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.