Motion:
That ARCC recommend to the Arts & Science Executive the programme expectations for all
three Geography degrees as described in the attached document.
Rationale:
This document was prepared in accordance with OCAV’s Guidelines for University
Undergraduate Degree Level Expectations as approved by COU in December 2005.
The degree expectations for all three degrees were approved by the Department at its April 19th
2012 meeting.
1
Program Expectations for Environmental and Physical
Geography (BSc)
This document is prepared in accordance with OCAV’s Guidelines for University Undergraduate
Degree Level Expectations (approved by COU, December 2005).
I. OVERALL PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
1. DEPTH AND BREADTH OF
KNOWLEDGE
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
This degree is awarded to students
who have demonstrated the
following qualities and abilities:
a) a general knowledge and
understanding of many key
concepts, methodologies, and
theoretical approaches of geography
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
HONOURS
This degree is awarded to students
who have demonstrated the
following qualities and abilities:
a) a developed knowledge and
critical understanding of the key
concepts, methodologies, and
theoretical approaches of geography
and its various sub-disciplines
b) a broad understanding of some of
the major fields of study in physical
geography (geomorphology,
climatology, hydrology,
biogeography) and geographical
techniques (geomatics, quantitative
methods) including how these fields
of study and techniques intersect
b) a developed understanding of
some of the major fields of study in
physical geography
(geomorphology, climatology,
hydrology, biogeography) and
geographical techniques (geomatics,
quantitative methods) including how
these fields of study and techniques
intersect
c) an ability to gather, review,
evaluate and interpret information
from one or more of the subdisciplines within physical
geography
c) a developed ability to gather,
review, evaluate and interpret
information from one or more of the
sub-disciplines within physical
geography, including the ability to
compare the merits of and
discriminate between alternate
approaches and interpretations
d) some detailed knowledge of
geomorphology, climatology,
hydrology, biogeography, geomatics
and quantitative methods
d) a developed, detailed knowledge
of geomorphology, climatology,
hydrology, biogeography, geomatics
or quantitative methods as well as an
awareness of other research
methodologies in physical
geography
e) Critical thinking and analytical
skills inside and outside the
discipline of geography
e) Developed critical thinking and
analytical skills inside and outside
the discipline of geography
f) Ability to apply learning from one
or more areas outside the discipline
of geography
f) Ability to apply learning from one
or more areas outside the discipline
of geography
2
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
2. KNOWLEDGE OF
METHODOLOGIES
a) an understanding of the nature,
purpose of critical enquiry in
physical geography through
application of the scientific method
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
HONOURS
a) an advanced understanding of the
nature, purpose of critical enquiry in
physical geography through
application of the scientific method
b) an ability to evaluate the
appropriateness of different
approaches to solving problems
using well established ideas and
techniques
b) a developed ability to evaluate the
appropriateness of different
approaches to solving problems
using well established ideas and
techniques
c) an ability to devise and sustain
arguments or solve problems using
these methods.
c) a developed ability to devise and
sustain arguments or solve problems
using these methods.
d) knowledge of appropriate
discipline-specific laboratory
techniques
d) advanced knowledge of
appropriate discipline-specific
laboratory techniques
The ability to review, present, and
interpret quantitative and qualitative
information to:
The ability to review, present, and
interpret quantitative and qualitative
information to:
a) develop lines of argument;
a) develop lines of argument;
b) make sound judgments in
accordance with the major theories,
concepts and methods of physical
geography;
b) make sound judgments in
accordance with the major theories,
concepts and methods of physical
geography;
c) independently criticize the
interpretation of experimental data;
c) apply underlying concepts,
principles, and techniques of
analysis, both within and outside the
discipline of geography;
3. APPLICATION OF
KNOWLEDGE
d) demonstrate original thought and
distinguish these ideas from the
ideas of others; and
The ability to use a basic range of
established techniques, relevant to at
least one of major fields of physical
geography or geographical
techniques, to:
a) analyze information;
b) evaluate the appropriateness of
different approaches to solving
problems related to at least one of
major fields of physical geography
or geographical techniques;
d) where appropriate use this
knowledge in the application of the
scientific method;
e) independently criticize the
interpretation of experimental data;
f) demonstrate original thought and
distinguish these ideas from the
ideas of others; and
The ability to use an advanced
range of established techniques,
relevant to at least one of major
fields of physical geography or
geographical techniques, to:
c) propose solutions; and
3
d) make use of scholarly reviews
and primary sources.
a) initiate and undertake critical
evaluation of arguments,
assumptions, abstract concepts and
information;
b) propose solutions;
c) frame appropriate questions for
the purpose of solving a problem;
d) solve a problem or generate new
knowledge; and
4. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
5. AWARENESS OF LIMITS OF
KNOWLEDGE
6. AUTONOMY AND
PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY
a) an ability to communicate, both
orally and in writing, accurately and
reliably to a range of audiences
e) make extensive use of scholarly
reviews and primary sources.
a) an ability to communicate, both
orally and in writing, accurately and
reliably to a range of audiences
b) an ability to communicate
information, ideas, and analytical
comments, orally and in writing, in a
clear, coherent, and concise manner
b) an ability to communicate
information, ideas, and analytical
comments, orally and in writing, in a
clear, coherent, and concise manner
c) an ability to participate in a
critical discussion by listening
actively and responding in an
informed manner
c) an ability to initiate and engage
in a scholarly discussion by
independently raising important
critical questions, listening actively
to others, and responding in an
informed manner
a) an understanding of the limits of
their own knowledge and abilities,
and an awareness of how these
might affect their own analyses and
interpretations
a) a developed understanding of the
limits of their own knowledge and
abilities, and an awareness of how
these might affect their own analyses
and interpretations
b) some understanding that other
disciplines and even other subdisciplines within geography ask
different kinds of questions, or use
different research approaches, and
thus reach different kinds of
conclusions
b) an understanding that other
disciplines and even other subdisciplines within geography
produce bodies of knowledge that
may enhance, complement or
conflict with physical geography
Qualities and transferable skills
necessary for further study,
employment, community
involvement and other activities
requiring:
c) advanced understanding of the
challenges and limitations of
scientific inquiry
Qualities and transferable skills
necessary for further study,
employment, community
involvement and other activities
requiring:
a) the exercise of personal
responsibility and decision-making;
a) the exercise of initiative, personal
responsibility and accountability in
4
both personal and group contexts;
b) working effectively with others;
b) working effectively with others;
c) the ability to identify and address
their own learning needs in changing
circumstances and to select an
appropriate program of further
study; and
d) behaviour consistent with
academic integrity and social
responsibility.
c) decision-making in complex
contexts;
d) the ability to manage their own
learning in changing circumstances,
both within and outside the
discipline of geography and to select
an appropriate program of further
study; and
e) behaviour consistent with
academic integrity and social
responsibility.
5
Program Expectations for Geography (BA)
This document is prepared in accordance with OCAV’s Guidelines for University Undergraduate
Degree Level Expectations (approved by COU, December 2005).
I. OVERALL PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
1. DEPTH AND BREADTH OF
KNOWLEDGE
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
This degree is awarded to students
who have demonstrated the
following qualities and abilities:
a) a general knowledge and
understanding of many key
concepts, methodologies, and
theoretical approaches of geography
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
HONOURS
This degree is awarded to students
who have demonstrated the
following qualities and abilities:
a) a developed knowledge and
critical understanding of the key
concepts, methodologies, and
theoretical approaches of geography
and its various sub-disciplines
b) a broad understanding of some of
the major fields of study in
geography including geomatics and
how they intersect
b) a developed understanding of
some of the major fields of study in
geography and geographical
techniques (geomatics, quantitative
methods) including how these fields
of study and techniques intersect
c) an ability to gather, review,
evaluate and interpret information
from one or more of the subdisciplines within geography
c) a developed ability to gather,
review, evaluate and interpret
information from one or more of the
sub-disciplines within geography,
including the ability to compare the
merits of and discriminate between
alternate approaches and
interpretations
d) some detailed knowledge of
social geography, cultural
geography, environment and society,
geomorphology, climatology,
hydrology, or quantitative methods
as well as an awareness of geomatics
d) a developed, detailed knowledge
of social geography, cultural
geography, environment and society,
geomorphology, climatology,
hydrology, or quantitative methods
as well as an awareness of other
research methodologies in
geography including geomatics
e) Critical thinking and analytical
skills inside and outside the
discipline of geography
e) Developed critical thinking and
analytical skills inside and outside
the discipline of geography
f) Ability to apply learning from one
or more areas outside the discipline
of geography
f) Ability to apply learning from one
or more areas outside the discipline
of geography
6
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
2. KNOWLEDGE OF
METHODOLOGIES
a) an understanding of the nature,
purpose of critical enquiry in
geography through application of the
scientific method
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
HONOURS
a) an advanced understanding of the
nature, purpose of critical enquiry in
geography through application of the
scientific method
b) an ability to evaluate the
appropriateness of different
approaches to solving problems
using well established ideas and
techniques
b) a developed ability to evaluate the
appropriateness of different
approaches to solving problems
using well established ideas and
techniques
c) an ability to devise and sustain
arguments or solve problems using
these methods.
c) a developed ability to devise and
sustain arguments or solve problems
using these methods.
d) knowledge of appropriate
discipline-specific laboratory
techniques
d) advanced knowledge of
appropriate discipline-specific
laboratory techniques
The ability to review, present, and
interpret quantitative and qualitative
information to:
The ability to review, present, and
interpret quantitative and qualitative
information to:
a) develop lines of argument;
a) develop lines of argument;
b) make sound judgments in
accordance with the major theories,
concepts and methods of geography;
b) make sound judgments in
accordance with the major theories,
concepts and methods of geography;
c) independently criticize the
interpretation of experimental data;
c) apply underlying concepts,
principles, and techniques of
analysis, both within and outside the
discipline of geography;
3. APPLICATION OF
KNOWLEDGE
d) demonstrate original thought and
distinguish these ideas from the
ideas of others; and
The ability to use a basic range of
established techniques, relevant to at
least one of major fields of
geography or geographical
techniques, to:
a) analyze information;
b) evaluate the appropriateness of
different approaches to solving
problems related to at least one of
major fields of geography or
geographical techniques;
d) where appropriate use this
knowledge in the application of the
scientific method;
e) independently criticize the
interpretation of experimental data;
f) demonstrate original thought and
distinguish these ideas from the
ideas of others; and
The ability to use an advanced
range of established techniques,
relevant to at least one of major
fields of geography or geographical
techniques, to:
c) propose solutions; and
d) make use of scholarly reviews
and primary sources.
a) initiate and undertake critical
evaluation of arguments,
assumptions, abstract concepts and
7
information;
b) propose solutions;
c) frame appropriate questions for
the purpose of solving a problem;
d) solve a problem or generate new
knowledge; and
4. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
5. AWARENESS OF LIMITS OF
KNOWLEDGE
6. AUTONOMY AND
PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY
a) an ability to communicate, both
orally and in writing, accurately and
reliably to a range of audiences
e) make extensive use of scholarly
reviews and primary sources.
a) an ability to communicate, both
orally and in writing, accurately and
reliably to a range of audiences
b) an ability to communicate
information, ideas, and analytical
comments, orally and in writing, in a
clear, coherent, and concise manner
b) an ability to communicate
information, ideas, and analytical
comments, orally and in writing, in a
clear, coherent, and concise manner
c) an ability to participate in a
critical discussion by listening
actively and responding in an
informed manner
c) an ability to initiate and engage
in a scholarly discussion by
independently raising important
critical questions, listening actively
to others, and responding in an
informed manner
a) an understanding of the limits of
their own knowledge and abilities,
and an awareness of how these
might affect their own analyses and
interpretations
a) a developed understanding of the
limits of their own knowledge and
abilities, and an awareness of how
these might affect their own analyses
and interpretations
b) some understanding that other
disciplines and even other subdisciplines within geography ask
different kinds of questions, or use
different research approaches, and
thus reach different kinds of
conclusions
b) an understanding that other
disciplines and even other subdisciplines within geography
produce bodies of knowledge that
may enhance, complement or
conflict with geography
Qualities and transferable skills
necessary for further study,
employment, community
involvement and other activities
requiring:
a) the exercise of personal
responsibility and decision-making;
c) advanced understanding of the
challenges and limitations of
scientific inquiry
Qualities and transferable skills
necessary for further study,
employment, community
involvement and other activities
requiring:
a) the exercise of initiative, personal
responsibility and accountability in
both personal and group contexts;
b) working effectively with others;
b) working effectively with others;
8
c) the ability to identify and address
their own learning needs in changing
circumstances and to select an
appropriate program of further
study; and
d) behaviour consistent with
academic integrity and social
responsibility.
c) decision-making in complex
contexts;
d) the ability to manage their own
learning in changing circumstances,
both within and outside the
discipline of geography and to select
an appropriate program of further
study; and
e) behaviour consistent with
academic integrity and social
responsibility.
9
Program Expectations for Environmental Geography (BA)
This document is prepared in accordance with OCAV’s Guidelines for University Undergraduate
Degree Level Expectations (approved by COU, December 2005).
I. OVERALL PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
1. DEPTH AND BREADTH OF
KNOWLEDGE
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
This degree is awarded to students
who have demonstrated the
following qualities and abilities:
a) Recite the key concepts,
methodologies, theoretical
approaches and assumptions about
the connections among human and
natural environmental systems
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
HONOURS
This degree is awarded to students
who have demonstrated the
following qualities and abilities:
a) Explain and critically analyze
key concepts, methodologies,
theoretical approaches, current
advances and assumptions about the
connections among human and
natural environmental systems
b) Knowledge of key human and
biophysical processes in the subfields within geography and other
environmental disciplines, and their
contribution to environmental
problem solving
b) Advanced knowledge of key
human and biophysical processes in
the sub-fields within geography and
other environmental disciplines, and
their contribution to environmental
problem solving
c) Compile, evaluate and interpret
information from one or more of the
sub-fields within geography and
across discipline boundaries
c) Compile, evaluate, interpret
information and compare the merits
of alternative theories from one or
more of the sub-fields within
geography and across discipline
boundaries
d) Develop knowledge of the
economic, legal, social, cultural, and
ethical issues, and the link to
environmental problems
d) Develop advanced knowledge of
the economic, legal, social, cultural,
ethical issues, and the link to
environmental problems
e) Knowledge of local, regional,
national, and international
environmental issues
e) Advanced knowledge of local,
regional, national and international
environmental issues
f) Summarize and synthesize
information collected from within
and across discipline boundaries
f) Summarize and synthesize
information collected from within
and across discipline boundaries
10
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
2. KNOWLEDGE OF
METHODOLOGIES
a) Explain the nature and purpose of
critical enquiry in geography
through application of mixed
methods (social and natural science)
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
HONOURS
a) Explain the nature and purpose of
critical enquiry in geography
through application of mixed
methods (social and natural science)
b) Critically assess methods, data
quality, and suitability for the
intended purpose
b) Critically assess methods, data
quality, and suitability for the
intended purpose
c) Develop evidence-based
arguments and problem solving
through critical thinking and
statistical analytical skills in
geography and other environmental
disciplines
c) Develop evidence-based
arguments and problem solving
through advanced critical thinking
and statistical analytical skills in
geography and other environmental
disciplines
d) Knowledge of appropriate field
and laboratory techniques
d) Advanced knowledge of
appropriate field and laboratory
techniques
e) Experience in quantitative
methods and geomatics
e) Proficiency in quantitative
methods and geomatics
f) Conduct independent and
collaborative research
3. APPLICATION OF
KNOWLEDGE
The ability to acquire and assimilate
various types of information to:
The ability to acquire and assimilate
various types of information to:
a) Develop lines of argument;
a) Develop lines of argument;
b) Make sound judgments in
accordance with the major theories,
concepts and methods in human and
physical geography and other
environmental disciplines;
b) Make sound judgments in
accordance with the major theories,
concepts and methods in human and
physical geography and other
environmental disciplines;
c) Critical analysis of the
interpretation of experimental data;
and
c) Advanced critical analysis of the
interpretation of experimental data;
and
d) Develop creative approaches to
problem identification and
definition, data collection, analysis
and interpretation.
d) Develop creative approaches to
problem identification and
definition, data collection, analysis
and interpretation.
The ability to use a basic range of
established techniques, relevant to at
least one of major fields of
environmental geography to:
The ability to use a basic range of
established techniques, relevant to at
least one of major fields of
environmental geography to:
a) Independently analyze
a) Conduct independent and
11
4. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
5. AWARENESS OF LIMITS OF
KNOWLEDGE
6. AUTONOMY AND
PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY
environmental data and information,
and communicate understanding
causal relationships ;
collaborative research to critically
evaluation concepts, data and/or
information to solve an
environmental problem or generate
new knowledge;
b) Evaluate the appropriateness of
different approaches to solving
environmental problems related to at
least one of major field of human or
physical geography; and
b) Evaluate the appropriateness of
different approaches to solving
environmental problems related to at
least one of major field of human or
physical geography; and
c) Acquire information effectively
and professionally from various
sources
a) Capacity to communicate, both
orally and in writing, accurately,
clearly, concisely and appropriately
to a variety of audiences
c) Acquire information effectively
and professionally from various
sources
a) Advanced capacity to
communicate, both orally and in
writing, accurately, clearly,
concisely and appropriately to a
variety of audiences
b) Participate in a critical discussion
by listening actively and responding
in an informed manner
b) Lead scholarly discussion by
independently raising important
critical questions, listening actively
to others, and responding in an
informed manner
c) Effective use of written, numeric
and visual means to create
understanding
c) Effective use of written, numeric
and visual means to create
understanding
a) Awareness of the limits of their
own knowledge and abilities, and an
awareness of how these might affect
their own analyses and
interpretations of environmental
problems
a) Advance awareness of the limits
of their own knowledge and
abilities, and an awareness of how
these might affect their own analyses
and interpretations of environmental
problems
b) Awareness that other disciplines
and even other sub-fields within
geography ask different kinds of
questions, or use different research
approaches, and thus reach different
kinds of conclusions
b) Advanced awareness that other
disciplines and even other sub-fields
within geography produce bodies of
knowledge that may enhance,
complement or conflict with
geography
Qualities and transferable skills
necessary for further study,
employment, community
involvement and other activities
requiring:
c) Advanced understanding of the
challenges and limitations of mixed
methods of inquiry
Qualities and transferable skills
necessary for further study,
employment, community
involvement and other activities
requiring:
a) The exercise of personal
a) The exercise of initiative,
12
responsibility, accountability and
decision-making;
personal responsibility,
accountability and decision-making;
b) Recognize the value of an
individual, and respect their views,
opinions and contributions
regardless of background and status;
b) Recognize the value of an
individual, and respect their views,
opinions and contributions
regardless of background and status;
c) Capacity to identify and address
learning needs in changing
circumstances and to select an
appropriate program of further
study; and
c) Capacity to manage their own
learning in changing circumstances,
both within and outside the
discipline of geography and to select
an appropriate program of further
study; and
d) Behaviour consistent with
academic integrity and social
responsibility.
d) Behaviour consistent with
academic integrity and social
responsibility.
e) Think independently, analytically,
and creatively.
e) Think independently, analytically
and creatively.
13