Geography Courses

GEOG 100 - Our World: Introducing Human Geography (3)

A geographical introduction to how humans shape our world, with attention also given to how it shapes us. Themes may include: culture, economic activities, environmental change, globalization, politics, population, resources, and urbanization. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

GEOG 104 - Climate Change, Water, and Society (3)

An examination of climate change, its interaction with water availability, and how humans cope with these altered circumstances. Students who have completed GEOG 102 prior to the fall 2011 term may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sci/Science.

GEOG 111 - Earth Systems (3)

An introduction to landforms, climates, soils and vegetation; their origins, distributions, interrelationships and roles in the ecosystem. Laboratory work and field trips are included. Breadth-Science.

GEOG 118 - The Water Planet (3)

An overview of the processes that control water supply to natural ecosystems and human civilization. Hydrologic cycle, floods, droughts, groundwater. Patterns of water use, threats to water quality, effects of global climate change on future water supplies. Water issues facing British Columbia. Breadth-Science.

GEOG 150 - Digital Earth (3)

Practical applications of geographic information techniques for analysis and problem-solving in multiple contexts. Breadth-Social Sci/Science.

GEOG 161 - Urban Change: An Introduction to Dynamic Places (3)

An introduction to geographical perspectives on urbanized and urbanizing places, spaces, landscapes, and environments. The course focuses on the dynamism that characterizes cities and urban regions. Using a geographical social science approach, it provides an overview of how cities are shaped by humans and how we are shaped by cities.

GEOG 162 - Canada (3)

The geographical character of Canada; the Canadian environment; regional differences in socio-economic growth. Breadth-Social Sciences.

GEOG 213 - Introduction to Geomorphology (3)

An exploration of the processes that shape Earth's surface and the landforms that result. Prerequisite: GEOG 111 or EASC 101. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

GEOG 214 - Weather and Climate (3)

An examination of the basic principles and processes governing the Earth's weather and climate. Topics include: radiation, greenhouse effect, clouds, precipitation, atmospheric circulation, mid-latitude cyclones, tropical storms, climate change. Prerequisite: GEOG 111. Quantitative.

GEOG 215 - The Biosphere (3)

An introduction to the planetary biosphere, its living organisms, and their interactions with each other and the Earth system. Prerequisite: GEOG 111.

GEOG 221 - Economic Worlds (3)

The fundamentals of economics geography, the study of the forces that shape the arrangement of economic activity in the real world. Prerequisite: GEOG 100. Breadth-Social Sciences.

GEOG 241 - People, Place, Society (3)

An introduction to key concepts and contexts in contemporary geographical approaches to social practices, meanings, and struggles. Prerequisite: One of GEOG 100, INDG 101, SA 101, or SA 150. Breadth-Social Sciences.

GEOG 251 - Quantitative Geography (3)

An introduction to basic quantitative techniques for the collection of geographic data. Topics include describing data, gathering samples, theoretical distributions, linking samples and populations, testing significance, and exploring spatial relationships all within practical, real-world application contexts. Quantitative.

GEOG 253 - Introduction to Remote Sensing (3)

An introduction to the theories and practices of remote sensing, including sensors and platforms, image collection, preliminary image analysis and interpretation, and a review of remote sensing applications in environmental monitoring and resource management. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

GEOG 255 - Geographical Information Science I (3)

A basic overview of Geographical Information Systems and Science; GIS software, hardware, data structures and models; spatial data, operations and algorithms; practical applications and limitations. Students with credit for GEOG 354 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

GEOG 261 - Encountering the City (3)

An introduction to key concepts and themes in contemporary geographical approaches to cities and urbanization. Prerequisite: GEOG 100 or 102. Breadth-Social Sciences.

GEOG 264 - Canadian Cities (3)

This course will provide a systematic introduction to urbanization in Canada. Topics addressed will include Canadian urbanization as compared with other nations, especially the United States, metropolitan centres, resource towns, and the internal structure of cities. Prerequisite: GEOG 100 or 162 or permission of instructor.

GEOG 266W - Geography in Practice (3)

An introduction to what geographers do in applied contexts, how geographic concepts relate to applied skills, and how to communicate what geography is and why geographical approaches are useful. The course will emphasize written and oral communication skills through regular writing assignments, feedback, and direct engagement with professional geographers. Prerequisite: One of: GEOG 100, GEOG 102, GEOG 104, GEOG 111. Writing.

GEOG 302 - Geography Practicum I (3)

First term of work experience in the geography co-operative education program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an SFU degree. Students in the BA and the BSc program should apply to the environment co-operative education program. Prerequisite: acceptance in the environment co-operative education program.

GEOG 303 - Geography Practicum II (3)

Second term of work experience in the geography co-operative education program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an SFU degree. Prerequisite: GEOG 302 and readmission to the environment co-operative education program.

GEOG 304 - Geography of Wine (4)

An exploration of core geographic concepts and themes through the study of the complex commodity of wine. Biophysical, cultural, economic, and political dimensions of grape growing and wine making are examined. Experiential, place-based learning is emphasized through a field trip to a wine region such as BC's Okanagan Valley. Prerequisite: GEOG 111 and GEOG 100; 45 units.

GEOG 310 - Physical Geography Field Course (4)

A twelve-day field camp with a focus on various measuring, surveying, recording and mapping skills in branches of physical geography. A selected project will be completed either by a team or by an individual. Field camp locations will vary from year to year. The timing for the camp might not follow the traditional course schedule, please read the outline carefully for further information. Prerequisite: GEOG 213 and one of GEOG 214 or 215. Prerequisite or Corequisite: One of GEOG 311, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317 or 319.

GEOG 311 - Hydrology (4)

Introduction to the hydrologic cycle, with an emphasis on the hydrology of British Columbia; description and analysis of the processes of water movement and storage measurements and analysis of hydrologic data. Prerequisite: GEOG 213 or 214; GEOG 251 or one of STAT 201, 203 (formerly 103), 205, or 270. Quantitative.

GEOG 312 - Geography of Natural Hazards (4)

An exploration of human response to our hazardous Earth. The dynamic causes of natural hazards such as earthquakes, hurricanes, landslides and floods will be illustrated. Students will gain an appreciation for how humans perceive, predict, and recover from hazards and how their effects may be reduced. Prerequisite: One of GEOG 100, 104 or 111 or one of EASC 101 or 104. Breadth-Social Sci/Science.

GEOG 313 - River Geomorphology (4)

Intermediate analysis in fluvial and coastal geomorphology with particular reference to British Columbia. Prerequisite: GEOG 213, or both EASC 209W and EASC 304. Quantitative.

GEOG 314 - The Climate System (4)

A survey of the climate system, with emphasis on the interactions among its components; radiation, energy and water balances; carbon cycle; climate sensitivity and feedbacks; natural and human-induced climate change. Prerequisite: GEOG 214. Quantitative.

GEOG 315 - World Ecosystems (4)

Distribution, structure, function, and dynamics of the world's major biomes. Attention to comparative aspects among terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and to environmental problems associated with the biomes. Prerequisite: GEOG 215 or BISC 204.

GEOG 316 - Global Biogeochemical and Water Cycles (4)

Introduction to the cycling of essential chemical elements through ecosystems. Interactions among biological, hydrological, and geological controls on the structure and function of ecosystems and the spatial-temporal scales of elemental cycling are emphasized. Environmental problems resulting from disturbance to natural equilibria in the elemental cycles are examined. Prerequisite: GEOG 215 or BISC 204 or permission of the instructor. Quantitative.

GEOG 317 - Soil Science (4)

An introduction to the study of soils: physical, chemical and biological properties of soils; soil formation, description, classification, survey and use. Field and laboratory techniques of soil analysis. Prerequisite: One of GEOG 213, 214, 215, or CHEM 121. Students with credit for GEOG 318 may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 321 - Geographies of Global Capitalism (4)

Examines the historical development, spatial organization, and social impact of market function, firm structure and operation, economic policy, and regulation and deregulation at various scales from local to global, from a geographical perspective. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100.

GEOG 324 - Geography of Transportation (4)

An empirical and theoretical examination of the geographical aspects of transportation systems. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100.

GEOG 325 - Geographies of Consumption (4)

Spaces, places, landscapes, and scales of consumption emphasizing commodity cultures, marketing, retail, ideology, subjectivity, objects, technology, and tourism. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100.

GEOG 327 - Geography of Tourism (4)

Factors underlying the changing geography of tourism. Issues of demand, supply and impact are examined. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100 or REM 100.

GEOG 328 - Labour Geographies (4)

An examination of contemporary debates in Labour Geography, surveying geographical approaches to work and employment. Lectures will explore the relationships between space, place and labour market change in the context of globalization and uneven development. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100 or LBST 101. Students with credit for LBST 328 may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 333 - Climate Crisis: Understanding a World on Fire (4)

An introduction to the fundamental social and human-geographical dimensions of climate change: the ideas, tools, and institutions through which human communities and institutions are responding (or not) to the challenges of a warming planet. Prerequisite: A minimum of 45 units.

GEOG 340 - Queer Geographies (4)

What does sexuality have to do with spaces and places? This question is at the core of this course where we’ll examine how sexual norms and queerness are defined and defied through different geographies. We will learn how Black, Indigenous, and queers of colour think about and build social movements at the intersection of sexuality, space, and place. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100 or GSWS 100 or GSWS 101 or GSWS 102 or INDG 101 or SA 101 or HSCI 120 or CMNS 130.

GEOG 351 - Multimedia Cartography (4)

Elements of cartographic analysis, design and visualization, with an emphasis on digital mapping, animation techniques, cartographic software and internet mapping. Prerequisite: GEOG 255. Quantitative.

GEOG 352 - Spatial Analysis (4)

Advanced quantitative techniques for spatial analysis of geographic data and patterns. Topics include geostatistics, spatial interpolation, autocorrelation, kriging, and their use in geographic problem solving with spatial analysis software. Prerequisite: GEOG 251 or one of STAT 201, 203 (formerly 103), 205, or 270. Quantitative.

GEOG 353 - Advanced Remote Sensing (4)

Advanced remote sensing principles and data processing techniques, including image correction and enhancement, advanced image analysis and information extraction, land cover classification and change detection, and integration of remote sensing and GIS. Prerequisite: GEOG 253. Quantitative.

GEOG 355 - Geographical Information Science II (4)

An examination of technical components of GIS. Topics include spatial representations, generalization and data management; computational algebra and set theory; digital surfaces and terrain models. Prerequisite: GEOG 255. Quantitative.

GEOG 356 - 3D GIScience (4)

Introduction to 3D spatial data, 3D analysis, and 3D visualization for spatial problems. Students will gain skills in 3D aspects of GIScience concepts; data generation and use; analysis and simulation; visualization and its use for interpretation and communication. Prerequisite: GEOG 255.

GEOG 362 - Gentrification and Urban Change (4)

Contemporary cases and conceptualizations of gentrification and related processes of urban change. Central themes include: political, economic, social, and cultural manifestations of gentrification; class, gender, and racialization; the role of development, planning, architecture, the arts, and resistance movements; and gentrification’s global geographies. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100. Students with credit for GEOG 362W may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 362W - Gentrification and Urban Change (4)

Contemporary cases and conceptualizations of gentrification and related processes of urban change. Central themes include: political, economic, social, and cultural manifestations of gentrification; class, gender, and racialization; the role of development, planning, architecture, the arts, and resistance movements; and gentrification’s global geographies. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100. Students with credit for GEOG 362 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

GEOG 363 - Urban Planning and Policy (4)

An introduction to the major approaches and key ideas of the professions of urban governance; urban planning and urban policy. Through a focus on contemporary theory, process-based understanding, and specific issues and examples, the course examines key trends and interventions and promotes critical reflection on urban development. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100.

GEOG 364 - Cities and Crisis (4)

An examination of urban geographies of crisis, concentrating on what crisis is, what it is used for, how it is differentially experienced, and how it is distributed unevenly. Case studies of environmental, economic, social, and political crises are the main focus. The course concludes by addressing the future(s) of cities. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100.

GEOG 365 - Race, Resistance and Urban Space (4)

An exploration of how race informs the aesthetics, politics and development of urban space. Examines racial formation in transnational urban contexts, and how cultural production and social movements are utilized to address racial inequities and envision urban futures. Prerequisite: At least 45 units.

GEOG 377 - Environmental History (4)

Examines the reciprocal influences between humans and nature through time. Topics may include settlement, agriculture, technology, politics, urbanization, science, and conservation. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100 or REM 100. Students with credit for HIST 377 may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 381 - Territory, Power, State (4)

Surveys the manner in which power relations are expressed territorially. Attention given to such topics as state sovereignty, colonialism, rights, and law. Prerequisite: At least 45 units. Students with credit for GEOG 381W may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 381W - Territory, Power, State (4)

Surveys the manner in which power relations are expressed territorially. Attention given to such topics as state sovereignty, colonialism, rights, and law. Prerequisite: At least 45 units. Students with credit for GEOG 381 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

GEOG 382 - World on the Move (4)

The world is on the move. Migrants seeking better opportunities cross paths with refugees fleeing persecution. Some are helped and welcomed, many encounter barriers and threats, while identities, including class, race, gender, sexuality, mediate their prospects. This course's geographic perspective clarifies these complexities by combining conceptual analyses with contemporary cases. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100.

GEOG 385 - Food and the City (4)

An exploration of how food is related to cities, giving particular attention to the culture and politics of food production, distribution, and consumption. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100 or REM 100.

GEOG 386 - Health Geography (4)

A survey of health issues from a geographic perspective, including major spatial influences shaping the health status of populations and health-place relationships. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including either GEOG 100 or HSCI 130. Breadth-Social Sciences.

GEOG 387 - Geography and Gender (4)

Geographical perspectives on gender and sexuality. This course investigates feminist theory in geography and its analysis of home, city, nation, state, global economy, colonialism, and migration. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100.

GEOG 389W - Nature and Society (4)

Examines the relationship between nature and society, covering the dominant geographical approaches to human-environment interaction, and their social, spatial, and political economic effects. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100 or REM 100. Writing.

GEOG 402 - Geography Practicum III (3)

Third term of work experience in the geography co-operative education program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an SFU degree. Prerequisite: GEOG 303 and readmission to the environment co-operative education program.

GEOG 403 - Geography Practicum IV (3)

Fourth term of work experience in the geography co-operative education program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an SFU degree. Prerequisite: GEOG 402 and readmission to the environment co-operative education program.

GEOG 404 - Directed Readings (2)

Designed for upper level geography major and honours students who wish to continue research started in conjunction with an earlier course. Prerequisite: Permission to enter directed readings courses requires written consent of both the faculty member willing to supervise the research, and the chair of the department.

GEOG 405 - Directed Readings (4)

Designed for upper level geography major and honours students who wish to continue research started in conjunction with an earlier course. Prerequisite: Permission to enter directed readings courses requires written consent of both the faculty member willing to supervise the research, and the chair of the department.

GEOG 409 - Geography Practicum V (3)

Optional fifth term of work experience in the geography co-operative education program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an SFU degree. This course may be repeated for additive credit. Prerequisite: GEOG 403 and readmission to the environment co-operative education program.

GEOG 411 - Advanced Hydrology (4)

An examination of hydrologic processes at different scales; effects of climate and land use change on the hydrologic cycle; application of hydrologic models; recent research developments in selected sub-fields of hydrology. Prerequisite: one of GEOG 311, 313, or 314; one of GEOG 251 or one of STAT 201, 203 (formerly 103), 205, or 270. Quantitative.

GEOG 412W - Glacial Processes and Environments (4)

An examination of glacial processes and environments emphasizing landscapes and sediments resulting from the movement of ice, water, and sediment; application of field techniques. Prerequisite: 60 units, including GEOG 213; GEOG 313 and EASC 201 recommended. Writing.

GEOG 414 - Climate Change (4)

An examination of recent advances in climate change science drawing upon observational and theoretical studies; application of climate models. Prerequisite: GEOG 314. Quantitative.

GEOG 417W - Advanced Soil Science (4)

Advanced treatment of topics in soil science: soil physics, soil chemistry, soil biology, soil classification and/or forest soils. Prerequisite: GEOG 317. Students with credit for GEOG 417 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

GEOG 418 - Ecohydrology (4)

Interdisciplinary exploration of the interactions between plants and hydrologic processes, with an emphasis on primary literature. Topics covered include evapotranspiration, subsurface water storage in time and space, plant water relations, isotopes in water, biogeographical patterns, modeling, field methods, and the role of ecohydrology in Earth’s climate system. Mandatory field trip. Prerequisite: One of GEOG 311, GEOG 314, GEOG 316, GEOG 317, EASC 304, or EASC 405; one of GEOG 251, STAT 201, STAT 203 (formerly STAT 103), STAT 205, or STAT 270.

GEOG 420 - Cultural Geography (4)

A critical study of selected cultural landscapes, practices and meanings in light of recent theoretical developments in geography. Prerequisite: GEOG 325 or 381 or 387.

GEOG 421 - Geographical Political Economy (4)

Examines the historical development of the material spaces and places affected by changing capitalist dynamics and the dominant theories through which they are explained, legitimized, and criticized, from a geographical perspective. Prerequisite: GEOG 321. Students who received credit for GEOG 421 (STT), Advanced Contemporary Capitalism, may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 423 - Capitalist Natures (4)

An exploration of our political, social, and economic systems, their ecological limitations, and related questions of inequality. It explores the histories, dynamics, logics, effects, and limitations of these systems. The evolution and effects of capitalism, specifically with respect to nonhuman natures, will be a focus. Prerequisite: GEOG 321 or GEOG 389W.

GEOG 424 - Cities, Transportation, Infrastructure (4)

An exploration of the relationships between the development of cities, transportation, and infrastructure from an economic geography perspective. Greater Vancouver provides a location to explore, apply, and critique the theoretical perspectives presented in seminar. Prerequisite: One of GEOG 323, 324, 362, or 363.

GEOG 429 - Racial Capitalism and Beyond (4)

Explores the theoretical foundations in critical racial geographies. Also examines the modern history and reach of Black, subaltern, and decolonial thought in global context, with particular attention to relations of capital, race, nation-state, social reproduction, and the unfolding of contending geographies beyond the dominant world order. Prerequisite: At least 60 units, including GEOG 100.

GEOG 432 - Problems in Environmental History (4)

An investigation into the major themes and arguments in the environmental histories of North America, emphasizing how different individuals and groups have used, perceived, and managed their environments over time. Prerequisite: 60 units including eight of upper division geography. Students with credit for HIST 432 or HIST 485 in 2001-3 may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 440 - Property, Land, Society (4)

An examination of property, particularly in relation to land, with an emphasis on its social, political, and spatial dimensions. Prerequisite: 60 units, including eight of upper division geography. Students with credit for GEOG 440W may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 442 - A World of Cities (4)

An exploration of how cities shape the contemporary globalized world, focusing on key contemporary academic approaches. Highlights geographical and multi-disciplinary work on global-urban relations, networks, structures, and mobilities. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours, including Geog 362. Students who have taken GEOG 442 STT, Global Cities, may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 445 - Resource Planning (4)

This course introduces the student to the principles and practices of resource planning within a Canadian context. Special attention is paid to land-use planning as it relates to major resource sectors. Prerequisite: One of GEOG 322, 363, 383, or 389.

GEOG 449 - City and Environment (4)

The city as human-natural system; its processes and interactions in urban environmental policy and practice; with attention to historical and theoretical context. Prerequisite: 60 units and one of GEOG 362, 363, SCD 301 or SD 381.

GEOG 451 - Spatial Modeling (4)

Spatial models for the representation and simulation of physical, human and environmental processes. GIS and spatial analysis software are used in the laboratory for model development, from problem definition and solution to visualization. Prerequisite: GEOG 251 or one of STAT 201, 203 (formerly 103), 205, or 270; one of GEOG 351, 352, 353, 355 or 356. Quantitative.

GEOG 453 - Theoretical and Applied Remote Sensing (4)

Students will work in teams on real-world remote sensing projects in their area of interest. Each team will complete the project independently from literature review to project presentation. Cutting-edge remote sensing technologies and research that are related to the projects will also be introduced. Prerequisite: GEOG 353. Recommended: One of GEOG 351, 352, 355 or 356. Students with credit for GEOG 453W may not repeat this course for further credit. Quantitative.

GEOG 455 - Theoretical and Applied GIS (4)

A critical examination of advanced topics in GIS, such as: boundary definition, expert systems and artificial intelligence, error and uncertainty, and scale in a digital context. Examines social applications and the roles of GIS in society. Students will design original projects, including data acquisition, analysis, and web site development. Prerequisite: GEOG 355. Students with credit for GEOG 452 or GEOG 455W may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

GEOG 455W - Theoretical and Applied GIS (4)

A critical examination of advanced topics in GIS, such as: boundary definition, expert systems and artificial intelligence, error and uncertainty, and scale in a digital context. Examines social applications and the roles of GIS in society. Students will design original projects, including data acquisition, analysis, and web site development. Prerequisite: GEOG 355. Students with credit for GEOG 452 or GEOG 455 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

GEOG 457 - Geovisualization Interfaces (4)

The concepts, theories, and technology behind interactive and immersive interface technologies used for geospatial visualization. Applications and implications for GIScience and spatial knowledge acquisition. Combines GIScience, spatial cognition, and virtual environments/interface research perspectives. Prerequisite: GEOG 356. Students with credit for GEOG 457 (STT) Geospatial Virtual Environments in fall 2005 or fall 2006 may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 461 - Urban Change Studio (6)

This project-based course will promote collaborative group work, where hands-on exercises allow students to gain experience in finding, processing, documenting, visualizing, analyzing, and communicating ambitious agendas for urban change, in response to pressing real-world urban challenges. Prerequisite: 75 units.

GEOG 465 - Geographies of Conquest and Liberation (4)

An exploration of theories and geographies of conquest and liberation to analyze present-day struggles for abolition and decolonization. We will weave epistemologies from across the Americas to understand how different struggles for liberation are spatially connected amid colonialism, racial capitalism and empire. Prerequisite: At least 60 units, including GEOG 241.

GEOG 486 - Health Care Geographies (4)

An in-depth examination of health care and health services from a health geography perspective, including place-based considerations of care spaces, health human resources, and new forms of health care. Prerequisite: GEOG 386 or HSCI 305.

GEOG 489 - Selected Topics (4)

The topics will vary from term to term depending on the interests of faculty and students. Prerequisite: 75 units including 30 in geography.

GEOG 490 - Selected Topics (4)

The topics will vary from term to term depending on the interests of faculty and students. Prerequisite: 75 units including 30 in geography.

GEOG 491 - Honours Essay (4)

All candidates for honours will be required to submit a major paper on a geographical topic to be selected in consultation with the department. Prerequisite: 105 units and consent of supervisor. See a departmental academic advisor for details.

GEOG 492 - Advanced Theory and Methods for Human Geographers (4)

Exploring the theoretical frameworks and methods for advanced human geography research. Prerequisite: Students must have completed a minimum 45 upper division units and require permission of the Department's Undergraduate Studies Committee. Students who have taken GEOG 603 first may not then take this course for further credit.

GEOG 497 - International Field Study (5)

A fieldwork based study of a selected region conducted in an international setting. Emphasis is placed on how to understand landscapes by relating concepts and models with direct observation, inference and collection of field evidence, as well as published literature on the selected region. Prerequisite: At least 60 units including 12 units of upper division geography courses.

GEOG 600 - Introduction to Graduate Studies: Fall Semester (1)

Introduction to graduate studies in the Department of Geography at Simon Fraser University, covering formal requirements and practical considerations. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Students with credit for GEOG 700 may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 601 - Introduction to Graduate Studies: Spring Semester (1)

Completion of GEOG 600, with an emphasis on the preparation and presentation of the research proposal. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Students with credit for GEOG 701 may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 603 - Theory and Methods for Human Geographers (5)

Exploring the theoretical frameworks and methods for human geography research. Students with credit for GEOG 604 and GEOG 605 may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 606 - Research Design and Analytical Techniques in Physical Geography (5)

Research design, data collection and quantitative methods in physical geography. Equivalent Courses: GEOG706.

GEOG 611 - Hydrology (4)

Conceptual and methodological bases of current hydrologic research. Equivalent Courses: GEOG731.

GEOG 612 - Glacial Geomorphology (4)

Glacial landform-process models; field study of glacial landforms and sediments. Equivalent Courses: GEOG728.

GEOG 613 - Fluvial Geomorphology (4)

An examination of current conceptual and methodological issues in fluvial geomorphology based on analyses of the primary research literature. Equivalent Courses: GEOG726.

GEOG 614 - Climatology (4)

Recent theoretical developments in physical climatology. Equivalent Courses: GEOG723.

GEOG 615 - Quaternary Environments (4)

Recent developments in paleoecology and the study of Quaternary environments.

GEOG 617 - Soil Science (4)

Soil physics, soil chemistry, soil biology and/or forest soils. Equivalent Courses: GEOG718.

GEOG 620 - Selected Topics: Economy, Environment and Development (4)

Geographic perspectives on selected topics in economy and environment in Canadian and international contexts.

GEOG 621 - Advanced Geographical Political Economy (4)

Examines the historical development of the material spaces and places affected by changing capitalist dynamics and the dominant theories through which they are explained, legitimized, and criticized, from a geographical perspective. Special attention is given to interdisciplinary challenges posed by the combination of geographic, political and economic theoretical and methodological traditions.

GEOG 640 - Selected Topics in Social and Urban Geography (4)

Geographic perspectives on society and the city in Canadian and international contexts.

GEOG 651 - Advanced Spatial Analysis and Modeling (4)

Perspectives on the description, analysis and prediction of geographical processes using spatial modeling and decision-making in a GIS environment. Equivalent Courses: GEOG714.

GEOG 653 - Remote Sensing of Environment (4)

Selected principles and applications of remote sensing for the study of natural and human environments.

GEOG 655 - Advanced Principles of Geographic Information Science (4)

Examines data, data structures and computational methods that underlie GIS description and analysis. Illustrates the social science and science links between computers and geography. Equivalent Courses: GEOG715.

GEOG 657 - Geovisualization Interfaces (4)

The concepts, theories and technology behind 3D representation and 3D geovisualization of complex spatial phenomena using emerging interactive, immersive and ubiquitous interface technologies. Combines geovisualization, geospatial interface research, geovirtual environments, GIScience, and spatial knowledge acquisition perspectives. Prerequisite: Enrolment in any graduate program plus permission of the instructor. Graduate students from other disciplines are welcome to take this course.

GEOG 658 - Advanced Ecohydrology (4)

Interdisciplinary exploration of the interactions between plants and hydrologic processes, with an emphasis on primary literature. Topics covered include evapotranspiration, subsurface water storage in time and space, plant water relations, isotopes in water, biogeographical patterns, modeling, field methods, and the role of ecohydrology in Earth’s climate system. Mandatory field trip. Prerequisite: Enrolled in a graduate program. Students with credit for GEOG 418 may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 665 - Relational Geographies of Conquest and Liberation (4)

An exploration of theories and geographies of conquest and liberation to analyze present-day struggles for abolition and decolonization. We will weave epistemologies from across the globe understand how different struggles for liberation are spatially connected amid colonialism, racial capitalism and empire.

GEOG 671 - Doctoral Qualifying Exams (1)

A one term course that will allow students to complete the qualifying exam. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: GEOG 600.

GEOG 677 - Msc Thesis Proposal (1)

A one term course that will allow students to complete the Thesis Proposal. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: GEOG 600, GEOG 601 and GEOG 606.

GEOG 678 - MA Thesis Proposal (1)

A one term course that will allow students to complete the Thesis Proposal. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: GEOG 600, GEOG 601 and GEOG 603.

GEOG 679 - PhD Thesis Proposal (1)

A one term course that will allow students to complete the Thesis Proposal. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: GEOG 600 and GEOG 671.

GEOG 681 - Law and the Geographies of Power (4)

Case studies of the inter-relations between the social and political construction of law and space. Equivalent Courses: GEOG755.

GEOG 686 - Advanced Health Geography (4)

Multiple approaches to relationships between health and place are discussed. This includes exploring underlying theories, concepts, and methods used by health geographers for traditional and contemporary research. Students who have taken GEOG 486 may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 691 - Directed Readings (4)

Students may only take this course once during their program. Equivalent Courses: GEOG791.

GEOG 697 - MSc Thesis (18)

Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

GEOG 698 - MA Thesis (18)

Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

GEOG 699 - PhD Thesis (18)

Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Students with credit for GEOG 799 may not take this course for further credit.