GEOG 1050: Geographies of Global Change
Geographies of Global Change serves as the introductory Geography course at the Grenfell Campus. The course is organized around the discussion of the causes, impacts, and trajectory of human-induced global climate change. This global challenge is employed to frame an exploration of other related forces that are driving global change including demographics, growing demand for resources, and globalization. Drawing upon these global-scale concepts, much of the course material and class discussion will focus on the Canadian and circumpolar north: the areas where these forces collide to produce both immense challenges and also great opportunities.
GEOG 2001: Cultural Geography
Cultural Geography introduces students to key themes and ideas within the field of cultural geography. Over the semester, we will examine how urban and rural landscapes are culturally created, the importance of place-making and its links to social identity, and the function of borders, boundaries, and other processes of distinction. We will consider how people make sense of the places where they live and work, and how cultural practices intersect with broader political and economic ideas. Drawing on concepts such as 'social space' and 'sense of place', this course will use Canadian and international examples to consider how culture and geography intersect, and examine processes such as social memory, youth culture, gendered identities, and ethnic identities.
Prerequisite: GEOG 1050, or the former GEOG 1001, or the former GEOG 1011
GEOG 2102: Physical Geography: The Global Perspective
An introductory exploration of spatial relationships of the earth systems with an emphasis on the growing impact of humans. The course encompasses a holistic approach: viewing the energy that drives the abiotic systems of air, water, weather, tectonics, soil development and landscapes and how they interact with the biotic systems of organisms, food chains, ecosystems and biomes. A closer look at the increasing interaction of these systems with the human population, and how climate change, pollution, and landscape fragmentation are modifying the dynamic earth systems on a global scale.
Laboratory hours per week: 3
Prerequisite: GEOG 1050, or the former GEOG 1001, or the former GEOG 1011
GEOG 2195: Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences
This course will explore the structure, design, science, and applications of digital geospatial information and geospatial technologies. These include Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Remote Sensing (i.e. 3S technology. You will learn how to store, retrieve, manipulate, analyze, and display large volumes of spatial data derived from various sources. You will also learn information management techniques for a variety of purposes including planning and simulation modelling. This course will use the most popular GIS program, ArcGIS®.
GEOG 2302: Issues in Economic Geography
Issues in Economic Geography introduces students to the geographic aspects of economic activity. The course will examine current issues in global economic development, the local impact of these trends, and the relationship between economic policies, consumption patterns, and political decision making. We will consider why economic activity locates in particular places, the relationship between urban and rural regions, labour and production, the role of innovation, and natural resource economies.
Prerequisite: GEOG 1050, or the former GEOG 1001, or the former GEOG 1011
GEOG 2425: Natural Resources
This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of sustainable resource management, including marine and terrestrial environments. The course focuses on sustainable practices rather than profit or resource extraction optimization. First Nations' perspectives will also be considered.
Prerequisite: GEOG 1050, or the former GEOG 1001, or the former GEOG 1011
GEOG 3222: Research Design and Quantitative Methods in Geography
This course is an introduction to principles of research design, and to the use of quantitative techniques. This course provides students with a basic understanding of data collection, entry, and analysis and presentation skills most commonly used by geographers. Practical, computer-based exercises are an essential part of the course. It is strongly recommended that this course be completed before registration in a 4000-level geography course. Understanding the application and interpretation of statistics is important to any rigorous research investigation. In this course we examine the most commonly employed statistical tools in geography. Lectures will be used to present the theoretical bases of these statistical tools. From this, you will gain an understanding of where various numbers come from and what they mean relative to research question(s) at hand. Laboratory/tutorial sessions will be used to demonstrate the use of 'canned' software packages for the statistical analysis of real-world data.
Laboratory hours per week: 3
Prerequisites: GEOG 1050, or the former GEOG 1011, or the former GEOG 1001 and at least 9 credit hours from GEOG 2001, 2102, 2195, 2302, 2425.
GEOG 3350: Community and Regional Planning and Development
Community and Regional Planning and Development introduces students to the theory and practice of town planning. Through this course, students will gain an understanding of the function of community planning, the practice of creating town and regional plans, and the impact of such processes on community development, well-being, and growth. This course is part of the Grenfell City Studio program, which provides students with opportunities to develop applied planning skills by working with the City of Corner Brook planning department on a community development proposal. Each year GEOG 3350 has a thematic focus which is the basis for City Studio collaborations with the City of Corner Brook. For the Fall 2020 semester, the theme will be recreational trail development (The Great Trail) in Corner Brook. The course will be delivered remotely, with asynchronous recorded lectures and guest lectures, and live weekly office hours.
Prerequisite: GEOG 2302 or permission of the instructor.
GEOG 3900-3909: Special Topics in Geography will have topics to be studied announced.
GEOG 4405: Outdoor Recreational Resources and Planning
Through a combination of lectures and labs, Outdoor Recreational Resources and Planning (GEOG 4405) will address both conservation theory and practice related to parks and protected areas. In this course students will learn about the development of the national park system in Canada as well as provincial-level protected areas. Students will also learn about ecosystem-based perspectives and management approaches which guide contemporary protected area management approaches. In this course we will also address social science theories related to visitor planning and management by exploring issues such as visitor motivations, social crowding, levels of satisfaction, attitudes. Finally, through case studies focused on real-world issues and practical lab activities, this course will allow students to learn how, and the extent to which, these theoretical concepts translate into 'on the ground' research and management efforts in local provincial and national parks.
Prerequisite: GEOG 2425
GEOG 4030: Discard Studies
Discard Studies cover the cultural, economic, and resource aspects of waste, pollution, and externalities. Topics include, but are not limited to, social justice, colonialism, toxicity, scale, spatialities and temporalities, economic development, and infrastructures as they relate to systems of waste. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are emphasized.