2012-2013 Course Information

To get the most out of the Geography undergraduate program, we strongly recommend that you take courses from a variety of subfields and streams.

1000 Level Courses

1100 Fundamentals of Geography

A systematic descriptive introduction to the diverse elements of landscape including geomorphic, climatic, and biotic elements, human settlement and land-use patterns; cartographic approaches to the analysis of selected processes of landscape change; an introduction to the synthesis of elements and processes in spatial systems models.

Antirequisite(s):Geography 1300A/B, 1400F/G, or the former Geography 020E.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 1.0 course.

1300B Physical Geography

Physical Geography examines the phenomena and processes of the Earth-atmosphere system that underlie human environment interactions and environmental change. Topics include: the atmosphere and fundamentals of weather and climate, water in the environment, Earth surface processes and biogeography.

Antirequisite(s):Geography 1100, 2131A/B, or the former Geography 020E.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

1400G People, Places and Landscapes

A systematic study of the patterns and places produced by human activity. Examines the spatial dynamics of social, cultural, economic and political processes and describes the resulting modification of the natural and built environments which create diverse human landscapes.

Antirequisite(s):Geography 1100

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

1500F Society and Nature

An introduction to the dynamics of environmental change and human-environment relations through time. Using integrative case studies in different biomes (e.g. Amazonia, the Sahel, the Arctic), this course will explore physical processes and change and the role of human economies, and situate these in their broader spatial and temporal contexts.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

2000 Level Courses

2010A/B Geography of Canada

An overview of the regional geography of Canada. Topics considered may include demographics, culture, the economy, resources and environmental issues.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

2011A/B Ontario and the Great Lakes

A detailed examination of the province as part of the Great Lakes region, with special reference to its historical development, natural resources and patterns of human and economic activity.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

2020B Latin America and the Caribbean

This course provides an introduction to the geography of Latin America and the Caribbean by examining how struggles for land, resources and labour have driven political, economic, social and environmental change in the region, from the European Conquest to the present.

Extra Information:3 hours, 0.5 course

2030A/B Africa South of the Sahara

This course provides an introduction to the geography of Africa south of the Sahara. The course will take a systematic approach. Economic, political, social and environmental issues will be examined with a focus on contemporary patterns of change within the context of the global economy.

Extra Information:2 hours, 0.5 course.

2040A Geography of East and Southeast Asia

An introduction to the region. Issues examined include ethnic relationships, social structure, population distribution, environmental awareness and resource utilization.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course

2041G Geography of China

This course adopts a geographic approach to understanding contemporary China. It examines how transformations of China’s land, people, economy, and society are recasting internal regional divisions and repositioning China in a rapidly changing world.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

2045A Russia and the Former Soviet Union: The Legacy

An introduction to the geography of Russia and its neighbours with an emphasis on the Soviet legacy. Topics covered will include resource and environmental issues, culture and nationalism, the economy and demographics.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

2050B Western Europe

Investigation of geographical factors in the political, economic and social patterns of Western Europe; selected themes and case studies

Antirequisite(s):The former Geography 366a/b.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course

2060B World Cities

A global perspective on urbanism. In each session a selected city is used to emphasize a particular urban problem, urban spatial structure or world region.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

2090A Space Exploration

Survey of human activity in outer space, including history of spaceflight, scientific exploration, economic and military uses of space, natural resources and hazards, legal and ethical implications, and plausible future developments.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

2122A Spatial Techniques

An introduction to geographic information science including maps and cartography. Principles of navigation, map reading, image interpretation and route planning. Aspects of information representation, organization and visualization, remote sensing imagery, and field instrumentation and techniques. Practical work on the above topics.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

2131B The Natural Environment

An examination of the characteristics, origins and history of selected natural environments with particular reference to North America.

Antirequisite(s):Geography 1300A/B

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

2142B Geopolitics

An exploration of the geographical setting in which political decisions are taken. The history of the rise and fall of centres of power, the rise of supranational entities, ethnic wars, and the impermanence of international boundaries will be discussed.

Antirequisite(s): The former Geography 341a/b.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course

2143A Foundations of the Geography of World Business

Geographical theories of local and international trade; relationships between the location of production and flows of goods, services and factors of production among countries and regions; the geographical patterns of world commerce.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

2144F/G Geography of Tourism

Examination of tourism as a global, national and local phenomenon, with economic, social, and environmental impacts; emphasis on tourism in developing countries; hosts, guests, and tourism operators; tourism trends; mass versus alternative tourism; relationship between ecotourism and nature protection.

Antirequisite(s):The former Geography 358F/G.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

2152F/G Geography of Hazards

A survey of the methods and models used to understand human responses to hazards. The course reviews the rich tradition of hazards research in geography, particularly through the lens of social science. The course will include discussions of both so-called "natural hazards" (e.g., floods, fires, earthquakes) and "technological hazards" (e.g., nuclear technology, genetically modified organisms, terrorism, war) as examples.

Antirequisite(s):The former Geography 2152A/B.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

2153B Environment, Economy, and Society

The human uses of and impacts on environment and resources; the concept of sustainability; current resource issues.

Antirequisite(s): Geography 2450F/G.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

2162B Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning

Principles and processes of land use planning for urban and regional development; current issues and case studies.

Antirequisite(s):Geography 3462F/G, 3461F/G

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

2210B Introducion to Spatial Analysis

An introduction to the nature of geographical data and the application of quantitative and statistical techniques and computing systems to spatial analysis; models of spatial data, probability, distributions, hypothesis testing and correlations.

Antirequisite(s):Biology 2244A/B, Economics 2122A/B, 2222A/B, Health Sciences 3801A/B, MOS 2242A/B, Psychology 2810, 2820E, 2830A/B, 2850A/B, 2851A/B, the former 2885, Social Work 2207A/B, the former 2205, Sociology 2205A/B, Statistical Sciences 2035, 2141A/B, 2143A/B, 2244A/B, 2858A/B and the former 2122A/B (and Statistical Sciences 2037A/B if taken before Fall 2010).

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, 1300A/B, 1400F/G, 1500F/G, 2131A/B, 2153A/B (taken after September 2012), or the former Geography 020E; or enrolment in the Major in Physical Geography or in an Honors Earth Science Program for Professional Registration.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

2220A/B Geographic Information Science I

Fundamental concepts, geographic information representation and spatial data entry. Basic spatial analysis and remote sensing. Practical skills developed through use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, 1300A/B, 1400F/G, 1500F/G, 2131A/B, 2153A/B (taken after September 2012), or the former Geography 020E; or completion of the second year of the Civil and Environmental Engineering, International Development Option; or enrollment in the Major in Physical Geography or in any Environmental Science module or in an Honors Earth Science Program for Professional Registration.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

2230A Remote Sensing

Introduction to the principles, techniques, and geographic applications of remote sensing systems. Computer processing of remote sensing digital data. Interface of remote sensing data with geographic information systems.

Antirequisite(s):The former Geography 307a/b.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, 1300A/B, 1400F/G, 1500F/G, 2131A/B, 2153A/B (taken after September 2012), or the former Geography 020E; or completion of the second year of the Civil and Environmental Engineering, International Development Option; or enrollment in the Major in Physical Geography or in an Honors Earth Science Program for Professional Registration.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course. Limited enrolment

2240A/B Introductory Cartography

Introduction to cartographic theory, map design and drafting, including practical experience with many methods of graphic representation of spatial data.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, 1300A/B, 1400F/G, 1500F/G, 2131A/B, 2153A/B (taken after September 2012), or the former Geography 020E; or enrolment in the Major in Physical Geography.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

2310A Weather and Climate

Fundamentals of the physical processes underlying weather and climate; radiant energy, energy balances, clouds, atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics; principles of the "Greenhouse Effect", mid-latitude cyclones and aspects of weather forecasting, severe weather phenomenon and atmospheric optics.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, 1300A/B, 1400F/G, 1500F/G, 2131A/B, 2153A/B (taken after September 2012), or the former Geography 020E; or 0.5 course from Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Calculus, Environmental Science or Physics at 1000-1999 level; or enrolment in the Major in Physical Geography or in an Honors Earth Science Program for Professional Registration.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

2320A Introductory Biogeography

Spatial distributions of plants and animals; evolutionary and environmental controls on distributions; impacts of human settlement.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, 1300A/B, 1400F/G, 1500F/G, 2131A/B, 2153A/B (taken after September 2012), or the former Geography 020E; or enrolment in the Major in Physical Geography.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 laboratory hour, 0.5 course.

2330A Geomorphology and Hydrology

Water and sediment cycles at the earth's surface and explanation of the resultant landforms; examples of response to environmental change; selected applications to environmental management.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, 1300A/B, 1400F/G, 1500F/G, 2131A/B, 2153A/B (taken after September 2012); or 0.5 course from Earth Sciences 1022A/B, 1070A/B, 1081A/B, or Environmental Science 1021F/G; or enrolment in the Major in Physical Geography or in an Honors Earth Science Program for Professional Registration.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

2410B Social Geography

A geographical investigation of the links between spatial change and social processes. Selected topics will focus on the ways social relations, identities and inequalities are created and practiced over space, with examples from Canadian and international contexts.

Antirequisite(s):The former 329a/b.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, 1300A/B, 1400F/G, 1500F/G, 2131A/B, 2153A/B (taken after September 2012), or the former Geography 020E.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

2411G Indigenous Environments

The consequences of physical environmental change for Indigenous communities around the globe will be examined in relation to the processes of colonialism and environmental dispossession. Topics include: identity, culture, local economies, social functioning, food security and health.

Antirequisite(s):First Nations Studies 2601F/G.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, 1300A/B, 1400F/G, 1500F/G, 2131A/B, 2153A/B (taken after September 2012), or First Nations Studies 1020E; Women's Studies 1020E, Health Sciences 1001A/B and Health Sciences 1002A/B or the former Health Sciences 1000; Sociology 1020, 1021E, 1025A/B, 1026F/G, 1027A/B or enrolment in the Major in Ecosystem Health or permission from the Instructor.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

2420A Economic Geography

The forces reshaping global economic geography; fundamentals of spatial economics; principles of locational decisions; spatial interaction; and growth of spatial economic systems are examined. Examples of these concepts are taken from a variety of countries.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, 1300A/B, 1400F/G, 1500F/G, 2131A/B, 2153A/B (taken after September 2012), or the former Geography 020E; Economics 1020, 1021A/B, 1022A/B; MOS 1021A/B, 1023A/B or the former MOS 1020A/B.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

2430A Public Health and Environment

This course introduces students to current issues in public health and the environment. Theory, method and case study discussions focus on the important role of geography in understanding and explaining patterns of diseases, health and health care in communities, regions and nations.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, 1300A/B, 1400F/G, 1500F/G, 2131A/B, 2153A/B (taken after September 2012), or the former Geography 020E; Health Sciences 1001A/B and Health Sciences 1002A/B; or the former Health Sciences 1000; Sociology 1020, 1021E or enrolment in the Major in Ecosystem Health or permission of the instructor.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

2450F Introduction to Resource and Environmental Management

A geographical introduction to natural resources and their management; juxtaposition of global and Canadian resources and environmental conditions and the human management response.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, 1300A/B, 1400F/G, 1500F/G, 2131A/B, 2153A/B (taken after September 2012), or the former Geography 020E.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 laboratory hour, 0.5 course.

2460G Urban Development

Growth, structure and morphology in industrial and post-industrial cities; theories of, and empirical research on, urban form and structure; land development decision making; development feasibility modelling; urban land-use policy.

Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, 1300A/B, 1400F/G, 1500F/G, 2131A/B, 2153A/B (taken after September 2012), or the former Geography 020E, or Economics 1021A/B or 1022A/B, or Economics 1020.

Extra Information:3 hours, 0.5 course.

3000 Level Courses

3000Y Field Methods and Practices

Departmental field trips to develop student skills in field-based observation, data collection and recording, and analysis and interpretation of human and physical landscapes. Mandatory for students in any Honors Specialization module in the Department of Geography.

Antirequisite(s):Geography 3001F/G.

Prerequisite(s):3rd year status in any Honors Specialization module in the Department of Geography; limited enrollment may be available to students in 3rd or 4th year of a major in the Department of Geography.

Extra Information:Sessions and dates by arrangements. Students should be prepared to meet the necessary travel and living expenses. 0.5 course.

3210A Quantitative Analysis in Geography

Simple parametric and nonparametric statistical methods through multiple regression are introduced. Exploratory data analysis techniques are examined as a supplement to more traditional statistical methods. Geography specific techniques are also presented.

Antirequisite(s):All other senior level statistics courses numbered 2000 or above.

Prerequisite(s):Geography 2210A/B.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

3211A Spatial Statistics

Topics include exploratory spatial data analysis, global and local spatial statistics, spatial autocorrelation and interpolation, spatial regression models, and geographically weighted regression. The emphasis will be on developing analytical skills with practical applications using statistical software and Geographic Information Systems.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University including Geography 2210A/B or equivalent and Geography 2220A/B or permission of the instructor.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours, 0.5 course (main campus) Limited enrolment.

3221B Advanced Seminar in Geographic Information Science

The application of general principles of scientific modelling and visualization to geographic problems using a GIS and other relevant spatial information processing systems. Seminar/studio format with individual or team student projects.

Prerequisite(s):Geography 2220A/B.

Extra Information:3 seminar hours, 0.5 course.

3222B Geographic Information Science II

Methods and techniques in Geographic Information Science. Spatial data encoding from maps and geographic database implementation. Spatial interpolation and other modeling techniques. Integration of remote sensing, GIS and Visualization. Hands-on experience using ESRI, ArcGIS software.

Prerequisite(s):Geography 2210A/B and 2220A/B.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

3223B Decision-Making with GIS

Principles of integrating GIS and Decision Analysis. Selected GIS-based decision-making techniques are applied in practical sessions. A range of applications from both public and private sector organizations are covered.

Prerequisite(s):Geography 2220A/B.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 practical work hours, 0.5 course.

3241B Advanced Cartography

Advanced cartographic project design and implementation. Image processing, geographic information systems, remote sensing, computer graphics programming, 2- and 3- dimensional representations; interface design; data manipulation.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University including Geography 2240A/B. Geography 2220A/B or Computer Science 1026A/B or the former Computer Science 028a/b are recommended.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

3250A Geographic Research: Methods adn Issues

A survey of a range of geography research methods, both the models and the techniques employed, and issues arising from their use. Topics covered include research questions and design, sources of error, ethics and values in research, methods of data collection, data analysis and presentation of findings.

Antirequisite(s):The former Geography 2250A/B (the former 237a/b).

Prerequisite(s):Two full courses in Geography and third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

  • Course Outline

3311A Micrometeorology

Principles of weather and climate at micro-, local, and meso-scales; processes associated with transfer of heat, mass, and momentum and resulting climates near the surface; local winds, fog, urban climates and air pollution.

Prerequisite(s):One of Geography 2310A/B, 2320A/B or 2330A/B, or at least 3rd year standing in an Environmental Science or Earth Sciences program. (A 1000-1099 level course in Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, or Physics is also recommended).

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

3312B Human Impacts on Weather and Climate

An examination of modified weather and climates due to human activities on scales ranging from local modification of microclimates in urban areas to global climate change due to changes in atmospheric composition. The processes underlying the changes are examined as well as the methods of detecting the changes.

Prerequisite(s):One of Geography 2310A/B, 2320A/B or 2330A/B, or at least 3rd year standing in an Environmental Science or Earth Sciences program or Physics 2070A/B or permission of the instructor.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

3333B Drainage Basin Geomorphology

Analysis of drainage basin form and process, including fluvial processes on hillslopes, channel networks, the drainage basin sediment cascade, response of drainage basins to environmental change and selected applications to drainage basin management.

Prerequisite(s):One of Geography 2310A/B, 2320A/B or 2330A/B, or at least 3rd year standing in an Environmental Science or Earth Sciences program.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

3350A Environmental Change

The evidence, causes, and chronology of environmental change, with emphasis on the Holocene in North America.

Prerequisite(s):One of Geography 2310A/B, 2320A/B or 2330A/B, or at least 3rd year standing in an Environmental Science or Earth Sciences program.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

3352A Paleolimnology and Global Environment Change

This course provides students with an introduction to paleolimnology, which uses the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of lake sediments to determine past environments.

Prerequisite(s):One of Geography 2310A/B, 2320A/B or 2330A/B, or at least 3rd year standing in an Environmental Science or Earth Sciences program, or Biology 2483A, 2484A, 2485B.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

3412G Geography of Gender

An examination of the spaces of masculinity and femininity; theories, concepts and selected topics. Issues addressed include spatial divisions of gender and social constructions of male and female roles and places.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

3415B Geographic Perspectives on Law and Society

Law influences and sometimes determines spatial and environmental relations and, dialectically, these transform law. This course introduces geographic approaches, such as impact analysis, class and gender studies and discourse analysis, to law. It surveys topics such as the spacing of urbanism and social, cultural and environmental regulation.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra Information:3 seminar hours, 0.5 course

3416F Urban Culture of Public Spaces

A geographic investigation of urban culture focusing on the design, use and identities of urban public spaces as evidenced through systematic observations of social life in urban public settings. Relevant concepts, theories, and field methods are applied to guide and critique the investigation.

Prerequisite(s):Two full courses in Geography and third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

3422B The Geography of International Business

An examination of the spatial behavior of large corporations and the impact on regional economics. Investment pattern, interorganizational linkages and organizational change will be discussed.

Prerequisite(s):Geography 2420A/B, or Geography 2143A/B with a grade of at least 70%, or enrollment in the Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 seminar hours, 0.5 course.

3431B Geography of Health and Health Care

A critical examination of the major themes in the geography of health and health care. The focus will be on the importance of understanding place, space and environment as they relate to health. Geographical aspects of health inequalities, access and utilization will be explored.

Prerequisite(s):Geography 2430A/B or a related 2000-level course in Health Sciences, Sociology or Psychology, or permission of the instructor.

Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

3432B Environmental Hazards and Human Health

This is a survey course regarding the links between human health and environmental hazard exposure. Issues will include the health impacts of water pollution, air pollution, solid and hazardous waste, toxic substances, pesticides and radiation. The limitations of models and methods are discussed.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

3441G Conservation and Development

Examines struggles between conservation and economic development in a North-South context, setting the transformation of natural ecosystems and impoverishment of biodiversity in a political economic context that includes disparities in wealth, consumption, and ‘ecological footprints’.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University. Two full courses in Geography or equivalent, or enrollment in the Minor in Environment and Culture.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

3442F Geographies of Development

A thematic course on the geography of development. Common explanations for poverty and underdevelopment are critically assessed. Covers a range of scales (local, national, international, global) to demonstrate how processes operating at various scales interact to produce uneven geographical outcomes.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University. Two full courses in Geography or equivalent, or enrolment in the Minor in Environment and Culture.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

3461F Land Use and Development Issues

Critical examination of current land use and development projects; students are required actively to participate in the discussions.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra Information:3 seminar hours, 0.5 course.

3462F Land Use Planning

Basic techniques for preparing, implementing, and applying land use plans and zoning controls.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra information:3 seminar hours, 0.5 course.

3463G Housing

This course explores the geography of housing in North American cities from an historical perspective, with a detailed investigation of the effects of land development, construction, financing, planning, public policy, demographics and lifestyle changes on the production and consumption of residential landscapes.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

3464F Financial Feasability of Urban Developments

The object of the course is to expose students to the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of urban form and structure. A major focus is on static development feasibility models and their application to understanding urban change. The course provides a hands-on experience for students to build financial feasibility models of urban developments.

Antirequisite(s):The former Geography 377F/G, 378F/G, and 3460E.

Prerequisite(s):Geography 2460F/G. Business Administration 2257 is strongly recommended.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

3465F Urban Economic Development and Policy

This course examines policies used in economic development to ensure growth and competitiveness of urban economies. Topics include theories of urban economic development, analytical techniques for evaluating urban economies, business recruitment and retention policies, creative economy and quality of life policies, technology policies, and place-based economic development policies.

Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status; At least one of Geography 1400F/G, 2210A/B, 2220A/B, 2420A/B or 2460F/G.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

4000 Level Courses

4000B The Nature and Philosophy of Geography

Discussion of geographical paradigms within an historical and social context. A central concern is the relationship between the academic and professional practice of geography.

Antirequisite(s):The former Geography 348a/b.

Prerequisite(s):Fourth year status, and enrollment in a major or Honors Specialization in the Department of Geography.  

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

4100A Geography and Change

This advanced seminar focuses on effective strategies for the implementation of constructive change. Core constructs are examined and students use a variety of media to develop skill sets related to the facilitation of constructive change. A heavy premium is placed on active engagement both individually and in group activities.

Antirequisite(s):The former Geography 3452A/B.

Prerequisite(s):Two courses or equivalent in Geography and third or fourth year status at the University or permission from the instructor.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

4220B The GeoWeb and Geomedia

This course explores the challenges and opportunities of citizens’ production, access, dissemination and use of Internet-based geospatial data (the geoweb) including locational and still/video imagery. Explores issues of ethics, privacy, research design and citizen engagement via the geoweb.

Prerequisite(s):Fourth year status and Geography 2220A/B, or permission of instructor.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 laboratory hour, 0.5 course.

4430B Community-based Research on Environment and Health

A critical review of Canadian research on environment and health, focusing upon dilemmas and responsibilities of conducting research in communities under stress. An opportunity for students to compare findings and re-consider methods for the particular contexts of research amongst vulnerable populations.

Prerequisite(s):Fourth year status at the University and Geography 3250A/B or the former 2250A/B; or, permission of the instructor.

Extra Information:3 seminar hours, 0.5 course.

4460G Real Estate and the Cities

The course is a continuation of Geography 3464F/G. The object of the course is to expose students to the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of urban form and structure. A major focus is on understanding the theories, acquiring the techniques to test the theories, and critiquing the approaches employed for the empirical tests.

Antirequisite(s):The former Geography 377F/G, 378F/G, and 3460E.

Prerequisite(s):Geography 2210A/B and Geography 3464F/G. Geography 2420A/B and 3210A/B are strongly recommended.

Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

4900E Thesis

A thesis on a geographical problem including the results of field work, cartographic representation, and a study of the relevant literature.

Prerequisite(s):Fourth year status, and enrolment in an Honors program with a Specialization or Major in the Department of Geography.

Extra Information:Hours by arrangement, 1.5 course.

4901E Thesis (Science)

A thesis on a geographical problem in the natural, physical or technical sciences.

Prerequisite(s):Fourth year status, and enrolment in an Honors program with a Specialization or Major in the Department of Geography.

Extra Information:Hours by arrangement, 1.5 course.