Faculty of Arts

Geography and Environmental Studies Courses

GG101 Introduction to Physical Geography 0.5

This course provides an introduction to physical geography. Topics include weather and climate, hydrology, geomorphology and biogeography. Laboratory exercises address geographic methods and techniques and illustrate human-environment relations through case studies.

2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours

GG102 Introduction to Human Geography 0.5

This course provides an introduction to human geography. Topics include population and development, cartography and GIS, economic geography, cultural geography and political geography. In laboratory exercises, students learn methods and techniques used by geographers.

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.

GG232 Landscapes of the Great Lakes Basin 0.5

This course introduces the landscapes of the Great Lakes Basin and the processes that have shaped them.

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.

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.

2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours

GG254 Geographic Information and Analysis 0.5

This course provides hands-on experience with the application of microcomputers in geography and environmental studies to the manipulation, analysis and graphic presentation of geographic information. One objective is to introduce students to elementary descriptive statistics and to techniques of exploratory data analysis. A second objective is to introduce students to geographic information and its properties, acquisition and analysis.

Prerequisite: GG101 and GG102.

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 general major in Geography. (Distance Education course)

Irregular course

GG256 Selected Ontario Regions 0.5

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

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.

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: GG102.

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.

GG262 The Geography of Transportation 0.5

This course introduces theories, concepts and techniques for understanding the movement of people and goods over space, emphasizing the analysis of transport systems, urban transportation planning and contemporary transport policy.

2 lecture hours, 1 lab hour

GG263 Globalization 0.5

A study of worldwide 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: GG102 or EC140 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: GG102 or PS100* or permission of the department.

GG270 Cultural/Historical Geography 0.5

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

Prerequisite: GG102.

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.

GG272 Population Geography 0.5

In this course, students will examine the factors underlying the changing spatial distribution of population and resulting problems at global, national, regional and local scales.

GG273 Issues in Medical Geography 0.5

This course provides an introduction to the theories, concepts, methods and policies pertaining to the geography of disease, the movement and distribution of infectious and non-infectious diseases, and the emergence of new infectious diseases.

GG281 Atmosphere and Hydrosphere 0.5

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

Prerequisite: GG101 or GL100*.

Exclusion: GG230, GG280*, GG281*.

2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours

GG282 Lithosphere and Biosphere 0.5

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

Prerequisite: GG101 or GL100*.

Exclusion: GG230, GG280*, GG281*.

2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours

GG290 Global Resource and Environmental Issues 0.5

An introduction to resource and environmental issues from a global perspective. Specific concepts, methods and techniques of resource management and environmental studies are introduced throughout.

Prerequisite: GG101 and GG102, 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.

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: GG101 and GG102, or ES100*.

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.

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: GG101 and GG102, or ES100*.

Exclusion: 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.

GG300 Directed Studies in Geography 0.5

Prerequisite: GG101 and GG102, or ES100* (or permission of the department).

Irregular course

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: One of GG230 or GG280*; or both GG281 and GG282.

GG350 Canadian Issues 0.5

This course examines one or more of the following regional issues in the Canadian context: population change and immigration, urbanization, industrialization, agriculture, resource development, rural settlement.

Prerequisite: GG101 and GG102, or GG250 (or permission of the department).

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).

2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours

GG352 A Selected World Region 0.5

Prerequisite: GG101 and GG102 (or permission of the department). (Distance Education course)

GG353 Western Europe 0.5

Prerequisite: GG101 and GG102 (or permission of the department).†

GG355 Remote Sensing for Geography and Environmental Studies 0.5

An introduction to the range of earth-focused remote-sensing processes and products, and their utilization for geographic and environmental research. Particular emphasis will be given to the integration of imagery with GIS and to earth cover-type classification using multi-spectral sensor data.†

Prerequisite: GG254, GG258.

2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours

GG356 Developing Nations 0.5

Prerequisite: GG101 and GG102 (or permission of the department).†

GG360 Research Methods in Geography II 0.5

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

Prerequisite: GG258.

3 lecture hours, 1 lab hour

GG361 Spatial Analysis 0.5

This course provides an introduction to the characteristics of different types of spatial data and examines how they may be represented and analyzed. Emphasis is placed on procedures which can be implemented in a GIS environment and on their application to real world problems.†

Prerequisite: GG254, GG258.

1.5 lecture hours, 1.5 lab hours

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: GG260.

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: GG102.

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: GG102.

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: GG260 or permission of the department.

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. (Cross-listed as GS367.)

Prerequisite: GG102.

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.

GG369 Geographical Information Systems I 0.5

The purpose of this course is to develop skills and knowledge in concepts and techniques of GIS by studying its application to a variety of geographic and environmental problems (e.g., resource management, crime, business, public facilities, health and disease). For each application, the topics studied include the sources and properties of the data contained in the GIS, the functions and analysis used in the application, as well as the types and uses of graphic, tabular and data products of the application. Students will gain hands-on experience in the use of two GIS packages: Idrisi and ArcView.

Prerequisite: GG251 and GG254.

2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours

GG373 Gender and the Landscape 0.5

This course examines a feminist geographical perspective of space, place and gender. It covers a broad range of topics that evaluate the different views and experiences men and women have of nature, landscape, the environment, and their intersection across cultures and historical periods.

Prerequisite: GG101 and GG102 and registration status in Year 3.

GG376 Local Canadian Communities F 0.5

This course will focus on methodological practices and issues aimed at preparing students for field studies research. It will consider the interactions between both natural and human communities and local cultures and environments, and the notions of space and place. Emphasis is placed on local communities as microcosms of larger Canadian environments. (Cross-listed as CA376.)†

Prerequisite: Registration status: Year 3 or higher, and one of ES100*, or both CA101 and CA102, or both GG101 and GG102.

Exclusion: CA253/GG253.

GG380 Field and Lab Techniques 0.5

This course focuses on field instrumentation used in monitoring geomorphological and hydrological processes as well as laboratory techniques that enhance our ability to understand these processes. (Physical Geography)†

Prerequisite: GG280*; or both GG281 and GG282.

Exclusion: GG233, 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: One of GG230, GG280*, GG281.

GG382 Fluvial Geomorphology 0.5

This course examines processes and landforms associated with rivers. (Physical Geography)†

Prerequisite: One of GG230 or GG280*; or both GG281 and GG282.

2 lecture hours, 1 lab hour

GG383 Sedimentation 0.5

This course examines the basic properties and flow characteristics of fluids that control the entrainment and transport of sediment by air and water. Bedform development in fluvial, coastal and aeolian environments are also discussed in relation to fluid flow mechanics. (Physical Geography)†

Prerequisite: GG280*; or both GG281 and GG282.

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: One of GG230 or GG280*; or both GG281 and GG282.

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: One of GG230, GG280*, GG281, GG282.

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: One of GG230 or GG280*; or both GG281 and GG282.

GG388 Introductory Physical Climatology 0.5

This course provides an introduction to the study of micrometeorology and physical climatology, examining the processes that underlie the behaviour of the atmosphere close to the surface. Additionally, local to meso-scale atmospheric effects such as sea breezes and atmospheric conditions important to air pollution are studied. An introduction to micrometeorological instrumentation is also provided. (Physical Geography)

Prerequisite: One of GG230 or GG280*, GG281.

GG389 Climate Change 0.5

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

Prerequisite: One of GG230, GG280*, GG281.

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.

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 GG260, GG290 (or permission of the department).

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*, GG281, GG282, GG290.

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*, GG281, GG282.

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*, GG281, GG282, GG290, GG291, GG292, GG297.

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.

GG399 Third Year Field Studies 0.5

This course provides an introduction to field research. Students will work in the classroom learning how to design, undertake and report on a comprehensive research project. Data will be collected outside the local region and this will involve extended field research.

Prerequisite: Registration status: Year 3 departmental honours program.

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: Year 4 departmental honours programs.

GG451 Field Studies 0.5

Prerequisite: GG399 and registration status: Year 4 departmental honours programs.

Exclusion: GG499 (Year 4 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: Year 3 or Year 4 departmental honours programs (or permission of the department).

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: Year 3 or Year 4 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: Year 3 or Year 4 departmental honours programs.

GG468 Advanced Spatial Analysis 0.5

An examination of a selection of techniques which can be used in association with GIS to undertake spatial analysis. Emphasis will be placed on the application of the techniques to real world problems.††

Prerequisite: GG254, GG258, GG361.

1.5 lecture hours, 1.5 lab hours

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: Year 3 or Year 4 departmental honours programs.

GG474 Seminar in Cultural Geography 0.5

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

Prerequisite: GG270.

Exclusion: GG374.

GG480 Physical Geography Field Project 0.5

Students will undertake an in-depth, individual field project focusing on major areas of physical geography.†

Prerequisite: GG280*; or both GG281 and GG282; and registration status: Year 3 or Year 4 departmental honours programs.

Exclusion: GG380 taken prior to Sept 2003.

GG481 Seminar on Cold Regions 0.5

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

Prerequisite: GG280*; or both GG281 and GG282; and registration status: Year 3 or Year 4 departmental honours programs.

Exclusion: GG482.

GG484 Computational Geomorphology 0.5

Application of computer programming to solutions of kinematic, morphological and denudational questions. Emphasis is on computational understanding and analysis.††

Prerequisite: GG280*, GG368 and registration status: Year 4 departmental honours program.

1.5 lecture hours, 1.5 lab hours

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*; or both GG281 and GG282; and registration status: Year 3 or Year 4 departmental honours program.

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: Year 4 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: Year 3 or Year 4 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: Year 3 or Year 4 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 at 10:33 a.m. March 31, 2005