Faculty of Arts

Geography and Environmental Studies Courses

GG100* Introduction to Geography and the Environment 1.0

The interrelatedness of world environmental problems is studied by examining some of the basic concepts of cultural, economic, physical and resource geography. Relevant concepts, applications and techniques are investigated in laboratory sessions.

2 lecture hours, 2 lab. hours

GG210 Principles of Economic Geography 0.5

A review of factors influencing patterns of economic activity and kinds and levels of development. A study of the spatial aspects of economic activity sub-systems, involving both theoretical and empirical approaches.

Prerequisite: GG100* (or permission of the department).

Exclusion: GG260.

GG220 Introduction to Cultural and Historical Geography 0.5

An introduction to basic concepts of cultural and historical geography through an examination of spatial patterns and processes of past and present cultural groups.

Prerequisite: GG100* (or permission of the department).

Exclusion: GG270.

GG230 Physical Environments 0.5

The study of the processes and relationships within the ecosphere through an empirical evaluation of energy and moisture circulation, materials availability and the ecosystemic properties of world biomes. (Physical Geography)

Prerequisite: GG100* or GL100*.

Exclusion: GG280, GG280*, GG281*.

2 lecture hours, 2 lab. hours

GG231 Risks and Disasters: A Geographical Introduction 0.5

The course examines the nature of danger and disasters, the scope of the human vulnerability and responses to them. It will look at risk and damaging events associated with extreme natural forces, technological accidents, epidemic diseases and human conflict.

GG233 Field Instrumentation in Geography 0.5

This field course concentrates on field instrumentation used in monitoring geomorphological and hydrological processes. (Physical Geography)††

Prerequisite: GG100* or GL100*.

Exclusion: GG283*.

1 lecture hour, 3 lab. hours

GG250 Canada 0.5

Studies of the geographical basis of Canada and Canadian issues. Topics for specific attention will be drawn from the following areas: regional and resources development, agriculture, urbanization, industrialization.

Exclusion: GG200.

GG251 Cartography I 0.5

An introduction to the theory and practice of cartography, emphasizing the basics that should be understood by all map users and makers. Topics will include: quantitative thematic map types, methods of data acquisition including field surveying and air photos and map projections.

Exclusion: GG201.

2 lecture hours, 2 lab. hours

GG254 Computer Applications in Geography I 0.5

An introduction to aspects of computer use by geographers in the manipulation, analysis and mapping of spatial data.

Prerequisite: GG100*.

Exclusion: GG204.

3 lecture hours, 2 lab. hours

GG255 Selected Thematic Geographical Studies 0.5

These courses will study selected geographical topics. Topics will be announced in advance by the department. Different courses may be taken under the same course number. A student may take no more than four of the selected geographical studies courses towards an Honours or major in Geography.††

Exclusion: GG205.

Irregular course

GG256 Selected Ontario Regions 0.5

An examination of selected regions within Ontario with special geographic emphasis on local themes and problems.†

Exclusion: GG206.

GG258 Research Methods in Geography I 0.5

Research design, data collection, sampling and the application of descriptive and univariate inferential statistics in spatial studies.

Prerequisite: GG254.

Exclusion: GG208.

3 lecture hours, 2 lab. hours

GG260 Principles of Economic Geography 0.5

A study of the spatial dimensions of the economic system with particular reference to the agricultural, manufacturing and service activity sub-systems. Theoretical approaches will be emphasized.

Prerequisite: GG100* and registration status: Departmental Honours programs.

Exclusion: GG210.

GG261 Geography of Energy 0.5

Analysis of the changing needs for different energy sources. Special emphasis will be placed on the distribution of various forms of energy on a world scale and the problems associated with the inequality of this distribution.

Exclusion: GG211.

GG262 The Geography of Transportation 0.5

The study of the attempts to overcome the force of friction of space. A detailed analysis of the major modes of transportation, their distribution and development and comparison of the actual transport patterns to ideal patterns.

Exclusion: GG212.

GG263 Globalization 0.5

A study of world wide economic integration emphasizing the role of multi-national enterprises and the international trade of goods and services. Local implications of global economic changes are explored.†

Prerequisite: One of GG100*, or EC140 (EC102) or permission of the department.

GG265 Urban Spatial Behaviour 0.5

An introduction to individual and small group spatial behaviour in contemporary urban environments. Topics examined include spatial images, mental maps, neighbourhoods, territoriality, interpersonal spacing and crowding.

Prerequisite: GG100* or PS100* (or permission of the department).

Exclusion: GG215.

GG270 Cultural/Historical Geography 0.5

An examination of the major concepts and methods in cultural/historical Geography.

Prerequisite: GG100* and registration status: Departmental Honours programs.

Exclusion: GG220.

GG271 Temporal Perspectives on the City 0.5

A study of changing geography of the city in cross cultural context including the historical development of urban morphologies in specific cultural settings, the spatial expression of the cultural role of cities and development of urban networks.

Exclusion: GG221.

GG272 Population Geography 0.5

Study of the factors underlying the changing spatial distribution of population and resulting problems at national, regional and local scales.

Exclusion: GG222.

GG273 Issues in Medical Geography 0.5

An overview of medical geography including data collection and analysis, medical models, health systems and their delivery and how these contribute to matters of health and illness.

GG280* Introduction to Physical Geography 1.0

This course systematically examines the major concepts of biogeography, climatology, geomorphology and hydrology. (Physical Geography)

Prerequisite: GG100* or GL100* and registration status: Departmental Honours programs.

Exclusion: GG230, GG280, GG281*.

2 lecture hours, 2 lab. hours

GG283 Lab Techniques in Geography 0.5

This course focuses on laboratory techniques, which enhance our ability to understand natural geomorphological and hydrological processes. (Physical Geography)

Prerequisite: GG100* or GL100*.

1 lecture hour, 3 lab. hours

GG290 Principles of Resources Management 0.5

The history and spatial variation of human utilization and attitude towards resources. Specific concepts, methods and techniques are discussed as they pertain to problems and management practices in forestry, fisheries, water, air and land resources.

Prerequisite: GG100* or ES100*.

Exclusion: GG240.

GG291 Geography of Resource Policy and Administration 0.5

This course focuses on the processes of resource and environmental management within a complex, interacting system of governments, non-governmental organizations and private organizations and landowners.†

Prerequisite: ES100* or GG290.

Exclusion: GG241.

GG292 Resources Management in the Great Lakes Basin 0.5

An analysis of the physical setting, historical development and economic activity of the Great Lakes Basin area as they relate to current environmental issues and problems.

Prerequisite: GG100* or ES100*.

Exclusion: GG242.

GG294 Geography of Tourism 0.5

Consideration of tourism in terms of its functional system; study of the impacts of tourism on regions, communities and landscapes; introduction to development and management of resources for tourism and tourism planning.

Exclusion: GG244.

GG297 Geography of Water Resources – Canada 0.5

The study and application of concepts and techniques of use to the geographer in the management of water as affected by use or misuse of the resource. Topics of discussion will include the watershed concept; multiple versus single use forms of management; water transfer schemes and water quality.

Prerequisite: GG100* or ES100*.

Exclusion: GG247, GG342/GG392.

GG298 Environmental Thought 0.5

An environmental studies perspective on the origins, variety, and relevance of environmental thought to understanding and resolving current environmental issues. Topics addressed will range from environmental philosophies to environmental literature and environmental politics, among others.

Prerequisite: ES100* or GG290.

GG336 Coastal Processes and Landforms 0.5

The course provides students with a knowledge of the processes active in the coastal environment. Waves, tides and currents and their effects on the development of landforms on hard and soft coastlines will be the focus of study. (Physical Geography)

Prerequisite: GG230 or GG280*.

GG350 Canadian Issues 0.5

Study of selected aspects of the geography of a region of Canada. Detailed attention will be given to one or more of the following: urbanization, industrialization, agriculture, resource development, rural settlement.†

Prerequisite: GG100* or GG250.

Exclusion: GG300.

GG351 Cartography II 0.5

An elaboration of cartographic principles, emphasizing thematic maps as parts of a communication system. Topics will include: "primary graphic elements", designing maps for communication of geographical information, and the parallels between the manipulation of digital remotely-sensed earth resources data and thematic mapping.

Prerequisite: GG251 (or permission of the department).

Exclusion: GG301.

2 lecture hours, 2 lab. hours

GG352 A Selected World Region 0.5

Prerequisite: GG100* (or permission of the department).††

Exclusion: GG302.

GG353 Western Europe 0.5

Prerequisite: GG100* (or permission of the department).††

Exclusion: GG303.

GG356 Developing Nations 0.5

Prerequisite: GG100* (or permission of the department).††

Exclusion: GG306.

GG357 Africa 0.5

Prerequisite: GG100* (or permission of the department).††

Exclusion: GG307.

GG358 North or South America 0.5

Prerequisite: GG100* (or permission of the department).††

Exclusion: GG308.

GG360 Research Methods in Geography II 0.5

The use of multivariate quantitative procedures in analyzing spatial information.†

Prerequisite: GG258.

Exclusion: GG310.

3 lecture hours, 1 lab. hour

GG361 Spatial Stochastic Processes 0.5

Analytical and Monte Carlo modelling of stochastic processes whose realizations are patterns of points, lines and areas in two dimensions. Examination of techniques for evaluating and modifying such models in empirical contexts.†

Prerequisite: GG258.

Exclusion: GG311.

3 lecture hours, 1 lab. hour

GG362 Agricultural Geography 0.5

This course examines the location and nature of agricultural activities in terms of environmental, cultural and market factors.

Prerequisite: GG210 or GG260.

Exclusion: GG312.

GG363 Industrial Location Geography 0.5

An examination of the location problem of industry. Special emphasis is placed on the problems of ideal locations, the impact of locating in a community and the question of regional development through selective location of manufacturing enterprises.

Prerequisite: GG210 or GG260.

Exclusion: GG313.

GG364 The Urban System 0.5

The study of the spatial relationships of cities in the urban system. Emphasis will be placed upon the evolution of urban systems, city types and their functions, and the interaction between cities of the urban system.

Prerequisite: One credit from GG100*, PO312, SY302*.

Exclusion: GG314.

GG365 The Internal Structures of Cities 0.5

The study of the spatial relationships of the internal structures of cities. Emphasis will be placed upon the evolution of cities, the social and commercial aspects of the city, and the interaction between all aspects of the city.

Prerequisite: One credit from GG100*, PO312, SY302*.

Exclusion: GG315.

GG366 Marketing Geography 0.5

The study of the distribution of goods and services from the producer to the consumer. Emphasis will be placed upon the structure of the distributional system, market analysis and consumer behaviour.

Prerequisite: GG210 or GG260 (or permission of the department).

Exclusion: GG316.

GG367 Geography of Development and Modernization 0.5

Identification of spatial variations in levels of socio-economic development at various scales, and a study of the development process and the spatial diffusion of modernization, with special reference to circumstances in developing countries.

Prerequisite: GG100* (or permission of the department).

Exclusion: GG317.

GG368 Computer Applications in Geography II 0.5

Additional topics involving the use of computers by geographers including programming techniques, data manipulation and storage, spatial statistical analysis, spatial simulation modelling and computer graphics.†

Prerequisite: GG258.

Exclusion: GG318.

GG369 Geographical Information Systems I 0.5

An exploration of the basic principles and concepts of GIS including such topics as the components and operations of a typical GIS, the data contained in it, and applications of GIS in the management of land use, resources, transportation and retailing.

Prerequisite: GG254.

Exclusion: GG319.

3 lecture hours, 2 lab. hours

GG371 Aspects of the Historical Geography of Ontario 0.5

A topic of contemporary interest in the historical geography of Ontario will be examined by the faculty and students using a broad range of techniques. (A brochure on each year's topic will be available in advance from the department.)†

Prerequisite: GG220 or GG270 (or permission of the department).

Exclusion: GG321.

GG372 Population Analysis 0.5

An advanced course in Population Geography and Demography. Stationary, stable and growth models of population are examined. Methods of analysis of fertility, mortality and migration are discussed. Current techniques in population projection and forecasting are also explored.†

Prerequisite: GG272 (or permission of the department).

Exclusion: GG322.

GG374 Seminar in Cultural Geography 0.5

Under the direction of the instructor, the students will investigate a significant problem in cultural geography.†

Prerequisite: GG270.

GG375 Rural Geography 0.5

This course examines the spatial patterns and changes over time in human features of rural areas with emphasis on Canadian rural space.

Prerequisite: GG220 or GG270.

Exclusion: GG325.

GG379 Global Patterns of Erosion and Sedimentation 0.5

Estimates of global rates of erosion, storage of eroded materials in continental interiors, patterns of sediment movement, sedimentation rates in oceans, recycling of sediment. (Physical Geography)†

Prerequisite: GG230 or GG280*.

GG380 Physical Geography Field Project 0.5

A student-centred field project focusing on a topic consistent with faculty expertise. (Physical Geography)†

Prerequisite: GG280*, and either GG233 or GG283.

1 lecture hour, 3 lab. hours

GG381 Hydrology 0.5

An overview of hydrological processes with emphasis on Canadian examples; the hydrological cycle; surface hydrology; groundwater hydrology; measurement techniques. (Physical Geography)†

Prerequisite: GG230 or GG280*.

Exclusion: GG331.

GG382 Drainage Basin Ecosystems 0.5

This course examines the relationships of hydrology, geomorphology and climate within a drainage basin in order to understand the significant linkages among all three. (Physical Geography)†

Prerequisite: GG230 or GG280*.

Exclusion: GG332.

2 lecture hours, 2 lab. hours

GG383 Sediment Transport in Fluids 0.5

Threshold erosion of solid particles in air and water; individual and collective particle transport; primary sedimentary structures, bedforms and landforms, resulting from collective transport and deposition. (Physical Geography)†

Prerequisite: GG280*, and either GG233 or GG283.

GG384 Glacial Processes 0.5

The distribution and nature of snow and ice environments including: snow cover and snowmelt; the mechanics and hydrology of glaciers; glacial and nival erosion processes; depositional features and landforms; temporal fluctuations in snow and ice covers, their causes and consequences. (Physical Geography)†

Prerequisite: GG230 or GG280*.

GG385 Natural Environments 0.5

This course is an in-depth examination of geoecology, the distribution and geophysical characteristics of habitats: relation to energy, moisture and materials availability and circulations; ecosystemic properties of the major biomes; concept of the "natural regions''; background to the distribution of natural resources and hazards. (Physical Geography)

Prerequisite: GG230 or GG280*.

Exclusion: GG335.

GG386 Slope Processes 0.5

A survey of mass wasting processes, including rockslides and rockfalls, mudflows, solifluction, soil creep and avalanches, and an examination of their relations, mechanics, magnitude-frequency and roles in the development of slopes and specific landforms. (Physical Geography)†

Prerequisite: GG230 or GG280*.

GG388 Topics in Meteorology 0.5

This course examines selected topics in meteorology. Content will reflect student interest. (Physical Geography)†

Prerequisite: GG230 or GG280*.

Exclusion: GG338.

GG389 Climate Change 0.5

This course examines the natural and anthropogenic means by which climate changes. (Physical Geography)

Prerequisite: GG230 or GG280*.

Exclusion: GG339.

GG391 Wildlife and Rural Land Resources Management 0.5

The study and application of techniques of use to the geographer in the management of forestry, range and farmland species of wildlife. Included will be discussions on conflicts in land use and private versus public forms of management.

Prerequisite: One of ES100*, GG290, GG291, GG292.

Exclusion: GG341.

GG392 Environmental Impact Assessment 0.5

An introduction to methods, processes and policies for environmental impact assessment, with an emphasis on the Canadian context.

Prerequisite: ES100* or GG290.

GG393 Geography of Recreation 0.5

Study of the supply, location, distribution, use, management, and impact of recreational facilities and activities in both urban and rural situations.

Prerequisite: One of GG210, GG260, GG290 (or permission of the department).

Exclusion: GG343.

GG394 Geography of Tourism Marketing and Planning 0.5

This course examines tourist image and consumer spatial behaviour, analyzes public and private sector response strategies of market segmentation and the marketing "mix", and studies tourism planning and management in response to visitor demand but with an emphasis on resource sustainability.

Prerequisite: GG294.

GG395 The World's Problem Environments 0.5

An examination of pressing problems of environment deterioration resulting from the human impact in regions that appear especially sensitive to modern development. These regions can be characterized broadly by specific clima-geomorphic and biotic conditions. Current trends in the arid and humid tropics, high mountain regions, wetlands, coastal and ocean environments will be examined.

Prerequisite: One of ES100*, GG230, GG231, GG280*, GG290.

Exclusion: GG345.

GG396 Natural Hazards 0.5

The nature and distribution of risk from geo-physical processes including floods, earthquakes, storms and droughts. Emphasis upon the incidence of damaging events and their relation to ecological setting, settlement patterns, land-use and contemporary socio-economic conditions.

Prerequisite: One of GG230, GG231, GG280*.

Exclusion: GG346.

GG397 World Water Environment and Development Issues 0.5

The study of major geographic aspects of world fresh water supply and demand.†

Prerequisite: One of ES100*, GG230, GG280*, GG290, GG291, GG292, GG297.

Exclusion: GG347.

GG398 Parks and Protected Areas 0.5

This course analyzes the origins, types and purposes of protected areas as part of integrated resource and environmental management.

Prerequisite: ES100* or GG290.

GG450* Thesis 1.0

Directed study and research on a topic appropriate to the student's specialization presented in formal written form.

Prerequisite: Registration status: Fourth Year Departmental Honours programs.

GG451 Field Studies 0.5

Prerequisite: Registration status: Fourth Year Departmental Honours programs.†

Exclusion: GG499 (Fourth Year Field Camp).

Irregular course

GG452 Development of Geographic Thought 0.5

A study of the development of the major kinds of geography, including physical, regional, locational and human environment. Issues such as environmental determinism, holism, quantification and social relevance will be discussed.†

Prerequisite: Registration status: Third or Fourth Year Departmental Honours programs (or permission of the department).

GG455 Cartography III 0.5

Topics in modern cartography will be chosen as they reflect current interests and may include, for example, atlas production, satellite sensing systems, cartographic theory; computer-assisted mapping.

Prerequisite: GG351 and registration status: Third or Fourth Year Departmental Honours programs.

GG461 Advanced Analysis of Aspects of Urban Geography 0.5

Selected topics concerning the spatial activities of humans in urban areas. An outline on each year's topics will be available in advance from the department.†

Prerequisite: GG364 or GG365, and registration status: Third or Fourth Year Departmental Honours programs.

GG462 Models of Systems 0.5

An examination of models of human interaction in space. These interactions are examined, specified and tested with the help of development models.†

Prerequisite: GG258 and registration status: Third or Fourth Year Departmental Honours programs.

GG463 Seminar on Canadian Urban and Regional Systems 0.5

Selective study of developments in the analysis of Canadian urban and regional systems including such topics as urban evolution, regional dynamics, industrial development, changing resource base and ways in which to model them.†

Prerequisite: GG364 and registration status: Third or Fourth Year Departmental Honours programs.

GG469 Geographical Information Systems II 0.5

An examination of selected geographical information systems and their applications. Under the direction of the instructor, students will undertake a GIS application project.

Prerequisite: GG369 and registration status: Third or Fourth Year Departmental Honours programs.

GG473 Seminar in Historical Geography 0.5

Under the direction of the instructor, the students will investigate a significant problem in historical geography.†

Prerequisite: GG270 and registration status: Third or Fourth Year Departmental Honours programs.

GG480 Advanced Physical Geography 0.5

An examination of recent research concepts and methods of investigation in Physical Geography. (Physical Geography)†

Prerequisite: GG280* and registration status: Third or Fourth Year Departmental Honours programs.

GG481 Seminar on Arctic Environments 0.5

This course examines periglacial, permafrost, hydrological and oceanographic processes active in the Arctic. (Physical Geography)†

Prerequisite: GG280* and registration status: Third or Fourth Year Departmental Honours programs.

GG482 Seminar on Mountain Environments 0.5

This course is an in-depth examination of the physical processes in mountain ecosystems. (Physical Geography)†

Prerequisite: GG280* and registration status: Third or Fourth Year Departmental Honours programs.

GG486 Seminar on Coastal Environments 0.5

This course is an in-depth examination of the physical processes in coastal ecosystems. (Physical Geography)†

Prerequisite: GG280* and registration status: Third or Fourth Year Departmental Honours programs.

GG493 Problems in Land Resources Management 0.5

An in-depth study of land use problems of interest and significance to the geographer specializing in the resources management field of geography. Using the seminar approach, the course will include discussion of the social, economic, ecological and political implication of land use conflicts and issues.†

Prerequisite: GG290 (or permission of the department) and registration status: Fourth Year Departmental Honours programs.

GG494 Northern Resources and Environments 0.5

An examination of northern ecosystems and environments in the context of resources management. The primary focus is on Canada and Alaska.†

Prerequisite: GG290 and registration status: Third or Fourth Year Departmental Honours programs.

GG495 Seminar in Tourism Research 0.5

An investigation of tourism analysis, theory and practice. Emphasis is placed on research tools and design.†

Prerequisite: GG394, or both GG294 and GG393, and registration status: Third or Fourth Year Departmental Honours Programs.

GG496 Theory and Practice of Sustainability 0.5

A multidisciplinary perspective on challenges and approaches to achieving sustainability at regional, national and global levels. Key perspectives will include the biophysical, social, economic and business.

Prerequisite: ES100* or GG290.

GG499 Directed Studies in Geography 0.5

Irregular course

Faculty of Arts Faculty of Arts – Programs and Courses Geography

Official electronic version updated on February 4, 2002