Geography and Urban Analysis, Department of

College of Natural and Social Sciences

DEPARTMENT OFFICE

King Hall C4067

Phone:       (323) 343-2220

E-mail:      geog@calstatela.edu

Website:     www.calstatela.edu/academic/geog/

The Department of Geography and Urban Analysis offers an undergraduate program leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography, with a General option, an Urban Analysis Option, and a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) option, as well as a minor and two certificate programs for students majoring in other fields. The department also offers a graduate program leading to the Masters of Arts degree in Geography, described in the Graduate Programs section.

The department cooperates in the Latin American Studies, Liberal Studies, and Social Science interdisciplinary programs.  A Social Science Bachelor of Arts degree, with a Geography Emphasis, is available for those seeking a Single Subject teaching credential, and is described in the Social Science section. The department's regional courses focus on Los Angeles, California, the U.S., Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the developing world.  Systematic courses provide theory and skills useful in applied business, planning, and government.  The department offers a variety of technical/methodological courses stressing computer cartography, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), remote sensing, and spatial statistics.

The Faculty

Professors: Ali Modarres, Stephen E. G. LaDochy, Hong-lie Qiu, Hengchun Ye, Killian P. H. Ying(Chair).

Associate Professor:  Stephen Mulherin.

Assistant Professors: Daniel E.Borough.

Emeriti: Harry C. Coffin, Sin Fong Han, John A. Kirchner, Vincent Mazzucchelli, Clement Padick, John D. Rees

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography is designed to provide students with an understanding of the world’s physical and cultural environments. The program provides a foundation in the theory and practice of contemporary geography, with emphasis on a variety of applied and technical skills that will enhance a student’s career opportunities. 

The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography is 180 units, of which 72-89 units are in the major depending on the option selected.  Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives.

Requirements for the Major  (72 - 89 units)

The major in Geography requires 72-89 units depending on which of the three options described below is selected.

The General Option requires a total of 81 units of which 24 are lower division and 57 are upper division. The GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Option requires a total of 88-89 units of which 32 are lower division and 56-57 are upper division. The Urban Analysis option requires a total of 72-73 units of which 24 are lower division and 48-49 are upper division.

General Option (81 units)

Select two from following:

GEOG 370, 421, 423, 424, 425, 427, 428, 430, 431

Select three from following: 

GEOG 442, 446, 448, 451, 455, 457, 475, 476, 478, 479 

Select two from following:

GEOG 402, 407, 410, 415, 466

Select additional courses from above groups or from following:

GEOG 310, 322, 333, 341, 358, 376, 377, 468, 469, 482, 496, 497, 499

UNIV 398

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Option (88-89 units)

Select additional courses from above groups or from following: GEOG 310, 322, 333, 341, 358, 370, 376, 377, 415, 421, 423, 424, 425, 427, 428, 430, 431, 432, 446, 451, 475, 478, 479, 499.

Urban Analysis Option (72-73 units)

Select at least one course from each of the following three groups

*When topic is methodology.

* When topic is environmental.

* When-topic is social or economic.

Minor in Geography

A minor in Geography is available for students majoring in other fields.  A total of 28 units in geography is required, selected in consultation with an adviser in geography and distributed as follows:

Requirements for the Minor (28 units)

Select a minimum of 20 units in geography with consent of adviser.  At least 14 units must be upper division.

Certificate Program in Geographic Information Systems

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate is offered by the Department of Geography and Urban Analysis to students with up-to-date theory and technology in spatial analysis (GIS, remote sensing, and spatial statistics). It also provides students a non-degree alternative for acquiring a recognized certification for GIS competency.  A total of 32-33 units in the following courses is required for the certificate. Refer to the Undergraduate Study: General Information chapter of this catalog for general regulations governing all certificate programs.

The prerequisites are GEOG 155, 160, and 260.

Select 20-21 units from the following:

* When topic is GIS, remote sensing, or spatial statistics

Certificate Program in Urban Land Use and Property Analysis

The Department of Geography and Urban Analysis, in cooperation with the Department of Finance and Law, offers this credit certificate program, which is designed for students and professionals seeking employment with public service or private business in urban communities.  The program provides technical and analytical training for evaluating current problems confronting the urban community.  A total of 25–28 units in the following courses is required for the certificate.  Refer to the Undergraduate Study chapter of this catalog for general regulations governing all certificate programs.

Requirements for the Certificate  (25–28 units)

The Credential Program

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science with a Geography emphasis is now available for those seeking the Single Subject teaching credential in Social Sciences.  Those who already hold a Single Subject Credential in the state of California may complete the Supplementary Authorization Program described below. 

Supplementary Authorization for Single Subject Teaching Credential  (33 units)

Holders of a Single Subject teaching credential issued by the state of California may supplement that credential with an authorization in Geography for teaching geography at any grade level through grade 12 or in classes organized primarily for adults by completing the following program with a grade of C or higher in each course.  For other requirements governing issuance of this authorization, consult the Charter College of Education.

Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Programs

Master of Arts Degree in Geography

The Master of Arts degree program in Geography is designed to prepare students for teaching at the secondary and community college levels, employment in government and private industry, and further graduate study in geography.

Admission to the Program

A.     Must have attained a grade point average of at least 2.75 (A=4.0) in the last
     90-quarter units of undergraduate work attempted, or satisfactory completion of probationary units.

B.     Must have been in good standing in the last college or university attended.

C.     Must give evidence of passing GEOG 395 or its equivalent in another accredited college or university.

D.     Must meet all University admission requirements.

A.     Must have attained a grade points average of at least 2.75 (A=4.0) in the last
     90-quarter units of undergraduate work attempted, or satisfactory completion of probationary units.

B.     Must have been in good standing in the last college or university attended.

C.     Must complete GEOG 395 or its equivalent in another accredited college or
     university plus 12-28 units of approved upper-division geography courses with a minimum B (3.0) average.

D.     Must meet all University admission requirements.

Requirements for the Degree  (45 units) 

A total of 45 units is required, with at least 23 in 500-level courses.

Before enrolling in GEOG 599 or taking the comprehensive examination (GEOG 596), students must satisfy one of the following requirements, subject to principal graduate adviser approval:

Complete GEOG 468 with a grade of B or higher, or
Complete GEOG 482 with a grade of B or higher, or
Pass a reading examination in a language other than English  (ML 901) in the Geographic Literature of a
Modern Language, as offered by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures and in accordance
with the practice of that department, or 

Complete 12 units in a modern language in accordance with the practice of the Department of Modern Languages.

Select 12 units from following

Select electives with the approval of the principal graduate adviser.  Students may repeat GEOG 510, 520, 540, and 560 provided the seminar topic is not repeated in the exact subject matter or region.

Select 400 and 500-level GEOG courses.  Students who elect the comprehensive examination option must include a minimum of 7 units at the 500 level.  With approval of the principal graduate adviser, a maximum of 8 units may be in related fields.

Students who select the comprehensive examination must include a minimum of 29 units in Electives in Geography and Related Fields above, should expect to take the examination (GEOG 596) the quarter they complete all course work on their program, and must comply with college and departmental requirements. 

The examination consists of a section about Geographic Thought plus sections about two of the following subject matters selected by the student with approval of the principal graduate adviser: Biogeography, Climatology, Cultural Geography, Economic Geography, Environmental Studies, Geographic Information Systems, Geomorphology, Historical Geography, Locational Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Medical Geography, Population Geography, Qualitative Research Methods, Remote Sensing, Settlement Geography, Spatial Statistics, Transportation Geography, Urban Geography, and Geography of a particular region.

Students who elect to write a thesis will need to enroll in GEOG 599 for a minimum of two quarters and a total of 6–9 units.  In addition to the 16 units of required (4 units) and elective (12 units) seminars, these students need to complete a minimum of 20-23 units of electives (400-or 500-level courses) to satisfy the 45-unit requirement for the master's degree.

List of Courses - Undergraduate Level

Courses in Geography  (GEOG)

Lower Division Courses

GEOG 155 Cultural Geography  (4)

Studies of the sociocultural characteristics of contemporary societies within their manifested spatial structure.  Focuses on similarities and differences of various cultures with respect to racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, demographic, and organizational characteristics.      GE D

GEOG 160 Physical Geography  (4)

Introduction to principles and processes affecting  the nature and dynamical interactions of the physical world and its inhabitants.  Emphasizes the atmosphere, hydrosphere, soils, and vegetation and their spatial relationships.   GE B3

GEOG 170 Meteorology  (4)

Course surveys the major atmospheric processes, with emphasis on weather phenomenon, severe storms, droughts, and flood producing events. Use of weather charts and satellite imagery in forecasting examined. Lecture 3 hours, Laboratory 3 hours. Some sections of the lecture may be taught online.      GE B2

GEOG 260 Map and Air Photo Interpretation (4)

Prerequisite: GEOG 155, 160. Nature and interpretation of maps; and interpretation of natural and built environments as revealed in aerial photographs. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours.

GEOG 268 Computer and Internet Applications in Geography  (4)

Prerequisite: GEOG 282. An introduction to basics of computer and internet technologies to enhance student's hands-on skills in creating, searching, manipulating, analyzing, and representing geographic data in digital format. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours.

GEOG 269 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (4)

Prerequisite: GEOG 260, 282, 268. An introduction to geographic information systems (GIS), including geographic data input, editing, manipulation, and analysis, coordinate systems, map projections, classification, symbolization, map design, and generation of cartographic products.

GEOG 282 Spatial Measurement and Elementary Statistics (4)

Prerequisites: GEOG 155, 160, MATH 091. Univariate descriptive statistics, geographic measurements and spatial descriptive statistics. Parametric inferential statistics: estimation and hypothesis testing. Introduction to bivariate statistics: simple correlation and simple regression. Emphasis on using spatial data.

Upper Division Courses

Unless otherwise stated, the prerequisite for all 400-level GEOG courses is GEOG 160 or 370.

GEOG 309 Urban Environmental Pollution (4) (also listed as HS 309)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B. Investigates the major sources and effects of land, water and air pollutants in cities of developed and developing countries. Best management practices and control methods will also be discussed. 
                                   GE Theme D

GEOG 310 Urban Climatology (4)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B.  The course investigates urbanization effects on the immediate atmospheric environment.  Students evaluate these effects through direct measurements and data analyses.  Topics include architecture, urban planning and pollution.                          GE Theme D

GEOG 312 Global Climate Change and the Developing World (4) (also listed as GEOL 312)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B. Investigates the causes and impacts of global climate change on developing countries, as well as mitigation schemes. Students explore current climate change and its impact on the poor, and they gather evidence from the past and formulate scenarios of the future.                          GE Theme A

GEOG 322 Global Change and the Human Condition (4)  (also listed as POLS 322)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course form Block D.  Explores the politics of global environmental concerns, or the procedures by which states and organizations address pressing environmental problems.

     GE Theme G

GEOG 333 Environment and Development in the Third World  (4)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B.

The physical environments of the Third World and associated problems of development.      GE Theme A

GEOG 341 World Resources and Environmental Issues  (4)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block D.

Consideration of the world’s renewable and nonrenewable resources, interrelationships between population growth, resource utilization, and environment; variable topics relating to resource issues and environmental sustainability.     GE Theme G

GEOG 358 Environment, Earth Systems and Technology  (4)  (also listed as CE 358)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B.  Consider the role of technology in the changing relationships between human societies and their environment; studies the impact of the agricultural, industrial and information revolutions on natural systems and sustainability.       GE Theme G

GEOG 370 World Regions  (4)

Major physical regions of world and their occupational development by humans.

GEOG 376 Urban Spatial Process and Patterns (4)

Prerequisites:  Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course in Block D.  Critical examination of the spatial processes of urbanization and characteristics of cities.     

     GE Theme D

GEOG 377 Urban Issues  (4)

Examination of problems and issues relating to spatial, physical, technological, cultural, and economic characteristics and functions of urban areas.

GEOG 395 Geographic Methodology (4)

Prerequisite: GEOG 282. Survey of methodology in geographic research. The nature of scientific research; the scientific method; research design; geographic measurements and data acquisitions; techniques of analysis; legal and ethical issues of research.

GEOG 400-level Courses

All 400-level courses may be applied toward master’s degree requirements, subject to limits established by the department and approval of the graduate adviser. Unless otherwise stated, the prerequisite for all 400-level GEOG courses is GEOG  160 or 370.

GEOG 402 Geomorphology  (4)

Prerequisites:  GEOG 260 or GEOL 150.  Identification and interpretation of landforms.  Local field trip.

GEOG 403 Environment and Food Customs (4) (also listed as NTRS 403)

This course will examine the geographical distribution of various food cultures as well as the connections between those food cultures and the physical environment in which they have developed.

GEOG 407 Biogeography (4)

Prerequisite: GEOG 160 and completion of GE Block B. Distributions and dynamics of individual plant and animal taxa and the communities and ecosystems in which they occur, in relation to natural and anthropogenic processes at different scales.

GEOG 410 Applied Climatology   (4)

Emphasizes effects of climate on physical, biological, and cultural environments; climatic change and variability and how society can cope most effectively with change.

GEOG 409 Air Pollution (4)

Prerequisite: GEOG 282. Investigates the major sources and effects of atmospheric pollutants in developed and developing countries. Measurement and sampling techniques and control methods will also be discussed.

GEOG 415 Perspectives on Environment  (4)

Environmental interactions in subsistence and urban-industrial societies; impact of human activities on environment:  modification of vegetation, hydrology, and landforms, accelerated soil erosion, climatic change;  environmental perception;  awareness of and adjustment to natural hazards.

GEOG 421 United States  (4)

Identification, interpretation, and synthesis of regional phenomena within the U.S. characterizing its physical and cultural landscape.

GEOG 423 Europe  (4)

Analysis of physical and cultural features of Europe.

GEOG 424 South and Southeast Asia  (4)

Analysis of human, cultural, and physical features of South and Southeast Asia; emphasis on roles of Asian nations and peoples in world relationships.

GEOG 425 Japan  (4)

Interpretation of population and economic problems, sociocultural patterns, and physical features of the land.

GEOG 427 Mexico and Central America  (4)

Nature of the land and characteristics of human settlement features in Mexico and Central America.

GEOG 428 South America  (4)

Character of physical and cultural environment in countries of South America.

GEOG 430 China  (4)

Physical and economic regional geography of China and its inner-Asian frontiers, including study of its demography, industrial and agricultural development, transportation, and energy infrastructure.

GEOG 431 California  (4)

Physical environments of California and human settlement features, past and present.

GEOG 432 Metropolitan Los Angeles  (4)

Investigation of the physical and cultural geographic characteristics that have contributed to Los Angeles  dynamic urban growth and its dominance as the primate city within the region.

GEOG 442 Population Geography  (4)

Prerequisite: GEOG 155. Spatial analysis of demographic variables with emphasis on environment, social, and economic factors influencing population distribution and mobility; population growth in relation to resource utilization.

GEOG 446 U.S. Ethnic Communities  (4)

Spatial structure and organization of selected ethnic communities in the U.S. and their interrelationships with American composite cultural environment.

GEOG 448 Medical Geography  (4)

Prerequisites: GEOG 155, and completion of GE Block B. Landscape epidemiology; health related to developmental changes, biometeorology, and pollution; geographies of diseases in developed areas; disease diffusion; health care delivery systems worldwide; distribution, accessibility, and utilization of health care.

GEOG 451 Historical Geography of North America  (4)

Prerequisite: GEOG 155. Development of North America from earliest European contact through the present, emphasizing spatial process and patterns.

GEOG 453 Locational Analysis  (4)

Prerequisite: GEOG 155. Location and spatial distribution of economic activities: development and applicability of various locational models in geography; agricultural, industrial, central place, intracity, social gravity, and spatial interaction models.

GEOG 455 Political Geography  (4)

Physical and cultural phenomena that relate to problems and policies of world’s states.

GEOG 457 Transportation Geography (4)

Prerequisite: GEOG 155 . Modes of movement of people, products, and ideas;  their impacts on spatial patterns and landscapes.

GEOG 466 Remote Sensing  (4)

Prerequisite:  GEOG 268.  Analysis of natural and cultural features of earth's environment using photographic, infrared, satellite and microwave imagery.  Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours.

GEOG 468 Computer Cartography  (4)

Prerequisite:  GEOG 269.  This course provides in-depth technical GIS training. Students will develop their hands-on GIS skills including proper use of coordinate system, data model, data structure, map design, and terrain modeling. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours.

GEOG 469 Geographical Information Systems Applications (4)

Prerequisite:  GEOG 468, 482. Analytical and modeling functions of geographic information systems, including buffer zone and overlay analysis, network analysis, terrain and hydrological modeling, and cost surface analysis. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours.

GEOG 475 Settlement  (4)

Prerequisite: GEOG 155. Development contrasts in human settlements, urban impacts of globalization, housing finance and shelter delivery, health and environment, energy and resources, transportation and communication, post-disaster construction, sustaining human settlement development.

GEOG 476 Urban Geography (4)

Prerequisite: GEOG 155. In-depth spatial analysis of urban systems and internal structure of cities, and analytical investigation of functions and forms of representative urban areas.

GEOG 478 Middle Eastern Cities (4)

Prerequisite: GEOG 155. This course analyzes the historical evolution of Middle Eastern cities, as manifested in their spatial structure, architecture, urban morphology and social geography.

GEOG 479 Hybrid Urbanism: Urban Transformation of Central Asia (4 units) (also listed as AAAS 479)

Prerequisite: GEOG 155. This course analyzes the historical evolution of cities in Central Asia, as manifested in their spatial structure, architecture, urban morphology and social geography.

GEOG 482 Multivariate Statistics in Geography (4)

Prerequisite: GEOG 268, 282. Nonparametric statistics, parametric statistical inference: two-sample tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple regression, principal components and factor analysis, and discriminant analysis. Emphasis on using spatial data. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours.

GEOG 485 Field Geography  (5)

Prerequisite:  GEOG 260. Field identification and interpretation of natural and man-made features, and methods used therein.  Lecture 2 hours, field work 6 hours.  May be repeated once for credit if one enrollment is in program at off-campus field center.

GEOG 495 Senior Thesis  (4)

Prerequisites:  Satisfactory completion of the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) and senior standing.  Advanced principles of geographic writing and research culminating in a senior thesis.

GEOG 496 Special Topics  (1-4)

Prerequisites:  As needed for specific topic.  May be taken concurrently with GEOG 497.  Specialized systematic and regional topics in geography as announced in Schedule of Classes.  Lecture 1–4 hours.  May be repeated as subject matter changes.

GEOG 497 Special Topics  (1-4)

Prerequisites:  As needed for specific topic.  May be taken concurrently with GEOG 496.  Special topics of interest to students in geography as announced in Schedule of Classes.  Activity 2–8 hours.  May be repeated for credit as subject matter changes.

GEOG 499 Undergraduate Directed Study  (1-4)

Prerequisites:  Instructor consent to act as sponsor;  ability to do independent work and to prepare written and oral reports.  Project selected in conference with sponsor before registration;  progress meetings held regularly.  May be repeated to maximum of 8 units as subject matter changes.

Courses in Urban Analysis  (URBA)

Lower Division Course

URBA 180 The Urban World  (4)

Worldwide issues relating to the physical, technological, economic, political, historical, sociological and environmental characteristics of urban areas.     GE D

Upper Division Courses

URBA 400 Proseminar: Urban Analysis  (4)

Prerequisite:  Completion of all other requirements for Urban Analysis option.  Analysis of specific urban problems and potential solutions from an interdisciplinary perspective.  May be repeated as subject matter changes.

URBA 401 Senior Project  (4)

Prerequisites:  Completion of all other requirements for Urban Analysis option, prior approval of project by advisory committee.  May be taken concurrently with URBA 400.  Interdisciplinary group project; identification of specific urban problems, application of special skills in assembling information, proposing and initiating implementation of solution.  May be repeated once for credit.

URBA 409 U.S. Latinos, Culture, and Global Cities (4) (also listed as CHS 409)

Prerequisite: CHS 111 or CHS/LAS 255. Examination of Latino demographic growth and the impact it is having on the culture and design of major American cities and its potential for social and political change

URBA 454 Selected Topics in Urban Analysis  (1-6)

Current topics of special interest in urban studies and related fields as announced in Schedule of Classes.  May be repeated for credit as subject matter changes.

URBA 499 Undergraduate Directed Study  (1-4)

Prerequisites:  Consent of an instructor to act as sponsor, approval of coordinator.  Project selected in conference with sponsor before registration;  progress meetings held regularly;  final report submitted.  May be repeated for credit.

Graduate Level Courses (GEOG)

All 400-level courses may be applied toward master’s degree requirements, subject to limits established by the department and approval of the graduate adviser.

Classified graduate standing is required for admission for all 500-level courses.

GEOG 510 Seminar: Physical Geography  (4) 

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Seminar on geography of the natural environment. Subjects offered include air pollution, biogeography, climatology/meteorology, environmental studies, geomorphology, and research advancements in physical geography. May be repeated as subject matter changes.

GEOG 520 Seminar: Regional Geography  (4) 

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Geography of selected regions of the world. Regions offered include California, Canada, Central America, China, Europe, Los Angeles, Middle East, South America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. May be repeated as subject matter changes.

GEOG 530 Seminar: Urban Social Systems  (4)  (also listed as SOC 530) 

Prerequisite:  Instructor consent.  Growth and nature of urban social systems in selected cities and metropolitan areas; theories of urban structure and problems; improving quality of urban life; comparisons of cities in various countries. 

GEOG 540 Seminar: Human Geography  (4)

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Seminar on geography of human activities. Subjects offered include cultural, economic, historical, medical, population, resource, settlement, transportation, and urban geography, as well as ethnic studies, regional analysis, and migration studies. May be repeated as subject matter changes.

GEOG 560 Seminar: Methods and Techniques in Geography (4)

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Seminar on geographic methods and techniques. Subjects offered include geographic information systems/science (GIS), remote sensing, mathematical modeling, qualitative research methods, locational analysis, and spatial statistics. May be repeated as subject matter changes.

GEOG 595 Seminar: Geographic Thought (4) 

Prerequisite:  Instructor consent. History, objectives, and methodological and philosophical approaches of geography.

GEOG 596 Comprehensive Examination  (0)

See the Comprehensive Examination in the requirements for the Masters Degree section of this chapter.

GEOG 598 Graduate Directed Study  (1–4) 

Prerequisite:  Instructor consent to act as sponsor.  Project selected in conference with sponsor.  May be repeated to a maximum of 12 units for credit.

GEOG 599 Thesis  (1–6) 

Prerequisites:  Advancement to candidacy, approval of department, completion of course work in master’s program, completion of foreign language or upper division statistical or computer skill requirement.  May be repeated to maximum of 9 units.  Graded CR/NC.