Geography
Program Description
Geography is the science of space and place. Geographers study spatial distributions and relations within Earth’s human-environment systems, incorporating historic and contemporary human activities within the context of the biophysical and cultural environments, and the emergence of humanity as one of the major agents of change on Earth. The geography program exposes students to many of the tools and technologies employed by earth science professionals, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
The Geography Major
The Associate in Arts Degree in Geography provides for a liberal education and prepares one for positions in business, government, environmental consulting, resource management, teaching, and service in foreign areas. Many geography courses satisfy GE requirements and appeal to the major and non-major alike. Coursework in geography, which includes Geographic Information Systems (GIS), prepares students for a wide range of jobs that employ computers to gather, manipulate, analyze and report spatial data. There is rapid growth in the use of GIS in natural resource management, urban planning, marketing, real estate, criminology, emergency services, public health, scientific research and many other areas. GIS courses are also useful for transfer students in geography and other environmental and natural science-oriented disciplines. GIS is an important tool for many other disciplines which use maps and spatially referenced data.
GEOG 101 Physical Geography (3 Units)
Same as: ERTH 141
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
A spatial study of Earth's dynamic physical systems and processes. Interrelationships between the basic elements of the physical and human environments are examined, including geology (plate tectonics; volcanoes and earthquakes), geomorphology (formation and modification of landforms; river, coastal, and glacial processes), meteorology (Earth's atmosphere; weather and climate), and hydrology (water on Earth).
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area A Lecture
Transfer Information: CSUGE Area B1, IGETC Area 5A, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
C-ID: GEOG 110, GEOG 115.
GEOG 101L Physical Geography Laboratory (1 Unit)
Same as: ERTH 141L
Corequisites: GEOG 101/ERTH 141.
Hours: 54 (54 lab)
Laboratory approach to a combination of earth science disciplines, including cartography, geology, geomorphology, meteorology and oceanography. Remote sensing techniques are utilized in 75% of laboratory activities.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area A Lab
Transfer Information: CSUGE Area B3, IGETC Area 5C, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
C-ID: GEOG 111, GEOG 115.
GEOG 102 Human Geography (3 Units)
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
An interpretation of the cultural elements of the geographic landscape and the study of human's changing relationship with the environment. Investigates culture and human processes as seen in global patterns of population and migration patterns, language, religion, political and economic systems, urbanization, and human impact on the physical world.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area E5
Transfer Information: CSUGE Area D5, IGETC Area 4E, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
C-ID: GEOG 120.
GEOG 104 World Regional Geography (3 Units)
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
A global survey of cultural regions, people and environments. Geographic methodologies are employed to evaluate people, resources, landscapes, livelihoods and economies across eleven major geographic regions. The gap between developed and undeveloped economies, global roles and interconnections of countries and regions, and conflicting pressures between cultural diversity and globalization are analyzed.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area E5
Transfer Information: CSUGE Area D5, IGETC Area 4E, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
C-ID: GEOG 125.
GEOG 105 Economic Geography (3 Units)
Same as: ERTH 142
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
Explores the impact humans have on their environment and on each other through resource exploitation and economic activity. Investigates the development and global impact of diverse geographies, the effect of place on economic sectors, and the role of place in strengthening or weakening economies. Also addresses regional patterns of principal economic activities of the world, with an emphasis on economic development, urbanization, transportation and the environment.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B
Transfer Information: CSUGE Area D2, CSUGE Area D5, IGETC Area 4E, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
GEOG 106 Geography Of California (3 Units)
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
A non-technical survey of the wide variety of natural and human environments found in California. Includes a regional study of physical landscapes, economic activities, characteristics of population, cities and rural areas, and current environmental problems. California's interaction with other parts of the U.S. and world is also covered.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B
Transfer Information: CSUGE Area D5, IGETC Area 4E, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
C-ID: GEOG 140.
GEOG 107 Geography of The Middle East/North Africa and Southwest Asia (3 Units)
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
This course explores the strategic location of the region, significance in world history, origins and development of culture, the impact of water and petroleum on the region, and the evolving geopolitics. This course attempts to explain, describe, and identify some of the pressing issues in the region through the lens of spatial relationships and locational significance.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area E5
Transfer Information: CSUGE Area D, IGETC Area 4, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
GEOG 123 Geography field studies- Death Valley (2 Units)
Corequisites: GEOG 101 or GEOG 106 or GEOG 152 or ERTH 111 or ERTH 111H or ERTH 112 or ERTH 114 or ERTH 115 or ERTH 141 or ERTH 152 or ERTH 151 or BOT 100 BOT 121 or ENVS 115.
Hours: 75 (21 lecture, 54 lab)
Prerequisite or A five-day Geography field study course in the Death Valley region. The course will assess, examine, and interpret the geography of the region. Topics include examination of the following in the Death Valley: climate, weather, tectonic processes, biogeography and human interaction with the region. A fee is required. See the Earth and Planetary Sciences department for details.
Transfer Information: CSUGE Area B3, IGETC Area 5C, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
GEOG 152 Weather and Climate (3 Units)
Same as: ERTH 152
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
Fundamentals of meteorology, including the nature of the atmosphere, solar radiation and energy balances, circulation of the atmosphere, air masses and fronts, atmospheric moisture, clouds and fog, precipitation, cyclones, weather analysis and forecasting, climate, and climate change.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area A Lecture
Transfer Information: CSUGE Area B1, IGETC Area 5A, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
C-ID: GEOG 130.
GEOG 152L Weather and Climate Laboratory (1 Unit)
Same as: ERTH 152L
Corequisites: GEOG 152 or ERTH 152.
Hours: 54 (54 lab)
Laboratory approach to topics covered in the Weather and Climate lecture (ERTH 152/GEOG 152). Exercises introduce fundamentals of meteorology, including the nature of the atmosphere, circulation of the atmosphere, air temperature and humidity, and weather analysis and forecasting. Students collect and analyze a variety of environmental data.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area A Lab
Transfer Information: CSUGE Area B3, IGETC Area 5C, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
GEOG 171 Introduction To Geographic Information Systems And Maps (2 Units)
Same as: ERTH 171
Corequisites: GEOG 172 or ERTH 172.
Hours: 36 (36 lecture)
Techniques, tools and theories used to examine geographic information. Includes the structure, uses, and basic operations of a Geographic Information System (GIS). Cartography and cartographic design are incorporated, as well as overviews of aerial photography, remote sensing, and global positioning systems. Includes uses of GIS software in business, urban planning, resource management and scientific research.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
C-ID: GEOG 155.
GEOG 172 Geographic Information Systems: Software Applications (2 Units)
Same as: ERTH 172
Corequisites: GEOG 171 or ERTH 171.
Hours: 54 (27 lecture, 27 lab)
Extensive practice with a GIS package, accompanied by exploration of the range of applications in which GIS is used (resource management, public works, business, planning, scientific research). Covers key skills for operating GIS software packages, including geographical data acquisition, creation, management, analysis and output.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
C-ID: GEOG 155.
GEOG 299 Independent Study In Geography (1-3 Units)
Limitations on Enrollment: Completion of a minimum of 12 units at SBCC, with a 2.5 G.P.A., and a minimum of 6 units, with a 3.0 G.P.A. within the department Student works under guidance and direction of sponsoring faculty member on project consistent with interests and abilities.
Hours: 144 (144 lab)
Minimal weekly meetings required. May be taken for one to three (3) units of credit; each unit of credit requires student to devote approximately three (3) hours per week to his/her project. For complete information, see "Independent Study" in the Catalog Index.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable