading, literature, field observations, and class discussion. Emphasis on comparison of regional patterns and the shaping of American landscapes by cultural and economic factors. 3 hours discussion. (003890)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This seminar is required of students minoring in Environmental Studies and is to be taken as the culminating course in the minor. The course integrates the cross-disciplinary elements of the minor, emphasizing the interplay among the scientific, social, legal, historical, and humanistic elements of the study of the environment. 3 hours seminar. (009080)
Prerequisites: BIOL 152, BIOL 334, or GEOG 101; GEOG 390. Recommended: GEOG 219, GEOG 315.
This course examines biogeographic theory and practice as key for developing and evaluating strategies to prevent species extinction in the face of habitat loss, climate change, biotic homogneization, and invasive species, while assessing the effectiveness of existing and proposed protected area networks. The course focuses primarily on gaining an understanding of ecological interactions, evolution, extinction, and earth system science as processes, with an emphasis on quantitative and geographic methods used to determine the distribution and diversity of plant and animal populations. Focus is also on understanding the fundamental issues in conservation biogeography including biodiversity, ecosystem function, sustainability, humans as part of ecosystems, invasive and endangered species, and reserve design to improve the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (003929)
Prerequisites: At least one of the following: AGRI 331, BIOL 414, BIOL 450, GEOG 343, GEOG 405, GEOG 444, GEOG 450, PSSC 330, PSSC 334, PSSC 433, PSSC 438, or faculty permission.
Pyrogeography is a comprehensive study of the physical and cultural parameters of fire. Topics covered include the spacial and temporal relationships of fire as an integral landscape process with an emphasis on the maintenance of North American ecosystems; the interpretation of the cultural uses of fire by indigenous communities as well as the historic and contemporary implications of fire management and policies; and the ecological implications of fire on biotic and abiotic systems. 3 hours discussion. (020415)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
On-site survey of the physical and cultural geography of selected California sites, or other areas and topics. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. (003969)
This course is an internship offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Supervised work experience in applied geography or planning in public or quasi-public agencies. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (003992)
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, senior standing, GEOG 309.
Proseminar on selected topics in geography. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (003993)
Prerequisites: Completion of 6 units of geography.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours supervision. (004004)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (004005)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
An intensive 3-unit course in geographical research. See department office for details. Open only to students with at least a 3.0 GPA in the major. The course consists of a research project done under the supervision of a faculty member, a formal written paper, and a public presentation. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (004006)
Prerequisites: GEOG 102, GEOG 320, GEOG 390.
Management of socio-economic and cultural spatial resources in the human-built environment. Effective programs and the institutional frameworks in which they occur. An analysis of the complex interactions between institutions, socio-economic structure, and cultural landscape in the management and planning process. Includes the use of maps and other graphic material, field surveys, as well as reading, lecture, and discussion. Community service work with the City of Chico and other similar municipal agencies or civil sector organizations provide a focus for class projects and discussion. 3 hours lecture. (021451)
Prerequisites: Department permission.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. (020162)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. Credit/no credit grading. (020187)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
A critical survey of contemporary directions and research in the major themes of geography and planning. 3 hours seminar. (004007)
Prerequisites: GEOG 600.
A critical survey of contemporary methodologies available for research in geography and planning. 3 hours seminar. (004008)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
An examination of current research in climatology, geomorphology, biogeography, or other selected topic in physical geography. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (004010)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
An examination of current research in a selected human geography topic, including cultural, economic, urban, political, social, or behavioral geography. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (004011)
Explores planning knowledge, ethics, and practice at community, urban, and regional levels. Content includes communication, ethics, participation, sustainability, and diversity in planning. Planning theory is discussed through case studies. 3 hours seminar. (020743)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
An examination of current developments in a selected topic of applied geographical and planning techniques. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (004013)
Prerequisites: BIOL 350 or GEOG 444; MATH 314 or MATH 350 or GEOG 315.
This course is also offered as BIOL 660.
This course emphasizes spatial patterning in the landscapeits causes, development, and importance for ecological and environmental processes. The course includes the study of ecological and anthropologic aspects of landscape pattern and change. The laboratory includes hands-on experience with tools used in landscape ecology. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (020295)
Prerequisites: Graduate Coordinator permission.
This course is an internship offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Supervised work experience. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (004057)
Weekly tutorials and supervision for those students who plan to prepare themselves for a career in college teaching of geography. Students must identify the course and the tenure/tenure-track faculty member teaching that course during the semester offered. The faculty member must agree to mentor a student in pedagogical training with a particular course. Faculty members can be responsible for a maximum of two students in any one semester. A maximum of 2.0 units in this course is acceptable for credit toward the Master of Arts in Geography. The course may be taken twice, but a different subject course must be chosen for the second enrollment. A supervised teaching plan is to be filed with the Graduate Coordinator, and approval of the Department Chair is required for registration. 6 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. (020443)
Prerequisites: Graduate Coordinator permission.
This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (004060)
Prerequisites: Graduate Coordinator permission and candidacy status.
This course is offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (004064)
Prerequisites: Graduate Coordinator permission and candidacy status.
This course is offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (004061)
Catalog Cycle:13