You are in the official 2008-2009 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Geography
COURSES
- Introductory Geography (GEOG)
- Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing (GEOG)
- Climatology/Meteorology/Environmental Studies (GEOG)
- Global and Regional Studies (GEOG)
- City and Regional Planning (CRP)
Introductory Geography (GEOG)
GEOG 2. Introduction to Cultural Geography (3)
Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation A2. General background to cultural geography,
including origins of cultural land scapes, man's modification of the natural
environment, and problems of population and settlement geography. G.E. Breadth
D3. (CAN GEOG 4) F even
GEOG 4. World Geography (3)
Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation A2. Survey of world-wide social, cultural,
economic and political forces; earth's physical features; economic development;
cultural and natural resources; man-land relationships. Applicable concepts
and methodologies. Approach is by continents and/or cultural realms. G.E.
Breadth D3. FS
GEOG 5. Physical Geography: Global Concepts, Weather and Climate (3)
The earth as a planet, map projections, location on the earth's surface,
time, oceans, weather, and climate. F
GEOG 7. Physical Geography: The Earth's Surface (3)
A survey of those elements of the physical environment at the earth-atmosphere
contact. Fundamentals of landform features, soils, natural vegetation, and
water bodies. S
GEOG 20. Introduction to Spatial Techniques (3)
Introduction to spatial/geographical techniques, including cartography,
topographical map reading, geographical information systems, and aerial
photo interpretation. S
GEOG 25. Critical Thinking in Geography (3)
Fundamentals of critical thinking with emphasis on evaluating claims, examining
geographical and cultural influences on perception, constructing arguments,
using deductive and inductive reasoning, recognizing fallacies and persuasive
rhetoric, and exploring explanations. These skills are applied to select
topics drawn from various geographic contexts. G.E. Foundation A3.
Geographic Information Systems and Remote
Sensing (GEOG)
GEOG 100. Cartography (3)
Prerequisite: GEOG 20 or permission of instructor. Theory of map communication.
Practical experience in compilation, generalization, symbolization, and
design to produce original maps. Teaches the skill of presenting tabular
data in map form, using pen-and-ink and computer-assisted drafting. (2 lecture,
2 lab hours) F even
GEOG 101. GIS I: Data Display and Manipulation (3)
Use of computers in mapping and geographic information systems applications.
Operational knowledge of boundary and attribute data manipulation, spatial
query, geocoding, and layout using state-of-the-art mapping and geographic
information systems software. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours) F
GEOG 102. Computer Cartography (3)
Introduction to computer applications in geography. Fundamental concepts
of computers, Internet, word processing, programming, database, computer
mapping, remote sensing, and GIS applications. No computer and statistical
experience required. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours) S
odd
GEOG 104. Map Interpretation (3)
Prerequisite: GEOG 20 and EES 1 or GEOG 7, or permission of instructor.
Reading and interpretation of USGS-type topographic maps.
Emphasis on interpretative inference concerning both physical and cultural landscapes.
(2 lecture, 2 lab hours) F
GEOG 105. Aerial Photograph Interpretation (3)
Prerequisites: EES 1 or GEOG 7; GEOG 20 or permission of instructor.
Aerial photography, video-graphy, and multispectral scanner technology;
image interpretation; computer-based digital processing; monitoring and mapping
of terrain features; georeferencing (GPS); GIS applications. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours ) S
GEOG 106. Advanced Aerial Photo Interpretation and
Remote Sensing of Environment (3)
Prerequisite: GEOG 105 or permission of instructor. Advanced techniques
of remote sensing, e.g., hyperspectral and radar imaging; advanced computer-based
digital processing; advanced monitoring and mapping of terrain features;
advanced GIS applications. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours) S
even
GEOG 107. GIS II: Data Creationand Project Implementation (3)
Prerequisite: GEOG 101 or permission of instructor. Fundamental concepts
of acquisition, structure, manipulation, and analysis of GIS data. Practice
in the design, management, and implementation of GIS. Specific operational
knowledge may include georegistration, boundary and attribute file creation,
map development, spatial query, and spatial analysis. (2 lecture, 2 lab
hours) S
GEOG 108. GIS III: Spatial Analysis and Modeling (3)
Prerequisite: GEOG 107 or permission of instructor. Spatial analysis and
modeling in a GIS environment. Spatial geometry, pattern analysis, terrain
analysis, path analysis, network analysis, surface modeling, spatial autocorrelation,
and spatial interpolation. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours) F
odd
GEOG 109. Technical Field Geography (3)
Prerequisite: geography major or permission of instructor. Gathering and
analysis of data pertaining to topics in physical or human geography. Includes
an on-campus seminar to discuss issues and concepts. (1 lecture, 4-8 field
hours) S odd
GEOG 110. Basic Quantitative Techniques (3)
Introduction of elementary statistical principles and techniques: probability
theory, sampling, descriptive statistics, spatial statistics, hypothesis
testing, correlation analysis, bivariate regression, and forecasting. (2
lecture, 2 lab hours) S
GEOG 189W. Research and Writing in Geography (3)
Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area D. Satisfactory completion
(C or better) of the ENGL 5B and 10 graduation requirement, to be taken
no sooner than the term in which 60 units are completed. Intensive library
work, manuscript preparation, and small group interaction to impart strategies,
methods, and skills for proper geographic research and writing. Meets the
upper-division writing skills requirement for graduation. F
even (Formerly GEOG 200)
Climatology/Meteorology/Environmental Studies
(GEOG)
GEOG 111. Meteorology (3)
Prerequisite: GEOG 5 or equivalent. Study of the earth's atmosphere; energy
exchanges and temperature; pressure and air circulation; fog, clouds, precipitation
and the hydrologic cycle; cyclonic storms and orographic processes; stability
and thunderstorms; weather modification and predictions with application
to agriculture, aviation, and other activities. F
even
GEOG 112. World Climates (3)
Prerequisite: GEOG 5 or 111. Study of various systems of climate classification.
Climates as they exist throughout the world and the reasons for their occurrence.
S odd
GEOG 114. Microclimatology (3)
(Same as PLANT 134.) Prerequisite: GEOG 5 or equivalent. Micrometeorological
influences on local climates including natural ecosystems and varying agricultural
canopies. Local climate influences on wildlife, domestic animals, and humans.
Manipulation of local climate including frost protection, irrigation and
wind sheltering. Microclimates of non-uniform terrain and urban environment.
S even
GEOG 115. Violent Weather/Climatic Hazards (3)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area B. Studies hurricanes, tornadoes,
thunderstorms, lightning, destructive winds, heat waves, drought, severe
winter storms, and floods. Looks at physical laws and processes that account
for their formation and behavior; examines human impacts. G.E. Integration
IB. FS
GEOG 117. Introduction to Biogeography (3)
Examination of the living planet and global patterns of life. Topics covered
include evolution, biodiversity, extinction, conservation, and impacts of
global change on our planet's biosphere. F
even
GEOG 121. United States Landform Regions (3)
Prerequisite: GEOG 7 or equivalent. Natural regions of the United States
based on study of types of landforms. Analysis of unity and diversity in
such landform regions as the Colorado Plateau, Sierra Nevada Province, Basin
and Range, et. al. F odd
GEOG 127. Human Impact on Nature (3)
Effects of human activities on the natural world, from ancient times to
the present, with emphasis on local, regional, and global environmental
changes and their implications for the future. S
even
GEOG 128. Environmental Pollution (3)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area B. A discussion of current
environmental pollution problems involving the atmosphere, land, and water.
The adverse effects of transportation, surface mining, sewage and waste
disposal, noise, the use of pesticides, energy production and consumption,
and related topics are examined. G.E. Integration IB. FS
GEOG 135. The Protection of Nature (3)
An examination of the plight of nature; the values of nature preserved;
man's attempt to preserve nature. Attention focuses on the national park
movement, wilderness, endangered species, the management of lands for the
purpose of preservation, and related topics. S
odd
GEOG 145T. Environmental Regions (1-3; max total 9 if no area repeated)
Systematic and regional investigation of the physical and cultural complexes
of various environmental regions. Regions to be discussed include the Humid
Tropics, Arid Lands, Polar Lands, Coastal Lands, Mountain Environments,
Island Environments.
Global and Regional Studies Studies (GEOG)
GEOG 130. Geography of World Economy (3)
An examination of the organization of world economy and human economic activities
from a geographical perspective. Discussion of contemporary economic issues
may include industrial restructuring, technological innovation, foreign
trade and investment, Pacific Asia dynamism, Third World crisis, new international
economic order, regional inequality, and local area development. F odd (Formerly GEOG 3)
GEOG 155. Medical Geography (3)
Examination of spatial patterns of diseases worldwide, with special emphasis
on diffusion patterns for infectious diseases. Analysis of global health
care delivery systems including health care resources, accessibility, and
uses. S even
GEOG 160. Urban Geography (3)
The city environment. An understanding of the changing urban environments
from ancient through medieval to modern times; the relationship of the urban
center to its surrounding hinterland; the interdependence of its functional
parts; its problems and future. F even
GEOG 161. Historical Geography of the United States (3)
Regional settlement of the United States; peopling of physiographic regions,
creation of economic (cultural) regions, and geographic factors related
to broad trends in American history. F
GEOG 162. Political Geography (3)
Systematic treatment of the nature and structure of states, boundary problems,
political policy for the oceans, international power, air space. F even
GEOG 163. World Crises (3)
Current major political, economic, and environmental crises occurring on
either a global or a regional level. S
odd
GEOG 164. American Ethnic Geography (3)
Geographical analysis of selected American ethnic groups to include their
cultural hearths, cultural landscapes, cultural evolutions, migrations,
and current spatial distributions. Economic, social, and political correlates
will be explored. F odd
GEOG 166T. Anglo-American Regions (1-3; max total 9 if no area repeated)
Examination of the physical, economic, and cultural geographic foundations
of major Anglo-American regions. Regions to be discussed include Canada,
the United States, the American West, the South, the Middle West, and the
North East.
GEOG 167. People and Places - A Global Perspective (3)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area D. Contrasting characteristics
of a diverse world; influence of major social, cultural, economic, and political
forces on societal behavior and institutions; impacts of geographical factors
including location, climate, natural resources, urbanization, diffusion/adoption
of innovations, and rural/urban life styles on development. G.E. Multicultural/International
MI. FS
GEOG 168. Geography of California (3)
Natural and cultural patterns of California; historical and regional geography
of the state. S even
GEOG 169. The American West (3)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area D. Physical and human geography
of the western continental United States. Occupance of the region, both
historically and in contemporary times, by different peoples including Indians,
Hispanics, Anglos, and others. Examines population, land and resource use,
urban centers, and subdivision of the American West. G.E. Integration ID.
FS
GEOG 170T. Latin American Regions (1-3; max total 9 if no area repeated)
Geography of Latin America. Relationship of cultural and natural features;
social and economic development; man-land relationships. Regions to be discussed
include Mexico, Central America, Caribbean Islands, and South America.
GEOG 172. Cultural Geography of Ancient America (3) (3)
Examines human and physical geography (prehistoric, historic, and contemporary
time periods) of several distinctive and important regions of the Western
Hemisphere. Addresses the unique characteristics of these regions in terms
of early human arrivals, cultural developments, conquest by European invaders,
and modern survivals and cultural legacies. S
odd
GEOG 174T. European Regions (1-3; max total 9 if no area repeated)
Geographic regions of Europe emphasizing the relation of human activities
to physical factors areal in their distribution and influence. Regions to
be discussed include Mediterranean lands, Western Europe, Eastern Europe,
Central Europe, Northern Europe, the British isles.
GEOG 176. Geography of the Commonwealth of Independent States -- Formerly
USSR (3)
Comprehensive study of the economic, cultural, physical, and political geographic
foundations of the Commonwealth of Independent States, followed by intensive
study of selected nations within the realm. S
even
GEOG 177T. Asian Regions (1-3; max total 9 if no area repeated)
Geographic regions of Asia emphasizing physical and cultural features. Regions
to be discussed include Southeast Asia, South Asia, China, and the Far East.
GEOG 179. Geography of the Middle East (3)
Comprehensive study of the physical features of the Middle East and the
cultural traits of its people. The area under consideration extends from
the Turkish Straits to the Pamir Knot, and from the Caucasus to the Sudan.
F odd
GEOG 181T. African Regions (1-3; max total 9 if no region repeated)
Study of major African regions relating to basic physical, cultural, economic,
and political geographic conditions and problems. Regions to be discussed
include Developing Black Africa, North Africa, West Africa, East Africa,
Central Africa, and Southern Africa.
GEOG 188T. Topics in Geography (1-3; max total 9)
Selected topics in cultural, physical, environmental, or economic geography
or in geographic techniques. FS
GEOG 190. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading. FS
GEOG 192. Directed Readings (1-3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Supervised readings in a selected
field of geography. Combined units of GEOG 190 and 192 may not exceed 6
units. CR/NC grading only. FS
GEOG 195. Field Geography (1-6; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Weekend, semester break, or summer
field trips. CR/NC grading only. FS
City and Regional Planning (CRP)
CRP 100. Introduction to Community Planning (3)
Prerequisite: junior standing. Introduction to and critical analysis of
theory and practice of community planning; traditional and alternative roles
of planning in contemporary society; perspectives on community problems;
evaluation of con cepts, literature, and history. F
CRP 110T. Topics in Urban Planning Techniques (1-3; max total 6)
Selected topics such as analytical techniques; means for management of urban
development, including transportation, public facilities, and activities
in the private sector; public policy concerning issues of local and regional
significance. S even
CRP 135. Environmental Law (3)
Contemporary environmental problems and their interrelationships. The conceptual,
constitutional, and administrative framework for environmental protection
and management. Legislation and case law for the protection and enhancement
of the environment with emphasis on natural resources. S
odd
CRP 190. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading. FS
CRP 192. Directed Readings (1-3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Supervised readings in a selected
field related to city and regional planning. FS
Geography
Degrees