|
|
Course Criteria
Add courses to your favorites to save, share, and find your best transfer school.
-
4.00 Credits
A consideration of urban origins, the diffusion of the city, and modern-day interand intra-city phenomena. Topics to be discussed include: urbanization, comparative urban forms, urban functional organization, land use, distribution of cities and their territories, and urban problems, pollution, housing, and open space.
-
4.00 Credits
Lecture 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Explores the relationships between surface processes such as weathering, mass movements, running water, wind, waves, and glacial ice, and the landforms these processes create. The course looks at geomorphic systems and the role of tectonics and climate in changing the balance of these systems. Actual research projects are presented to demonstrate geomorphic approaches to environmental questions. Students are exposed to research methods in the field and lab. Field trips and field reports, use of maps, and handson labs are included. A fee will be charged for this course. Prerequisites: GEOG 204, GEOL 102, or consent of instructor.
-
4.00 Credits
An exploration of the mechanisms that create weather and climate and how and why climate varies from place to place and through time. The role of solar radiation is studied as the major driving force of atmospheric circulation and influence on spatial variations in temperature and precipitation around the world. Secondary factors such as land-sea distribution, topography, altitude, and surface cover are explored. Characteristics of climate, such as seasonality of temperature and precipitation, as well as humidity, cloudiness, evaporation rates, and causes of variability, are also studied. Climate’s influence on human culture through time, climate change, and human influence on climate are underlying themes throughout the course. Prerequisite: GEOG 204 or consent of instructor.
-
4.00 Credits
An advanced course focusing on evidence of climate change in the past and potential climate change in the future. Present research methods used to investigate past climate and project possible climatic trends will be studied. The range of theories regarding past, present, and future climate, and the response of the environment to such changes will be explored in detail. Prerequisite: GEOG 204 or consent of instructor.
-
2.00 Credits
A survey of natural hazards in relation to human activities around the world, emphasizing hazards from weather and geological sources. Weather and climaterelated hazards such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wind, fire, intense precipitation, and drought, and geologic hazards such as landslides, flooding, earthquakes, and volcanism are explored. Although the focus of the course is on naturally occurring hazards, the human as a catalyst influencing the frequency and intensity of hazard occurrences, and the increasing risk of damage to human property are an integral part of the course. Prerequisite: GEOG 204 or consent of instructor.
-
4.00 Credits
Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. In this class, students learn how to create land-cover maps from satellite imagery. Raw satellite images are imported into computer software programs, preprocessed for radiometric and geometric corrections, enhanced for better interpretation, and finally classified into land cover maps using various techniques. These land cover maps are then assessed for accuracy through field ground truthing using geographic positioning systems. Students make land-cover maps of Sonoma County and use these to monitor changing land use and cover patterns. Students utilize various software programs, including IDRISI and ERDAS. The class incorporates hands on computer labs, field trips, and an independent project. Prerequisites: GE MATH and GEOG 205. Sonoma State University 2006-2008 Catalog Geography Page 203
-
3.00 Credits
Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Map and graphic methods in geography: history, design, theory, and construction. Topics include: selection of map projections, use of scales, generalization, data input and processing, color, visualization of spatial data, and map production. Emphasis is placed on effective communication through graphic design. Covers the increasing role of geographic information systems (GIS) in cartography. Also examines the collection of geographic data, such as with global positioning systems (GPS). Exercises guide students through increasingly complex methods of data collection and cartographic construction. Prerequisite: GEOG 205 or consent of instructor.
-
4.00 Credits
Geographic information system (GIS) technologies provide researchers and policy makers with a powerful analytical framework for making decisions and predictions. As with any technology, the appropriate use of GIS depends greatly on the knowledge and skills of the user. This course addresses the scientific and technical aspects of working with geographical data, so that GIS users understand the general principles, opportunities, and pitfalls of recording, collecting, storing, retrieving, analyzing, and presenting spatial information. Both fundamental concepts and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art software are incorporated through readings, lecture discussion, and laboratory assignments. The first half of the course focuses on the nuts and bolts of how a GIS works, while the second half concentrates on methods for spatial analysis and modeling. Prerequisite: GEOG 205 or equivalent.
-
3.00 Credits
California as a state and as a region is in many ways unique. This course examines both the singular physical and human aspects of the state, from its unusual geologic history, climate, and vegetation, through its earliest inhabitants, to its present day diverse population and trendsetting economic, political, and cultural atmosphere. Issues discussed include changing populations and regional differences, evolving urban areas, water resources, agriculture, and forestry.
-
4.00 Credits
Offerings will vary and will focus upon special topics of interest, such as problems of population growth and distribution, resources and economic development, and regionalism in the continent.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|