Graduate Offerings
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes. Course titles in red indicate the availability of course web pages. Many of these pages provide additional information on course content and expectations, samples of recent student projects, and links to related web sites. Readers interested in specific courses and/or topics should explore these pages.
500 The Nature of Geography (4, Fa)
Examination of the core concepts and research frontiers in contemporary geographic thought. Graduate standing. (Duplicates credit former GEOG-602.)
501 Geographical Research: Design (4, Sp)
Introduction to research in geography, and development of skills and perspectives fundamental to conducting research in geography, including the writing of research proposals. (Prerequisite: graduate standing or departmental approval.)
502abcd Research Seminar (1-1-1-1, Fa)
Critical evaluation and constructive debate about on-going faculty and doctoral student research focusing on the association of theory and methodology.
554 Women in Global Perspective (4)
Women and immigration, employment, and household and family relations in the context of the global economy; women’s social and political movements in diverse cultural contexts. (Enroll in SWMS 554.)
571 Fundamentals of Sediment Transport (4, 2 years, Sp)
Entrainment, transport, and deposition of non-cohesive sediments by flowing fulids. Basic fluid mechanics; simple fluid-sediment interactions; sediment transport relationships; bedform dynamics. (Prerequisite: graduate standing or departmental approval)
581 Concepts for Spatial Thinking (4, FaSpSm)
The unique characteristics and importance of spatial information as they related to the evolving science, technology, and applications of Geographic Information Systems.
583 Spatial Analysis and Modeling (4, FaSpSm)
Examination of the process of geographic abstraction and modeling in relation to the different data models and spatial analysis operations available in current GIS. (Prerequisite: GEOG 581.)
585 Social and Institutional Impacts of GIS (4, FaSp)
The role of GIS as a human activity system and an examination of the legal, privacy, and policy issues affecting geographic information. (Prerequisite: GEOG 583.)
587 GPS/GIS Field Techniques (4, Sm)
Field exploration of methods and problems of data acquisition and integration using GPS/GIS data collection systems at Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island.
590 Directed Research (1-12, FsSpSm)
Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
592 Quantitative Methods in Geography (4, Irregular)
Statistical and mathematical techniques used in geographic research; exposure to computer packages for data-acquisition and analysis. (Prerequisite: a basic course in statistics.)
593 Field Techniques for Environmental Monitoring (4, Irregular)
This course provides a basic set of methods for measurement and analysis of environmental systems, and the opportunity to implement these methods in prototype conditions.
594abz Master's Theseis (2-2-0, FaSpSm)
Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded CR/NC.
599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, Irregular)
Seminar in selected topics in geography.
601 Sustainable Cities (4, Fa)
Exploration of environmental problems linked to urbanization, drawing on historical analysis, social theory, scientific research, and city planning/design practice. Alternative policy options for urban sustainability.
603 The Los Angeles School of Urbanism (4, 2 years, Sp)
A critique of social theoretic perspectives on the modern and postmodern city, with emphasis on Los Angeles as urban prototype.
605 City Space and Globization (4, 2 years, Sp)
Theoretical analysis of gender in uneven development, transnational migration, and the new international division of labor. Pacific Rim emphasis.
613 Nature-Society Dialectics (4, Irregular)
Historic and conatemporary relations between people and enviroonment. Includes environmental thought, cultural and political ecology, human impacts on the natural environment, indigenous resource rights, and comparative international case studies.
615 Natural Spaces in Urban Places (4, (Irregular)
Urban environments as integrative physical systems comprising atmospheric, hydrologic, geomorphic, and biogeograpbic sub-systems modulated by human activity and civil infrastructure.
631 Human Settlement and Migration (4, Irregular)
Spatial patterns of settlement and processes of internal migration of dominate ethnic groups within North America. Graduate Standing. (Duplicates credit in former GEOG-600.)
635 Race, Space and Place (4, Fa)
Examines the relationship between race, space and place. Emphasis on the spatial dimensions of social processes that produce race. Considers race at various geographic scales. (Prerequisite: graduate standing or departmental approval.)
681 Environmental Modeling with GIS (4, 2 years, Sp)
Advanced topics related to the collection, analysis, modeling, interpretation, and display of environmental information using GIS and related technologies. (Prerequisite: graduate standing and prior GIS experience equivalent to GEOG 482L or departmental approval.)
695 Advanced Research Seminar (4-12, FaSp)
A forum for in-depth investigation of specific research topics in sub-disciplines of geography. Offering will depend on student and faculty interests. (Prerequisite: GEOG 500, GEOG 501, or departmental approval.)
790 Research (1-12, FaSpSm)
Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC. (Prerequisite: departmental approval.)
794abdcz Doctoral Dissertation (2-2-2-2-0, FaSpSm)
Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.