The information on this site is an archived previous calendar for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The current University Calendar is available at https://www.mun.ca/university-calendar/
16.11 Geography
In accordance with Senate's Policy Regarding Inactive Courses, the course descriptions for courses which have not been offered in the previous three academic years and which are not scheduled to be offered in the current academic year have been removed from the following listing. For information about any of these inactive courses, please contact the Head of the Department.
It is strongly recommended that all 2000-level core courses be successfully completed before registration in 3000-level courses. All 2000-level core courses must normally be successfully completed prior to registration in a 4000-level course.
Specific prerequisites for courses may be waived only with permission of the instructor and the Head of Department.
A tentative list of upcoming Geography course offerings can be found at www.mun.ca/hss/courses.php.
Geography courses are designated by GEOG.
GEOG 1050 Geographies of Global Change
provides perspectives on the major geographical challenges and changes facing the contemporary globe, including: climate and environmental change, sustainability, human development, economic globalization, cultural change, and population and migration. Using the integrative skills of geographical analysis, the course prepares students for advanced study in geography and citizenship in the modern world. All sections of this course follow Quantitative Reasoning Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/qr.
GEOG 2001 Cultural Geography
is an introduction to the study of culture in geography, emphasizing both the history of the field from classic studies of landscapes to contemporary scholarship and themes of recent importance. It explores the politics of cultural production and consumption; critical spaces of cultural production and consumption from around the world, including cities, landscapes, texts, media, performance, and identity; and concepts of everyday life, materiality, and space/place. All sections of this course follow International Studies guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/IS.
GEOG 2102 Physical Geography: The Global Perspective
is a study of form, process, and change in natural systems at and near the surface of Earth, viewed as human environment. Emphasis is on global and regional scales in the systematic study of climate, water, landforms and vegetation. All sections of this course follow International Studies guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/IS and Quantitative Reasoning Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/qr.
GEOG 2105 Canada's Natural Environments and Landscapes
examines the characteristics and development of the natural environments and landscapes of each of the major regions of Canada. The diversity of natural environments is illustrated through discussion of the climatic, hydrological, biogeographical, and geomorphic processes responsible for shaping the land. The impact of both gradual and rapid (catastrophic) changes on local, national, and global scales will be emphasized. This course is complementary to GEOG 3405; students are encouraged to take both.
GEOG 2195 Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences
is an introduction to the fields of cartography, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS). Geographic information collection, representation and analysis methods are the topics for the course. An emphasis is given to applications of maps and satellite images. All sections of this course follow Quantitative Reasoning Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/qr.
GEOG 2302 Issues in Economic Geography
covers issues and ideas in economic geography. The development of local, regional and global economies will be related to economic, cultural and resource factors at international scales. All sections of this course follow International Studies guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/IS and Quantitative Reasoning Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/qr.
GEOG 2425 Natural Resources
is an introduction to the concepts of natural resources, environment and conservation: the nature and distribution of natural resources; methods of use, allocation and development of natural resources and the role of various physical, social, economic, political and technological factors influencing decision-making about resources.
GEOG 2495 Regional Geography of Labrador
is a holistic study of the Geography of Labrador, including the terrain, geology, Quaternary history, climate, vegetation, and fauna; the cultural geography of Labrador, including Innu, Inuit, NunatuKavut, and Settler people and communities; economic activities in Labrador, and the interaction of the Labrador economy within Newfoundland, Canada, and globally; the management of physical and human resources; and the geographic techniques used to investigate and understand Labrador's unique Geography.
GEOG 3015 Science, Technology, and Society
(same as Sociology 3015) explores the relationships among science, technology, and society (STS). It is premised on the idea that science and technology affect our social, cultural, economic, and political lives. Equally, scientific research and technology development are shaped by their social, cultural, economic, and political contexts. This course draws upon the fields of anthropology, sociology, geography, history, and cultural studies, as STS is an interdisciplinary field.
GEOG 3120 Climatology
is an analysis of the energy and moisture budgets and circulation of the atmosphere at the macro-scale, together with an examination of resulting climate characteristics for selected world regions.
GEOG 3140 Biogeography
is the application of ecological concepts to the study of the spatial variations in the distribution of species. Laboratory work emphasizes terrestrial species distributions of the island of Newfoundland.
GEOG 3150 Geomorphology
(same as Earth Sciences 3700) is a study of the relationships between geomorphic processes and landforms. Practical work will involve collection of data and samples in the field and analytical laboratory techniques.
GEOG 3202 Introduction to Cartography
is an introduction to the field of cartography and its different components, including: projections, generalization, cartographic design, data classification, topographic and thematic mapping.
GEOG 3222 Research Design and Quantitative Methods in Geography
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 successfully completed before registration in a 4000-level geography course.
GEOG 3228 Field Methods in Geography
is designed to introduce students to the practice of geography in the field. Throughout this course, the students will experience the field research process from the initial observation of a site, formation of research questions and methods, collection of primary data, research and analysis, and finally presentation of their findings to both academic and public audiences via reports, outreach activities, or presentations.
GEOG 3230 Field Course
will normally be taken by Geography Honours students just prior to the Fall semester of their third year. The course will be held off campus and is designed to provide experience in instrument and field techniques in physical, economic and cultural Geography.
GEOG 3250 Introduction to Remote Sensing
is an introduction to digital image analysis, including many aspects of pre-processing and processing of airborne and satellite imagery.
GEOG 3260 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
introduces the principles of GIS as they relate to spatial data input, structures, management, integration, analysis and output. Laboratory exercises permit students to use GIS software and explore how it can be applied to a wide variety of disciplines and real world issues.
GEOG 3340 Techniques of Regional Analysis
is an introduction to some of the more common types of analysis of urban and regional systems.
GEOG 3350 Community and Regional Planning and Development
introduces students to regional planning and development theories, techniques and approaches. Understanding of networks of development actors at community and regional scales, methods of delineating regions, links between theory and practice in planning and development. Focus on Canadian experiences and a sustainable development perspective.
GEOG 3405 Canada
is a study of the regional geography of Canada, with emphasis on social, economic and political characteristics. This course is complementary to GEOG 2105; students are encouraged to take both.
GEOG 3420 Globalization of Food
examines the increasingly globalized nature of food consumption, production and trade. The course examines the positive and negative effects of globalization on the food system before exploring the proliferation of alternative food networks. These alternative food networks aim to re-localize and re-embed the food system and include organic food, fair trade, self-provisioning, and animal welfare amongst many others. All sections of this course follow International Studies guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/IS.
GEOG 3425 Geographical Analysis of Resources
is the geographic study of contemporary North American issues in resources and their management. Emphasis will be placed on air and water quality issues, lands and forest resources, energy resources, and coastal zone resources. A number of substantive areas in resource analysis will be considered, including resource appraisal, landscape evaluation, and environmental impact assessment.
GEOG 3510 Geography of the Seas
is an introductory course in marine science and management treating the world’s oceans as a global geographic unit. The course covers basic physical, geological and biological marine science and applications of basic science to management issues facing the oceans today. All sections of this course follow International Studies guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/IS.
GEOG 3610 Cultural Landscape
is an investigation of a principal subject of study in cultural geography; the human imprint on the land. The course will include a detailed consideration of the origin of landscape studies in geography; newer approaches emphasizing visual and representational aspects of landscapes; and several diverse case studies, historical and contemporary, concerned with struggles over their definition.
GEOG 3620 International Migration
examines global population movements from a critical geographic perspective. This course applies a spatial lens to key topics surrounding migration, including labour and development; borders and immigration control, refugees and the politics of asylum; and citizenship, belonging, and place making. Students will develop skills in information seeking, critical judgment, and effective communication for a broad audience, in addition to gaining the knowledge base to navigate contemporary migration debates. All sections of this course follow International Studies guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/IS.
GEOG 3650 Conservation Biology I: Introduction to Conservation
is an introductory course surveying the broad and evolving discipline of Conservation Science. Students examine how basic biological and geographic principles are applied to the conservation of biological diversity in the natural world under conditions of exploitation, habitat loss, and climate change. Topics covered may include biodiversity assessment, endangered species assessment, threats to biodiversity, Indigenous-led conservation, protected areas, systematic conservation planning, and conservation economics, legislation, and policy. Special emphasis is given to relevant provincial examples.
GEOG 3701 Urban Geography
is an examination of the evolution, structure and dynamics of cities and urban systems.
GEOG 3710-3729 Special Topics in Geography: Harlow
will have topics to be studied announced by the Department.
GEOG 3800 International Political Geography
is a geographic study of political ideas and processes. The course will consist of a historical discussion of the origins and trajectory of geopolitics, from the beginning of the 20th century to contemporary uses. Key themes in political geography, including strategy and statecraft, decolonization and nationalism, global technologies, and environmental security will be discussed. All sections of this course follow International Studies guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/IS.
GEOG 3900-3909 (Excluding 3907) Special Topics in Geography
will have topics to be studied announced by the Department.
permission of the instructor and the Head of the Department
GEOG 3990-3999 Special Topics in Geography
will have topics to be studied announced by the Department.
GEOG 4015 Cultural Resource Management
(same as Archaeology 4015 and Folklore 4015) is a study of cultural resource management: the definition and recognition of cultural resources, the application of policy in managing cultural resources, and the identification and consideration of contemporary issues in cultural resource management.
GEOG 4030 Discard Studies
covers 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.
GEOG 4040 Assessing Environmental Change
provides a survey of common environmental monitoring and analysis techniques, and applies them to the study of a particular location. Students will gain practical experience with environmental sampling techniques and analytical methods targeted at identifying adverse impacts of human activity on the natural environment and nature on the built environment.
GEOG 4050 Engaging Arctic and Northern Geographies
explores the geography of global Arctic and Northern Regions from an integrative geographical perspective. Students integrate and apply concepts, themes, and methodologies developed over the Geography program in a hands-on, northern-focused research project. By focusing on a specific "hot topic" theme, students will also have the opportunity to examine the interactions and interdependencies between the human and the physical dimensions of northern geography across a variety of scales.
GEOG 4060 Natural Hazards: People and Environments
considers case studies involving select biological and medical; climatological; geophysical; hydrological; and meteorological hazards. There are no hazards without people. The emphasis is not only in how and where particular natural hazards develop, from a physical / exposure viewpoint, but also in the implications for risk management, emergency response, planning, and community sustainability. Aspects of social and community sensitivity and vulnerability will be emphasized.
GEOG 4107 Feminist GeoTechnologies
(same as Sociology 4107) investigates the effects of technology in feminist social movements and technologies that exemplify feminist values and ideologies, particularly as they pertain to the Earth. Topics could include: ecofeminism and technology; assessing, designing, and building technologies from a feminist perspective; the gender politics of social-technological systems; information technologies in science; feminist geography; biotechnology and ecology; development in architecture and design. The course combines seminar discussions of reading with hands-on activities.
GEOG 4120 Applied Climatology
is analysis of the impact of climatic environments and meteorological conditions upon agriculture, forestry, the hydro industry and the marine sector. Climatological considerations in the planning and design of urban areas and buildings.
GEOG 4150 Environmental Change and Quaternary Geography
(same as Archaeology 4150 and Earth Sciences 4703) covers methods of reconstructing Quaternary environments; effects of Quaternary environmental change on landforms, with special reference to North America; development and characteristics of glacial and non-glacial climates.
GEOG 4170 Advanced Biogeography
examines the global patterns of species distributions and the processes that drive them. Laboratory work emphasizes the link between pattern and process at multiple spatial scales.
GEOG 4190 Coastal Geomorphology
is an advanced course in geomorphology of coastal regions in all climate zones. Covers reflective and dissipative beaches, barrier systems, coastal sand dunes, deltas, tidal flats, estuaries, reefs, bedrock and karst shorelines, ice-dominated shorelines, and influence of climate change and sea level change on coastal environments.
GEOG 4202 Advanced Cartography
will provide students with advanced knowledge in computer-based cartography required to produce final geographic datasets and maps.
GEOG 4250 Environmental Image Analysis
is remote sensing techniques applied to various environmental problems. Techniques include selection of the system for data acquisition (airborne or satellite imagery), planning of a ground truth survey, and of data processing. Applications to high and low density urban areas, agricultural, forestry, coastal zone, oceanic, and environmental monitoring.
GEOG 4261 Advanced Methods in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
explores the nature and use of advanced GIS algorithms, discrete and continuous data structures, computational methods and analysis of error for the purpose of analysing and modelling spatial patterns and processes. Laboratory exercises permit students to use GIS software to explore as well as develop problem solving and modelling skills for a wide variety of real world applications.
GEOG 4290 Geographic Information Sciences Practicum
is practical experience with the geographic information sciences fields of cartography, remote sensing or geographical information systems. Students will serve as interns in governmental, institutional or private agencies, or in non-profit organizations.
GEOG 4300 World Fisheries: Current Discourse and Future Directions
is a seminar course on the key concepts, principles and challenges in fisheries resources worldwide. Topics of discussion include the state of world fisheries, analysis of various management approaches and tools, and future scenarios for world fisheries. All sections of this course follow International Studies guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/IS.
GEOG 4320 Regional Development Seminar
is focused on understanding the region and regional development in theoretical terms and in a policy context. The central question of the course is: how do we understand the region and regional development in a globalizing world? What are the policy options for people interested in making regional development work in a global economy? The case studies will cover both the developing and the developed world.
GEOG 4405 Outdoor Recreational Resources and Planning
is an introduction to the major themes and techniques in the study of outdoor recreation. A theoretical framework will provide a base for the evaluation of the complex issues involved in managing a physical resource for recreational purposes. North American examples will be emphasized.
GEOG 4410 Research Seminar in Resources
offers the opportunity to undertake advanced work in a number of resource sectors such as energy, fisheries, forests, lands, air and water. The emphasis will be on learning through experience. Students will be expected to initiate and complete suitable research projects in close consultation with faculty involved.
GEOG 4500 Engaging the Environmental Humanities
(same as History 4500) explores the role of the environmental humanities in a setting beyond the traditionally defined class-room. While the initial weeks focus on providing students with the tool-kit and theoretical framework for engaging the environmental humanities, the course is mainly driven by projects designed and executed by students in collaboration with community partners.
GEOG 4600 Historical Geography
is a study of concepts and methods in historical geography. The field concerned with geographies of the past and their relation to the present. Themes will include the history of geography as a discipline, particularly its relevance to imperialism and state power; changing relationships between humans and the natural environment; and histories of the spaces of social life and human identity.
GEOG 4651 Conservation Biology II: Conservation in Practice
teaches non-academic skills beneficial to anyone considering a career in conservation. Topics will be covered through a series of modules, including science communication, Geographic Information Systems, quantitative skills, interactions with government, ENGOs and museum, working with Indigenous partnerships, and the interface between science and society.
GEOG 4700 Adaptive Cities and Communities
will provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the analysis of a small number of problems related to contemporary urban studies and community planning. Topics include but are not limited to: adaptable economies, socio-cultural change, northern cities, governance, climate change, and the built environment.
GEOG 4900-4918 Special Topics in Geography
will have topics to be offered announced by the Department of Geography.
GEOG 490A Geography in Action I
is the first half of a two semester linked course, built around geography-related issues that integrate natural and social science perspectives. Each year, students will address specific challenges faced by a client, NGO, or research group in the province. Through this process, students will reflect on the conceptual and practical challenges faced by practicing geographers.
GEOG 490B Geography in Action II
is the second half of a two semester linked course, built around geography-related issues that integrate natural and social science perspectives. Each year, students will address specific challenges faced by a client, NGO, or research group in the province. Through this process, students will reflect on the conceptual and practical challenges faced by practicing geographers.
the former GEOG 4990
GEOG 490A
GEOG 4919 Integrative Practicum in Geographic Information Sciences
is an applied or research project integrating aspects of cartography, geographical information systems and remote sensing. Students will have access to the GISciences Research Laboratory to complete their project. This is the capstone course for the students registered in the Diploma in Geographic Information Sciences program. It will involve the knowledge and experiences acquired over the years in the program.
GEOG 4202, 4250, 4261, and be enrolled in the Diploma in Geographic Information Sciences
six hours per week or a total of 72 hours of individual research or laboratory work
six hours per week or a total of 72 hours of individual research or laboratory work
GEOG 4202, 4250, 4261, and be enrolled in the Diploma in Geographic Information Sciences. It is strongly recommended that GEOG 3222 and the former 3226 be successfully completed before registration in 4000-level courses.
GEOG 4999 Dissertation Honours Degree
is required of the Honours degree.
AR = Attendance requirement as noted. CH = Credit hours: unless otherwise noted, a course normally has a credit value of 3 credit hours. CO = Co-requisite(s): course(s) listed must be taken concurrently with or successfully completed prior to the course being described. CR = Credit restricted: The course being described and the course(s) listed are closely related but not equivalent. Credit is limited to one of these courses. Normally, these courses cannot be substituted, one for the other, to satisfy program requirements. EQ = Equivalent: the course being described and the course(s) listed are equal for credit determination. Credit is limited to one of these courses. These courses can be substituted, one for the other, to satisfy program requirements. |
LC = Lecture hours per week: lecture hours are 3 per week unless otherwise noted. LH = Laboratory hours per week. OR = Other requirements of the course such as tutorials, practical sessions, or seminars. PR = Prerequisite(s): course(s) listed must be successfully completed prior to commencing the course being described. UL = Usage limitation(s) as noted. |
The information on this site is an archived previous calendar for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The current University Calendar is available at https://www.mun.ca/university-calendar/
Copyright © 2023 Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
calendar.editor@mun.ca