Geography

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• <b>SLO 1: DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE MAJOR MODES OF GEOGRAPHIC INQUIRY AND TOOLS USED FOR GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS.</b> <li>1. Describe how the scientific method and spatial analysis are used to research topics in physical geography.</li> <li>2. Demonstrate how to locate places on Earth using the geographic grid (latitude and longitude).</li> <li>3. Discuss several methods used to collect geographic data as well as several tools used to visualize and analyze this data.</li> <li>4. Demonstrate the ability to interpret maps and mapped data.</li>
• <b>SLO 2: DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW EARTH'S FOUR MAJOR OPEN SYSTEMS WORK AND INTERACT WITH ONE ANOTHER.</b> <li>1. Explain latitudinal variation in energy receipt and how this relates to global patterns of temperature, precipitation, weather & climate, vegetation, wildlife habitat, etc.</li> <li>2. Diagram important physical processes (e.g., anticyclonic and cyclonic circulation, the global atmospheric circulation model, local & regional winds, the hydrologic cycle, the rock cycle, types of plate boundaries, etc.).</li> <li>3. Outline how processes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere interact to create Earth's biosphere.</li>
• <b>SLO 3: RECOGNIZE AND EXPLAIN THE LOCATION OF MAJOR PHYSICAL FEATURES ON EARTH.</b> <li>1. Locate and identify the major significant physical features in California and elsewhere in the world.</li> <li>2. Apply knowledge of the hydrologic cycle, the rock cycle, Plate Tectonics, and other geomorphic processes to explain the location and formation of Earth's major landforms and natural hazards.</li>
• <b>SLO 4: PRODUCE A RESEARCH PROJECT (E.G., ACADEMIC POSTER, TERM PAPER, OR SIMILAR PRODUCT) ON A COURSE-RELATED THEME.</b> <li>1. Research information from multiple sources (maps, books, periodicals, Internet, interviews, etc.)</li> <li>2. Synthesize findings in written format and document sources using an approved in-text citation method with references listed in standard bibliographic format.</li>
• <b>SLO 5: RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF, AND THINK CRITICALLY ABOUT, GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION RELEVANT TO LIFE ON EARTH.</b> <li>1. Analyze the role of humans in modifying Earth's physical environment as well as the environment's role in shaping human activities.</li> <li>2. Evaluate the personal and societal implications of current geographic issues (e.g. climate change, ozone depletion, sea-level rise, pollution, natural hazards, etc.)</li>

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO #1: DESCRIBE AND DIAGRAM THE SIZE, SHAPE, AND MOVEMENTS OF THE EARTH IN SPACE AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL PATTERNS AND PROCESSES.
• Understand angular distance north/south of the Equator and east/west of the Prime Meridian and its significance to specify precise geographic coordinates on a map and/or globe.
• Define the concepts of map scale and projection and explain how these concepts affect the way that geographic information is represented on maps and/or globes.
• SLO #2: INTERPRET THE ATMOSPHERIC, HYDROLOGIC, GEOMORPHOLOGICAL, AND BIOTIC PROCESSES THAT SHAPE THE EARTH’S SURFACE ENVIRONMENTS.
• Collect and/or analyze meteorological data using common instruments.
• Develop an understanding of basic hydrologic processes.
• Identify types of landforms created through endogenic and exogenic processes.
• SLO #3: ANALYZE AND CLASSIFY THE GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE WORLD’S MAJOR CLIMATES, ECOSYSTEMS, AND PHYSIOGRAPHIC (LANDFORM) FEATURES.
• Explain the variation and distribution of meteorologic patterns locally, throughout the State, the U.S., and the world.
• Analyze the local conditions which contribute to the surrounded ecosystems and how those patterns vary over the Earth.
• Explain the conditions and processes which create and develop physiographic features.
• SLO #4: INCORPORATE BASIC CONCEPTS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY IN THE ANALYSIS OF REAL-WORLD VARIATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PATTERNS.
• Analyze global, regional, and/or local temperature, atmospheric pressure maps, and weather maps and explain reasons for observed patterns.
• Interpret elevation data shown on a topographic map.
• SLO #5: APPLY THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE USING THE TOOLS AND CONCEPTS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY.
• Question the patterns of atmospheric, hydrologic and physiographic phenomena across Earth’s surface.
• Develop theories and ideas supported by scientific reasoning and discovery.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• <b><i>SLO-1: Articulate an understanding of the natural environment and human societies’ relationship to it. This includes the ability to:</i></b>
• 1. Communicate effectively about environmental issues and sustainability, correctly utilizing vocabulary while demonstrating understanding of topics studied.
• 2. Explain the relevance of environmental issues to the student’s life and wider community at local, regional, and global scales.<P ...>
• <b><i>SLO-2: Evaluate and analyze human impacts on the natural environment. This includes the ability to:</i></b>
• 1. Analyze critical environmental problems facing the world today, recognizing the interconnections between humans, their activities, and resulting effects on the environment.
• 2. Evaluate data and draw reasonable conclusions.
• 3. Employ information-gathering tools to investigate environmental issues.
• 4. Investigate and formulate sustainable solutions to environmental problems.<P ...>
• <b><i>SLO-3: Recognize the ethical dimensions of decisions and actions and engage in the ethical reasoning necessary to be a responsible local and global citizen. This includes the ability to:</i></b>
• 1. Recognize the ethical implications of environmental problems.
• 2. Articulate the value of understanding environmental systems and problems.<P ...>

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• <b>SLO 1: DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE PHYSICAL FACTORS AFFECTING CLIMATE AND THE RESULTING GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION OF ENERGY RECEIPT, TEMPERATURE, PRECIPITATION, AND BIOMES.</b> <li>1. Explain the factors responsible for the latitudinal variation in energy receipt and its effects on global temperature and precipitation patterns.</li> <li>2. Diagram the global energy balance, accounting for major sources of input and outputs, heat exchange and absorption.</li> <li>3. Describe the various layers of the atmosphere and explain their role in producing the Greenhouse Effect and anthropogenic global warming.</li> <li>4. Apply knowledge of meteorology as well as global oceanic circulation to hypothesize how terrestrial and marine biotic communities may be impacted by climate change.</li>
• <b>SLO 2: DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW CLIMATE INFLUENCES THE DISTRIBUTION OF LIVING ORGANISMS.</b> <li>1. Explain the factors that determine the geographic distribution of the principal biomes.</li> <li>2. Discuss the importance of physiological tolerance and species interactions in the structure, diversity, and stability of communities.</li> <li>3. Use data from paleoclimatology to demonstrate how the geographic ranges of organisms may be affected by climate shifts.</li> <li>4. Apply knowledge of the carbon cycle to explain the physical and biology factors that influence carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.</li> <li>5. Outline how increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels may affect the acidity of oceans and the structure of marine communities.</li>
• <b>SLO 3: APPLY SCIENTIFIC REASONING TO ASSESS THE EVIDENCE FOR HUMAN-INDUCED CLIMATE CHANGE.</b> <li>1. Describe how scientists collect data to determine the history of the earth’s climate and biogeography.</li> <li>2. Outline how the study of paleoclimatology helps scientists predict future changes.</li> <li>3. Present data that support and data that contradict the argument that current climate change is primarily due to human activities in contrast to natural forces.</li>
• <b>SLO 4: ANALYZE THE COMPLEXITIES AND DIFFICULTIES IN CONSTRUCTING CLIMATE CHANGE MODELS.</b> <li>1. Diagram feedback loops involving atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, albedo, photosynthesis, temperature, cloud cover, pollution, and other related variables.</li> <li>2. Discuss the reasons why it is difficult to predict future climate change.</li>
• <b>SLO 5: UNDERSTAND HOW CLIMATE CHANGE MAY AFFECT THEIR LIVES AND THE FUTURE OF LIFE ON EARTH.</b> <li>1. Describe the major principles of recent climate policies and discuss their limitations.</li> <li>2. Identify how global warming may affect weather extremes, incidence of wildfires, availability of water, agriculture, human disease patterns, settlement patterns, economic, political stability, and other aspects of human society.</li> <li>3. Outline effective short term and long term strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change.</li>

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO #1: INTERPRET, ANALYZE, AND DISPLAY ATMOSPHERIC DATA.
• Demonstrate the ability to graph and/or map atmospheric data and explain its significance.
• SLO #2: DETAIL THE PROCESSES OF ENERGY EXCHANGE AND ATMOSPHERIC HUMIDITY PROCESSES.
• Draw a simplified diagram explaining Earth's energy balance and explain the energy flows portrayed.
• Explain atmospheric energy exchange associated with the phase changes of water (latent heat exchange).
• SLO #3: EXPLAIN THE PROCESS OF PRECIPITATION.
• Describe moisture sources and the steps necessary for condensation.
• Diagram and explain atmospheric lifting mechanisms (frontal, orographic, convergent, and convectional).
• Identify the global and regional geographic regions where precipitation is more/less likely to occur and explain why.
• Predict where cloud formation is likely to occur using knowledge of atmospheric instability and adiabatic processes.
• SLO #4: COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE DYNAMICS OF SEVERE WEATHER SYSTEMS.
• Explain the commonalities and differences among severe weather systems including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
• Identify the geographic locations most susceptible to these types of storms and explain why.
• SLO #5: CLASSIFY AND INTERPRET ATMOSPHERIC DATA TO DESCRIBE CLIMATIC VARIATION OVER EARTH'S SURFACE.
• Use the Köppen-Geiger Climate Classification System to classify and describe global climate patterns.
• Explore California's climates and other locations globally with similar climates.
• SLO #6: UNDERSTAND THE NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC MECHANISMS OF CLIMATE CHANGE.
• Define the greenhouse effect, greenhouse gases, and climate change.
• Provide examples of natural and anthropogenic causes of climate change.
• Discuss current evidence for anthropogenic global warming as well as mitigation and adaptation processes.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• <p><b> SLO1: Analyze human's role in transforming Earth's surface into a series of distinctive cultural landscapes.</b><br/>1. Explain the significance of the major stages of human cultural evolution over time (i.e. agricultural, industrial, medical, and technological revolutions).<p/>
• <p><b> SLO2: Propose explanations for the geographic origin and global diffusion of key aspects of culture (e.g. technology, language, religion, ethnocentrism, racism, agriculture, urbanization).</b><br/>1. Differentiate between relocation and expansion diffusion as mechanisms for spreading cultural traits.<br/>2. Explain the role of globalization as an accelerator of cultural diffusion.<p/>
• <p><b> SLO3: Describe broad historical and modern global socioeconomic processes such as migration, colonization, and globalization.</b><br/> 1. Explain how these processes relate to spatial patterns today, such as ethnicity, unequal development, poverty, conflict, and environmental degradation.<p/>
• <p><b> SLO4: Recognize and appreciate patterns of cultural diversity in California, the U.S., and the world.</b><br/>1. Describe patterns of diversity and explain how these enrich local, regional, and global culture.<p/>
• <p><b> SLO5: Demonstrate understanding of key geographic concepts such as diffusion and globalization by analyzing and explaining spatial patterns represented on maps.</b><br/>1. Interpret maps of various types of socioeconomic data (e.g. demographic, linguistic, religious, ethnic, AIDS incidence, GNP per capita, etc.) and explain their significance.<p/>
• <p><b> SLO6: Communicate geographic information effectively in oral, written, and/or graphic form.</b><br/>1. Produce a significant research project (e.g. academic poster, term paper, or similar product) on a course-related theme.<p/>

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• <p><b> SLO1: Recognize the diversity of peoples, places, and events globally as well as within specific geographic regions.</b><br/>1. Generalize the special combination of cultural, physical, historical, economical, and organizational qualities that characterize each of the major geographic regions of the world (such as East Asia, North America, SubSaharan Africa, etc.).<p>
• <p><b>SLO2: Evaluate and analyze critical geographic issues facing regions of the world today.</b><br/>1. Identify major socioeconomic, political, and/or environmental issues currently affecting Earth's major geographic regions.</p>
• <p><b> SLO3: Use and interpret maps effectively to build geographic understanding of the world.</b><br/> 1. Recognize and identify the world's major geographic regions, as well as all countries located within them, on a blank outline map.</p>
• <p><b> SLO4: Communicate geographic information effectively in oral, written, and/or graphic form.</b><br/>1. Produce a significant research project (e.g. academic poster, term paper, or similar product) on a course-related theme.</p>

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO #1: DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF CALIFORNIA'S PHYSICAL AND HUMAN ENVIRONMENTS, THEIR INTERCONNECTIONS, AND THE GEOGRAPHIC PROCESSES THAT FORM AND CHANGE THEM.
• Expound of several examples of the influence of the environment on the human population and the human influence on the environment.
• Describe the change of the environment and human population over time.
• SLO #2: ANALYZE AND INTERPRET GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION AT LOCAL, REGIONAL AND/OR GLOBAL SCALES.
• Identify and explain the influence of cultures and ideas from around the world on the State and regions within California.
• Apply basic principles of the physical environment to interpret California's environmental phenomena.
• SLO #3: ANALYZE AND EVALUATE CRITICAL GEOGRAPHIC ISSUES, THEIR ETHICAL DIMENSIONS, AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON DECISION MAKING.
• Describe both perspectives on several ethical issues facing California and propose some solutions.
• SLO #4: RECOGNIZE, APPRECIATE, AND UNDERSTAND THE GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY OF PEOPLE, PLACES, AND EVENTS SPECIFIC TO CALIFORNIA.
• Explore specific events or phenomena on a local and regional scale within California.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO #1: DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE MAJOR MODES OF GEOGRAPHIC INQUIRY.
• discuss how the scientific method and spatial analysis are used to research topics in geography.
• recognize the potential for misuse of data, whether accidental or intentional, and its consequences.
• SLO #2: DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF MAPPING CONCEPTS AND THE ABILITY TO INTERPRET MAPS AND MAPPED DATA.
• determine basic geographic information (e.g. location, distance and direction) using various map scales, coordinate systems, and projections.
• create, analyze, critique, and interpret data using maps, aerial photographs and satellite imagery.
• demonstrate basic proficiency in traditional and technology-based cartographic skills.
• SLO #3: DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF COMMON GEOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGIES AND THE ABILITY TO USE THEM TO COLLECT, ANALYZE, AND DISPLAY GEOSPATIAL DATA.
• critically analyze mapping applications and technologies commonly used in today's society.
• collect, import and display geospatial data within a GIS.
• use a GPS unit for basic navigation purposes.
• SLO #4: ORGANIZE, MANIPULATE, ANALYZE AND DISPLAY TABULAR DATA INTO SPATIAL VISUALIZATIONS.
• create and manipulate tabular data using common spreadsheet software (e.g. Excel).
• conduct basic statistical analysis of numeric data, assess validity, and display results.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO #1: demonstrate an understanding of GIS technologies, theories and practices
• Describe and assess fundamental aspects of geographic information and scale, with specific reference to raster and vector digital spatial data models used to represent such information.
• Compile, compare, and evaluate various types of spatial data, with specific attention to geospatial metadata, data quality, and identification of the most appropriate data type for use in a specific GIS application.
• Compare and contrast the variety of available coordinate systems, map projections, and datums, and choose the appropriate variety for a specific GIS application.
• Compare and contrast the effectiveness of various GIS output products, including maps, tables, charts, and other digital output for specific applications.
• Describe, assess, and compare common map elements and the cartographic design process.
• SLO #2: apply GIS technical skills in a professional setting
• Originate, classify, edit, and manage digital spatial data using various techniques (e.g., manual, scan, and on-screen digitizing, computer-assisted drafting, GPS).
• Design, synthesize, validate, optimize, and manage spatial attribute tables and databases.
• Apply appropriate data normalization and classification schemes to attribute data.
• Formulate geoprocessing and analysis functions that are appropriate for specific applications, and be able to perform and evaluate the results of such processes (such as buffering, overlay, reclassification, address matching, and statistical analysis).
• SLO #3: exhibit skills learned via GIS project development.
• Synthesize, design, apply, and manage a GIS project, including estimates of time and labor requirements.
• Design, create, and disseminate high-quality maps in both hard-copy (paper) and digital (on-screen) form.
• List and describe several career options for GIS professionals.
• SLO #4: cultivate spatial analysis and critical thinking skills for decision-making purposes.
• SLO #5: understand how GIS skills are applicable in specific career fields.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: demonstrate skill of gaining and applying learned material in a field experience.
• apply concepts and processes discussed in lecture to experiences in the field.
• compose field notes and collect and analyze field data.
• SLO 2: explain physical and/or cultural phenomena of a specific region.
• describe and explain physical and/or cultural phenomena of a specific region.
• integrate geographic information from various disciplines (geology, biology, ecology, urban studies, anthropology, history, economics, cultural studies, and others) in order to explain landscape patterns and processes.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO #1: DEMONSTRATE SKILLS OF GAINING AND APPLYING LEARNED MATERIAL IN A FIELD EXPERIENCE.
• Apply concepts and processes discussed in lecture to experiences in the field.
• Compose field notes and collect and analyze field data.
• SLO #2: EXPLAIN THE PHYSICAL AND/OR CULTURAL PHENOMENA OF A SPECIFIC REGION.
• Describe and explain geographic phenomena related to the particular physical and/or human environments under study.
• Integrate geographic information from various disciplines (geology, biology, ecology, urban studies, anthropology, history, economics, cultural studies, and others) in order to explain landscape patterns and processes.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: demonstrate skill of gaining and applying learned material in a field experience.
• apply concepts and processes discussed in lecture to experiences in the field.
• compose field notes and collect and analyze field data.
• SLO 2: explain physical and/or cultural phenomena of a specific region.
• describe and explain physical and/or cultural phenomena of a specific region.
• integrate geographic information from various disciplines (geology, biology, ecology, urban studies, anthropology, history, economics, cultural studies, and others) in order to explain landscape patterns and processes.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: demonstrate skills of gaining and applying learned material in a field experience.
• apply concepts and processes discussed in lecture to experiences in the field.
• compose field notes and collect and analyze field data.
• SLO 2: explain physical and/or cultural phenomena of a specific region.
• describe and explain geographic phenomena related to the particular physical and/or human environments under study.
• integrate geographic information from various disciplines (geology, biology, ecology, urban studies, anthropology, history, economics, cultural studies, and others) in order to explain landscape patterns and processes.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• <b>SLO #1: Actively engage in intellectual inquiry beyond that required in order to pass a course of study.</b>
• Discuss and outline a proposal of study with a supervising instructor in Geography or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Environmental Studies.
• Design an independent study (to be completed individually or by collaboration of a small group) to foster special knowledge, skills, and experience that are not available in any one regularly scheduled course.
• Gather data or information needed for analysis in Geography or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Environmental Studies.
• <b>SLO #2: Utilize modes of analysis and critical thinking to apply theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in Geography or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Environmental Studies to significant problems and/or educational activities.</b>
• Analyze and apply the knowledge, skills and experience that are involved in the independent study to theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in Geography or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Environmental Studies.
• <b>SLO #3: Communicate a complex understanding of content matter of Geography or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Environmental Studies</b>.
• Demonstrate competence in the skills necessary to accomplish the independent study.
• Present the results of your research or inquiry.