Program
Advisor: Ray Vander Zaag, Ph.D. (web page)The study of Geography concerns physical and human processes and interactions on the earth’s surface. Physical Geography asks where and why natural phenomena (such as weather, climate, soils, landforms, vegetation types) occur as they do. Human Geography asks why human and cultural elements (such as language, population, religion, agriculture, industry and conflict) are located as they are. Investigation of the interplay between physical factors and human factors is central to the discipline. Studies in Geography equip you to appreciate and care for creation, and prepare you for careers in education, conservation, planning, and resource industries.
At CMU, you can study Geography as a three-year major (minimum 30 credit hours) or as a minor (minimum 18 credit hours) within the Bachelor of Arts.
Go here for information about the
requirements of this program (PDF).
For specific
questions about this program, contact the Program
Advisor.
Find below a list of all the courses CMU offers in the field of Geography. CMU offers two introductory courses each year. Since we don’t offer sufficient courses to fulfil the requirements of a major or a minor in Geography, students will go as visiting students to other universities to complete the remaining requirements.
Courses
The following section contains a complete list of courses for its curriculum. For current course listings please see the Course Description section of our website.
GEOG-1000/3 Introduction to Physical Geography
(Formerly: 32.100/3): An examination of elements of the
physical environment such as weather, climate, hydrology,
landforms, soils, vegetation, and the processes producing
variations of these elements through time on the surface of
the earth. Examples of environmental interrelationships and
problems that affect people are emphasized.
GEOG-1010/3 Introduction to Human Geography (Formerly:
32.101/3): An examination of aspects of the human world.
Topics may include: distribution of human populations,
evolution of human societies, behavioural norms or cultures
of these societies, and the influence of culture in its various
manifestations (language, religion, customs, politics, etc.) on
the human landscape including settlement types, forms of
agriculture, and travel patterns. Attention is given to
environmental and cultural factors involved in the presentday
divisions between the “developed” and the “underdeveloped”
worlds.
GEOG-1030/3 Introduction to Environmental Studies (Formerly: 32.103/3): This course is a study of interactions
between humans and the environment: the natural systems
and resources upon which human activity depends, the
environmental problems that have resulted from human
activity, and the efforts being made toward environmental
sustainability. Environmental problems such as air and water
pollution, climate change, soil degradation and deforestation,
energy sustainability, and biodiversity are introduced with an
interdisciplinary perspective, using both Canadian and global
examples.
GEOG-2950/3 Topics in Geography (Formerly: 32.295/3):
The content of this course will vary from year to year,
depending on the needs of students and the interests and
availability of instructors.
GEOG-3950/3 Topics in Geography (Formerly: 32.395/3):
The content of this course will vary from year to year,
depending on the needs of students and the interests and
availability of instructors. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of
university level study and 6 credit hours of geography at the
1000- or 2000-level.
GEOG-4940/3 Independent Study in Geography (Formerly:
32.494/3): A study in a specific area of Geography under the
direction of a faculty member. Prerequisites: GEOG-1000/3 and
1010/3, an additional nine credit hours in Geography, and a
minimum of 60 credit hours of post-secondary education.
