Geography

The Department of Geography offers courses in both Human and Physical Geography which contribute to the fulfilment of Honours, a Major and a Minor in Geography. These offerings also provide many courses that are integral to the Environmental Studies and Sciences programmes at Mount Allison.

Geography is about the study of 'place' at various spatial and temporal scales. An understanding of 'place' involves questions about the physical and environmental, social, cultural, economic, and political processes that have acted together to shape the complex 'place' structures that exist on our landscape. Geographers are particularly concerned with the linkages that bind 'places' together. These questions can be investigated at a variety of scales: local, regional national, and global, and they can be assessed from both contemporary and historical perspectives.

Through a system of intensive semester length courses, the Geography programme at Mount Allison aims to expose students to the approaches and substance of the academic discipline of Geography. Teaching approaches integrate lab work, field study, library and archival searching, as well as the employment of computer technologies as research tools. The Department of Geography is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences and its programmes connect very well with the disciplines in this group (Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Sociology and Commerce). There are also strong links to disciplines in other Faculties including Biology, History, and Religious Studies, as well as to the interdisciplinary programmes in Environmental Studies and Sciences. In addition, students interested in Area Studies (e.g. American Studies, Canadian Studies, Hispanic Studies, French Studies, Japanese Studies, International Relations, etc.) will find it useful to explore Geography as a foundation for understanding these 'places'.

Disciplinary B.A. Programmes

MINOR in Geography is 24 credits earned as follows:

6	from Geography 1201, 1401*
12	from Geography 2101, 2201, 2221, 2311, 2711, 2411, 2421
6	from Geography at the 3/4000 level, chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor

Note: * Students who have completed any one of the Geoscience courses may use this credit in place of Geography 1401.

MAJOR AREA OF STUDY in Geography is 60 credits earned as follows:

9	from Geography 1401*, 2411, 2421
9	from Geography 1201, 2101, 2201, 2221, 2311
9	from Geography 2711, 3401 or 3701, 3711
18	from Geography at the 3/4000 level, including 6 credits from the 4000 level
15	credits from complementary courses in the Social Sciences, History, Environmental Sciences, Women's Studies, Canadian Studies, or Biology, chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor

Note: * Students who have completed any one of the Geoscience courses may use this credit in place of Geography 1401.

HONOURS in Geography is 72 credits earned as follows:

60	credits as in the Major, plus:
6	from Geography 4990
6	from Geography at the 3/4000 level, including 3 from the 4000 level, chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor

Note: The listing of a course in the calendar is not a guarantee that the course is offered every year.

Note: Students must obtain a grade of at least C- in all courses used to fulfill prerequisite requirements. Otherwise, written permission of the appropriate Department or Programme Coordinator must be obtained.

GEOGRAPHY COURSES

GEOG 1201 (3CR)
INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

This lecture and laboratory course is an introduction to the general principles of analysis in human geography at a variety of spatial scales. City, regional and global environments are considered.

Prereq: None

GEOG 1401 (3CR)
INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

This lecture and laboratory course provides an introduction to the general principles of Physical Geography. Emphasis is placed on exploring the various sub-disciplines of Physical Geography at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. This course will introduce the four fundamental spheres of Physical Geography: the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Basic processes in the physical environment such as the seasons, layers of the atmosphere, the earth's energy budget and interactions with atmospheric processes will be introduced. Weather and its interplay within the hydrological cycle, as well as the fundamentals of climatology will be investigated. Examination of the three basic rock types, tectonic activity and weathering of the earth's surface through fluvial and aeolian processes, as well as glacier erosion, and coastal processes will be initiated.

GEOG 2101 (3CR)
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

This course introduces key concepts and issues in natural resources management. Resource sectors of importance to the Canadian economy will be examined, including forestry, fisheries, wildlife, energy, mining, water, and agriculture. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the varied influences that environmental, socio-economic, and political factors have on patterns of resource utilization and resource management decision-making.

Prereq: None

GEOG 2201 (3CR)
GEOGRAPHY OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

This course examines the changing spatial organization of the world industrial map since 1945 by comparing British and North American de-industrialization with the rapid growth of some sectors of newly industrialized countries. The effects of new production technology, changes in industrial organization and transnational corporations and new regional trading blocs on those changing patterns are discussed.

Prereq: None

GEOG 2221 (3CR)
THE DEVELOPING WORLD

This course surveys the changing geography of the developing world. It examines the decline in traditional land systems and resource use, surveys current economic development strategies, and reviews the role of international aid and non-governmental organizations in these strategies.

Prereq: None

GEOG 2311 (3CR)
INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY

This survey of the main themes and approaches of cultural geographers evaluates concepts such as cultural area, ecology and landscape in the context of North American and European settlement patterns.

Prereq: None

GEOG 2411 (3CR)
GEOMORPHOLOGY

Geomorphology is the science that explores the processes that shape the Earth's surface. The introductory part of the course deals with the large-scale relief features of the earth (e.g. mountains) and how they are shaped by the processes of weathering, erosion, and sedimentary deposition. The latter part of the course introduces landforms/landscapes that exist in glacial, fluvial, coastal, and desert environments and explores the geomorphic agents (e.g. running water) which control the formation and evolution of these landforms/landscapes.

Prereq: GEOG 1401; or permission of the Department

GEOG 2421 (3CR)
WEATHER AND CLIMATE

This course highlights elements of weather and climate including the composition and thermal structure of the atmosphere, radiation and energy balances, global circulation, air masses, fronts and atmospheric disturbances, and climates of the world. Special emphasis is placed on recent climatic changes in the environment.

Prereq: GEOG 1401; or permission of the Department

GEOG 2711 (3CR)
DATA ANALYSIS FOR GEOGRAPHERS

This is one of three techniques courses for Geography students. It develops basic skills in data collection, analysis, and presentation. Through lecture and laboratory components, basic statistical and hypothesis testing procedures will be introduced, along with relevant software.

Prereq: Either GEOG 1201 or GEOG 1401; or permission of the Department

GEOG 3101 (3CR)
ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

This course will examine and synthesize current thinking on environment and development. Topics may include: rural land use change, forest management, community-based conservation, sustainable development, trade and environment, and the role of multi-lateral development banks and international environmental agreements.

Prereq: GEOG 2101 and 2221; or permission of the Department

GEOG 3201 (3CR)
GEOGRAPHY AND PUBLIC POLICY

By centering on policy formulation at all government levels, this course investigates the geo-political structures influencing Canadian society. The relevance of geographers' skills to policy environments is highlighted by considering such topics as the role of experts and consultants in the public policy process.

Prereq: Third-year standing and at least 6 credits in Social Science; or permission of the Department

GEOG 3211 (3CR)
GEOGRAPHY OF TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

This course investigates the impact of changing transport and communication technologies on spatial organization. It surveys overseas shipping and colonial enterprise, the development of road systems, the rise of mass transportation, the evolution of the "global village", time-space convergence and electronic information exchange in the later 20th century, and the role of power structures in control of transport and communications technology.

Prereq: GEOG 1201 or HIST 1621; GEOG 2201; or permission of the Department

GEOG 3301 (3CR)
HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY OF NORTH AMERICA

This course surveys the role of pre-twentieth century historical processes in shaping past and present North American landscapes. Significant writings in the evolution of historical geography are identified and analyzed.

Prereq: Third-year standing and either GEOG 1201 or 3 credits from the HIST 1600 series; GEOG 2311; or permission of the Department

GEOG 3321 (3CR)
GEOGRAPHY OF JAPAN

This course examines Japan's geography since 1860, emphasizing the importance of international trade and new technologies and their roles in forming new geographic relationships for Japan with other parts of East Asia and with the West.

Prereq: Third-year standing, and at least one of GEOG 1201, 2311, HIST 1611; or permission of the Department

GEOG 3401 (3CR)
RESEARCH METHODS IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

This is one of three 'techniques' courses for Geography students. This course is aimed at those students who are focusing on Physical Geography. After a critical examination of current research techniques, students design, implement, complete, and evaluate a field research project in Physical Geography. This course requires attendance at an off-campus field camp and students will be liable for some field trip costs

Prereq: GEOG 2711 and third-year standing; permission of the Department

GEOG 3411 (3CR)
COASTAL GEOMORPHOLOGY

This lecture, laboratory, and field course introduces coastal geomorphology by emphasizing current theories of coastal processes set in a context of natural systems. Topics covered include waves and currents, sediment transport, evolution of coastal features, and coastal management.

Prereq: GEOG 2711, 2411; or permission of the Department

GEOG 3421 (3CR)
BIOGEOGRAPHY

The links between the geomorphology and climatology of a region and the plant-animal environments are explored through a biogeographical approach to ecological studies. Focus is placed on the geography of plants including environmental controls of plant distributions and the functional and historical aspects of plant communities.

Prereq: GEOG 2711, 2421; or permission of the Department

GEOG 3511 (3CR)
RURAL AND SMALL TOWN CANADA

This course will examine land use patterns as well as the environmental, social, economic and political structures of Canadian rural areas and small towns. An integrated approach to resolving rural and small town development issues is used.

Prereq: GEOG 1201; one of GEOG 2101, 2201, 2311; or permission of the Department

GEOG 3531 (3CR)
THE PLANNING PROCESS

An examination of community responses to the necessity and challenge of growth. Discussion focuses on the contributions of planning to the process of development and to the outcomes and opportunities which parallel this process.

Prereq: GEOG 1201 and one of GEOG 2101, 2201, 2311; or permission of the Department

GEOG 3701 (3CR)
RESEARCH METHODS IN HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

This is one of three technique courses for Geography students. This course is aimed at those students who are focusing on Human Geography. After a critical examination of current research techniques, students design, implement, complete and evaluate a field research project in Human Geography. This course requires attendance at an off-campus field camp and students will be liable for some field trip costs.

Prereq: GEOG 2711 and third-year standing; permission of the Department

GEOG 3711 (3CR)
CARTOGRAPHY AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

This is one of three 'techniques' courses for Geography students. Through lectures and laboratories it surveys several aspects of traditional cartography, examines one or more evolving Geographic Information Systems, and explores the role of maps in conveying geographic information.

Prereq: Third-year standing and GEOG 2711; or permission of the Department

GEOG 3811 (3CR)
GEOGRAPHY OF URBANIZATION

An investigation of the evolution of the modern city through historic phases of mercantile, industrial, corporate, and post-industrial growth. Urbanization processes are highlighted in the development of urban economies, urban society, the social geography of cities, political reform, urban planning, and the creation of new urban forms in the late twentieth century post-industrial economy.

Prereq: Third-year standing plus GEOG 1201 and 2311; or permission of the Department

GEOG 4101 (3CR)
SEMINAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

This course examines the current state of scientific knowledge related to various contemporary environmental issues and the public policy implications of these issues.

Prereq: Geoscsience 2031 and GEOG 2101; or permission of the Department

GEOG 4301 (3CR)
SEMINAR IN AREA STUDIES

A study of a selected world region through a combination of directed reading, seminar presentation, and individual research.

Prereq: Any two of GEOG 2201, 2311, 3201, 3211 or 3301; or permission of the Department

GEOG 4311 (3CR)
CANADIAN REGIONALISM

A seminar in Canadian regionalism that includes a combination of directed reading, presentations, and individual research.

Prereq: GEOG 3201 or 3301; or permission of the Department

GEOG 4321 (3CR)
SEMINAR IN CULTURAL AND LANDSCAPE STUDY

A seminar that explores contemporary cultural geography and cultural landscape study through directed readings, presentations and individual research.

Prereq: GEOG 2311 and 3301 or 3811; or permission of the Department

GEOG 4401 (3CR)
ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

The nature of scientific research in Physical Geography is examined through field and laboratory techniques. This course includes a mandatory field camp where approaches, methodologies and techniques learned in previous courses are used to prepare a series of reports based on collected field data and samples.

Prereq: GEOG 3401 and GEOG 3411 or 3421; or permission of the Department

GEOG 4521 (3CR)
COMMUNITY PLANNING RESEARCH SEMINAR

A research seminar applying community planning theory and techniques to an actual case developed in concert with a local community. Students clarify client objectives, develop a research and analysis programme, conduct fieldwork, analyze data, prepare recommendations, and present results to the client.

Prereq: GEOG 2711 and 3531; or permission of the Department

GEOG 4701 (3CR)
ADVANCED FIELD COURSE

This is an extended field course to be completed outside the September-May academic year in which students complete a supervised original research project at an off-campus location.

Prereq: GEOG 3701 and 3711; or permission of the Department

GEOG 4711 (3CR)
CARTOGRAPHIC REPRESENTATION: CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON MAPPING AND GIS

This seminar course investigates the manner in which cartography has been used as a means of codifying space, place and territory over the past millennium. The course considers agency and motive in historical and contemporary cartography, including GIS, paying particular attention to a critique of scientific method and the mapping of modernity. Alternative map spaces and other media are considered also. Using a combination of directed readings and practical project work, the course develops critical perspectives on our use of various forms of cartographic representation.

Prereq: GEOG 3711 and third-year standing; or permission of the Department

GEOG 4811 (3CR)
GENDER, CULTURE AND THE CITY

In this course students will examine the relationship between socially constructed gender relations and the nature and form of urban areas. We will consider how the production of urban space is shaped by social and cultural categories and historical processes, how we shape it and in turn are shaped by it.

Prereq: GEOG 3811; or permission of the Department

GEOG 4950/4951 (6/3CR)
SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOGRAPHY

A programme of independent study which provides an opportunity for intensive reading and empirical analysis of topics not usually covered in basic course offerings.

Prereq: Permission of the Department. Students should obtain in the preceding year the consent of a staff member who is willing to supervise such a programme.

GEOG 4990 (6CR)
HONOURS THESIS

Prereq: Permission of the Department