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Student Learning Outcomes

Discipline: Geography
Course Name Course Number Objectives
Physical Geography - Honors GEOG 1H
  • Examine the physical forces and processes which operate within the natural environment.
  • Recognize and identify how human and physical processes differ from place to place.
  • Apply geographical methodology in the interpretation of spatial relationships involving distance, area and direction on the Earth’s surface.
  • Define geography as an integrative discipline using examples of the Earth’s four spheres.
  • Describe common patterns of temperature and temperature inversions, high and low pressure, ocean and land winds, global winds, rain and desert patterns.
  • Compare and correlate the Earth’s major climates and biomes.
  • Locate major physical features of Earth on a series of world maps.
  • Distinguish between internal, mountain-building processes and external, landform-shaping processes.
Cartography GEOG 12
  • Employ an appropriate geographic referencing system (datum, projection, coordinate system) for a given purpose.
  • Select and apply ethical and appropriate data model, map scale, map elements, symbolization and color to produce maps that effectively communicate quantitative and qualitative geographic data.
  • Critique maps for appropriate use of cartographic design principles.
  • Describe the components of a map (map elements).
  • Categorize and describe different types of maps (thematic, reference…) and be able to give examples of how they are used.
Geography of California GEOG 30
  • Analyze the relationship between humans and the environment of California.
  • Recognize and evaluate how human and physical processes differ from place to place and analyze the distributional and locational relationship of things in the state of California.
  • Describe the physical processes that shape the natural environments of California.
  • Explain patterns of urban development in the state and distinguish current trends in urban development in California.
  • Explain the origins and development of agriculture and industry in California.
  • Analyze the influence of varying cultural and ethnic groups in the shaping of the cultural landscapes of California.
  • Analyze the use of natural resources in the state, particularly the role of water in the development of both the economic and social landscape of California.
Geospatial Concepts GEOG 9
  • Distinguish among characteristics of remotely sensed data, sensing platforms, and aerial image analysis
  • Identify and interpret spatial patterns and relationships
  • critique a map on its ability to communicate qualitative and quantitative information through its use of symbolization, color, layout, orientation, scale, texture, classification schemes, and other cartographic elements
  • Assess how maps can be used to mislead, entice, restrict, control, and propagandize
  • Outline the key components and uses of a geographic information system (GIS)
  • Describe the size, shape and other geophysical properties of Earth.
  • Categorize map projections based on their ability to preserve map conformality and equivalence
  • Compare and contrast commonly used locational systems and datums
  • Measure distances and areas from maps based on indicated scale
  • Utilize the tools and methodologies used in navigation
  • Interpret topographic representations on maps to identify physical geographic features and land forms
  • Differentiate map feature generalization operations and evaluate their potential consequences
  • Justify the use of certain map types for particular geographic applications
  • Outline the development of cartography and mapping techniques
Geospatial Data Acquisition and Management GEOG 13
  • Describe the collection of field data, digital conversion of existing hardcopy maps, and the construction of spatial data from known locations.
  • Demonstrate basic proficiency to collect, record, and utilize spatial data and databases.
  • Describe and explain the similarities and differences between data models as well as how data is treated differently within each format, to include the conversion of data between different formats.
GIS Capstone Portfolio GEOG 16
  • Demonstrate knowledge of standard professional practices and organizations (URISA, ASPRS, GITA, USGIF, resumes).
  • Develop, manage, complete, and evaluate a comprehensive geospatial project.
  • Present data and project results in a meaningful format (i.e., digital, written, verbal, graphical).
  • Apply critical-thinking skills to solve problems by generating, evaluating, and implementing geospatial solutions.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of professional code of ethics, such as the GISCI GISP or ASPRS.
Human Geography GEOG 2
  • Describe the tools and theories used in geographic research.
  • Evaluate the relationship of humans and the environment.
  • Describe human impacts on the environment including impacts of the use of renewable and non-renewable energy resources.
  • Synthesize theories of human migration to explain historical and contemporary patterns of human mobility.
  • Explain spatial variation of and describe patterns of cultural and social expression including language, religion, ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, political processes, urbanization, development, agriculture, manufacturing and service economies.
  • Analyze the spatial variation of humans and their activities around the world.
  • Describe the scope of the discipline of geography and the tools used by geographers to study human processes on the earth.
  • Analyze the spatial expression and cultural impacts of contemporary globalization.
  • Describe the distribution of humans globally and explain the tools used by geographers to evaluate human population change.
Human Geography - Honors GEOG 2H
  • Analyze the spatial variation of humans and their activities around the world.
  • Evaluate the relationship between humans and the environment.
  • Describe the tools and theories used in geographic research.
  • Describe the scope of the discipline of geography and the tools used by geographers to study human processes on the earth.
  • Analyze the spatial expression and cultural impacts of contemporary globalization.
  • Describe the distribution of humans globally and explain the tools used by geographers to evaluate human population change.
  • Synthesize theories of human migration to explain historical and contemporary patterns of human mobility.
  • Explain spatial variation of and describe patterns of cultural and social expression including language, religion, ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, political processes, urbanization, development, agriculture, manufacturing and service economies.
  • Describe human impacts on the environment including impacts of the use of renewable and non-renewable energy resources.
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems GEOG 10 (VOC)
  • Explore GIS career opportunities in a discipline specific field.
  • Assess procedures necessary for spatial problem solving through the implementation of a method or tool.
  • Perform simple spatial data analysis using appropriate software.
  • Analyze case studies of geographic problems and the procedures used to solve them.
  • Construct simple spatial databases.
  • Describe the fundamentals of cartography and the importance of map projections in constructing effective maps.
  • Manipulate geographic data and the fundamentals of geographic data structures
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate the results of GIS analysis through appropriate maps, documents and web pages.
  • Apply principles of geographic data display to GIS problems.
  • Perform simple spatial data analysis using appropriate software.
Physical Geography GEOG 1
  • Compare and correlate the Earth’s major climates and biomes.
  • Locate major physical features of Earth on a series of world maps.
  • Distinguish between internal, mountain-building processes and external, landform-shaping processes.
  • Apply geographical methodology in the interpretation of spatial relationships involving distance, area, and direction on the earth's surface.
  • Examine the physical forces and processes that operate within the natural environment.
  • Students will evaluate the impact of science on their daily lives
  • Identify how physical processes differ from place to place on the globe.
  • Define geography as an integrative discipline using examples of the Earth’s four spheres.
  • Describe common patterns of temperature and temperature inversions, high and low pressure, ocean and land winds, global winds, rain and desert patterns.
Physical Geography Laboratory GEOG 1L
  • Interpret maps.
  • Construct maps using cartographic principles.
  • Relate the distribution of vegetation to biomes and soil types.
  • Analyze landform features through an understanding of tectonic processes as well as exogenic processes such as erosion and deposition.
  • Evaluate the impact of science on their daily lives
  • Construct and interpret maps using cartographic principles.
  • Apply principles of earth-sun relationships to concepts of time, seasonal variations in solar energy receipt and overall climatic patterns on earth.
  • Perform functions of temperature and pressure change using lapse rates.
Physical Geography Laboratory - Honors GEOG 1LH
  • Interpret maps.
  • Construct maps using cartographic principles.
  • Students will evaluate the impact of science on their daily lives
  • Construct and interpret maps using cartographic principles.
  • Apply principles of earth-sun relationships to concepts of time, seasonal variations in solar energy receipt and overall climatic patterns on earth.
  • Perform functions of temperature and pressure change using lapse rates.
  • Relate the distribution of vegetation to biomes and soil types.
  • Analyze landform features through an understanding of tectonic processes as well as exogenic processes such as erosion and deposition.
Raster Methods GEOG 15
  • Apply basic concepts, methods and uses of accuracy assessment and ground truthing to the results of remote sensing workflows.
  • Interpret, analyze and summarize results of a remote sensing
  • Select appropriate data set for remote sensing application based on spectral, temporal, radiometric and spatial resolution.
  • Analyze and explain remote sensing purposes, advantages, and limitations.
  • Describe characteristics of passive and active remote sensing systems (such as multispectral, LiDAR and Radar).
  • Perform basic remote sensing workflows to solve problems (such as acquiring data, feature extraction, change detection, pre- and post-processing, create composite images and image classification).
  • Define and describe remote sensing and explain its applications and history.
  • Define and describe basics of electromagnetic spectrum and interactions with various types of media.
  • Describe commonly used remote sensing sensors and image acquisition methods.
Spatial Analysis GEOG 14
  • Prepare spatially-related data in a final presentation as a series of maps.
  • Demonstrate skill in the GIS application. Such as the development process of Geodatabases including the interplay among the various components to ensure validation.
  • Plan appropriate automation procedures and a user interface based on needs and available resources.
  • Describe a GIS application through written and oral communications.
  • Relate spatially-related data, mathematical formulas and scientific applications to their field of study.
Urban Geography GEOG 8
  • Describe the tools and theories used in research related to urban geographies.
  • Analyze the spatial variation of urban patterns around the world.
World Regional Geography GEOG 5
  • Evaluate the geographic situation, problems and prospects for each world region.
  • Explain the geographic tools used in regional analysis.
  • Analyze the spatial variation of human activities and physical processes in distinctive world regions.
  • Define the concept of region in geographic analysis.
  • Identify the location of the world’s countries, major urban centers, bodies of water, and other landform features.
  • Describe the physical, social, economic, political and cultural relationships between distinctive world regions.
  • Explain patterns of physical processes in distinctive world regions including climate and landform evolution.
  • Explain patterns of human processes in distinctive world regions including demographics, migration, language, religion, ethnicity, political processes, development and economic activities.