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Geography

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

Degrees Offered

A.A.-T. in Geography

Dean Devin Horton
Department Chair Craig Davis
Phone (916) 558-2578
Email davisca@scc.losrios.edu

Associate Degree for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Geography

Geography is the science of place and space. Geographers study the relationships among geographic places, natural systems, society and cultural activities, and the interdependence of these from the spatial perspective.

There are two main branches of geography: human geography and physical geography. Human geography is concerned with the spatial aspects of the human endeavor. This examination includes the distribution of humans and their correspondent activities, how people use and perceive space, and how humans create and sustain their environs. Physical geography examines the physical elements and spatial processes related to the Earth's environmental systems. These include energy, air, water, weather, climate, landforms, soils, animals, plants, etc. In addition, geography is increasingly utilizing spatial technologies, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and remotely-sensed imagery, to study the Earth and its inhabitants.

The discipline of geography specifically examines the linkages between human activity and natural systems. Geographers were, in fact, among the first scientists to sound the alarm that human-induced changes to the environment were beginning to threaten the balance of life itself. Geographers today are active in the examination and planning of our communities and the development of our human landscapes along with the study of global warming, deforestation, pollution, and a variety of other environmental quandaries.

The required and elective coursework for this degree will survey a broad spectrum of physical, human, and geo-spatial inquiry. As a result, the SCC Geography AA-T degree will provide transfer students with a solid foundation in geography as well as the standard prerequisites for upper-division coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree.

Note to Transfer Students:

Even though this transfer degree is designed to make transitioning to a California State University in this major as seamless as possible, it is strongly recommended that you meet with a counselor to construct an educational plan. This process will be imperative if you are planning to transfer to an alternative four-year university or college.

The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):

(1) Completion of a minimum of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) The Intersegmental GE Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University GE-Breadth Requirements (CSU GE-Breadth).

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
GEOG 300	Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems	3
GEOG 301	Physical Geography Laboratory	1
GEOG 310	Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3)	3¹
or GEOG 320	World Regional Geography (3)
List A:
A minimum of 6 units from the following:		6
Students may substitute courses from the Required Program not already counted toward the degree.
GEOG 306	Weather and Climate (3)
GEOG 331	Exploring Maps and Geographic Technologies (3)
GEOG 391	Field Studies in Geography: Mountain Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 392	Field Studies in Geography: Coastal Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 393	Field Studies in Geography: Arid Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 394	Field Studies in Geography: Volcanic Landscapes (1 - 4)
List B:
A minimum of 6 units from the following:		6
Students may substitute courses from the Required Program or List A not already counted toward the degree.
GEOG 302	Environmental Studies & Sustainability (3)
GEOG 305	Global Climate Change (3)
GEOG 308	Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOG 334	Introduction to GIS Software Applications (3)
ANTH 310	Cultural Anthropology (3)
or ANTH 481	Honors Cultural Anthropology (3)
GEOL 300	Physical Geology (3)
Total Units:		19

¹It is strongly recommended that students take GEOG 310.

The Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

understand the general content and scope of collegiate level geography studies.
compare and contrast the general biophysical and sociocultural differences and similarities among world regions.
interpret maps and mapped data utilizing basic map elements, including scales, common coordinate systems, and map symbols.
utilize geographic information technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and remote sensing in understanding environmental and human phenomena.
evaluate and analyze geographic problems and their solutions.
communicate geographic information effectively in oral, written, and graphic form.

Career Information

The career opportunities available to someone earning a degree in geography are as varied as the discipline itself. Some career areas and specific occupations include: natural resource management; environmental conservation; international development; urban and regional planning; education (K-12 through University); tourism; cartography; climate science; park management; transportation planning and logistics; real estate; international business; marketing; land surveying; research science; remote sensing; demography; GIS analysis; and many more (please contact the department for additional information). Some career options may require more than two years of college study.

Geography (GEOG) Courses

GEOG 300 Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better; Pre-algebra or equivalent with a grade of “C-” or better. Students needing a review of mathematical concepts covered in this course should enroll in MATHS 10.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
C-ID:C-ID GEOG 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a spatial study of planet Earth's dynamic physical systems and processes. Topics include weather, climate, landforms, natural hazards, water resources, vegetation, and soils. Emphasis is placed on interrelationships among Earth systems and processes and their resulting patterns and distributions. Relevant application of these concepts to today's world is also stressed to help students better understand Earth's physical environment as well as human-environmental interaction. Optional field trips may be included.

GEOG 301 Physical Geography Laboratory

Units:1
Hours:54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:GEOG 300
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better; Pre-algebra or equivalent with a grade of “C-” or better. Students needing a review of mathematical concepts covered in this course should enroll in MATHS 10.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A
C-ID:C-ID GEOG 111
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a laboratory study of basic principles and concepts relating to our Earth's environmental systems. Labs feature observation, collection, analysis, and display of data related to the study of energy, weather and climate, vegetation, soils, landforms, and environmental hazards. In addition, this course utilizes geographic methods such as map and image interpretation and geographic technologies such as weather instruments, global positioning systems (GPS), and computer applications. Field trips may be required.

GEOG 302 Environmental Studies & Sustainability

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better; Pre-algebra or equivalent with a grade of “C-” or better. Students needing a review of mathematical concepts covered in this course should enroll in MATHS 10.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area D5; IGETC Area 4E
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This introductory course offers an interdisciplinary perspective on the major environmental problems confronting society and explores solutions directed toward producing a more sustainable future. Course topics include an introduction to environmental issues, Earth system science, natural resources, global climate change, human demography, agricultural systems, and development issues. These topics will be examined with human-environment interaction as the overriding paradigm to examine potential for sustainable systems as our planet and populations progress. A field trip may be required to relate class discussions to the real world.

GEOG 305 Global Climate Change

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better; Pre-algebra or equivalent with a grade of “C-” or better. Students needing a review of mathematical concepts covered in this course should enroll in MATHS 10.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course explores the history and mechanisms of climate change on the Earth as well as the methods that scientists use to investigate climate change. Areas of emphasis will include climate change in the recent history of Earth (the past few million years) and the connection between human industrial activity and current climatic shifts. Additionally, this course investigates the effects of climate change in the world today and discusses possible technological and political solutions to this vast and increasingly important problem. Field trips may be required.

GEOG 306 Weather and Climate

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better; Pre-algebra or equivalent with a grade of “C-” or better. Students needing a review of mathematical concepts covered in this course should enroll in MATHS 10.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
C-ID:C-ID GEOG 130
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is an introduction to atmospheric processes including energy and moisture exchanges, atmospheric pressure, winds and global circulation, and severe weather conditions. In addition, global, regional, and local climates are investigated. Student work will include weather observations and analysis of atmospheric data using charts, weather maps, and radar and satellite imagery from the Internet and other sources. Field trips may be required to reinforce course content.

GEOG 308 Introduction to Oceanography

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better; Pre-algebra or equivalent with a grade of “C-” or better. Students needing a review of mathematical concepts covered in this course should enroll in MATHS 10.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is an integrated study of the world's oceans from chemical, biological and human perspectives. Topics include ocean and shoreline processes, plate tectonics, sea floor morphology, types and distribution of seafloor sediment, ocean sediment transport, ocean chemistry, ocean currents, marine resources, and environmental concerns. Regional oceanographic features are emphasized and a field trip may be required to reinforce course content.

GEOG 310 Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGRD 310 and ENGWR 101 with grades of "C" or better.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D5; IGETC Area 4E
C-ID:C-ID GEOG 120
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course investigates the diverse patterns of human activity on earth in relation to cultural and environmental factors. Major themes include human-environment interaction, globalization, spatial and cultural conflict, and cultural diversity. The following topical areas will be utilized to examine these dynamic concepts: population, migration, language, religion, ethnicity, political and economic systems, development issues, agriculture, urbanization, and resource issues.

GEOG 320 World Regional Geography

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGRD 310 and ENGWR 101 with grades of "C" or better.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D5; IGETC Area 4E
C-ID:C-ID GEOG 125
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a global survey of the world's major cultural regions. Basic geographic concepts and ideas are used to study and compare people, resources, landscapes, and economies across eight major geographic regions. In addition, interactions between these regions, globalization, cultural diversity, environmental issues, and development dynamics are utilized as themes to examine our ever-changing world.

GEOG 331 Exploring Maps and Geographic Technologies

Units:3
Hours:50 hours LEC; 12 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:CISC 300 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV
C-ID:C-ID GEOG 150
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course introduces students to the exciting world of maps (both hard-copy and digital) and the geographic techniques and technologies that are utilized in the creation of modern cartographic documents. The examination of cartographic constructs, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Internet mapping, remote sensing, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will shed light on this interesting and rapidly changing area of spatial inquiry.

GEOG 334 Introduction to GIS Software Applications

Units:3
Hours:50 hours LEC; 12 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:CISC 300 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU
C-ID:C-ID GEOG 155
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides the conceptual and practical foundations for using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. It emphasizes basic GIS software functionality including map display, attribute and spatial query, address geocoding, spatial database management, spatial analysis, cartographic presentation, and spatial data management.

GEOG 353 Introduction to the Global Positioning System (GPS)

Units:1
Hours:16 hours LEC; 6 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:CISC 300 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course introduces the Global Positioning System (GPS). Topics include how this location systems works, hands-on operation of the technology, real-world applications, computer interfaces, GIS, and other mapping software. A field trip may be required which could include a nominal fee.

GEOG 391 Field Studies in Geography: Mountain Landscapes

Units:1 - 4
Hours:6 - 24 hours LEC; 36 - 144 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
C-ID:C-ID GEOG 160
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course involves the study of geographic principles and processes in mountain environments. The course content will vary by destination but may include topics in physical geography (e.g., plant and animal communities, climate and weather, geology and geomorphology, natural hazards, environmental impacts, etc.), human geography (e.g., cultural landscapes, economic activities, transportation issues, land use patterns, etc.), and introduction to tools and techniques used for geographic field research (e.g., map and compass use, the Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), etc.). Field excursions are required.

GEOG 392 Field Studies in Geography: Coastal Landscapes

Units:1 - 4
Hours:6 - 24 hours LEC; 36 - 144 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
C-ID:C-ID GEOG 160
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course involves the study of geographic principles and processes in coastal environments. The course content will vary by destination but may include topics in physical geography (e.g., plant and animal communities, climate and weather, geology and geomorphology, natural hazards, environmental impacts, etc.), human geography (e.g., cultural landscapes, economic activities, transportation issues, land use patterns, etc.), and introduction to tools and techniques used for geographic field research (e.g., map and compass use, the Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), etc.). Field excursions are required.

GEOG 393 Field Studies in Geography: Arid Landscapes

Units:1 - 4
Hours:6 - 24 hours LEC; 36 - 144 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
C-ID:C-ID GEOG 160
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course involves the study of geographic principles and processes in arid environments. The course content will vary by destination but may include topics in physical geography (e.g., plant and animal communities, climate and weather, geology and geomorphology, natural hazards, environmental impacts, etc.), human geography (e.g., cultural landscapes, economic activities, transportation issues, land use patterns, etc.), and introduction to tools and techniques used for geographic field research (e.g., map and compass use, the Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), etc.). Field excursions are required.

GEOG 394 Field Studies in Geography: Volcanic Landscapes

Units:1 - 4
Hours:6 - 24 hours LEC; 36 - 144 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
C-ID:C-ID GEOG 160
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course involves the study of geographic principles and processes in volcanic environments. The course content will vary by destination but may include topics in physical geography (e.g., plant and animal communities, climate and weather, geology and geomorphology, natural hazards, environmental impacts, etc.), human geography (e.g., cultural landscapes, economic activities, transportation issues, land use patterns, etc.), and introduction to tools and techniques used for geographic field research (e.g., map and compass use, the Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), etc.). Field excursions are required.

GEOG 495 Independent Studies in Geography

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Enrollment Limitation:Student must obtain approval from an instructor to conduct an independent study.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is for students or small groups who wish to develop an in-depth understanding of a geographic topic that is beyond what is offered in our regular courses. Instructor approval is required to enroll in this course.

UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 units required for admissions.

GEOG 499 Experimental Offering in Geography

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.