Chabot College
Fall 2002
Removed Fall 2006
Course Outline for Geography 11
GEOGRAPHY OF THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Catalog Description:
Geography 11 - Geography of the San Francisco Bay Area
3 units
Natural geography of the San Francisco Bay Area in relation to the historical, cultural and
environmental development of the Bay region. Highlights past and present geographical,
historical and ecological issues. Field trips may be included. 3 hours.
Prerequisite Skills:
None.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
locate, identify, describe, and/or explain the spatial distributions of the Bay Area's
diverse physical landscapes;
trace the origin, diffusion, and transformation of elements of the Bay Area's
cultural landscape, including its multicultural heritage;
define and discuss historical and present-day human-environment interactions and
issues;
formulate informed decisions about which courses of action are most likely to
minimize adverse environmental impacts and maintain the habitability of the Bay
Area;
analyze the significance of tourism in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
Bay Area Natural Geography
a.
Tectonic elements
b.
Fault-line features
c.
Rocks and minerals of the Bay Area
d.
Geomorphology
e.
Gradational elements
f.
Erosion and deposition
g.
Rivers and lakes
San Francisco Bay
a.
Water, tides and currents
b.
Shoreline features
c.
Tributaries
d.
Water quality
Weather and Climate in the Bay Area
a.
Marine and continental effects
b.
Temperature considerations
Chabot College
Course Outline for Geography 11
Fall 2002
Course Content (Cont’d):
c.
Winds and air currents
d.
Precipitation and moisture
e.
Air quality
f.
Climate classification and micro-climates
4.
Bay Area Historical Geography
a.
The Native Americans
b.
The Spanish period
c.
The Mexican era
d.
The Gold Rush
e.
The Silver era
f.
Early agriculture in the Bay Area
g.
Transportation
h.
Twentieth century changes
5.
Bay Area Human Geography
a.
Spatial Distribution
b.
Regionalism
c.
Economic
d.
Population
e.
Bay Area Settlement Patterns
1)
From villages to cities
2)
Urban centers, suburbs and exurbs
3)
Changing transportation and communication systems
6.
Contemporary Issues in the Bay Area
a.
Environmental issues
b.
Changing populations and population centers
7.
The Bay Area of the Future
8.
Significance of tourism in the San Francisco Bay Area
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
Lectures
Discussions
Student Reports
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a.
Readings
b.
Web assignments
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a.
Exams and quizzes
b.
Spatial Map Projects
c.
Student Presentations
d.
Final examination
Page 2
Chabot College
Course Outline for Geography 11
Fall 2002
Page 3
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Golden Gate Metropolis, Wallenberg, Institute of Governmental Studies, UC Berkeley,
2001 or latest edition.
Special Student Materials:
None.
DA C:\courseoutlines
Revised: 2-12-2002