GEOG 1105: Geographic Field Techniques (with an urban focus)
The United Nations have projected the world’s population to grow by 2.9 billion by 2050, and possibly by a further 3 billion by the end of the century. By then, humanity is expected to have developed into an almost exclusively urban species with 80-90% of people living in cities.
Today, there is an undeniable and growing need to educate the next generation of urban thinkers and practitioners. How can Geography help you understand cities? By analyzing them up close and personal!
GEOG 1105 - Geographic Field Techniques enables geographers to interpret the environments and landscapes around us using a combination of methods from both human and physical geography. In this experiential course, students leave the classroom to learn how to “do” geography through field observation, mapping, photographic interpretation, landscape analysis, and more. What does it mean for a city to be liveable? How can cities become resilient in the face of global climate change? How can twenty-first-century cities grow to become more sustainable, equitable, and just? This fall, experience cities on a whole new level by learning about them in the field!
Learning Objectives:
By way of lectures, field trips, and projects, students will:
- Study the relationships between the socio-cultural, economic, and physical aspects of cities.
- Gain first-hand experience in urban research and community-engaged learning.
- Systematically record geographic information and processes in a field setting.
- Interpret and present geographical data collected in a field setting.
- With assistance, develop a research question, and practice an ethical approach when conducting fieldwork.
- Apply skills by analyzing real-world problems identified in Vancouver neighbourhoods and create solutions for these complex urban challenges.
Questions?
Contact Mike Smith-Cairns
Instructor, Geography & Geology Department