Courses

This course examines the physical processes that shape our planet including: elements of weather and climate; landform creation and change; formation and distribution of soils and biological systems; and the hydrologic cycle. Emphasis is placed on the strong links between processes, patterns and phenomena of our earth-atmosphere system. We explore these topics through lecture, reading, discussion, practical exercises and field work.

Humans are at once shaping their landscape and being shaped by the landscape. This course encourages critical thinking about the relationships between humans and their environment and considers our own positions in the complex matrix of human-environmental interdependencies. We will explore a variety of sub-fields in human geography including economic, environmental, cultural, historical, political, urban and/or agricultural geographies. After developing a foundation for spatial analysis and understanding interdependencies, students are prepared to pursue more human geography courses and to ask geographic questions about contemporary issues and problems in the world today.

 
World culture regions: economic development, paths of cultural evolution, bases for political organization and resource appraisals; persistence of cultural differentiation in face of increasing interdependence, cultural transfer, and common threats to humanity.

This course is an introduction to ecological and environmental systems, processes, and problems at global, state, and local levels.  Through lecture and labs we will examine ecosystems, natural resources, and earth processes and their interactions with the human environment. 

 
Quantitative approaches to geographic problem solving, research methods and techniques: the interpretation and analysis of maps, aerial photographs, and remote sensing images; extraction of quantitative information from maps & images, the measurement and creation of geographical quantitative information such as distance, direction, and elevation; statistical summary of numerical observations including data classification and dispersion, measures of central tendency and dispersion, regression and correlation, and geographical spatial statistics; Geographic Information Systems for creation and analysis of quantitative spatial information.

This course is an overview of geographic research methods and techniques. Topics covered include: research design, field and archival data collection, statistical analysis, topographic map reading, and introduction to remote sensing and GIS. Emphasis is on practical application of the techniques, skills, and methods presented. Fall & Spring.

Bay Area Environments is an introduction to the complex nature of human and environmental evolution in San Francisco’s Bay Area. We will explore the origins of Native American & European settlement, landforms, water, weather, climate and ecosystems, anthropogenic changes across the region, and the future of the Bay Area environment.

 
This course is about geomorphology, the study of earth's landforms, and the internal and surface processes that form its surface: mountain-building and continental scale tectonic processes, volcanoes, rock weathering processes, hillslopes, fluvial (streams), coastal, wind, glaciers, karst, and the significance of structure, climate and human activities. Field trips to Lassen Volcanic National Park to see volcanic, glacial, fluvial, hillslope and weathering phenomena (3-day) and the San Mateo Coast (1-day).

 
This course examines the physical characteristics, processes and controlling mechanisms of Earth's climate system and the patterns of its change across both space and time. Fundamentals of Earth's atmospheric composition, heat budget, motion and water will be covered with a focus on global climate change, regional climate variability and the climate of California. Students will develop and strengthen analytical skills through labs on computer based; processing and analysis of observational data; simple climate change modeling and graphic presentation of analysis to peers and through a culminating research project builds on these skills. Fall.

 
This course investigates interactions between climate and the biosphere, including both climatic controls on biological functioning and vice-versa, especially modification and use of climate by plants and humans. We combine theoretical study with applications in agriculture and forestry, urban design and air pollution. Topics explored include ecosystem-atmosphere cycles of water, carbon and energy, human thermoregulation, urban climates and surface winds. Students participate actively in learning through weekend fieldwork, data interpretation, reading and classroom discussions.

 
Biogeography: the study of the distribution of life—the history, extent, limits and interactions of species. Critical biophysical processes start at the global extent (climate, ocean currents), range through the regional scale (mountain ranges, river systems) and operate locally (slope, aspect, soil development). These biophysical factors—and all life—have been shaped by change over geologic and evolutionary time. More recently, the distribution of life has been influenced by human activity. By the end of this course you should have a better understanding of biophysical factors that influence the abundance and distribution of life, and how these factors have been shaped through geologic time. You should have a grasp on how human history and development influences the distribution of life in more recent time. You will come away with a better understanding of how dynamic are species’ distributions in a constantly changing world.

 
Soils lie at the intersection of all areas of physical geography: they develop as a result of environmental factors of climate and surface hydrology; on parent material developed from local bedrock and sediments; are modified by local geomorphic processes and topographic relationships; and co-evolve with biotic systems such as plant communities and microorganisms. The relationship between soils and humans is profound: agriculture depends on soils, yet human misuse is the major cause of soil degradation. In this course, students learn how soils form from the interplay of these factors, how and where they develop their essential properties (texture, structure, moisture, chemical nutrients, organisms, etc.), and how we can best sustain them as an essential natural resource.

This course is designed to provide an introduction to surface water hydrology. We will explore surface water hydrological processes, focusing on how precipitation and snowmelt become streamflow, evapotranspiration, and groundwater. This course will provide students with a strong understanding of how water moves across Earth’s surface. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of watershed hydrology. Students will be able to apply hydrologic principles in considering management of water resources to achieve social objectives. Also offered as ERTH 442.

Geography 402 focuses on collective human causes of and response to natural hazards.  The emphasis is on the human-environmental interactions that may result in natural disasters to human lives and properties. The course has four objectives: (1) Understand the physical processes that may lead to detrimental outcome to human lives and properties, which sets the foundation for the second objective; (2) Survey historical hazard causes and coping strategies, i.e., why natural processes would become disastrous to human societies and how humans make trade-offs between gains and losses in hazardous environment, which leads to the third objective; (3) Evaluate current natural hazard mitigation with case studies of recent and/or major natural disasters in order to gain insights into the role of stakeholders in mitigation strategies, which establishes a framework for the fourth objective; (4) Apply basic concepts and tools for hazard mitigation, focusing on hazard prevention (management) instead of disaster (emergency) response, and developing a conceptual framework of sustainable development in human-environmental interaction.

 
Geography of the future. Programs from an economic point of view and economic development from an ecological point of view, including the potential productivity of various regions. Future environments of North America.

 
This course explores people's interpretations of their environment and the links between environmental perception and behavior, highlighting the important work done by geographers. We begin at a personal scale and proceed to broader scales, examining the representation of nature, the social construction of nature and variations in the perception and social construction of environmental problems.

 
Explores geographic frameworks linking gender and environment and examines how they have influenced the practice of development. Case studies from US, Latin America, Africa and Asia. Topics include global restructuring, gender-population-environment.

 
Location and geographic distribution of the world's major types of production and associated systems of distribution and consumption; interpretation of economic activities in relation to various features of the environment.

 
Investigation of the location and distribution of world agricultural production and the environmental forces influencing agricultural organization and food supply. Problems in U.S. and California agriculture are analyzed. Field trip to organic and conventional farms.

Exploration of movements for sustainable and urban agriculture, local and regional food systems, food justice and food sovereignty; consideration of ecological, economic, and political aspects of building alternative food systems locally, nationally, and internationally. Field trips and community service required. 

 
Geographic characteristics of cities in relation to evolution, morphology, and function. The internal and external relationships of diversified urban areas. (Also offered as URBS 432. May not be repeated under alternate prefix.)

 
We will examine the relationship between cities and transportation, with an emphasis on the Bay Area. The course includes a review of trends, history, and current issues in urban transportation in the United States and Bay Area. Other topics include the transportation planning process, environmental concerns, and financing urban transport. Throughout the semester we will consider a variety of mobility choices and investments that are being considered in the Bay Area. Students are expected to attend all lectures, conduct all outside readings, and undertake an in-depth, semester-long research project on an urban transportation issue. Students are also required to take one of two field trips. 

 
Geographies of health; the role place plays in determining the quality of health status, and in shaping access to and use of health care. Also offered as HED 434. May not be repeated under an alternate prefix.

 
The course explores examples of global transportation trends, policies and debates, and compares them to the Bay Area, California, and the US. We begin with an overview of the global proliferation of automobiles, and look at implications for global natural resources and the environment. Specifically, we examine the relationship between the globalization of automobiles and oil. Next, the course offers a comparison of key themes in transportation, including: (1) Road building in the Bay Area and a discussion of the politics of road building. We'll then review some case studies of road building politics around the world. (2) Transit policy in the Bay Area will include a review of San Francisco's “transit first” approach, the funding debate surrounding MUNI, and then a case study profile of Zurich, Switzerland. (3) Bicycling's re-emergence as utilitarian urban transportation mode and bicycling trends in San Francisco.

Bicycle Geographies topics include planning for bicycling in cities, bicycle culture, bicycle politics, and local, national, and global bicycling trends. There are numerous bicycle field trips in and around San Francisco.  The class will also partner with SF State's Transportation Committee to survey bicycling trends at SF State and assist in the annual "bike to campus" event in May.
The course is part of CSU’s “Campus as Living Lab Program.” It is designed to help campus planners and policy makers understand and remove obstacles to bicycling, including physical, psychological, and cultural. The course is designed to address two overarching questions:
1.  Why do so few students, faculty, and staff bicycle to SF State’s Campus?
2.  How can SF State increase the mode share of bicycling from 4 percent to 10-20 percent (this is a mode split comparable to the City of San Francisco goals)?

Physical and cultural geographic factors in and between political-territorial units. Effects of resource distribution, political motivations and ideologies on establishing territorial sovereignty. Also offered as IR 445. May not be repeated under alternate prefix.

 
Selected geographic themes--accessibility, spatial interaction, land use, urban agriculture, environmental justice, and the relationships between technology, values, and the environment -- as expressed in the neighborhoods of San Francisco and the Bay Area.

 
The spatial structure and organization of ethnic communities as illustrated by reference to San Francisco and other American cities.

This writing- and research-intensive course guides students through an interdisciplinary investigation of climate change, including the causes, environmental and societal impacts, as well as mitigation and adaptation strategies and their implementation. The class bridges the traditional human and physical branches of geography and the environmental sciences, engaging a range of methods to deepen understanding of this complex environmental issue. ​

 
Anglo-America's physiography, climates, vegetation, soils, natural resources; the effect on development of industry, commerce, and population distribution.

 
This course examines California’s physical & social diversity and explores contemporary issues & controversies in geographic context. You'll learn more about the state in which we live – where things are, why they are where they are, how natural and social patterns are interrelated, and why this matters. You’ll learn to reflect critically upon your own roles and responsibilities in shaping California’s future.

 
Geographic environment of China and impact on modern socioeconomic development. Environmental and resource challenges, regional development strategies, and geopolitical imperatives.

 
Ecological approach to nature and the landscape. Human populations, natural resources, and environmental quality, from both global and local perspectives.

 
Application of field methods in human geography. Research methodologies and design including interviewing, surveying, ethnographic methods, and archival research. (Paired with GEOG 701. Students who complete GEOG 701 may not take GEOG 601 for credit.

 
Application of field methods to physical geography. Research methods and experimental design for field-based data collection including: geomorphic surveying, biometric sampling and atmospheric measurement and monitoring. Paired with GEOG 702. Students who complete GEOG 602 may not take GEOG 702 for credit.

 
This course is an introduction to computer-based geographic analysis and problem-solving. It covers the fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology and how it is being applied in various disciplines. Students will learn how to collect, organize, analyze, and display geographic data. Each student will complete a series of lab exercises that exemplify the typical steps in a GIS project. The course will culminate with students carrying out their own GIS project. Esri ArcGIS software will be used for the laboratory portion of the course.

Environmental data science is the array of methods for turning raw data into understanding as applied to environmental research. An exploratory data analysis approach is employed where visualization of data in time and space can lead to insight and hypothesis development. Major topics include time-series analysis, geospatial methods employing open-source tools in the R language, and employing innovations in graphics and maps.

GEOG 606 Cartography (Units: 3)
Prerequisite: GEOG 205 or equivalent.
Theory and practice in modern thematic cartography; compilation and classification of geospatial data sets; the role of scale and projections in thematic maps; theory and practice in cartographic symbolization, visualization, and communication; ethics in geospatial visualization; issues in implementing cartographic visualizations in web and GIS environments. Classwork, 2 units; laboratory, 1 unit. Lab fee required.
 
 

 
Introduction to remote sensing and digital image processing. Image acquisition, physical background, image interpretation. Display and enhancement of digital images, radiometric and geometric corrections, image transformations, classification using ERDAS Imagine.

Advanced remote sensing and digital image processing. Selected topics cover corrections of topographic effects, orthoimage and DEM generation from stereo images, advanced classification algorithms, and hyperspectral imaging using ERDAS Imagine and ENVI software. The class ends with object-oriented image analysis (OBIA) using eCognition.

 
This course is an advanced GIS course with emphasis on vector data model and analysis. The first half is about spatial analysis which includes data models, data acquisition, and model builder. The second half introduces the Geodatabase model and its functions such as domains, relationships, topology, and network analysis. Direct experience in the use of GIS tools is emphasized, in particular ArcGIS.

 
GIS methods applied to environmental analysis. Many applications in environmental science, geosciences, conservation biology, physical geography. Topics and methods covered: (1) raster and surface display methods; (2) raster spatial analysis methods; (3) geomorphic surface analysis; and (4) spatial statistics and geostatistical interpolation of surfaces from environmental samples.

 
In this course, we learn a suite of methods that allow us to use programming logic to automate and build tools for desktop and web-based GIS and remote sensing. We’ll start by exploring Python, an object-oriented scripting language, to process desktop data for conversion of imagery, GIS, field survey and LiDAR data. Then we’ll shift to using Javascript to build functional GIS tools and interactive maps on the web, using APIs for Google Maps and ArgGIS.

 
GIS for partial analysis to support coastal and marine research. Benthic habitat mapping, mapping and visualization for coastal/marine applications, spatial analysis of marine animal movements, habitat modeling and mapping of marine protected areas.

 
This course explores watersheds and methods of geomorphic assessment and restoration of hillslopes and stream systems. Begins with an exploration of the properties and processes of watersheds, their slope materials, soils and land-use characteristics, and the forms and processes of the stream network that drains them. Assessment methods will apply GIS technology to problems of hillslope runoff and soil erosion, interpretation of runoff-discharge relationships, and modeling the effects of changing land use. Field trips to Bay Area streams and restoration sites.

This course explores the physical and social properties of water quality including analytical techniques and mitigation, state and federal regulations, public policy and environmental justice in local, regional, and global contexts. Topics include the social, physical, and chemical properties of water and pollutants. We will discuss the extent and significance of critical issues related to water quality in different environments.

 
Knowledge of physical coastal and ocean processes is necessary to analyze and evaluate the many issues of coastal and marine conservation that we are confronted with today. 70% of the world is covered by water, and 60% of the global population lives close to the shore. Students concerned with conservation of marine resources need to be able to identify and critically appraise the various topics in marine resources that are quickly becoming of concern.

This course explores water availability and the human development, use and abuse of water resources in local, regional and global contexts. Topics include basic hydrology; urban and agricultural water supply; legal, political, social, economic, biological, perceptual and environmental issues in water development; and comparison of goals and strategies for sustainable water resource management. Divergent solutions to water-related issues and controversies. Field trip to Sacramento Valley, Oroville and Whiskeytown Reservoirs.

From the air we breathe, the food we eat, to the soil we walk on, we are inextricably part of the world around us. As human populations have grown, and our impact on the world around us has escalated, we have begun to “protect” areas from ourselves. Parks, wilderness and other protected areas are largely designed to limit human use and impacts; they are designed to preserve “natural” landscapes and allow biota to persist. In this course we will examine the emergence of protected areas over time, discussing their objectives and variety. The scope will be global with a particular focus on the US and our own Northern California region. There will be emphasis on both the social context of conservation and the vital role of science informing the process. At the end of this course you should have a richer understanding of why areas are protected, how they are managed, and what tradeoffs are involved in protecting them.

 
Our environment is our home; we live in it, we depend on it, we alter it, and the cycle goes on. In this class we will explore a variety of environmental issues in the SF Bay Area. By no means will this be a comprehensive list, nor will it be an exhaustive investigation into any one issue. Instead, we will see a cross section of issues that affect our home and our lives, past, present and future. It is more important, however, to learn how to analyze environmental issues than to memorize a list of them. We will focus on understanding the underlying physical processes and investigate solutions and their consequences. Every problem has a complex social context.

 
The term “environmental impact assessment” carries multiple meanings in the US. From a policy perspective, it refers to the public’s right to know about the environmental consequences of government actions. From a scientific perspective, it refers to methods of predicting the environmental consequences of proposed projects. From an administrative perspective, it refers to the process decision makers must go through to make environmental decisions, and the process of engaging the public in environmental decisions. The term can refer to both federal policy (NEPA) and state policy (CEQA) and related environmental laws. This course introduces you to all these views, focusing primarily on NEPA and CEQA. As you become familiar with the policy, administration, and science of EIA, you’ll be better able to engage the process to influence decisions affecting the environment.

 
Management of forest, range and wildlife, including the agencies involved in managing natural resources and relevant laws and policies. Exercises, labs, and field trips will include methods for assessing, measuring and monitoring natural resources, including statistics and geographic information systems will be provided. Field trips to meet experts in the field and examine current problems and solutions within natural resource management. Learning objectives: Understand laws and policies that govern natural resource management.1) Learn methods used in measuring forest, rangeland, and wildlife resources. 2) Write a lab report accurately, concisely, and with precision. 3) Understanding the controversies and complexities in resource management

 
Geography includes the study of human interaction with both natural ecosystems and the human-built environment. Land use policy and planning is at the nexus of this spatial interaction. In the U.S. over 80% of the population lives in a metropolitan area, and this has a significant impact on environmental and social problems found at local, regional, national, and global scales. In this course we will survey contemporary land use and urban growth issues common in the Bay Area and in other US metropolitan areas. The course will review the land use planning process, and consider the problems of sprawl and the package of “smart growth” solutions currently being promoted. The course covers general plans, zoning, environmental review, and selected topics of relevance to the Bay Area such as housing and open space.

 
Geographical analysis of waste. Alternative solutions focusing on the San Francisco Bay Area: development and implementation of resource management programs.

 
Training in the teaching of geography. Responsibilities include working with supervising faculty to review and prepare course materials, tutor students, conduct small discussion groups and give brief lectures/demonstrations. May be repeated for a total of 3 units.

Practical geographic assignments with sponsoring agencies. May be repeated when different internships are undertaken to a maximum of 6 units.
Internship Guidelines
Internship Agreement
 

 
Conceptualization, production and applications of writing in Geography and Environmental Science. Review of academic literature, research paper production, building a resume and portfolio, delivering scholarly presentations. Assignments submitted in draft, peer-edited, revised & resubmitted to departmental competency standards.

 
Supervised study of a particular problem selected by the student in consultation with the adviser. May be repeated for a total of 3 units.

 
Methods of statistical analysis and review of their use in geographic literature; univariate and multivariate analysis, graphical presentation; statistical software. Geographical analysis of waste. Alternative solutions focusing on the San Francisco Bay Area: development and implementation of resource management programs.

 
International/global policy making process and responses to critical environmental problems confronting the world as well as underlying causes such as population explosion and energy consumption. Policy choices, negotiating strategies, and outcomes. (Also offered as IR 735. May not be repeated under alternate prefix.)

 
Management and planning concepts and their application to problems in resource development and environmental protection. History of environmental management and policy, national and international problems in environmental management.

 
Training in the teaching of geography. Responsibilities include working with supervising faculty to review and prepare course materials, tutor students, conduct small discussion groups and give brief lectures/demonstrations. May be repeated for a total of 3 units.

 
This seminar serves as an introduction to graduate study in geography. Nature and historical development of our field; scope and method of contemporary American geography (themes, concepts, methods, models and problems); professional and scholarly ethics; grad program logistics; strategies for successful completion of Masters work.

 
An investigation of selected themes in geomorphology, beginning with a general look at theories of fluvial landform development, followed by review of more specialized systems. Discussions of geomorphic processes and applications of this science to problems in environmental management.

Various topics in climatology are investigated focusing on interaction between the surface and the atmosphere and additional topics to be selected according to student interests.

 
An analysis of the current issues in biogeography in US, such as biogeographic thought, distribution and habitat modeling, urban ecology, disturbance biogeography, and human effects on biodiversity, with additional emphasis on California ecosystems. Field trips explore local and statewide ecosystems.

 
The theoretical development of GIScience with emphasis on exploring and discussing research literature in geographic information systems, remote sensing and spatial analysis.

 
Investigation of the development of this subfield in cultural geography with special emphasis on concepts of innovation and diffusion, emerging views on social responsibility within the discipline, and applications to contemporary life.

 
Seminar in geographic theory, methods of analysis, and research techniques relating to urban areas.

 
Nature and status of environmental planning, including contemporary themes and research trends. Application of geographic concepts, methods, and research techniques. (Also offered as PA 858. May not be repeated under alternate prefix.) 

 
Development of research project basic to projected M.A. or M.S. thesis. Formulation of research question, appropriate bibliographic search, database, analytic techniques, final thesis, description for culminating experience. May be repeated twice. CR/NC grading only.

 
Study is planned, developed, and completed under the direction of a member of the departmental faculty. Open only to graduate students who have demonstrated ability to do independent work. Enrollment by petition. May be repeated for a total of 3 units.