Geography
9 courses · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
GEOG 101 Physical Geography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is a spatial study of the Earth’s dynamic physical systems and processes. Topics include the natural environment and nature-society interactions with an emphasis on scientific literacy and critical thinking. The course covers classification and analysis of spatial patterns of weather, climate, climate change and the enhanced greenhouse effect, the water cycle, landforms, and the distribution of living organisms. This course also addresses environmental issues in geography and sustainability. The course develops students’ spatial analysis skills using maps, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the Global Positioning System (GPS), and remote sensing imagery. This course is intended for social science majors, sustainability majors, or anyone seeking an understanding of Earth’s physical systems and human impacts on the natural environment.
GEOG 101L Physical Geography Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: GEOG 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course requires practical observations and applications of the geographic grid, atlases, and topographic maps, weather and climate, natural vegetation and soils, and landforms. This includes exercises in remote sensing and computer tools for data analysis, including Google Earth and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This course is designed for students interested in geography, geology, or Earth science.
GEOG 102 Cultural Geography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to thematic cultural geography. Emphasis is placed on population, race, language, religion, settlement patterns, political organization, economic activities, industry, and the regional distribution of these elements. This course is for students interested in thematic cultural geography or Social Science majors.
GEOG 104 World Regional Geography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of the world's major geographical regions, including Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, Australia, Oceania, and South, East, and Southeast Asia. Emphasis is placed on the historical, environmental, cultural, economic, and technological factors that impact these geographical areas. This course is intended for students majoring in Geography and all students interested in world geography.
GEOG 135 Geography of California
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course surveys the cultural and environmental landscapes of California with emphasis on cultural-environment interaction and the spatial patterns of natural, socio-political, economic and demographic forces that have shaped the state. Emphasis is placed on historical and current trends in human population, cultural diversity, migration, settlement patterns, and future geographies of climate change and sustainability. Topics include distinctive high-tech industries, iconic urban areas, resource use, transportation routes, and trade with a focus on the profound interconnections between these subjects, on California’s diversity, and on the rapid change that is transforming our people and its landscapes. As the most populous state, there will be focus on the ongoing role of its residents in constructing the identity of the 21st Century Californian. This course is designed for students interested in California geography.
GEOG 154 Introduction to Urban Geography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of urban geography. Students apply a multidisciplinary approach to investigate and assess urban issues at various scales. Topics include the origins of the city, globalization, urban planning, social justice, and sustainability. This course is designed for students interested in geography, anthropology, sustainability, public administration, urban planning, architecture, and landscape architecture.
GEOG 175 Sustainable Places and Practices
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course analyzes sustainability from a geographic perspective using case studies to illustrate sustainable practices from local to global scales. Research-based case studies focus on current sustainable practices in industries such as energy, transportation, and water resources. Using climate and environmental justice frameworks, students evaluate nature-society relationships across different cultures. This course is intended for students interested in environmental issues and sustainability as well as those majoring in Geography or Sustainability.
GEOG 205 Critical Thinking and Writing in Geography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This seminar course is designed to develop students’ critical thinking, research, and writing skills in preparation for upper-division coursework. The course emphasizes the interconnectedness of people and places using an interdisciplinary lens that bridges the social and natural sciences. The course covers reasoning techniques, geographic methodologies, the analysis of bias, logical fallacies, and cultural humility. Writing assignments focus on critical reasoning, inquiry-driven research, and argumentative writing for specific geography-related outlets. The evaluation of sources based on currency, relevance, credibility, and other measures contribute to the development of geographic research skills. This course is designed for students who want to expand their knowledge on important global issues, gain information literacy, advance their critical thinking skills, and hone their writing skills.
GEOG 290 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours other
This course is for students who wish to conduct additional research, a special project, or learning activities in the field of geography. It is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. In this course students have a written contract with their instructor for activities such as: preparing problem analyses, engaging in primary research, preparing reports, and meeting with the instructor at specific intervals.