Discipline: Geography Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Geography 4


COURSE DESCRIPTION
4 Geography of California Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
An introduction to California’s physical and cultural diversity as well as the issues facing individual regions and the state. The course emphasizes ethnic diversity, human alteration of the landscape, and contemporary social, economic, and environmental issues using maps and other geographic tools. Topics include regions, demographic trends, politics, climate, landforms, natural vegetation, water resources, the cultural landscape, our Native American past, urbanization, agriculture, and the challenges of the future. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
An introduction to California’s physical and cultural diversity as well as the issues facing individual regions and the state.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

Identify significant California physical and human features on maps.

Describe the main physical and human characteristics of each California region.

Articulate economic, social and political interactions between regions.

Evaluate current environmental issues e.g., air and water pollution from a geographic perspective.

Analyze spatial patterns of current economic development, e.g., industry, government, tourism, job opportunities, wages and labor structure.

Discuss current regional political tensions, e. g., northversus south in a manner that demonstrates the ability to understand multiple perspectives.

Articulate the complexities and politics of water availability and transfers through the state.

Demonstrate knowledge of historical and current population trends incuding transnational migration from Mexico and Middle America and other world regions.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. Northwest
    1.  Natural resources
    2.  Economic development strategies
    3.  Natural hazards
  2.  Northeast
    1.  Natural resources
    2.  Economic development strategies
    3.  Tourism
    4.  Natural hazards
  3.  Coast Ranges
    1.  Geology
    2.  Natural resources
    3.  Economic development
  4.  Central Valley
    1.  Agricultural abundance
    2.  Air and water pollution
    3.  Population trends
  5.  San Francisco Bay area
    1.  Globalization
    2.  Environmental activism
    3.  The service economy
  6.  Sierra Nevada
    1.  Geology
    2.  Tourism
    3.  Natural resources
  7.  Desert Areas
    1.  Ecological and biological diversity
    2.  Landscape development
    3.  Urbanization and pollution
  8.  Los Angeles area
    1.  Economic transformations
    2.  Population trends
    3.  Globalization and trade
  9.  San Bernardino and Riverside Counties
    1.  Population impacts
    2.  Urbanization
    3.  Pollution
  10.  San Diego
    1.  Economic trends
    2.  Population and immigration
    3.  Political tensions

Students are also assigned reading, writing and other outside assignments equivalent to two hours per one hour lecture.

 
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Class lectures/discussions/demonstrations from a geographic perspective about topics and issues facing California regions; 
  • Videos/films/PowerPoint presentations that provide additional content in addition to the textbook about the physical and human characteristics of each California region;
  • Pair and small group activities/discussions that require students to address social and cultural issues facing California regions and to critically examine policy options;
  • Class exercises that develop and enhance mapping skills and that require students to discuss political tensions;
  • Handouts which direct the student to organize data and synthesize spatial information about economic, social, and political interactions between regions;
  • Individual conferences which communicate the strengths and weaknesses of student’s  mapping, spatial, writing, and presentation skills;
  • Guest lecturers which provide personal perspectives on California regions and the issues facing them issues;
  • Internet based activities which enhance research and computer skills on historical and current population trends.
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Oral reports and presentations that demonstrate basic understandings of regional approaches to California issues and spatial patterns of current economic development:
  • Written reports/formal presentations that demonstrate gographical perspectives on California issues;
  • Quizzes/examinations that test geographical knowledge, reading comprehension of political issues, and analytical skills on geographic issues;
  • Class and individual projects that require students to synthesize information and provide a geographic perspective on specific issues, such as water policy and develop effective communication skills;
  • Class discussions in order to assess levels of learning and demonstrate the ability to articulate a spatial perspective on issues such as ethnic relations; 
  • A final examination that tests basic knowledge about California’ human and physical geography and that tests the grasp of regional approaches to California economic, political, and social issues.
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Miller, Crane, et al.. California-The Geography of Diversity. 2 ed. any: Mayfield, 2000.
  • Peters, Gary L., et al.. California. 4 ed. any: Kendall/Hunt, 2001.
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