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University of Calgary Calendar 2013-2014 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION Course Descriptions G Geography GEOG
Geography GEOG

Instruction offered by members of the Department of Geography in the Faculty of Arts.

Department Head –  J. Yackel

All students interested in taking Geography courses, Geography Majors and Graduate Students, should read the pertinent Undergraduate and Graduate program sections of the Calendar.

Junior Courses
Geography 205       Gateway to Geography
An overview of human and physical environments, their inter-relationships and their relevance to environmental issues and world affairs. Major topics are drawn from current global issues where location matters. Specific examples are discussed in a global context and vary by term.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Not open to students with credit in Geography 201, 203, 211, 251 or 253 (Urban Studies 253).
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Geography 211       The Physical Environment
Introduction to the physical elements of the environment such as weather, climate, hydrology, landforms, soils, vegetation, and the processes producing variations of these elements on the surface of the earth. The social implications of environmental change, disasters, and hazards are emphasized.
Course Hours:
H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 205 or admission to the Major or Minor in Geography, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Latin American Studies, Transportation Studies, or Urban Studies or the Honours BA or BSc in Archaeology; and Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics 30-1 or equivalent.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Geography 211 and 201 will not be allowed.
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Geography 213       Geography of World Affairs
Focuses on the major culture regions of the world and also individual countries. Emphasis on the characteristics, distribution, inter-relationships and comparisons of the major culture and physical phenomena of these areas, i.e. population, political situation, economy, language, religion and environment. Some historical developments in each of the areas are presented for perspective, but the major emphasis is on the background for understanding contemporary world affairs.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Geography 231       Introduction to Geospatial Methods
An introduction to cartography, remote sensing, geographic information systems, and descriptive spatial statistics.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 205 or admission to the Major or Minor in Geography, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Latin American Studies, or Urban Studies; and Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics 30-1 or equivalent.
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Geography 251       The Human Environment
The study of people, their origins, culture, technology, economy and impact on the environment. The manner in which people attempt to impose order upon the surface of the earth. Concepts of relative location are introduced with particular regard to both the external orientation and the internal organization of urban areas.
Course Hours:
H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 205 or admission to the Major or Minor in Geography, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Latin American Studies, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Urban Studies, or the Major in East Asia.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Geography 251 and 203 will not be allowed.
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Geography 253       Introduction to Cities
A broad introductory survey, from diverse perspectives, of the processes that shape cities and urban life.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Also known as:
(Urban Studies 253)
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Senior Courses
Geography 305       Weather and Climate
Physical principles of meteorology and climatology. Weather development in relation to different scales of atmospheric circulation. Elements of synoptic and dynamic climatology as determinants of characteristics and the distribution of climates. Laboratory work emphasizes North American examples.
Course Hours:
H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 211.
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Geography 307       Landform Processes and Morphology
A systematic study of the physical processes that shape the Earth's surface.
Course Hours:
H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 211.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Geography 307 and Geology 373 will not be allowed.
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Geography 311       Natural Events and Human Disasters
Explores how various Earth processes create hazards for humans in different regions. Topics include but are not limited to: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami, floods, landslides, hurricanes, drought, famine and disease.  Lectures will focus on: (1) the causes of dangerous natural events, (2) how the physical geography of a region affects its vulnerability, (3) historic human impacts, and (4) how people in different regions perceive and mitigate risk from these events.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Geography 311 is not open to students with credit in Geography 397.07.
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Geography 313       Soils and Vegetation
Soil: physical, chemical and biological properties, and the environmental and spatial relationships of vegetation patterns.
Course Hours:
H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 211.
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Geography 317       Animal Geography
Explores the socio-spatial relationships between humans and animals, with the goal of elucidating the ecological, economic, political, social, and cultural pressures shaping these relations, and the conflicts arising from human-animal interactions.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Geography 321       Geography and Our Environment
Environmental and resource issues, with emphasis on topics such as sustainability, ethics; planning; policy and decision making; and management strategies. Case examples highlight issues in resource sectors such as freshwater, oceans, parks and wildlife, tourism and recreation, forests and energy.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Geography 333       Remote Sensing I
Basic instruction in the use and interpretation of remote sensing imagery. Identification, interpretation and mapping of both physical and cultural landscape features will be covered.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 231 or consent of the Department.
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Geography 339       Analytical Methods in Geography I
Introduction to quantitative research methodology, sampling and survey design in geography. Covers the background analytical techniques for an understanding of geographic literature. Examples will involve the use of statistical computer packages.
Course Hours:
H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 231 or consent of the Department.
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Geography 340       Qualitative Methods in Human-Environmental Research
Introduction to qualitative research methods and research design in human geography and environmental geography.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Geography 205, 251, 253; Urban Studies 253; or consent of the Department.
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Geography 341       Introduction to Economic Geography
Theories, concepts and techniques of economic geography with emphasis on policy issues relating to Canadian examples at the urban, regional, and national levels.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Geography 251, 253, Urban Studies 253.
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Geography 351       Urban Social Geography
Concepts of urban geography with particular reference to intra-urban social issues.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Geography 251, 253, Urban Studies 253.
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Geography 357       Geographic Information Systems I
The technical and theoretical foundations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Explorations of data types and structures (raster, vector, object based), data input and manipulation, analytical basics, and visualization techniques will be carried out in lecture and laboratory. Case studies of GIS analysis form the basis of assignments.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 231 or both 333 and 339.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Geography 357 and 447 will not be allowed.
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Geography 361       Imagining the World: The Cultural Approach in Geography
An exploration of geography as a product and producer of social relationships and cultural meanings. How landscapes encode meanings and how places and spatial processes shape identities.
Course Hours:
H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Geography 251, 253, Urban Studies 253.
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Geography 365       Political Geography
Spatial study of political systems, structures and processes, and their relationship to geographic factors.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Geography 251, 253, Urban Studies 253.
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Geography 367       Population Geography
Spatial distribution of population, including density composition and characteristics; patterns of migration and settlement in selected areas.
Course Hours:
H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Geography 251 or 253 or consent of the Department.
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Geography 371       Introduction to Latin America
A survey of the physical, cultural and historical geography of Latin America.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Any course in Geography or consent of the Department.
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Geography 377       Sub-Saharan Africa
Dimensions and underlying causes of issues facing African peoples: the colonial legacy, fragile environment, cultural and political diversity, population growth, resource development, urbanization, and economic challenges.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Any course in Geography or consent of the Department.
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Geography 381       Canada
The regional geography of Canada. The physical framework of Canada and its significance in Canada's historical development. The concept of the geographic region, the patterns and characteristics of these regions, with selected detailed studies.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Any course in Geography or consent of the Department.
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Geography 391       Geographic Field Studies

An introduction to field research techniques and topics in physical and human geography. Lectures and projects will provide an introduction to a range of geographic disciplines. Field exercises will normally be conducted away from Calgary for about ten days before Fall Term.


Course Hours:
H(80 hours)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Geography 211, 251, 253, Geology 201, 209 and consent of the Department.
Notes:
Enrolment in Geography 391 may be limited. Preference for registration is given to Majors in Geography, Earth Science and Environmental Science.
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Geography 392       Overseas Field Studies in Physical and Environmental Geography - Part I
Field research and reconnaissance survey of techniques applied to regions outside North America. Group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars.
Course Hours:
H(3-7)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Geography 393       Overseas Field Studies in Physical and Environmental Geography - Part II
Field research and reconnaissance survey techniques applied to regions outside North America. Group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars.
Course Hours:
H(3-7)
Corequisite(s):
Geography 392 or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Geography 394       Overseas Field Studies in Social and Economic Geography - Part I
Field research and reconnaissance survey techniques applied to regions outside North America. Group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars.
Course Hours:
H(3-7)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Geography 395       Overseas Field Studies in Social and Economic Geography - Part II
Field research and reconnaissance survey techniques applied to regions outside North America. Group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars.
Course Hours:
H(3-7)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 394.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Geography 397       Regional Geography of Selected World Areas

Selected regional geographies. A survey of the physical, cultural and historical geography of a world region.

397.01. The United States of America

397.02. Former Soviet Union

397.03. Australia, New Zealand, Oceania

397.04. Europe

397.05. The Arctic

397.06. Southeast Asia


Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
A previous course in geography is strongly recommended.
Antirequisite(s):
Geography 397.01 is not open to students with credit in 379; 397.02 is not open to students with credit in 387; 397.03 is not open to students with credit in 389.
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Geography 403       Physical Oceanography and Climatic Variability
Oceanic circulation and atmosphere-ocean interactions as controls of climate. Focus on the role of the marine cryosphere in radiation and energy exchange at regional, hemispheric and global scales. Climatic variability in historic time and during the instrument period.
Course Hours:
H(2-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 305 or consent of the Department.
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Geography 411       Fluvial Geomorphology
Contemporary theory in fluvial geomorphology. Topics include channel flow, sediment transport, stream morphology, channel pattern, channel networks, sedimentation and channel response to human and natural environmental change.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 307 or consent of the Department.
Notes:
May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.
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Geography 413       Soil Characteristics and Formation
Characteristics of soils and the processes and factors of soil formation. Soil development related to geomorphic materials, geomorphic events, anthropogenic sources, and erosional and depositional landscapes.
Course Hours:
H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 313 or consent of the Department.
Also known as:
(Archaeology 413)
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Geography 415       Hydrology
The physical basis of water utilization and management. Elements of the hydrologic cycle - precipitation, ground water and stream flow. Techniques for estimating water yield and renewal potential in drainage basins.
Course Hours:
H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 305 or 307, and 339; or a course in Statistics by consent of the Department.
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Geography 417       Biogeography and Natural Ecosystems
A multidisciplinary area of contemporary science that examines the distribution (past and present) of animals and plants, on land, in the sea, or in air and the inherent causes of variation in species types, abundance, and survival across the globe. The discipline forms a critical link between the earth sciences (geology and geography) and life sciences (biology).
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 313 or consent of the Department.
Notes:
Normally offered during the Spring or Summer Term. May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.
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Geography 421       Renewable Resources and Natural Environments
Geographical resources analysis and management approaches applied to resource sectors such as urban natural areas, wilderness parks and reserves, freshwater resources and fisheries.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 321 or consent of the Department.
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Geography 425       Critical Approaches to Development: Theory and Applications
A critical approach to meanings of economic and social development and the theories of development from a spatial perspective. Other areas of study include: population and health dynamics, gender and development, rural development, industrialization, formal and informal economies, foreign aid, trade and debt, community development. Case studies from Latin America, Asia and Africa.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 351 or 365.
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Geography 429       Tourism, Recreation and Environmental Management
Dimensions of, approaches to, and issues in recreation and environmental management; planning for sustainable tourism; cultural and heritage tourism; adventure and eco-tourism; and other representative tourism and recreational activities and environments. Case studies emphasize assessment and monitoring, policy initiatives and decision-making, and other practical orientations.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Geography 321, 327, or 329.
Notes:
May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.
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Geography 433       Remote Sensing II
Principles of earth resource analysis using digital images collected from instruments on airborne and spaceborne platforms. The full range of the electromagnetic spectrum currently used in remote sensing. Emphasis will be given to complementing conventional data and methods with automated techniques.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 333 and 339.
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Geography 437       Applied Mapping Techniques
The role of cartography and geographic visualization is explored both theoretically and practically in the communication of spatial data. Topics will relate to major issues in advanced map design and spatial data interaction with examples from the geographic literature. Sample approaches will be critically examined within lecture and laboratories. Computer software packages will be used for laboratories and student projects.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 231; plus either Geography 333 or 357 or consent of the Department.
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Geography 439       Analytical Methods in Geography II
Methods for the analysis of temporal, spatial and multivariate data sets. Emphasis is placed on data sets relating to geographic phenomena, resource utilization and environmental problems, with examples from the geographic literature. Examples will involve the use of computer packages.
Course Hours:
H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 339 or consent of the Department.
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Geography 451       Urban Systems Development
A critical review of the principles of urban growth and development in the context of systems of cities. Topics include: single factor explanations, such as central place, long distance trade models, industrial and service growth; cumulative development models; societal explanations.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 341 or 351 or consent of the Department.
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Geography 457       Geographic Information Systems II
The role of Geographic Information Systems in environmental (physical-human interactions) research and management is explored both theoretically and practically. Topics will relate to major issues within the environmental/earth sciences field. Advanced analytical approaches will be critically examined within lecture and laboratories. A major GIS package will be used for laboratories and student projects.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 339 and one of 357 or 447 or consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Geography 457 and 547 will not be allowed.
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Geography 463       Cities, Poverty and Development
Analysis of the explosive growth and geographical character of Third World cities. Topics normally include: rural-urban migration, development theory and urbanization, housing, formal/informal labour market, service and food provision, social and political conflict. Case studies from Latin America, Asia and Africa.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 351 or 365 or consent of the Department.
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Geography 479       Housing and Society
Examines interactions between housing and social organization in cross-cultural context. Emphasizes the varied types of built form, their cultural meanings, implications for social life within households and for society more broadly, and their political and economic consequences. Pays particular attention to contemporary housing problems such as homelessness and urban sprawl.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 351 or Anthropology 379.
Also known as:
(Anthropology 479)
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Geography 503       Climate Change
Overview of global climate dynamics and the interactions between ocean, atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, and biogeochemical cycles. Examination of climate change in Earth's past, present, and future, scrutinizing both natural and anthropogenic influences on the global climate system.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 305 or consent of the Department.
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Geography 507       Glacial Geomorphic Systems
Contemporary theories for the formation of glacial landforms and sediments are evaluated. Topics include glacial mechanics, erosion, deposition, and hydrology. Timing and dynamics of glaciation and deglaciation are addressed.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 307 or consent of the Department.
Notes:
Geography 411 is strongly recommended.
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Geography 509       Permafrost
Development, characteristics and significance of permafrost, including the thermal and hydrological processes and resulting periglacial geomorphology and geotechnical implications.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 305 and 307.
Also known as:
(formerly Geography 409)
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Geography 516       Ecohydrology
Linkages between physical, chemical and biological processes influencing hydrology in headwater catchments. Application of process based knowledge to problems of water quality management and ecosystem reclamation.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 415 or consent of the Department.
Also known as:
(formerly Geography 515)
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Geography 517       Conservation GIS
Applies advanced geospatial analysis techniques to predictive modelling with a specific focus on conservation. Wildlife species, habitat selection, and consequences of human alteration of landscapes are the entry point to understanding and evaluating the geospatial approaches used, and the techniques may be extended to any spatial phenomena. Students will learn to apply a variety of statistics (e.g. chi-square, logistic regression) and to critically evaluate their analytical approaches within a context of environmental conservation.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 339, 357 and 417 or consent of the Department.    
Antirequisite(s):
Not open to students with credit in Geography 619.
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Geography 519       Landscape Ecology
Concepts and methods for examining the spatial pattern of natural and managed landscapes and their effects on ecological processes. Applications in land management and biological conservation will also be considered.
Course Hours:
H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Geography 313 or Biology 313 and one of Geography 339 or Biology 315 or consent of the Department.
Notes:
At least one of the following is also strongly recommended: Geography 417, 421, 517, or Ecology 419, 439, 501.
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Geography 522       Topics in Politics of the Environment
Key issues in environmental policy, focusing on the power and interest mechanisms that determine environmental resource access and sustainable use. Case-specific applications explore the dynamic roles of the global and the local including international development paradigms, indigenous resource rights, common-pool resource management, powerful policy networks, and local communities struggling in between.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 321 plus one of 361, 421, 425, 429, or consent of the Department.
Notes:
May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Geography 523       Human Ecology
Current directions in various subfields of human ecology as they apply to Anthropology, Archaeology, and Geography.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s):
Not open to students with credit in Geography 609, Anthropology 609, and Archaeology 609.
Also known as:
(Anthropology 523) (Archaeology 523)
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Geography 529       Research and Planning for Tourism and Recreation Resources
Research and techniques in analysis, planning and management of touristic and recreational resources. Usually involves a major case study/field research project.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 421 or 429 and consent of the Department.
Notes:
May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Geography 531       Field Studies in Remote Sensing and Natural Resource Management
Advanced digital image analysis used in natural resource management studies including mapping, monitoring and modelling. Includes field work and computer laboratories.
Course Hours:
H(2-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
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Geography 533       Topics in Geospatial Analysis
Advanced topics of current interest in one or more of remote sensing, geographic information science and spatial statistics. Chosen topics vary by term and focus on integrating raster and vector systems.
Course Hours:
H(2-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Any two of Geography 433, 439, 457, 547 and consent of the Department.
Notes:
Students should consult the Department before registering to learn what topics will be covered in a given year.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Geography 537       Field studies in GIS and Natural Resource Management
Techniques of natural resource analysis and modelling using multiple digital data types within a GIS framework; fundamental operations, issues and applications. Field and computer work.
Course Hours:
H(2-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
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Geography 553       Globalization and the City
Introduction to the economic, political and cultural forces operating on a global scale that increasingly shape the growth and development of cities. Emphasis is placed on the dynamics of growth, competition, and polarization that structure urban hierarchies as well as cities' internal social and economic geographies.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Anthropology 379, 387, Economics 361, Geography 253, 351, Sociology 353, Urban Studies 253 or consent of the Department.
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Geography 555       Rapid Urbanization in a Megacity
This intensive one-week course addresses the challenges of urban planning and development in one of the largest mega-cities in the Western hemisphere. The course tests students' theoretical knowledge of concepts of urban planning as they come into direct contact with the challenges faced by rapid urbanization in situ.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
Notes:
Admission is limited and competitive. Consent is usually given to students with a strong background in Latin American Studies and/or Urban Geography.
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Geography 561       Critical Debates in Cultural Geography
In-depth discussion of key topical issues and points of debate in the field, including methodological issues, points of theoretical conflict among the subfields of Geography, moral or ethical issues in Geography.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 361.
Notes:
May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.
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Geography 565       Urban Political Geography
An examination of how urban spatial relations shape, and are shaped by, political institutions, organizations, and social movements.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 351 or 451.
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Geography 567       Introduction to Programming in Geographic Information Systems
Introduction to computer programming for customizing and automating a GIS. Topics include object-oriented programming techniques, advanced geoprocessing, scripting, and automation using a programming language such as Python or Visual Basic.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 357 or consent of the Department.
Notes:
Geography 457 is recommended.
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Geography 591       Overseas Field Studies in Physical and Environmental Geography
Field research and reconnaissance survey techniques applied to regions outside North America. Individual and group travel-study combined with formal instruction and seminars.
Course Hours:
H(3-7)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
Also known as:
(formerly Geography 590)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Geography 593       Overseas Field Studies in Social and Economic Geography
Field research and data collection techniques applied to geographical phenomena in regions outside North America. Periods of individual and group travel-study are interspersed with formal instruction and seminars.
Course Hours:
H(3-7)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
Also known as:
(formerly Geography 592)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Geography 597       Selected Topics in Human Geography
Content will vary from year to year. Consult Department for details.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Geography 599       Selected Topics in Physical Geography
Content will vary from year to year. Consult Department for details.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Graduate Courses
Geography 601       Graduate Research Seminar
Presentation and evaluation of graduate research seminars. 
Course Hours:
H(0-1.5S)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
Notes:
Normally offered over both fall and winter terms. Normally open to Geography thesis-based graduate students only.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA
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Geography 603       Remote Sensing: Basics and Beyond
Introduction to the theory and practice of remote sensing. Topics include physics of remote sensing, sensor systems, resolutions, geometric and radiometric correction, image analysis (enhancements, filtering, texture analysis, principal components, classification approaches and algorithms and accuracy). May include specific image acquisition systems and their methodological requirements. Emphasis is on fundamental concepts. Laboratory provides experience with fundamental image processing techniques.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
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Geography 605       Statistical Analysis: Basics and Beyond
Introduction to applied statistics, particularly as they are used in geographical analysis. Topics include sampling design, summary statistics, probability theory, inferential statistics, and multivariate analysis. Laboratory exercises give students hands-on experience in computer-based statistical analysis.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
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Geography 607       Geographic Information Systems: Basics and Beyond
Introduction to the world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Includes: representing reality in the digital realm, georeferencing, data structures, software history and comparison, and the full spectrum of analytical approaches associated with advanced GIS software. A major part of the work will be hands on. Software is used as a vehicle for taking the theory and concepts into a working reality.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
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Geography 621       The Politics of Environment
Contemporary issues in environmental conflict, management and governance with case-specific applications from global to local.
Course Hours:
H(2-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
Notes:
May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.
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Geography 633       Research and Applications in Remote Sensing
Review and basic and advanced principles of image analysis. Includes advanced laboratory techniques, integration of remote sensing with GIS, current research in remote sensing, project organization, and data sources for remote sensing.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
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Geography 635       Active Microwave Remote Sensing
Theoretical and applied aspects of active microwave remote sensing for geophysical parameter estimation. Discussion of sensor configuration, dielectric mixture modelling, microwave-surface interactions, microwave scattering (surface and volume) modelling and polarimetry. Laboratory work includes field scatterometer use, computer modelling, and polarimetric analysis.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Geography 635 and 699.35 will not be allowed.
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Geography 639       Advanced Spatial Analysis and Modelling
History of spatial modelling in geography; comprehensive coverages of techniques, spatial analysis and spatial modelling as currently used within GIS and remote sensing.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
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Geography 647       Advanced Research and Applications in Geographic Information Systems
Focus on advanced GIS applications in core areas; methodological developments in GIS, and current research directions in GIS.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
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Geography 667       Advanced GIS Programming with ArcObjects
Advanced programming techniques in ArcGIS using the ArcObjects framework. Topics include customizing the user interface, COM and interface-based programming techniques, and creating macros to perform advanced tasks in ArcGIS. A significant portion of evaluation will be based on an independent term project. Completion of a pre-study package is required.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
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Geography 681       Geographic Information Systems Project: Theoretical Issues
A critical and comprehensive review of information and literature on a GIS research topic This course provides the conceptual basis for Geography 683.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 633, 639 and 647 and consent of the Department.
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Geography 683       Geographic Information Systems Project: Application
Implementation of a project on a GIS topic which will involve demonstrating mastery of GIS project design and the implementation and presentation of results commensurate with graduate level work. This topic will relate to material covered by the student in Geography 681.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Geography 681 and consent of the Department.
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Geography 685       Arctic System Science
This course investigates the process linkages at various spatiotemporal scales between the atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere operating within high latitude environments of the Northern Hemisphere. Of particular interest is the response of the terrestrial and marine cryosphere to climate variability and change, including methods for its detection and quantification.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
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Geography 687       Advanced Glacial Geomorphic Systems
Contemporary topics in glacial geomorphology and sedimentology. Course consists of lecture, seminar and field trip components.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
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Geography 689       Advanced Topics in Geocryology
Contemporary topics in the science and engineering of seasonally and perennially frozen ground. Course consists of lectures and seminars.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
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Geography 691       Advanced Fluvial Geomorphology
Advanced theory and research issues in fluvial geomorphology. Topics may include flow hydraulics, sediment transport, river morphology, channel networks, sediment routing, drainage basin evolution, and channel response to environmental change.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
Notes:
May not be offered every year. Consult the department for more information.
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Geography 695       Seminar in Geographic Research Methods

Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Geography 696       Urban, Regional and Global Political Economy Seminar
Spatial and power relations that shape urban, regional and global processes. Investigation of a wide range of processes, ranging in scale from the local to the global: capital investment and disinvestment; state power and policymaking; planning, governance and governmentality; political struggle, all in multiple forms of spatiality: place, scale, territory, networks.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
Notes:
Intended for students enrolled in a Geography graduate degree program or a graduate degree program of a cognate discipline.
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Geography 697       Seminar in the Philosophy and Nature of Human Geography

Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Geography 699       Seminar in the Philosophy and Nature of Physical Geography

Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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A list of specific subtitles for the 700-level courses listed below is available in the Department.

Geography 795       Selected Topics in Geographic Research Methods

Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Geography 797       Selected Topics in Human Geography

Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Geography 799       Selected Topics in Physical Geography

Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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