GEOG 101. The Physical Environment (3 Units)
Study of the natural environment; nature, distribution, and relationships of climate, landforms, vegetation, hydrology, and soils. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences)
GEOG 102. Physical Geography Lab (1 Unit)
Corequisite: GEOG 101 or equivalent. Observations, experiments, and demonstrations designed to familiarize students with techniques utilized by physical geographers. Three hours lab. (May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in the Natural Science Section of General Education.)
GEOG 103. Weather (3 Units)
Study of atmospheric processes. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences)
GEOG 105. Weather Lab (1 Unit)
Corequisite: GEOG 103. Observations, experiments, and demonstrations designed to familiarize students with the nature of California’s weather and climate. Three hours lab per week. (May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in the Natural Science Section of General Education.)
GEOG 106LRS. The Physical Environment for Liberal Studies Majors (3 Units)
Study of the natural environment; nature, distribution and relationships of climate, landforms, vegetation, soils, water bodies, and the solar system. (Available for Earth Science credit for Liberal Studies Majors)
GEOG 107. Introduction to Human Geography (3 Units)
Examines the patterns and processes of human occupance of the earth, with a focus on the United States. Topics such as population, agriculture, language, religion, ethnicity, politics, and economics are covered using the tools, methods and perspective of the geographer. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences)
GEOG 108. Earth From Above (3 Units)
This survey course will introduce basic geographic technologies such as satellite mapping, GPS and other navigational tools, online mapping, geocaching and GIS. Topics include the origin and development of earth mapping, GIS, weather forecasting, business location, environmental research, transportation, and planning. Lectures are complemented with hands-on activities and case studies. (Available for General Education, Lifelong Learning.)
GEOG 111/L. Understanding Climate Change and Lab (3/1 Units)
Corequisite: GEOG 111L. Severe global climate change will have disastrous consequences for Earth’s population. This course will develop the basic science behind the predictions for Earth’s climate, and explain why human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases, is the main driver of global warming. Course topics include the causes of climate change, its impacts, projections for the future, possible mitigation, and economic barriers imposed by the global capitalist system. Laboratory exercises include climate prediction modeling, the use of proxy data, and examination of the impacts of climate change. 3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab/week. Students receive credit for only one course chosen from either GEOG, SUST, or SCI 111/L. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences lecture and laboratory requirements.)
GEOG 150. World Geography (3 Units)
Geographical survey of the world’s major regions with emphasis on those features important to an understanding of current global concerns and problems. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences)
GEOG 170. Water Resources of California (3 Units)
This course examines the nature and challenges of California’s water resources. Topics include the physical attributes of water (sources, quantity, and quality), the underlying climatic and hydrologic processes that determine the surface and subsurface distribution of water, and the physical, social, economic and management issues that occur as California’s water resources face increasing pressure from agriculture, industry, and human populations and climate change. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences.)
GEOG 206/L. Introduction to Geographical Information Science and Lab (2/1 Units)
Corequisite: GEOG 206L. Introduction to fundamental concepts of geographical information science. Course will cover technical and co ntext knowledge for basic spatial analysis, including data gathering, analysis, and display through digital methods. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be used to explore spatial questions about environmental and social issues. La b demonstrates these principles through hands-on experience with the dominant GIS software ArcGIS. Students also will be exposed to other online GIS software appli cations. Two hours lecture; three hours lab (Available for General Education, Lifelong Learning) (IC).
Upper Division Back to top
GEOG 300. The Geographer’s Craft (3 Units)
Introduction to geography as a discipline, emphasizing its approach to analysis and problem solving, resources for conducting geographic research, methods for answering geographic questions, and techniques for communicating insights.
GEOG 301. Cultural Geography (3 Units)
Prerequisites: A lower division course in the social sciences; completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of the literature, traditions, and theories dealing with the human-environment relationship and an analysis of the approaches used by cultural geographers to elucidate the nature of this relationship. Major themes are the cultural landscape, cultural ecology, and environmental perception. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences)
GEOG 304/L. Map and Imagery Interpretation (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 101 or GEOG 150. Corequisite: GEOG 304L. Introduction to reading maps and interpreting aerial imagery. Emphasis on making simple measurements from maps and imagery, techniques of interpreting the physical and cultural landscape, and elementary map making. One hour lecture; two hours lab.
GEOG 305/L. Maps and Graphics, and Lab (2/1 Units)
Corequisite: GEOG 305L. Preparatory: A lower division course in geography or another relevant field. Design, use and preparation of maps and graphs. Two hours lecture; two hours lab.
GEOG 306/L. Intermediate Geographical Information Science and Lab (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: Geog 206/L or instructor consent. Corequisite: Geog 306L. Intermediate course on theories and application of geographical information science. Course will cover fundamental concepts of database management, spatial analysis, and data creation. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be used to discover spatial relationships among environmental and social phenomena. Labs will provide an introduction to spatial data structures and raster-b ased applications of GIS. Labs offer hands-on experience with the dominant GIS software ArcGIS. Two hour lecture; two hours lab.
GEOG 311/L. The Atmosphere and Lab (3/1 Units)
Prerequisites: GEOG 101, or GEOG 103, or ASTR 152 or GEOL 100 or GEOL 110 or GEOL 122; completion of the lower division writing requirement. Explanations of rain, wind, smog, etc. Basic principles of energy transfer. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences)
GEOG 316. Environmental Geography (3 Units)
Prerequisite: Completion of the Lower Division Writing Requirement. Recommended Preparatory or Corequisite: GEOG 316L. Introduction to the principles of environmental geography with special emphasis on the connections between human activities and the physical (natural) environment. Emphasis will be placed on identifying the historical and contemporary impact of humans on the natural environment. Students using this course to satisfy a General Education requirement in the Natural Sciences may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing GEOG 316L. Lecture Three hours.
GEOG 316L. Environmental Geography Lab (1 Unit)
Prerequisite: Completion of the Lower Division Writing Requirement. Recommended Preparatory or Corequisite: GEOG 316. Practical exercises on spatial patterns of demographics and natural resources, air pollution, land degredation, energy use and generation, and the potential for sustainability. Students using this course to satisfy a General Education requirement in the Natural Sciences may satisfy the corresponding lecture requirement by completing GEOG 316. Lab three hours.
GEOG 318. Europe (3 Units)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examination of the physical, historical, cultural, economic, and political factors that have shaped the contemporary European landscapes. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies)
GEOG 321. United States (3 Units)
Prerequisites: A lower division course in the social sciences; completion of the lower division writing requirement. Regional and cultural geography of the U.S. emphasizing human-environment interaction and the evolution of contemporary geographical patterns of population distribution, resource exploitation, transportation, and agricultural and industrial production. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences)
GEOG 322. Latin America (3 Units)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Spatial and ecological survey of the environment, cultures, economies, and societies of the Latin American nations. Emphasizes the changing settlement geography and pays special attention to Brazil and the Andean countries. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies)
GEOG 324. China (3 Units)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Geographical analysis of the peoples and culture of China, emphasizing features important to an understanding of China’s cultural and regional diversity and contemporary problems. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies.)
GEOG 326. Africa (3 Units)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Geographical analysis of the peoples and cultures of Africa, emphasizing features important to an understanding of Africa’s cultural and regional diversity and contemporary problems. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies)
GEOG 330. California (3 Units)
Prerequisites: A lower division course in the social sciences and completion of the lower division writing requirement. An exploration of the diverse physical and human landscapes of California. The course examines the State’s environmental context (climate, landforms, water, vegetation, wildlife, minerals), human imprints on the natural landscape (population, agriculture, industry, urbanization), and the physical and human challenges facing California today. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences)
GEOG 334. Geography of Oceania (3 Units)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Cultural and regional geography of Oceania, including Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific nations, territories, and protectorates. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies)
GEOG 340. Economic Geography (3 Units)
Prerequisite: A lower division course in Geography or ECON 160 or ECON 300. Principles governing spatial organization of society. Theoretical and empirical approaches to location of urban and rural settlement and economic activities. Spatial structures, their interrelationship, and changes in organization.
GEOG 345. The Geography of Tourism (3 Units)
Prerequisite: A lower division course in the social sciences and completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examination of the spatial patterns of the various forms of tourism and its impact on select world regions. Topics covered in this course include: host-guest relations, the cultural and economic impacts of tourism, the cruise ship industry, urban tourism and ecotourism. A wide range of case studies will include local as well as many international destinations.
GEOG 350. Metropolitan Los Angeles (3 Units)
Prerequisite: A lower division course in geography. Geographical analysis of the Los Angeles urban area with emphasis on physical, economic, and cultural aspects of its development. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences)
GEOG 351. Urban Geography (3 Units)
Prerequisites: A lower division course in the social sciences and completion of the lower division writing requirement. Geographical analysis of past and current patterns of world urbanization. Emphasis on city origins, growth, development, and current problems. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences)
GEOG 364/L. Geography of World Ecosystems (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 101. Corequisite: GEOG 364L. Major vegetative formations of the world, their soil (edaphic) and atmospheric environments, and the role of human activity in modification, destruction, and replacement of vegetative structures and environments through purposeful and inadvertent activities. Examines local vegetative types on field trips. Two hours lecture; two hours field activity.
GEOG 365/L. Geomorphology and Lab (3/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 101 or GEOL 101, and completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite: GEOG 365L. Analytical and descriptive study of physical processes responsible for development and evolution of Earth’s surface features. Aspects of local geomorphology will be observed on field trips. Three hours lecture; two hours field activity. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences)(IC)
GEOG 366/L. Geography of Environmental Hazards/lab (3/1 Units)
Observations, experiments, and demonstrations designed to familiarize students with the scientific investigation of environmental hazards. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences)
GEOG 370. Water, Society, and the Environment (3 Units)
Prerequisite: Completion of the Lower Division writing requirement. This course critically examines the complex relationships between human societies and water. A broad understanding of the coupled natural and human systems and their dependence on water will be examined. Topics include the global distribution of water, hydrological cycle, water supply and demand, water policy and law, water and public health, and the economics of water. This course will conclude with an examination of the growing water\energy nexus and provide insight into the future of water on our planet. Relevant examples will be drawn from California, the United States and from around the world. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences.)
GEOG 402/L. Physical Geography Techniques/Lab (2/1 Units)
Corequisite: GEOG 402L. Preparatory: GEOG 311 or GEOG 364 or GEOG 365. This techniques course in geomorphology, climatology and biogeography includes the principles of field surveying and mapping, water sampling, stream velocity and sediment transport measurement, basic weather station instrumentation, programming and deployment, and sampling designs for vegetation and soil analysis. The course will include 2 off-campus field trips. Two hours lecture, two hours activity. Available for graduate credit.
GEOG 404A-Z. Field Studies in Geography (1-3 Units)
Prerequisite: Six units in Geography. Preparatory: GEOG 300. Techniques of field observation, recordings and analysis through mapping and written reports. A-Los Angeles; B-Foreign; E-Environmental; J-Cultural; K-Tourism; T-Urban; U-Physical; V-Geomorphology; Y-Cartography; Z-Selected Topics. Field studies may be repeated for credit. Available for graduate credit.
GEOG 406/L. Advanced Geographical Information Science and Lab (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 306 or permission of instructor. Corequisite: GEOG 406L. Course will cover advanced topics in geographical information science. Students will investigate geographic data structures, advanced concepts in database design, algorithms for spatial data analysis, web-based mapping applications, customized applications, and implementation and management issues associated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Lab will demonstrate these issues through the use of ArcGIS software. Two hours lecture, two hours lab.
GEOG 407/L. Remote Sensing and Lab (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 304/L or GEOG 305/L or GEOG 306/L or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: GEOG 407L. Theory and practice of remote sensing by satellites and aircraft in visible, infrared and microwave portions of the spectrum. Problem oriented course emphasizing the application of image processing software and techniques to digital satellite imagery. Two hours lecture; two hours of lab.
GEOG 408A/L. Human/Cultural Applications in GIS and Lab (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 306/L or permission of instructor. Advanced applications of geographical information systems. Includes analysis of crime patterns, patterns of disease and health care delivery, population and housing characteristics, voting behavior and redistricting, market area analysis, utility management, transportation. Students taking 408A/L are also eligible to take GEOG 408B/L for credit. This course meets the GEOG 408 GIS certificate requirement. two hours lecture; two hours lab.
GEOG 408B/L. Environmental/physical Applications in GIS and Lab (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 306/L or permission of instructor. Advanced applications of geographical information systems. Includes analysis of environmental hazards, animal and plant species distributions, distributions of archaeological sites, mineral exploration, forest inventory and management, navigation, hydrology, climatology, geomorphology. Project may result in the development of customized applications of software. Students taking 408B/L are also eligible to take GEOG 408A/L for credit. This course meets the GEOG 408 GIS certificate requirement. two hours lecture; two hours lab.
GEOG 408C/L. Geospatial Project Management and Lab (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 206/L or permission of instructor. This course exposes students to ideas and concepts in geospatial project management. The course will introduce students to the main concepts in system organization, design and analysis, as well as the interpersonal factors which influence professional interaction and that are specific and unique to projects in geospatial science and technology. Students will learn to think through issues of geospatial project scope, needs, work structure and timeline, budget, project stakeholder roles and responsibilities, quality control, risk, final plan documentation, and implementation. Available for graduate credit. Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory.
GEOG 408D/L. Spatial Database Management and Lab (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 206/L or permission of instructor. Advanced concepts in spatial database management. This course explores the management and design of spatial datasets and their association with Geographical Information Systems. Students will be introduced to concepts such as the principles of spatial database planning, design, implementation, and administration. Final projects will result in the development of a customized geospatial database. Available for graduate credit. Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory.
GEOG 408E/L. GIS Automation using Python and Lab (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 306/L or permission of instructor. The purpose of this course is to expose students to GIS automation through the Python programming environment. The course will introduce students to basic programming concepts and methodologies for customizing and/or extending the available functions in ArcGIS. Available for graduate credit. Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory.
GEOG 408F/L. WebGIS and Lab (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 206/L or permission of instructor. The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to the design, development, and implementation of interactive and accessible customized web-based GIS applications. The course provides an overview of conceptual and theoretical backgrounds of WebGIS system architecture and offers programming concepts and skill sets underlying development and implementation of distributed geographical information on the Internet. Available for graduate credit. Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory.
GEOG 408G/L. GIS and Decision-Making and Lab (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 306/L or permission of instructor. Introduction to the principles of integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial decision analysis methodologies with examples drawn from public and private sector organizations using a collaborative approach. The course focuses on multiple criteria evaluation techniques and their integration with GIS, and also introduces optimization methods capable of solving geospatial decision problems including linear programming and multiple objectives optimization. Available for graduate credit. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.
GEOG 408H/L. GIS in Water Resource Management and Lab (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 306/L or permission of instructor; Instructor consent required for graduate students. The course introduces the principles of hydrology and the applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in hydrologic modeling and water resource management. Selected GIS-based techniques will be applied in practical sessions. The main focus of the course will be on the use of digital data for better understanding and modeling water resources. The course also introduces hydrological terrain mapping and analysis using digital elevation models. Moreover, the course introduces watershed delineation technique as well as river and watershed networks creation. Available for graduate credit. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.
GEOG 409/L. Digital Cartography and Lab (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 305/L. Corequisite: GEOG 409L. Advanced design, use, and presentation of maps and information graphics. Course will explore computer assisted cartography in theory and practice. Topics will include cartographic communications, data acquisition and design for computer generated mapping. Lecture two hours, lab two hours. Available for graduate credit.
GEOG 414. Hydroclimatology (3 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 311. Details of the hydrologic cycle, emphasizing cloud physics, precipitation, evaporation, and runoff. Nature and causes of rainfall variability in time and space. Cloud seeding. Irrigation and water supply problems. Field studies.
GEOG 416. Global Warming (3 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 103 or GEOG 311. Analysis of Earth’s changing climate throughout geologic time. Includes consideration of the mechanisms of climate change, techniques of climate reconstruction and analysis, and the chronology of climate change. Examines the issue of global warming, climate data, climate models and predictions. Considers the environmental impact of global warming.
GEOG 417. California for Educators (3 Units)
Prerequisite: Available to members of Multiple Subject Credential Program only. Examination of California, focusing on its political, social, and economic growth, its settlement, its population patterns, resource exploitation, and human-environment interaction. Spatial and temporal variation of these factors is emphasized. (Crosslisted with HIST 417)
GEOG 444. Conservation (3 Units)
Prerequisites: GEOG 101; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. This course is designed to introduce students to the principles of conservation with special emphasis on forest and wildlife conservation. The course will investigate the multitude of practices, institutions, governance and different knowledges, ecologically and politically, that constitute environmental crises and the politics and power relationships which support them. The students will learn principles of conservation through readings, discussions, and report writing. Available for graduate credit.
GEOG 452. Urban Land-Use Planning (3 Units)
Prerequisites: Lower Division course in geography, political science, or sociology; completion of the lower division writing requirement. Principles and techniques of land-use planning in urban areas. Regular written assignments are required.
GEOG 459. Environmental Impact Studies (3 Units)
Prerequisite: Lower Division geography course; Upper Division standing; completion of the lower division writing requirement. Geographic analysis of environmental control legislation affecting municipal, state, and federal planning; the application of geographic analysis to development of systems for evaluating planned land-use activities. Regular written assignments are required.
GEOG 460/L. Spatial Analysis and Comparison and Lab (2/1 Units)
Corequisite: GEOG 460L. Statistical analysis of quantitative data by areas. Measurement of aggregation and concentration, description of a real distribution and gradients, significance of similarities and differences. Two hours lecture; two hours lab.
GEOG 465/L. Fluvial Geomorphology and Lab (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 365. Corequisite: GEOG 465L. Role of water in landform development: weathering, overland flow, open channel characteristics, drainage pattern evolution, and drainage basin characteristics. Two hours lecture; two hours field activity.
GEOG 467/L. Arid Lands Geomorphology and Lab (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 365. Corequisite: GEOG 467L. Landform development in deserts: origin of deserts, erosion and sedimentation in dry climates, morphology, aeolian processes. Two hours lecture; two hours field activity.
GEOG 468/L. Coastal Geomorphology and Lab (2/1 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 365. Corequisite: GEOG 468L. Concepts and theories of beach and coastline development: near shore oceanographic processes, sea level fluctuations, coastal morphology, problems of classification. Two hours lecture; two hours field activity.
GEOG 470. The Geography of Aquatic Ecosystems (3 Units)
Prerequisites: GEOG 101; Instructor consent required for graduate students. This course focuses on the geographic study of aquatic ecosystems, including lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands, the biogeography of aquatic organisms, and on the methods and techniques used by geographers to study ecosystems including GIS and remote sensing. Available for graduate credit.
GEOG 472. Water Transfers in the American West (3 Units)
Prerequisites: GEOG 370 or GEOG 365/L or permission of instructor; Instructor consent required for graduate students. This course examines the scientific foundations of water transfers across the American West, with special emphasis on California. The course examines the nature and implications of climate variability over the past 200 years and then, after California’s accession to the United States in 1850, the changing demands for water from agriculture, industry, and population growth. The physical, social, economic and legal implications of water transfers from distant locations, such as the Owens Valley and Colorado River, to thirsty farmlands and growing cities, and the need for water conservation, are explored. Available for graduate credit.
GEOG 473. Water Quality in the Managed Environment (3 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 370 or GEOG 365/L or permission of instructor; Instructor consent required for graduate students. This course examines the nature of water-quality management including baseline properties of natural water, sources of surface and subsurface pollution, state and national policies on water quality, and the type and effectiveness of treatment processes in practice today. Specific topics include watershed ecosystems, water-quality indicators, natural and human-derived pollutants, drinking water vs brown water, stormwater, groundwater, and wastewater management, and comprehensive watershed management. Available for graduate credit.
GEOG 474. Water in Dryland Environments (3 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 414 or permission of instructor; Instructor consent required for graduate students. The purpose of the class is to provide an understanding of the hydrologic cycle and its relationship to climate in dryland environments. Details of the hydrologic cycle, emphasizing precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff will be covered. The nature and causes of rainfall variability in time and space will be considered. Soil and groundwater processes, runoff processes, and flooding and flood hazards are given particular attention. Students will learn principles of hydrology through readings, exercises, research and report writing, and field experience. Available for graduate credit.
GEOG 476. Principles of River Restoration (3 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 365/L or GEOG 465/L or permission of instructor; Instructor consent required for graduate students. Introduction to the principles of river restoration integrating the fundamentals of water science, technology, and practice in projects designed to improve and restore fluvial environments. The course focuses on the hydrologic, morphologic and ecologic principles needed for understanding and managing river systems affected by human and natural environmental change. Students will work in the field on projects that integrate direct measurement of watershed and channel features while building a foundation for future employment and research opportunities. Available for graduate credit.
GEOG 482. Population Geography (3 Units)
Prerequisite: Lower Division course in geography. Geographical analysis and study of the distribution, composition, migration, and growth of world population.
GEOG 486. Medical Geography (3 Units)
Prerequisite: Lower Division course in geography; completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examination of the spatial distribution of human diseases at world, regional, national, and local scales. Special emphasis on understanding the physical and cultural factors associated with patterns of disease.
GEOG 486SOC. Social Science Career Internship (3 Units)
Prerequisites: Upper Division standing in a social or behavioral science major, appropriate methods course as specified by the department, and consent of instructor. Social and behavioral science principles will be applied to the work place. At least nine hours per week of supervised fieldwork is required. Students will complete learning contracts and submit written reports related to their internship. (See section on Academic Internship.)
GEOG 487. Geography of Popular Culture (3 Units)
Prerequisite: a course in human geography. Examines the patterns and processes of American popular culture. Topics include the geography of sports, music, television, movies and popular architecture.
GEOG 490. Senior Project (3 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 300 or consent of instructor. Preparation of a research proposal and writing of a senior paper under close faculty supervision. Available for graduate credit.
GEOG 494. Internship (3 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG major with senior standing. Upon prior approval of the Internship Coordinator, a student may earn 3 units of credit in the major for professional service as a geographer in a public agency or private organization. No more than 3 units may be applied to the major. Academic Internship course.
GEOG 496A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses in Geography (3 Units)
Prerequisite: Appropriate Upper Division course in geography. Selected topics in Geography with course content to be determined. Topics may be repeated for credit.
GEOG 497A-F. Senior Seminar in Geography (3 Units)
Prerequisite: Appropriate Upper Division course in geography. In a seminar setting, students are guided in reading, research, and writing on selected topics within one of the major subdisciplines of geography. Each seminar focuses on a particular subject within the designated subdiscipline. Subjects will vary and be determined each semester. Seminars in the same subdiscipline may be repeated for credit. A-Physical, B-Cultural, C-Economic, D-Urban, E-Regional, F-Techniques.
GEOG 499A-C. Independent Study (1-3 Units)
Graduate Classes Back to top
Graduate courses in geography are reserved for students who have been admitted to the Geography graduate program under either classified or conditionally classified status, and are not appropriate for Postbaccalaureate Unclassified (PBU) students. Graduate students who have been admitted into formal Master’s programs in other departments may enroll in geography graduate courses with the consent of the instructor. All of the geography seminars numbered 605 through 695 focus on the advanced study of a specific topic or subfield determined by the instructor, and the specific content may vary with each offering. Each seminar will normally involve intensive reading and discussion of relevant literature and individual student preparation and presentation (oral and written) of a research paper. The general prerequisite for all of the seminars numbered 605 through 695 is classified status or consent of instructor.
Note that 300-level courses in geography do not carry graduate credit for a master’s in geography. Electives will normally be in geography at the 600-level. However, with departmental approval, certain 400-level courses in geography and related fields may be counted toward the Master’s Degree.
GEOG 600. Geographic Thought, Analysis and Research (3 Units)
Introductory seminar designed for first-year graduate students. Analysis of the trends in the theories, methods, and problems pertinent to contemporary geography, including a review of the skills required for geographical research, analysis, and writing.
GEOG 610A-G. Geomorphology (3 Units)
(A) Fluvial, (B) Glacial and Periglacial, (C) Arid Lands, (D) Coastal, (E) Special Topics in Geomorphology
GEOG 620A-G. Climatology (3 Units)
(A) Boundary Layer, (B) Bioclimatology, (C) Hydroclimatology, (D) Air Pollution, (E) Paleoclimatology, (F) Climatic Change, (G) World Climate.
GEOG 630A-F. Environmental Studies (3 Units)
(A) Environmental Geography, (B) Biogeography, (C) Special Topics in Environmental Geography, (D) Ecosystem Studies, (E) Human Impact on the Environment, (F) Natural Resources.
GEOG 650A-D. Urban Geography (3 Units)
(A) Special Topics in Urban Geography, (B) Housing and Community Development, (C) Urban Social Geography, (D) Metropolitan Los Angeles
GEOG 660A-D. Cultural Geography (3 Units)
(A) American Cultural Landscapes, (B) Cultural Ecology, (C) Special Topics in Cultural Geography, (D) Social/Ethnic Studies.
GEOG 670A-G. Global Studies (3 Units)
(A) Population Geography, (B) Medical Geography, (C) Economic Development, (D) Tourism, (E) International Trade, (F) Globalization, (G) Political Geography.
GEOG 680A-N. Regional Geography (3 Units)
(A) California, (B) United States, (C) Canada, (D) Mexico, (E) Central America, (F) South America, (G) Europe, (H) Southwest Asia, (I) South Asia, (J) Southeast Asia, (K) East Asia, (L) Eurasia, (M) Africa, (N) Oceania.
GEOG 690A-J. Geographic Information Science (3 Units)
Selected topics in digital mapping with course content to be determined. Can be taken twice for 6 units. (A) Special Topics in GIS, (B) Spatial Statistics, (C) Digital Cartography, (D) Remote Sensing, (E) WebGIS, (F) GIS Automation and Customization, (G) Applications in GIS, (H) Spatial Database Management, and (I) Advanced Geospatial Project Management, (J) Foundations in Geographic Information Science.
GEOG 695 A-C Methods of Geographical Analysis (3 Units)
A) Quantitative Analysis, (B) Methods in Geomorphology, (C) Methods in Climatology.
GEOG 696. Directed Graduate Research (3 Units)
To be taken near the end of the student’s graduate program and prior to GEOG 698. Supervised research leading to the development of a thesis topic, preparation of a preliminary bibliography and a formal thesis proposal, and selection of a faculty thesis committee.
GEOG 697. Directed Comprehensive Studies (3 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 696. Focused readings followed by Comprehensive exams under the direction of the student’s committee. Only one enrollment permitted.
GEOG 698. Thesis (3 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 696. Researching and writing the Master’s thesis, under the supervision of the student’s faculty thesis committee. Only one enrollment permitted.
GEOG 698D. Graduate Project (3 Units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 696. Classified graduate students in Geography/GIS option. Researching and completing a GIS project in collaboration with faculty. Only one enrollment permitted.
GEOG 699A-C. Independent Study (1-3 Units)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor, graduate coordinator, and department chair. Maximum of 3 units may be applied to the student’s program and only to the Elective requirement in the Option 1 program.
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