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Undergraduate
2017-2018 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 How Humans Interact with the World
This course introduces students to the central problems, concepts, methods and applications of human geography. It pays particular attention to the ways humans interact with the world; for example, population growth, use of natural resources, culturally-based activities, urbanization and settlements, agricultural activities, and industrialization.
Antirequisite(s):Geography 1100
Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
1500F Environment and Development Challenges
Examines environmental change over long periods of earth history, considering both physical processes and human impacts. An integrative approach provides a basis for understanding some of the world's most pressing environment and development challenges, such as biodiversity loss, desertification, climate change, energy consumption, and persistent hunger and malnourishment.
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.
2030A 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.
2041A/B 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.
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.
2130Y Field Geography and Geology of Southwestern Ontario
A field-trip based course exploring the history and patterns of the geology, physical landscapes and resources of southwestern Ontario. Usually offered in the first half of the Fall semester; four mandatory, full day field excursions (transportation fee required) supported by a weekly lecture.
Antirequisite(s):Earth Sciences 2130Y.
Extra Information:Limited enrolment with preference given to students registered in a Major in Geography or Physical Geography; recommended to be taken in second year.
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.
2133B Climate Change
This course examines the processes that underlie natural and human-induced climate change at global and regional scales and describes the resultant climates that have existed, those projected to occur in the future, and what impacts climate change has and will have on the physical and human environment.
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.
2144A/B 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 2144F/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.
2162A Planning Sustainable Cities
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.
2220B 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 registration in a module in Science or in Engineering.
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.
Prerequisite(s):1.0 course from Geography 1100, 1300A/B, 1400F/G, 1500F/G, 2131A/B, 2153A/B (taken after September 2012), or registration in a module in Science or in Engineering.
Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
2240A 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.
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, or enrolment in any of the Global Culture Studies modules.
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 in any of the Globalization Studies modules, 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, or enrolment in any of the Globalization Studies modules.
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 in any of the Global Development Studies modules, or permission of the instructor.
Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
2460G Introduction to 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 enrolment in any of the Global Development Studies or Globalization Studies modules.
Extra Information:3 lecture 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.
Antirequisite(s):Geography 3001F/G.
Prerequisite(s):3rd year status in any module in the Department of Geography except the minor; limited enrolment. Priority given to Specialization and Honors Specialization students.
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 or Biology 2244A/B or Statistical Sciences 2244A/B.
Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
3211B 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, Geography 2220A/B and one of Geography 2210A/B, Biology 2244A/B or Statistical Sciences 2244A/B, or other equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours, 0.5 course (main campus) Limited enrolment.
3222A 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 or Biology 2244A/B or Statistical Sciences 2244A/B and Geography 2220A/B.
Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
3250A Social Science Research Methods in Geography
A survey of a range of social scientific methods for studying humans (e.g., interviews, questionnaires); with an emphasis on research designs involving human interaction. Topics include identifying research problems, questions and designs, 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.
3341A Hydrology
The relationship between rainfall and runoff, including the influence of vegetation and soil-water systems; runoff from snow and ice; the hydrological role of lakes and rivers.
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.
3342B Groundwater Hydrology
The distribution and movement of groundwater; evaluation and monitoring of groundwater resources with respect to their extraction, pollution and remediation.
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.
3343A River Ecosystems
This course introduces students to riverine ecosystems. General principles of the physical, chemical and biological patterns and processes of river systems are presented in a landscape context. The course emphasizes human driven landscape changes in the health and sustainability of river systems and teaches techniques for river monitoring and assessment.
Prerequisite(s):One of Geography 2310A/B, 2320A/B, 2330A/B, Biology 2483A/B, 2485A/B, Earth Sciences 2230A/B
Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 1 laboratory hour, 0.5 course
3411A Cultural Geography
An examination of contemporary theories in cultural geography - ideology, identity, power, and space - and their application to contemporary issues such as class, consumption, gender, media, and racism. Emphasis is placed upon understanding and critiquing the social and political processes giving rise to cultural practices in their spatial contexts.
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, in any of the Global Development Studies modules, or permission of the instructor.
Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 tutorial hours, 0.5 course.
3421A Location Theory and Analysis
An examination of public and private facility location theory. Industrial location, retailing and public facility location approaches are discussed. GIS-based techniques for location analysis are applied in practical sessions.
Prerequisite(s):Geography 2420A/B or permission of the instructor.
Extra Information:2 lecture hours, 2 practical work 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.
3443G Energy and Power
This course investigates the political ecology of energy. Issues of politics and power, social equity, and environmental impact are examined through Canadian and international case studies. The concept of ‘energy justice’ is used both to critically assess current patterns of energy production and use and to explore more sustainable possibilities.
Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year status at the University.
Extra Information:3 lecture hours, 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.
3462G 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 enrolment in a Specialization, 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.
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.
Summer 2017 Course Offerings
This summer the geography courses are offered in the Distance Studies session (May 9 - July 29) and in Intersession (May 16 - June 24). Summer Calendar.
2010A Geography of Canada - Intersession
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 Ontario and the Great Lakes - Distance Studies
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.
2060A 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 - Intersession
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.
2131A The Natural Environment - Distance Sudies
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.
2143A Foundations of the Geography of World Business - Intersession
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.
2152F Geography of Hazards - Intersession
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.
