The Bachelor of Arts in Geography

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Major Academic Plans page or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

Courses in this program may complete more than one graduation requirement.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

General Education Foundation Courses and Pathways Suggested for Geography Majors:

The following General Education foundation courses are recommended by the department to support the student in either of the options for the Geography major:

• Critical Thinking: GEOS 104 or PHIL 102
• Quantitative Reasoning: MATH 105, MATH 118, or MATH 120
• Life Sciences: BIOL 161, PSSC 101, or SCED 102

The following General Education Pathways are recommended as complementary to either of the options for the Geography major:

• Diversity Studies
• Food Studies
• Global Development Studies
• International Studies
• Science, Technology and Values
• Sustainability Studies

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

Upper-Division Writing Requirement:

Writing Across the Curriculum (Executive Memorandum 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog for more details on the four courses.  The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.

The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (Executive Order 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE Written Communication (A2) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Course Requirements for the Major: 45 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Additional required courses, depending upon the selected option are outlined following the major core program requirements.

Major Core Program: 27 units

4 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GEOG 101W	Physical Geography (W)		3.0	SMF	GE  W
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 Course. This is an approved General Education course. (003857)
GEOG 211	Introduction to Geographical Information Systems		3.0	FS
This course provides an introduction to topics and technology in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The course will combine a conceptual discussion of topics with practical exercises. Both the theory and practice of GIS analysis will be presented. 3 hours lecture. (021439)
GEOG 219	Introduction to Geographic Methods		3.0	FS
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)
GEOG 390W	Foundations of Geographical Analysis (W)		3.0	FA	GW  W
Prerequisite: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement. 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. This is an approved Writing Course. (020989)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GEOG 102	Peoples, Places, and Environments		3.0	FS	GE  GC
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)
GEOG 105	California Cultural Landscapes		3.0	FS	GE  USD
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)
GEOG 106	The American West		3.0	FS	GE  USD
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)
SOSC 301	Spatial Concepts: Geographical Patterns and Processes		3.0	FS
This course covers the five themes of geography (location, place, human-environmental interaction, movement, and region) for use in the K-12 classroom. The impact of these themes on physical geography, human culture, and economic development is also emphasized. Skills include mapping of data, using appropriate geographical software, creating charts and diagrams, and interpreting information contained in an atlas. This course is required for Liberal Studies majors and History-Social Science single subject credential students. 3 hours lecture. (009059)

2 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GEOG 306	Geographies of Disaster		3.0	SP
This course adopts a geographical focus to study the impacts of natural and technological hazards at the local, regional, and global scales. The concepts of vulnerability, resilience, and risk are reviewed to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of hazards. Geographical information systems and quantitative techniques are applied to analyze the impacts of disasters and to highlight the environmental and social factors that create or worsen hazardous areas. In addition to class discussions and readings, students undertake a class project related to a specific disaster event where they explore the environmental, social, and policy implications of disaster preparedness and risk reduction in their project area. 3 hours lecture. (003875)
GEOG 313	Introductory Cartography		3.0	FA
Prerequisite: GEOG 211 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently). Introduction to the compilation, design, and production of thematic maps. Emphasis is on maps as communication devices. 3 hours lecture. (003880)
GEOG 315	Applied Statistical Methods in Geography		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: GEOG 211, MATH 105 or equivalents. 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)
GEOG 317	Field Techniques		3.0	INQ
Prerequisites: GEOG 101W, GEOG 102. 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)
GEOG 418	Remote Sensing of Environment		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: GEOG 211; GEOG 315 or MATH 105, or equivalents. 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)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GEOG 303	Geography and World Affairs		3.0	SMF	GE  GC
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)
GEOG 304	Sustainability Issues		3.0	FS	GE
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)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GEOG 407W	Earth Systems Analysis of Global Change (W)		3.0	SP	GW  W
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement; GEOG 342, GEOG 343, and GEOG 390W or equivalent; 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. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (015873)
GEOG 439W	American Cultural Landscapes (W)		3.0	FA	GW  W
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, GEOG 390W 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. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (003890)

Note: Techniques courses completed for the Geography Core cannot be double counted toward the techniques courses taken in the geography advising options.

Major Option Course Requirements: 18 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the option chosen. Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements.  Use the links below to jump to your chosen option.

• The Option in Human Geography and Planning
• The Option in Physical and Environmental Geography

The Option in Human Geography and Planning: 18 units

4 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GEOG 301W	Global Economic Geography (W)		3.0	FS	GE  GC  W
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 Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (021530)
GEOG 320	Introduction to Land Use Planning		3.0	FA
Study of the theory and practice of land use 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)
GEOG 438	Urban Geography		3.0	SP
Prerequisite: GEOG 102, GEOG 105, GEOG 106 or SOSC 301. 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)
GEOG 506	Community Service Practice in Geography		3.0	FA
Recommend: GEOG 320. 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. Formerly GEOG 506S. (021451)

2 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GEOG 313	Introductory Cartography		3.0	FA
Prerequisite: GEOG 211 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently). Introduction to the compilation, design, and production of thematic maps. Emphasis is on maps as communication devices. 3 hours lecture. (003880)
GEOG 315	Applied Statistical Methods in Geography		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: GEOG 211, MATH 105 or equivalents. 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)
GEOG 342	Geomorphology		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: GEOG 101W, GEOS 102, PSSC 101, or PSSC 250; GEOG 211, GEOG 219, or AGET 340. 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)
GEOG 343	Climatology		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: GEOG 101W or GEOS 170 or equivalent; GEOG 211 and GEOG 219 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)
GEOG 352	The United States		3.0	FS	GE  USD
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)
GEOG 357	Lands and Peoples of Latin America		3.0	FS	GE  GC
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)
GEOG 411	Geospatial Analysis and Modeling in GIS		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: GEOG 211, GEOG 313, GEOG 315 or equivalents. Advanced geospatial analysis and modeling techniques using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Topics include geoprocessing, Python programming, and geospatial modeling. 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)
GEOG 413	Advanced Cartography and Geovisualization		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: GEOG 211, GEOG 313. Cartographic data entry, manipulation, and analysis in a computer mapping environment. Emphasis is on geographic information processing. 3 hours lecture. (003932)
GEOG 418	Remote Sensing of Environment		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: GEOG 211; GEOG 315 or MATH 105, or equivalents. 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)
GEOG 425	Planning for Sustainable Communities and Regions		3.0	F2
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)
GEOG 426	Water Resource Policy and Planning		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: GEOG 101W or SCED 101 or equivalents. Recommended: GEOG 304, GEOG 343. Analysis of local, regional, national, and international water resource projects, distributions, and characteristics. 3 hours seminar. (003948)
GEOG 427	Environmental Impact Analysis		3.0	SP
Recommend: GEOG 320. 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)
GEOG 428	Land Use Planning Studio		3.0	S2
Recommend: GEOG 320. 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)
GEOG 429	Environmental and Conservation Planning		3.0	S1
Recommend: GEOG 320. 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)
GEOG 436	Sustainable Transportation Planning		3.0	F1
Prerequisite: 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 sustainable development. Techniques of sustainable planning transportation systems based on land use. 3 hours discussion. (003955)
GEOG 440	Environmental Thought in Action		3.0	SP
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)
GEOG 444	Biogeography and Landscape Ecology		3.0	INQ
Prerequisites: GEOG 101W, GEOG 211, GEOG 343, GEOG 390W or equivalents. Recommended: BIOL 161, BIOL 350W, GEOG 315. Biogeography and landscape ecology are keys for evaluating plant and animal distributions at local to global spatial scales. This course seeks to understand the physical and biological processes that determine these patterns through time, as well as help design management strategies for conserving our planet's biological diversity, and thus ecosystem services. The course emphasizes nature and impact of continuity and patchiness of species distributions and movement, and material flow on the structure and dynamics of wildland, agrarian, and urbanized landscapes. This is thus a highly integrative field of inquiry, pulling on concepts, theories and data from general ecology, evolutionary biology, geology, and physical and human geography. Quantitative methods and field trips consider the biogeography of plants and animals in the local landscapes. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (003929)
GEOG 445	Pyrogeography		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: GEOG 101W; AGRI 331, BIOL 350W, BIOL 414, GEOG 343, GEOG 405S, or PSSC 330. 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)

Note: Any 3 unit upper-division course from outside the department may be selected with advisor approval.

The Option in Physical and Environmental Geography: 18 units

2 courses required:

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GEOG 444	Biogeography and Landscape Ecology		3.0	INQ
Prerequisites: GEOG 101W, GEOG 211, GEOG 343, GEOG 390W or equivalents. Recommended: BIOL 161, BIOL 350W, GEOG 315. Biogeography and landscape ecology are keys for evaluating plant and animal distributions at local to global spatial scales. This course seeks to understand the physical and biological processes that determine these patterns through time, as well as help design management strategies for conserving our planet's biological diversity, and thus ecosystem services. The course emphasizes nature and impact of continuity and patchiness of species distributions and movement, and material flow on the structure and dynamics of wildland, agrarian, and urbanized landscapes. This is thus a highly integrative field of inquiry, pulling on concepts, theories and data from general ecology, evolutionary biology, geology, and physical and human geography. Quantitative methods and field trips consider the biogeography of plants and animals in the local landscapes. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (003929)
GEOG 445	Pyrogeography		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: GEOG 101W; AGRI 331, BIOL 350W, BIOL 414, GEOG 343, GEOG 405S, or PSSC 330. 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)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GEOG 405	Conservation, Restoration, and Stewardship		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: GEOG 101W, GEOG 102, and GEOG 390W or equivalents. Recommended: GEOG 343, GEOG 444, GEOG 445, or PSSC 330. 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. Formerly GEOG 405S. (003930)
GEOG 426	Water Resource Policy and Planning		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: GEOG 101W or SCED 101 or equivalents. Recommended: GEOG 304, GEOG 343. Analysis of local, regional, national, and international water resource projects, distributions, and characteristics. 3 hours seminar. (003948)

2 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GEOG 301W	Global Economic Geography (W)		3.0	FS	GE  GC  W
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 Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (021530)
GEOG 313	Introductory Cartography		3.0	FA
Prerequisite: GEOG 211 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently). Introduction to the compilation, design, and production of thematic maps. Emphasis is on maps as communication devices. 3 hours lecture. (003880)
GEOG 315	Applied Statistical Methods in Geography		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: GEOG 211, MATH 105 or equivalents. 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)
GEOG 317	Field Techniques		3.0	INQ
Prerequisites: GEOG 101W, GEOG 102. 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)
GEOG 320	Introduction to Land Use Planning		3.0	FA
Study of the theory and practice of land use 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)
GEOG 411	Geospatial Analysis and Modeling in GIS		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: GEOG 211, GEOG 313, GEOG 315 or equivalents. Advanced geospatial analysis and modeling techniques using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Topics include geoprocessing, Python programming, and geospatial modeling. 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)
GEOG 413	Advanced Cartography and Geovisualization		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: GEOG 211, GEOG 313. Cartographic data entry, manipulation, and analysis in a computer mapping environment. Emphasis is on geographic information processing. 3 hours lecture. (003932)
GEOG 418	Remote Sensing of Environment		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: GEOG 211; GEOG 315 or MATH 105, or equivalents. 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)
GEOG 425	Planning for Sustainable Communities and Regions		3.0	F2
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)
GEOG 427	Environmental Impact Analysis		3.0	SP
Recommend: GEOG 320. 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)
GEOG 428	Land Use Planning Studio		3.0	S2
Recommend: GEOG 320. 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)
GEOG 429	Environmental and Conservation Planning		3.0	S1
Recommend: GEOG 320. 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)
GEOG 436	Sustainable Transportation Planning		3.0	F1
Prerequisite: 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 sustainable development. Techniques of sustainable planning transportation systems based on land use. 3 hours discussion. (003955)
GEOG 438	Urban Geography		3.0	SP
Prerequisite: GEOG 102, GEOG 105, GEOG 106 or SOSC 301. 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)
GEOG 440	Environmental Thought in Action		3.0	SP
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)

Note: Any 3-unit upper-division course from outside the department may be selected with advisor approval.

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.

Honors in the Major:

Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.

The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.

Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:

• You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
• You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
• Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
• Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
• Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
• Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.

While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.

Geography and Economics Double Major

Students may take two geography and two economics courses from the following list. All 12 units will count toward both majors (geography courses will count toward 100-level electives in the economics major).

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
ECON 365	Environmental Economics		3.0	FS	GE
An analysis of the costs and benefits of environmental preservation. Systems for creating economic incentives for pollution abatement. Criteria for establishing optimum pollution abatement, including efficiency, safety, and sustainability standards. Impacts of population growth on global environmental problems. Alternative energy use patterns and their impact on energy markets and global environmental health. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (002671)
ECON 375	The Developing Countries		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: ECON 103. This course surveys theoretical approaches and policy options to the problems of development and underdevelopment in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Agricultural transformations, industrial development, balance of payments problems, the role of foreign aid, direct foreign investment, the economic role of international institutions such as the World Bank, and other related topics are included in this course. 3 hours lecture. (002673)
ECON 465	Economics of Energy		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: ECON 301. An analysis of petroleum markets and the likely trend in prices. Alternatives to petroleum and increasing dependence on OPEC, including conservation technologies, efficiency improvements in conventional energy production, and the potential for expanded use of renewable energy resources. Public utility deregulation and the impact on the efficient use of energy. 3 hours seminar. (002695)
ECON 466W	Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (W)		3.0	FA	W
Prerequisite: ECON 301. Economic theory and policy concerning optimization of resource use and pollution abatement. Incentive systems for generating optimum pollution abatement. Efficiency, safety, and sustainability standards as criteria defining the appropriate level of environmental preservation. Economically efficient rates of consumption for renewable and non-renewable resources. Case studies in resource exploitation assessing whether current use rates deviate from the optimum. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Writing Course. (002696)
GEOG 301W	Global Economic Geography (W)		3.0	FS	GE  GC  W
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 Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (021530)
GEOG 304	Sustainability Issues		3.0	FS	GE
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)
GEOG 320	Introduction to Land Use Planning		3.0	FA
Study of the theory and practice of land use 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)
GEOG 425	Planning for Sustainable Communities and Regions		3.0	F2
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)
GEOG 436	Sustainable Transportation Planning		3.0	F1
Prerequisite: 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 sustainable development. Techniques of sustainable planning transportation systems based on land use. 3 hours discussion. (003955)
GEOG 438	Urban Geography		3.0	SP
Prerequisite: GEOG 102, GEOG 105, GEOG 106 or SOSC 301. 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)

Geography and History Double Major

Students may elect a geography and history double major. Up to 9 units of appropriate upper-division history courses (HIST) may be applied to the geography major. Prior approval by a department advisor and the chair is required.