GeographyOn this page: Introduction | Programs | See also: Faculty Members | Course Descriptions | Course Winter Timetable | Introduction |
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Geography is the study of the environments created on the earth’s surface by nature and people. The physical and biological elements of these environments, as well as their economic and social structure, historical development, spatial organization, interrelationships, management and planning form the subject matter of Geography. Geography, therefore, relates closely to other fields in natural science, social science and the humanities, and geographers take courses in these related fields along with their geography courses. Students specializing in other subjects often select one or more geography courses to deepen their understanding of the resource base, culture and economy of those parts of the world in which they are interested. Employment opportunities for geographers exist in many branches of international organizations, government, industry, and education. Geographers work at all levels of government service, especially in agencies responsible for environmental management; land and resource analysis; development of historic districts and sites; urban transportation planning; regional economic planning; trade promotion; geographic systems design and data analysis; transport network design and the processing of archival, survey, and cartographic information. In business, geographers work in marketing, locational analysis, resource development, and in consulting firms engaged in project evaluation, land use planning and natural heritage conservation. Students studying Geography may take either an H.B.A. or H.B.Sc., depending upon the subjects they wish to emphasize. The Department offers Specialist, Major and Minor Programs in Geography, cooperates in offering a combined program with Economics, shares with Ecology and Evolutionary Biology a program in Biogeography, and contributes courses to various departmental and college programs including American Studies; Anthropology; Archaeology; Canadian Studies and Peace and Conflict Studies; Equity Studies; Centre for Environment; Environmental Geosciences; Urban Studies; Ethics, Society and Law and International Relations; and European Studies. Counselling and advice may be obtained from the Undergraduate Coordinator or the Undergraduate Counsellor. Undergraduate Coordinator: Student Counsellor: General Enquiries:416-978-3375 Geography ProgramsThe entry requirement to all Specialist programs is a CPGA of 2.5. The entry requirement for all Major programs, except the Environmental Geography Major, is a CGPA of 2.0 or 67% in 1.0 GGR FCE at THE 100 and/or 200 level. Double majors in Geography may only overlap 1.0 FCE. Students combining any of our Minor programs with a Specialist/Major program would normally be allowed to overlap only 1.5 FCEs towards both programs. Students that choose to specialize or major in one of the three Geography programs cannot minor in the same program but may do so in another Geography program. Double minors can overlap 1.0 FCE. Generally, students may only take 1.0 Independent Research Project FCE toward their program requirements. Asian Geographies (offered jointly with the National University of Singapore) (Social Science program) This Type 3 minor program represents a unique opportunity to study
geography in a different cultural environment. For more information,
contact the
Undergraduate Office and the International Student Exchange Office
(ISXO, www.utoronto.ca/student.exchange). NUS250H0 This module is concerned with the changing roles of cities in an
age of globalization. The first part examines cities as part of
urban networks
at the national,
regional and international levels, and focuses on the implications
arising from the
rise of mega-cities and global cities. The second half of the module
investigates
the challenges facing cities on the ground, including issues of
the revitalization and re-imaging of city cores, changing retail landscapes,
and the impact
of telecommunications on the location of urban activities and peoples’ mobility.
The module is targeted at students with an interest in urban issues. (Co-listed
as GE2204 National University of Singapore) NUS251H0 This module deals with a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding
the regional geography of Southeast Asia. Students are expected
not only to
critically analyze
their readings but also to be able to synthesize materials to
provide a holistic understanding of the region. Specifically, it looks
at the region
through
historical, cultural, social and political-economic perspectives.
The module also discusses
sustainable development issues. This is a module that is open
to all students in the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, Engineering, Law, Science, School of Design & Environment
and School of Business. (Co-listed as GE2226 National University of Singapore) NUS252H0 Southeast Asia has been, and still is comprised of predominantly
rural and agrarian societies. This module seeks to develop an
understanding of peasant
life in the region. Topics to be studied include the village
as a construct,
the “moral economy” of the peasantry, land and man relations, economic output, and peasant beliefs, consciousness, and cultural expressions. With the peasants’ increasing involvement in the world market and the nation-state, it is also important to consider the penetration of capitalism into the rural economy, as well as the demand for supra-village identification and loyalties. Notions of “development” as
they pertain to the peasants, and as postulated by the state, non-governmental
organizations and the peasants themselves are also discussed. (Co-listed as
SE3213 National University of Singapore) NUS253H0 This module examines relationships between economy and space
through a focus on ‘development’. Through interrogating theories, strategies and trajectories of ‘development’, students will develop an understanding of the past and contemporary global political economy and its geographies. The course will emphasize the geopolitical and cultural backdrops to ‘development’ and attendant economic geographies amidst debates about ‘globalization’,
international trade and investment. (Co-listed as SE2202 National University
of Singapore) NUS254H0 This module explores debates in geography about social issues.
It emphasizes the relationship between social identity and
social space,
and how
different places reflect and shape diverse ways of life.
The module examines the
role of space in the interplay of different social groups
(e.g. ethnic groups,
men/women), and in relation to different aspects of daily
life (e.g. housing, leisure). Its emphasis, however, is on how to
think about
these issues
in different scales/contexts (streets, public spaces, global
cities). The course
is intended for geography majors, and students throughout
NUS with an interest in the relationship between society and space.
(Co-listed
as
SE2224 National
University of Singapore) NUS255H0 Are Southeast Asian urban models unique from those of the
West? This module uses historical and emerging developments
to re-evaluate
debates
on Southeast
Asian urbanization. The particularities of Southeast Asian
urbanisation will be examined both in terms of its intertwined
history with
the rest of the
world as well as the politics of time and space. The module
aims at developing a critical understanding of the interaction
between
historical,
political-economic
and cultural processes that constitute urbanization in
Southeast Asia. (Co-listed as SE2212 National University of Singapore) NUS256H0 This module attempts to understand the rationale of changes
in Singapore’s urban landscape. It places these changes within a framework that considers Singapore’s
efforts to globalize and examines how policies are formulated with the idea
of sustaining an economy that has integral links sub-regionally with Southeast
Asia while developing new spatial linkages that will strengthen its position
in the global network. Emphasis is also given to recent discussions about how
diversity and difference in the perception and use of space pose a challenge
to the utilitarian and functional definition adopted by the state. (Co-listed
as GEK2001/SSA2202 National University of Singapore) NUS350H0 This module examines important geographical, ecological
and political concepts and approaches to natural resources
management.
In particular,
we focus
on ownership regimes, access, exploitation and conservation
in different social,
economic and cultural contexts. Detailed cases of fisheries,
forestry, freshwater and agriculture conflicts and problems
are discussed.
(Co-listed as GE3210
National University of Singapore) NUS351Y0 The module exposes students to different geographical methods,
both human and physical, and as such it is an ideal preparation
for any
student
wishing to
undertake further primary research at higher levels in
geography, and other social science disciplines. After
a series of lectures/seminars
on fieldwork
methods, fieldwork ethics, and health and safety issues
in the field (which may include some basic introductory
language
classes),
students
then undertake
a 2 – 5
week period of field study overseas, depending on logistical
and other constraints. Previous field studies have been
for periods of 4-5 weeks overseas in Thailand
and Malaysia. While overseas, students undergo orientation
workshops, meet peers in host universities, and visit
potential field sites before conducting
an intensive period of fieldwork in small groups of 3-5
students. (Co-listed as GE3230A at the National University
of Singapore) NUS352H0 This module examines aspects of the geography of East
Asia, which includes China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan
and Korea.
Emphasis is placed on the
developmental processes and the underlying physical,
political, socio-cultural and economic
factors that account for their development. It evaluates
various discourses on East Asian development and also
assesses the
impact
of East Asian
development on regional conflicts, patterns of social
change, urbanization and sub-regional
integration. (Co-listed as GE3209 at the National University
of Singapore) NUS353H0 This module aims to provide students with an in-depth
understanding of the social, political, and economic
changes at various
geographical scales
with
respect to globalization. More specifically, the module
focuses on developing understandings of the complex
forces driving
globalization and the related
urban and regional changes and the relationship between
globalization and regionalization. This module is not
just for geography
students, but for
all students who are interested in the urban and regional
changes in the Asia-Pacific with respect to globalization
and regionalization
and the
driving forces of the changes. (Co-listed as GE3219
at the National University of
Singapore) NUS354H0 South Asia: Development, Issues, Debates This module is concerned with understanding and assessing
the development experiences of the South Asian countries.
Students
are expected
to grapple with concrete case studies of development
programs in their
work. The
coursework covers issues pertaining to rural, agricultural,
urban, industrial and
human development, as well as their impact upon people
and the environment. Particular
attention is given to the situation of the poor and
the weak, including disadvantaged children, women,
and ethnic
minorities.
(Co-listed
as SN3232 at the National
University of Singapore)
(13 full courses or their equivalent, including at
least ONE 400-series course) A: All 3: BIO150Y1; GGR100H1, GGR101H1 (2.0
FCEs) Note: Of the
3.5 courses from BIO/BOT/EEB/ZOO and GGR, 1.0 must be at THE 400-level Environmental Geography (Arts program) Specialist Entry Requirements: Students must have a CGPA of 2.5 A: Any 2: GGR107H1 (recommended), GGR100H1, GGR101H1, GGR124H1 (or
other GGR course with permission of the Department)
(1.0 FCEs) Note: Major Entry Requirements: Enrolment in the major is limited to students with a competitive CGPA determined during each application cycle. A: Any 2: GGR107H1 (recommended), GGR100H1, GGR101H1, GGR124H1 (or
other GGR course with permission of the Department) (1.0 FCEs) Note: Minor Entry Requirements: There are no entry requirements for this program A: Any 1: GGR107H1 (recommended), GGR100H1, GGR101H1, GGR124H1 (or
other GGR course with permission of the Department) (0.5 FCEs) Note: GROUP A (Geography Courses)
GROUP B (Centre for Environment courses)
GROUP C
Geographic Information Systems (Arts program) Note: Students combining this program with a Specialist/Major sponsored by the Department of Geography will normally be allowed to count only 1.5 (of the 4.0) FCEs towards both programs. Minor Entry Requirements: There are no entry requirements for this program A: Any 2 half courses: GGR100H1, GGR101H1, GGR107H1, GGR124H1 (or
1.0 other GGR courses with the permission of the Department)
(1.0 FCEs) Human Geography (Arts program) Students who choose to specialize or major in the Human Geography POSt cannot minor in the same POSt, but can minor in Geographic Information Systems (B.A.),Physical and Environmental Geography (B.Sc.) or Environmental Geography (B.A.). Specialist Entry Requirements: Students must have a CGPA of 2.5 A: Any 2: GGR100H1, GGR101H1, GGR107H1, GGR124H1 (or
1.0 other GGR courses with permission of Department) (1.0 FCEs) Note: Major Entry Requirements: Students must have a CGPA of 2.0 or 67% in 1.0 GGR FCE at THE 100/200 level A: Any 2: GGR100H1, GGR101H1, GGR107H1, GGR124H1 (or
1.0 other GGR courses with permission of Department) (1.0
FCEs) Note: Minor Entry Requirements: There are no entry requirements for this program A: Any 2: GGR100H1, GGR101H1, GGR107H1, GGR124H1 (or
1.0 other GGR courses with permission of the Department)
(1.0 FCEs) GROUP E Optional courses for Human Geography:
Streams Students may wish to choose courses from among one or more of the following streams if they want to concentrate in a particular area within Human Geography, while fulfilling the overall requirements given above. These are not POSt requirements, but rather suggestions for students seeking guidance on how to navigate our course offerings. Cultural and Historical Geography: GGR216H1, GGR240H1, GGR241H1, GGR246H1, GGR249H1, GGR254H1, 331H1, GGR336H1, GGR342H1, GGR343H1, GGR360H1, GGR366H1, GGR421H1, GGR431H1, GGR439H1; JGI346H1, JUG320H1, JAG321H1 Urban Geography: GGR124H1, GGR216H1, GGR240H1, GGR241H1, GGR246H1, GGR249H1, GGR252H1, GGR254H1, GGR323H1, GGR332H1, GGR336H1, GGR339H1, GGR342H1, GGR358H1, GGR360H1, GGR361H1, GGR366H1, GGR374H1, GGR424H1, GGR457H1, GGR458H1; JGI216H1, JGI346H1, JGI454H1 Social and Economic Geography: GGR124H1, GGR216H1, JGI216H1, GGR220H1, GGR221H1, GGR240H1, GGR241H1, GGR246H1, GGR249H1, GGR252H1, GGR254H1, 256H1, GGR320H1, GGR320H1, GGR352H1, GGR424H1, GGR323H1, GGR327H1, GGR328H1, 331H1, GGR342H1, GGR343H1, GGR344H1, GGR358H1, GGR360H1, GGR361H1, GGR363H1, GGR366H1, GGR374H1, GGR421H1, GGR431H1, GGR438H1, GGR452H1 Political Geography: GGR124H1, GGR216H1, JGI216H1, GGR221H1, GGR241H1, GGR320H1, JUG320H1, GGR327H1, GGR328H1, 331H1, GGR339H1, 346H1, GGR352H1, GGR358H1, GGR363H1, GGR418H1, GGR421H1, GGR439H1, GGR452H1 Geography of Canada: GGR240H1, GGR246H1, GGR336H1, GGR366H1, GGR457H1; JUG320H1, JAG331H1 Environment: GGR222Y1, GGR240H1, 256H1, GGR314H1, GGR323H1, 331H1, GGR332H1, GGR333H1, GGR334H1, GGR335H1, GGR336H1, GGR337H1, GGR338H1, GGR340H1, GGR360H1, GGR416H1, GGR418H1, GGR421H1, GGR438H1, GGR462H1, GGR473H1; JFG470H1, JFG475H1; JUG320H1; JAG321H1 Planning: GGR332H1, GGR334H1, GGR336H1, GGR339H1, GGR358H1, GGR361H1, GGR363H1, GGR424H1, 451H1, GGR452H1, JGI216H1, JGI346H1, JGI454H1 Geography and Economics - See Economics Physical and Environmental Geography (Science program) Specialist Entry Requirements: Students must have a CGPA of 2.5 A: Any 6 half courses or the equivalent: GGR100H1; MAT123H1/MAT125H1, MAT124H1/MAT126H1, MAT133Y1/MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1, MAT223H1/MAT240H1, MAT224H1/MAT247H1; PHY131H1/PHY151H1, PHY132H1/PHY152H1;
CME119H1 (Faculty of Engineering); CHM138H1, CHM139H1, CHM151Y1; BIO150Y1, at least two of which must be Math or Phys half courses. MAT133Y1/MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1/ MAT157Y1, CHM151Y1, and BIO150Y1 count as two half courses (3.0 FCEs) Major Entry Requirements: Students must have a CGPA of 2.0 or 67% in 1.0 GGR FCE at THE 100/200 level A: Any 4 half courses or the equivalent: GGR100H1; MAT123H1/MAT125H1, MAT124H1/MAT126H1, MAT133Y1/MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1, MAT223H1/MAT240H1, MAT224H1/MAT247H1; PHY131H1/PHY151H1, PHY132H1/PHY152H1;
CME119H1 (Faculty of Engineering); CHM138H1, CHM139H1, CHM151Y1; BIO150Y1, at least one of which must be a Math or Physics half course (2.0 FCEs) Minor Entry Requirements: There are no entry requirements for this program A: Any 2: GGR100H1,
GGH101H1, GG107H1, GGR124H1 (1.0 FCEs) Five possible streams within the Physical Geography Major or Specialist, which can be combined with other courses to fulfill the overall requirements given above, are: Climate System and Climatic Change: GGR203H1, GGR303H1, GGR314H1, GGR403H1, ENV346H1 Land Surface Processes: GGR100H1, GGR201H1, GGR205H1, GGR206H1, GGR301H1, GGR305H1, GGR307H1, GGR409H1, GGR413H1 Biogeography and Paleoclimates: GGR101H1, GGR201H1, 302H1, GGR305H1 Biogeochemistry and Contaminants: GGR100H1, GGR205H1, GGR303H1, GGR307H1, GGR403H1, GGR409H1 Environmental Physical Geography: GGR101H1, GGR201H1, GGR203H1, GGR205H1, GGR206H1, GGR301H1, GGR307H1, GGR314H1, GGR409H1, GGR413H1 Students contemplating graduate studies are strongly
urged to combine their Physical Geography Major
or Specialist with a Minor
in Mathematics
(involving
calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations)
and
a Minor in a field of science related to their
particular interests
in
physical geography
(biology,
chemistry, geology, or physics). Group H: Faculty of Arts & Science courses: CHM217H1, CHM310H1; GLG206H1, GLG216H1, GLG217H1; PHY251H1, 255H1. Faculty of Engineering courses: CHE210H1; EDV250H1 Group I: EEB301H1, EEB302H1, EEB303H1, EEB304H1, EEB305H1, EEB307H1, EEB310H1, EEB311H1, EEB319H1, EEB321H1, EEB324H1, EEB328H1, EEB330H1, EEB428H1; ENV346H1; FOR301H1, FOR305H1, FOR306H1, FOR404H1, FOR417H1; GLG351H1, GLG436H1; PHY392H1, PHY408H1 |