Courses

Geography

Geography is the science of place and space. Geographers ask where things are located on the surface of the earth, why they are located where they are, how places differ from one another, and how people interact with the environment. There are two main branches of geography; human geography and physical geography. Human geography is concerned with the spatial aspects of human existence – how people and their activity are distributed in space, how they use and perceive space, and how they create and sustain the places that make up the earth's surface. Human geographers work in the field of urban and regional planning, transportation, marketing, real estate, tourism and international business. Physical geographers study patterns of weather and climate, landforms, vegetation, soils and water. They forecast the weather, manage land and water resources, and analyze and plan for forests, rangelands, and wetlands.

Many human and physical geographers have skills in cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) study the linkages between human activity and natural systems, and are active in the study of global warming, desertification, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, groundwater pollution, and flooding.

Degrees:

AA-T – Geography

Geography Courses

GEOG 1 - Introduction to Physical Geography

3 units

This course is a spatial study of the Earth's dynamic physical system and processes. Topics include: Earth-sun geometry, weather, climate, water, landforms, soil, and the biosphere with emphasis on spatial characteristics, change over time, interactions between environmental components, and human-environment interactions. Tools of geographic inquiry are also briefly covered; they include maps, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: B1; IGETC: 5A; C-ID# GEOG 110.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: GR

GEOG 1L - Introduction to Physical Geography Laboratory

1 unit

This course is designed to provide supplemental exercises in topics covered in physical geography lecture. Lab experience will include map analysis and interpretation, weather prognostication, landform processes and evolution, tectonics, biogeography, and habitat analysis. Prerequisite: GEOG 1 with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: B3; IGETC: 5C; C-ID# GEOG 111.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: GR

GEOG 2 - Cultural Geography

3 units

The course is a study of diverse human populations, their cultural origins, diffusion and contemporary spatial expressions. Topics include: demography, languages and religions, urbanization and landscape modification, political units and nationalism, and economic systems and development. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D5; IGETC: 4E; C-ID# GEOG 120.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: GR

GEOG 5 - World Regional Geography

3 units

Survey of the world's culture regions and nations as interpreted by geographers, including physical, cultural, and economic features. Emphasis on spatial and historical influences on population growth, transportation networks, and natural environments. Identification and importance of the significant features of regions. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D5; IGETC: 4E; C-ID# GEOG 125.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: GR

GEOG 8 - Introduction to Atmospheric Science

3 units

Introduction to the Earth's atmosphere: topics include atmospheric structure and composition, solar radiation and energy balances, temperature, seasonal changes, atmospheric moisture, clouds and fog, precipitation, air pressure, winds, air masses and fronts, cyclones, weather forecasting, climate and climate change. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: B1; IGETC: 5A; C-ID# GEOG 130.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: GR

GEOG 12 - Geography of California

3 units

A thematic approach to the state's issues, processes and topics relevant to geography including climate, landforms, natural vegetation, water resources, cultural landscape, ethnic diversity, urban and agricultural regions, and the economy. This course explores the physical and human landscapes that have evolved as a result of the human environment interface. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: B1, D5; IGETC: 4E, 5A; C-ID# GEOG 140.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: GR

GEOG 15 - Introduction to GIS

3 units

Study of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) science and its applications to spatial data management. Identification and acquisition of GIS data. Assessment of vector and raster systems, scale, resolution, map projection, coordinate systems, georeferencing and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Spatial analysis and modeling with GIS. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D5; C-ID# GEOG 155.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: GR