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Bachelor
of Arts in Geography
Geography is a broad, multidisciplinary field of study
and research investigating the relationships among things, phenomena,
people and processes on the earth's surface. Since Geography incorporates
many elements from other disciplines in the sciences and social sciences,
the UCW degree is designed as a Bachelor of Arts in Geography. The
degree program begins by establishing a broad background in the humanities,
social sciences, and science, then follows with a solid grounding
in the scientific principles and techniques of modern geography. A
special emphasis is on quantitative measurement, documentation and
interpretation that utilize GIS/Computer science. This broadly conceived,
but scientifically focused program will qualify UCW graduates for
postgraduate programs and for the diverse positions employing geographers.
| Term-4:
Geography Courses |
| 16. |
GEOG 105 The Science of Geography |
| 17. |
BUSM 307 International Business |
| 18. |
GEOG 207 Geomorphology |
| 19. |
GEOG 208 Weather and Climate |
| 20. |
GEOG 209 Cultural and Population Geography
OR
ANTH 200 Aboriginal Peoples of Canada |
|
| Term
5: Geography Courses |
| 21. |
GEOG 301 Geographic Information Systems I: display, query
and mapping |
| 22. |
GEOG 302 Remote Sensing I: air photos and other sensors |
| 23. |
GEOG 303 Biogeography
OR
CHTS 303 National Parks and their Role |
| 24. |
BUSM 310 Tourism |
| 25. |
MATH 209 Statistics |
|
| Term
6: Geography Courses |
| 26. |
GEOG 311 Geographic Information Systems 2: spatial analysis
and modeling |
| 27. |
GEOG 312 Remote Sensing 2: digital image analysis OR
CHTS 304 Ethical Issues in Tourism |
| 28. |
GEOG 304 Urban and Economic Geography
|
| 29. |
CHTS 305 Tourism and Ecology |
| 30. |
GEOG 315 Directed Studies in Regional Geography (of Canada) |
|
| Term
7: Geography Specialty Courses |
| 31. |
CHTS 400 UNESCO and World Heritage |
| 32. |
GEOG 412 Directed studies in Physical Geography |
| 33. |
GEOG 413 Directed studies in Urban/Economic Geography |
| 34. |
CDRS 313 Research Methodology |
| 35. |
GEOG 415 Advanced Computer Mapping and Geographic Display |
|
| Term
8: Capstone Courses |
| 36. |
CAPS 407 Cultural and Political Systems |
| 37. |
CAPS 408 Major Scientific and Technical Discoveries |
| 38. |
CAPS 409 Ecosystems and Sustainable Development |
| 39. |
GRES 400/401 Graduation Essay |
|
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Concentration Course Descriptions:
16.
GEOG 105 The Science of Geography
An integrated study
of the earth’s surface and atmosphere, and their interaction
in hosting a complex biosphere which includes human activities. Methodological
themes and concepts include spatial location, inquiry and analysis,
aerial differentiation, environmental systems, place, regions and
diffusion in time and space.
17.
BUSM 307 International Business
This course will develop an understanding of the dynamics of managing locally while operating globally. Investigation of the unique characteristics of global competition including the macro-economic environment, marketplace interaction, international financial institutions, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and government policy will be undertaken.
18.
GEOG 207 Geomorphology
The analysis of surface
land forms, beginning with the structural context of earth-surface
conditions, but focusing on the effects of exogenic processes and
the dynamic nature of the land surface.
19.
GEOG 208 Weather and Climate
The atmosphere, global
circulation, energy and heat exchange. Global climatic regions and
weather systems, including cyclonic storms and extremes. Synoptic
meteorology; fluctuation, cyclical and changing climate. Course content
will include the role of human activity on weather and climate.
20.
GEOG 209 Cultural and Population Geography
Diffusion and distribution
of people and societies on the earth's surface. Population growth,
ethnicity, class, gender, politics, and cultural landscapes will be
described and analyzed and related to settlement patterns and resource
use.
20a.
ANTH 200 Aboriginal Peoples
Introduction to the history and culture of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. Social and economic structures and practices; relationships to Canadian governments and non-Aboriginal cultures; language variety; oral and written traditions; the archaeological record.
21.
GEOG 301 Geographic Information Systems 1: display query and mapping
An introduction to the properties and utility of raster and vector-based data in Geographical Information Systems, and the computer-based display, query and mapping of such data.
22.
GEOG 302 Remote Sensing I: Air Photos an
23.
GEOG 303 Biogeography
Geographical aspects
of the evolution, dispersal and distribution of life on earth. Some
emphasis will be placed on understanding significant biomes, their
ecological characteristics and their adjustment to population growth,
socio-economic change and global climatic change.
23a. CHTS 303 National Parks and their Role
The history and development of North American national parks as heritage and recreation sites. Principles of management, ecological sustainability, development funding, tourism access, and marketing of park resources. Interaction between government and private enterprise in regard to park management and policy issues.
24.
BUSM 310 Tourism
The course is an introduction to the world of tourism management. It examines the elements that make up the largest industry in the world, including destinations, infrastructure, intermediaries and travel services with examination of the role of the Internet in delivering a virtual service. The course incorporates the managerial functions that direct the tourism processes with an emphasis on marketing, human resources, financial aspects and the need for sustainability and environmental responsibility. It presents a variety of models that will assist the student to understand the industry and a manager's role within a global tourism. Broad ranging topics will include industry initiatives, government regulation, and research factors such as demographics, transportation, niches such as eco-tourism, the hospitality industry, new directions, and other relevant elements that drive consumer behaviour.
25.
MATH 209 Statistics
This course's goal is to give students an appreciation of statistical thinking for Business applications. The need for an understanding of statistical methods increases as data-based decisions strengthen and the amount and availability of data increases. Students will be provided a statistical toolkit. The decision making process under uncertainty is largely based on application of statistics for probability assessment of uncontrollable events (or factors). Other applications focus on risk assessment of decisions.
26.
GEOG 311 Geographic Information Systems 2: spatial analysis
and modeling
Spatial analysis, including but not limited to multiple overlay, buffering, shortest route, Thiessen polygon, surface mapping, residuals and nearest neighbour analysis will be described and utilized in an intense computer-based practical course.
27.
GEOG 312 Remote Sensing 2: digital image analysis
Computer-based techniques of digital image analysis including advanced approaches to spectral analysis, classification, modeling, edge detection, change detection and scaling.
27a.
CHTS 304 Ethical Issues in Tourism
World Tourism Organization’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism; mutual benefits for tourism and host communities; rights of access and responsibilities of tourists, rights and responsibilities of tourism workers and entrepreneurs in relation to residents of local sites. Preservation and sustainability needs of local sites in relation to economic development.
28.
GEOG 304 Urban and Economic Geography
The development and
contemporary distribution of urban and economic activities. Central
place hierarchies and contemporary urbanization, industrial and residential
location, agricultural and urban land use, transportation and regional
economic development will be described and discussed.
29.
CHTS 305 Tourism and Ecology
Eco-tourism and principles of sustainability; the natural environment, including wildlife and ecosystems, as parts of heritage; Aboriginal rights in relation to ecological tourism; dangers, benefits and responsibilities of environmental tourism; rights of ecological tourism. Government’s role in regard to preservation and development.
30.
GEOG 315 Directed Studies in Regional Geography (of Canada)
The physical and human geography of Canada as a whole with some focus on the west coast. The country and region of focus will change as the program is offered in locations other than Victoria BC.
31.
CHTS 400 UNESCO and World Heritage
World heritage sites in relation to national heritage and international access; UNESCO’S role in the history, preservation and development of world heritage sites; principles of sustainable tourism in relation to both built and natural sites. The economics of world heritage sites. World heritage sites and globalism.
32.
GEOG 412 Directed studies in Physical Geography
Students will select areas of interest within physical geography and be directed to apply learned geographical techniques in their studies: these may include Geographical Information Science, laboratory and field study.
33.
CHTS 304 Ethical Issues in Tourism
World Tourism Organization’s
Global Code of Ethics for Tourism; mutual benefits for tourism and
host communities; rights of access and responsibilities of tourists,
rights and responsibilities of tourism workers and entrepreneurs in
relation to residents of local sites. Preservation and sustainability
needs of local sites in relation to economic development.
34.
CDRS 313 Research Methodology
The course will examine research methodologies appropriate for business research. Topics examined include attributes of a good research topic, critical literature reviews, formulating the research design, primary vs. secondary data, negotiating access to data, research ethics, selecting samples, data collection methods, writing and presenting results. The intended outcome of this course is for the student to pick a topic for study, produce a written research proposal and prepare and submit a UCW Research Ethics Proposal within one month following completion of the course period, in preparation for CDS 410/411 Directed Research Project.
35.
GEOG 315 Directed Studies in Regional Geography (of Canada)
The physical and human
geography of Canada as a whole with some focus on the west coast.
The country and region of focus will change as the program is offered
in locations other than Victoria BC.
Capstone Courses
36.
CAPS 407 Cultural and Political Systems
The major religious, philosophical, historical and economic underpinnings of modern cultural and political systems will be evaluated in this course. The dynamics of religion and culture will be reviewed in the context of contemporary problems in diplomacy, including terrorism and military responses to current problems.
37.
CAPS 408 Major Scientific and Technological Discoveries
This course will investigate
broad issues such as evolution, relativity, geomics, plate techtonics,
earth systems, digital technologies and leading edge discoveries and
how they interact within a modern society.
38.
CAPS 409 Ecosystems and Sustainable Development
The ecology and interaction
of natural and human ecosystems, including energy systems and global
climate change, world fisheries, rain forests, deserts and their implication
for economic sustainable development.
39.
GRES 400/401 Graduation Essay
GRES 400/401 is an original essay on an approved topic related to the student’s degree program. It will be of a standard format, described at the beginning of the class. Normally, the essay will be 8,000 to 10,000 words long and, upon completion, will be presented live by the student towards the end of the term during a finishing residency experience.
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