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Geography and Planning
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Dean: Gayle E. Hutchinson
Department of Geography and Planning
Butte Hall 507
530-898-5285
530-898-6781 (fax)
e-mail:
geop@csuchico.edu
http://www.csuchico.edu/geop/
Chair: Jacquelyn Chase
Undergraduate Advisors:
Don Hankins
Dean Fairbanks
Eugenie Rovai
Noriyuki Sato
Certificate in Rural & Town Planning:
Certificate in Geographic Information Systems Technologies:
Environmental Studies Minor:
Graduate Coordinator:
Program
Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technology
Certificate in Rural & Town Planning
Minor in Environmental Studies
Geography Course Offerings
Please see the section on "Course Description Symbols and Terms" in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.
Prerequisites: High school biology, chemistry, or physics is recommended.
This course is a survey of the basic processes that determine flows of energy through the atmosphere and examines the subsequent
interactions among water, landforms, soil, and vegetation that create and modify the surface of the earth. Students develop
a recognition of landscape patterns, as well as an understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological principles and
functions that create those patterns, in order to understand the natural environment in which we live and the role of humans
affecting that environment. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. Special
fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Survey of human populations and activities, with an emphasis upon how social, economic, political, and religious institutions
influence interrelationships with the physical environment. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved
Global Cultures course.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Honors Program.
A special section of GEOG 102 for students in the Honors in General Education Program. Survey of human populations activities
with an emphasis on how social, economic, political, and religious institutions influence interrelationships with the physical
environment. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course.
Broad overview of spatial and temporal changes in the California landscape resulting from the interaction of various cultural
groups with their environment. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course.
The historical cultural geography of the American West, emphasizing how various cultural groups have each made a unique imprint
on the western landscape. This is an approved General Education course.
Introduction to the natural and urban landscapes of Chico, moving from the Sacramento River, through Chico, and into the foothills.
This survey course examines the human and physical geography of Chico and introduces freshmen and other new students to their
new home. Course activities include lectures, lab assignments, and self-guided field trips.
Introduction of concepts and techniques of geographic information system analysis and the presentation of map data. The course
introduces the ArcMap application. Not for geography majors.
Intermediate level study of concepts and techniques of geographic information system analysis and the presentation of map
data. Not for geography majors.
Advanced study of concepts and techniques of geographic information system analysis and the presentation of map data. Not
for geography majors.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may
vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
A basic introduction to essential geographic techniques, including data collection, analysis, and presentation. Techniques
include aerial photo and map interpretation, computer cartography, spreadsheet operations, landscape description and analysis,
descriptive statistics, and field observation. This is a basic tools course for students majoring in geography, the natural
and earth sciences, and in such applied fields as planning and recreation. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
A systematic survey of human economic activities. Analysis of resource exploitation and use, including agriculture, extractive
activities, industry, commerce, and service functions. Recommended for business and liberal arts majors. This is an approved
Global Cultures course.
Geography in the news. Analysis of current world conflicts and problem areas, with an emphasis upon examination of social,
economic, political, and environmental realities. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global
Cultures course.
Geographic analysis of humanity's interaction with the environment. Examines natural and human systems, resources, population,
energy, and pollution. Develops an appreciation of the beauty, balance, and complexity of natural systems and human success
in attaining harmony with them. Enhances awareness and perception of each individual's role in and with the environment. This
is an approved General Education course.
This course provides a broad global overview of disasters resulting from natural or technological hazards. Disasters contrive
to maim and kill, and property losses due to disaster have continued to increase. This course emphasizes the spatial and temporal
distribution of hazards, the human impact of disaster, roles played by technology and society in creating or worsening risky
situations, and policy options for disaster preparation and loss reduction. This is an approved General Education course.
Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Examination and evaluation of library research materials pertinent to geography. Practice in analysis and writing of geographical
reports. Successful completion required for all geography majors before enrolling in WP course to meet writing requirement.
Prerequisites: GEOG 219 or equivalent.
Introduction to the compilation, design, and production of thematic maps. Emphasis is on maps as communication devices. 2.0
hours activity, 2.0 hours discussion. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: GEOG 219 or equivalent.
Application of basic skills of aerial photographic interpretation to land use and environmental studies, geology, hydrology,
range management, and urban studies. 2.0 hours activity, 2.0 hours discussion.
Prerequisites: GEOG 219 or MATH 105 or equivalent.
This course entails application of statistical methods to geographic problems. Students will conduct quantitative analysis
of spatial data.
Prerequisites: Junior status at the end of semester in which course is taken and current enrollment in the Honors Program.
An overview of contemporary human geography and some aspects of women's studies, emphasizing the importance of space, movement,
place, environment, and family. Primary texts such as novels, memoirs, and films will be used to explore the perspectives
of a variety of culture groups. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. This
course is also offered as ENGL 316H.
Analysis of various field techniques and tools employed by geographers, and supervised application of field techniques in
geography. Written and oral presentation of Field Survey. 6.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Formerly GEOG 417.
Prerequisites: GEOG 219.
An introduction to the theory, techniques, data acquisition, processing, and presentation of imagery acquired through aerial
photographic and satellite means of remote sensing. Application of basic skills of aerial photographic interpretation and
satellite digital image processing and analysis to physical and cultural geographic phenomena. 6.0 hours activity. Special
fee required; see the Class Schedule. Formerly GEOG 418.
Prerequisites: GEOG 219 or equivalent.
This course provides an introduction to topics in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The course will combine a conceptual
discussion of topics with practical exercises using microcomputer software. Both the theory and practice of GIS analysis will
be presented. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Study of the theory and practice of planning. Analysis of planning processes, elements of the comprehensive plan, zoning,
environmental impact of development, regional policies, and growth. Includes investigation of a practical planning problem.
Study of spatial and locational aspects of tourism, including environmental factors influencing tourism's location and character.
Prerequisites: GEOG 101 or GEOS 102 or equivalents, or faculty permission.
Systematic analysis of the origin and development of landforms. Emphasis is on the study of geomorphic processes using maps,
air photos, and field data. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: GEOG 101 or GEOS 120 or equivalent.
Systematic analysis of the processes and controls of the earth's climatic systems. Use of climatic classification systems;
examination of climatic regions, microclimatology, and climatic applications.
The Golden State land of contrast! A regional survey with emphasis upon the Earth and its human use.
A regional study of our nation in terms of the physical earth and its human use. The course includes emphasis on issues and
problems related to resources, environmental concerns, and settlement patterns. Cultural and regional differences in human-environmental
relationships are compared and contrasted. This is an approved General Education course.
The Canadian people and their cultural and physical landscapes are studied in terms of perceptions, processes, patterns, and
relationships.
An interdisciplinary approach to the study of social institutions and culture in terms of family, neighborhood, community,
region, and nation, with specific emphasis on Mexico. This course is designed to be a component of the Upper-Division Theme
on Mexico and Central America. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. This
course is also offered as LAST 354.
Study of the physical environment, human settlement, development, and modern problems of the nations of Central America and
the Caribbean. This course is designed to be a component of the Upper-Division Theme on Mexico and Central America. This is
an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. This course is also offered as LAST 355.
A survey of the physical and cultural environments of South America. Emphasis will be given to the interrelationships between
the people and the land, the cultural similarities and differences of Spanish and Portuguese South America, and the resulting
contemporary environment.
An analysis of an old but changing habitat that has been the focal point of much human achievement and strife. A nation-by-nation
review of the homeland for half a billion people.
A regional study of the world's largest group of nations. This course considers environment, settlement, contemporary aspects,
problems, and potentials.
A survey of the physical, cultural, political, population, and resource patterns, and relationships in the economic and social
evolution of the regions. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Modern Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific Islands, including Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and New Guinea. Cultural
and physical environments are analyzed and compared in terms of perceptions, processes, landscape patterns, and problems.
This internship is offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Students must register directly with a supervising faculty member. The internship
provides service learning experience as a volunteer or supervisor in a campus or community environmental organization or agency.
Each unit of credit requires a minimum of three hours of activity in the assigned role. 2.0 hours activity. You may take this
course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may
vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
Prerequisites: Junior standing and current enrollment in the Honors Program.
In a format designed for students in the Honors Program, this course will present selected topics not covered in the regular
curriculum. Topics will vary from one semester to another. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising
faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: GEOG 101 and GEOG 102 or equivalents.
An analysis of the complex interactions between humans, plants, and animals in the restoration process. Includes the use of
maps and other graphic material as well as reading, lecture, and discussion. Emphasis on how human activities can affect the
distribution and abundance of various plant and animal species in both negative and positive ways. Restoration work on the
Butte Creek Ecological Reserves and other similar sites provide a focus for class projects and discussion.
Prerequisites: GEOG 342, GEOG 343; GEOG 444 and GEOG 445.
This course brings together the fields of climatology, biogeography, and geomorphology to study earth systems science as an
integrative discipline of spatially dependent earth processes with implications for human systems. Major mechanisms and processes
which produce climate change are covered with an examination of the impacts of past climate change on human societies. Observations
and modeling of selected earth system components at various spatial scales of analysis facilitate an understanding of spatial
modeling from simple to complex systems. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: GEOG 313.
Cartographic data entry, manipulation, and analysis in a computer mapping environment. Emphasis is on geographic information
processing. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of GEOG 315 or equivalent.
Examination of retail, service, and industrial location decision processes. Use of geographic information systems, quantitative
methods, and field techniques to analyze and optimize business locations.
Prerequisites: GEOG 315 and GEOG 319.
This course examines technical issues and emerging developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Topics include design
considerations, data structures, algorithms, and problems. Both raster and vector GIS systems will be examined. Demonstration
projects will require both cartographic and tabular output. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: GEOG 315, GEOG 320.
Identification and analysis of the skills necessary for students of planning and regional development, with emphasis on the
preparation of general plans and special plan elements. 6.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: GEOG 309 for majors; GEOG 423 or equivalent.
Application of planning theory and skills to a variety of actual planning studies in the field.
Examination of economic, social, demographic, and political bases for sustainable community and regional development and planning.
Introduces the theory, evolution and practice of planning for sustainable communities and regions through examination of environmental,
economic, and equity issues. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: GEOG 304 or equivalent.
Analysis of local, regional, national, and international water resource projects, distributions, and characteristics. Special
fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: GEOG 320 or equivalent or faculty permission.
Introduction to the identification of environmental resources and the evaluation of potential adverse impacts on air, soil,
and water quality; on biological resources; and on public services associated with land development. The course provides an
overview of the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA);
analysis of environmental review procedures; environmental research and documentation; review and preparation of initial studies,
mitigated negative declarations, and Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs). This course also evaluates legislation on global
climate change and how CEQA addresses and mitigates for greenhouse gas emissions.
Prerequisites: GEOG 219, GEOG 320, or equivalent.
Relationship of physical, biotic, cultural, and aesthetic factors to land planning. Techniques of solving site problems dealing
with topography, grading, slope stability, seismicity, hydrology, vegetation, wildlife, soils, micro-climate energy use, view-shed,
and functional design. Land development projects are analyzed, and plans for new development projects are prepared. Special
fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: GEOG 219, GEOG 320. Recommended: GEOG 101, GEOS 130, or NSCI 101.
This course introduces the theory and application of environmental and conservation planning. It critically examines the activities
of environmental planning and the analytical approaches that can be used to direct resources toward conservation that yields
the greatest return on biodiversity protection and ecosystem services sustainability. Students gain knowledge of the theories
and techniques through practical experiences in planning activities, and institutional legalities of environmental and conservation
planning. Using sustainability as a framework, this course presents the underlying concepts of sustainable land-use planning
to best manage for abiotic and biotic resources. Focus is on the regional, local, and landscape scales.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
Geographic foundations of political developments and events, with emphasis on the geographical dimensions of demographic processes
and how they underlie political changes.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
A regional and topical description of North America at selected time periods, including cultural groups, land tenure systems,
settlement patterns, agriculture, exploration and mapping, resource use, urbanization, population and migrations, and present-day
results. This course is also offered as AMST 435.
Prerequisites: GEOG 301, GEOG 320, or faculty permission.
An analysis of the function and distribution of the various modes of transportation and their role in urban and regional development.
Techniques of planning transportation systems based on land use.
Analysis of the special character of North American landscapes. Examination of the historical evolution of contemporary landscapes
through maps, reading, literature, field observations, and class discussion. Emphasis on comparison of regional patterns and
the shaping of American landscapes by cultural and economic factors. Formerly GEOG 339.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This seminar is required of students minoring in Environmental Studies and is to be taken as the culminating course in the
minor. The course integrates the cross-disciplinary elements of the minor, emphasizing the interplay among the scientific,
social, legal, historical, and humanistic elements of the study of the environment.
Prerequisites: GEOG 101 or BIOL 102 or BIOL 334 or equivalent. Recommended: GEOG 219.
Systematic analysis of basic ecological and environmental processes governing distribution patterns of biota. Emphasis is
on biomes, ecosystems, communities, and species hierarchial levels, their functioning, and conservation planning. Students
study applications of maps, remote sensing, field sampling, and data analysis to interpret distributions and historical change.
Special fee required; see the Class Schedule. Formerly GEOG 344.
Prerequisites: At least one of the following: AGRI 331, BIOL 414, BIOL 450, GEOG 343, GEOG 405, GEOG 444, GEOG 450, PSSC 330, PSSC 331, PSSC 334, PSSC 433, PSSC 436, PSSC 438, or faculty permission.
Pyrogeography is a comprehensive study of the physical and cultural parameters of fire. Topics covered include the spatial
and temporal relationships of fire as an integral landscape process with an emphasis on the maintenance of North American
ecosystems; the interpretation of the cultural uses of fire by indigenous communities as well as the historic and contemporary
implications of fire management and policies; and the ecological implications of fire on biotic and abiotic systems. Special
fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
On-site survey of the physical and cultural geography of selected California sites, or other areas and topics. You may take
this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: GEOG 101 or equivalent.
Identification, study, and understanding of the major natural hazard systems affecting human land use, settlement, and effective
natural resource management.
This course is an internship offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Supervised
work experience in applied geography or planning in public or quasi-public agencies. You may take this course more than once
for a maximum of 15.0 units.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, senior standing, GEOG 309.
Proseminar on selected topics in geography. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. This is a
writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.
Prerequisites: Completion of 6 units of geography.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may
vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
An intensive 3-unit course in geographical research. See department office for details. Open only to students with at least
a 3.0 GPA in the major. The course consists of a research project done under the supervision of a faculty member, a formal
written paper, and a public presentation. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
A critical survey of contemporary directions and research in the major themes of geography and planning.
Prerequisites: GEOG 600.
A critical survey of contemporary methodologies available for research in geography and planning.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
An examination of current research in climatology, geomorphology, biogeography, or other selected topic in physical geography.
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
An examination of current research in a selected human geography topic, including cultural, economic, urban, political, social,
or behavioral geography. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Explores planning knowledge, ethics, and practice at community, urban, and regional levels. Content includes communication,
ethics, participation, sustainability, and diversity in planning. Planning theory is discussed through case studies.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
An examination of current developments in a selected topic of applied geographical and planning techniques. You may take this
course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
An investigation and analysis of a special topic in areal studies or geographic education. You may take this course more than
once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: BIOL 334, GEOG 427, and faculty permission.
Survey of environmental planning processes using concepts and principles of conservation ecology. Coverage includes legal
mandates, administrative procedures, implementation techniques, and monitoring outcomes. Emphasis is on case studies and hands-on
experience.
Prerequisites: BIOL 350 or GEOG 444; MATH 314 or MATH 350 or GEOG 315.
This course emphasizes spatial patterning in the landscape, its causes, development, and importance for ecological and environmental
processes. The course includes the study of ecological and anthropologenic aspects of landscape pattern and change. The laboratory
includes hands-on experience with tools used in landscape ecology. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This course is
also offered as BIOL 660.
Prerequisites: Graduate Coordinator permission.
This course is an internship offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Supervised
work experience. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units.
Weekly tutorials and supervision for those students who plan to prepare for a career in college teaching of geography. Students
must identify the course and the tenure/tenure-track faculty member teaching that course during the semester offered. The
faculty member must agree to mentor a student in pedagogical training with a particular course. Faculty members can be responsible
for a maximum of two students in any one semester. A maximum of 2.0 units in this course is acceptable for credit toward the
Master of Arts in Geography. The course may be taken twice, but a different subject course must be chosen for the second
enrollment. A supervised teaching plan is to be filed with the Graduate Coordinator, and approval of the Department Chair
is required for registration. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units.
Prerequisites: Graduate Coordinator permission.
This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising
faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: Graduate Coordinator permission and candidacy status.
This course is offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this
course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Graduate Coordinator permission and candidacy status.
This course is offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this
course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.