Chabot College
January 1993
Replaced Fall 2006
Course Outline for Geography 12
GEOGRAPHY OF CALIFORNIA
Catalog Description:
Geography 12 - Geography of California
3 units
California's physical, cultural, and regional elements. The physical geographic base includes:
location; geological evolution; geomorphic provinces, natural hazards, and resources; climate,
water resources, vegetation, and soils. Historically developed cultural themes include: Native
American and Hispanic origins; migration patterns and settlements; population growth and ethnic
diversity; land use and economic activities; and Pacific Rim connections. Human-environment
interactions and issues are considered throughout. Field trips may be included. 3 hours.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
locate, identify, describe, and/or explain the spatial distributions of California's diverse
physical landscapes;
2.
trace the origin, diffusion, and transformation of California's cultural landscape, including
its multicultural heritage;
3.
explain historical and present-day human-environment interactions and issues;
4.
make informed decisions about which courses of action are most likely to minimize
adverse environmental impacts and maintain the habitability of California.
Course Content:
1.
Physical Geographic Base
a.
Absolute and relative location
b.
Geological evolution
c.
Geomorphic provinces and their land forms, natural hazards, and resources
d.
Weather and climate
e.
Streamflow, groundwater supply, soil-water balances
f.
Natural vegetation
g.
Soils
h.
Human-environment interactions and related problems
2.
Cultural Patterns
a.
Aboriginal patterns
b.
Hispanic patterns, 1769-1846
c.
Anglo American to Pacific "Nation" patterns, 1846-Present
1)
Migration patterns and settlements
2)
Population growth, distribution, and ethnic diversity
3)
Rural-urban-suburban transformations
4)
Agricultural primacy, manufacturing booms, and high-tech revolutions
5)
Interaction networks and Pacific Rim connections
d.
Human-environment interactions and related problems
3.
Regions
a.
Intermontane
b.
Northern Highlands
c.
Southern California
d.
Central Coast
e.
San Francisco Bay Area
f.
Central Valley
g.
Human-environment interactions and related problems
Chabot College
Course Outline for Geography 12, Page 2
January 1993
Methods of Presentation:
1.
Lectures
2.
Discussions
3.
Student Reports
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Exams and quizzes
2.
Homework
3.
Final examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
California: The Pacific Connection, David W. Lantes, et.al., Creekside Press, latest edition
California: An Environmental Atlas & Guide, Bern Kreissman, Bear Klaw Press, latest edition
California Patterns: A Geographical and Historical Atlas, David Hornbeck, et.al., Mayfield
Publishing Company, latest edition
California: The Geography of Diversity, by Crane S. Miller and Richard S. Hyslop, Mayfield
Publishing Company, latest edition
Special Student Materials:
dm d:\...\courseou\geog12CO.193
Revised 1/93
None