3.7 Course Overviews: "G"
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GEOGRAPHY (GEOG)
World Regional Geography
3-Social Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
+
Video Component
World Regional Geography is a telecourse designed to provide a systematic introduction to the major geographical regions of the modern world. It examines in turn Europe, Russia, North America, the Pacific Rim, Central America, South America, Islamic North Africa and Southwest Asia, Subsaharan Africa, South Asia, China, and Southeast Asia. For each region the physical geography, links and barriers, demographic patterns, economic assets and liabilities, and human potentials and prospects are analysed. The course also introduces the methods and perspectives of the discipline of geography, focusing on the relationships between human societies and their natural and built environments.
Prerequisite: none. The course is intended as a foundation course for students in Geography, Global Studies, and Environmental Studies programs. It is suitable for learners with little or no previous university experience.
Special instructional features: This is a telecourse. The television programs are broadcast on ACCESS, The Education Station in Alberta; they may also be borrowed on videotape from Athabasca University Library.
Introductory Human Geography
3 - Social Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
+
Video Component
Introductory Human Geography is a telecourse that introduces students to the fundamentals of Human Geography. It investigates the location of people and activities throughout the world and seeks to understand the reasons for their distribution. Asking questions about where things are, why they are there, and what the geographic significance of their distribution is, this course examines a number of subject areas, including: population, migration, social customs, political geography, development, agriculture, industry, settlements and urban patterns, and resource problems.
Special instructional features: This is a telecourse. The textbook and study guide are accompanied by a video series that provides the student with excellent visual and documentary material. The television programs are broadcast on ACCESS, The Education Station in Alberta; they may also be borrowed on videotape from Athabasca University Library.
Introductory Physical Geography I
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
+
Home Lab
This course describes some of the natural physical and chemical characteristics of Earth and some of the natural processes occurring at, and near, Earth's surface. It provides a scientific background for further studies of natural systems and the environment, soils, climate and climate change, and water resources. Topics covered include the following: Earth's energy budget, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, moisture in the atmosphere, global climates, vegetation and climate, soils, hydrologic cycle, and water budgets.
Precluded courses: GEOG 265 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for GEOG 261 and GEOG 262.
Introductory Physical Geography II
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
+
Home Lab
This course is primarily concerned with geomorphology, the study of the Earth's surface and landforms. It provides students with a clearer understanding of the physical environment around them. Topics covered include the internal structure of the Earth and the forces that shape and deform it, rock types, weathering and erosion, groundwater and the hydrological cycle, and landforms and the agents that create them (volcanoes, gravity, rivers, glaciers, wind, waves and currents). Coursework includes home-based laboratory assignments that promote the development of skills in topographic map and airphoto interpretation.
The Canadian North
3 - Social Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
The Canadian North surveys the human geography of northern Canada. Despite the fact that this region makes up well over half of the country's total land area, it remains sparsely settled and poorly understood by residents of southern Canada. The eight units of the course will introduce you to this fascinating and complex area, through an examination of such questions as economic development, environmental issues, and Aboriginal peoples' efforts to attain self-government.
Canadian Urban Development
6 - Social Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
This course provides students with an understanding of urban systems in Canada. It traces the development of urban growth in Canada, examines various theories that have been put forward to account for the structure and function of the urban system, and focuses on some of the problems and solutions proposed for the future of Canada's cities. This course will be of special interest to educators and people interested in government, public administration, planning, real estate, and public affairs.
Precluded course: GEOG 310 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for SOSC 303.
Geography Projects
3 each - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
Geography Projects is based on a contracted study arrangement between the student and an approved supervisor. Students improve their skills to choose and define problems, obtain information from libraries or experiments, organize facts and ideas, and report ideas and conclusions in written form. This course is for students who wish to carry out science-related projects in geography or to obtain formal recognition of science-related skills and training they have received on the job. Projects can only be done on work planned; they cannot be done on work already completed. A student may do one 3-credit project (GEOG 495) or two 3-credit projects (GEOG 495 and GEOG 496).
Registration may take place any time during the year.
Before registering, the student must submit an acceptable project proposal. These courses are excluded from the challenge for credit policy.
Prerequisite: permission from the course professor and at least 12 credits (at least 3 at senior level) in the topic area.
Precluded courses: GEOG 495-496 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for SCIE 314 and SCIE 315.
Special instructional features: The course may involve library, field or lab work as agreed to by the student and the supervisor. Students are expected to obtain and pay for all materials used in the projects. Further information and a project proposal form may be obtained from the course professor.
GEOLOGY (GEOL)
Introductory Physical Geology
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
+
Home Lab
This course describes some of the physical and chemical characteristics of Earth and some of the natural processes occurring in and on Earth. It provides a scientific background for further studies of the environment, resource geology, structural geology, soils, natural hazards, and land-use planning. Topics covered include minerals and rocks, igneous rocks, and metamorphic rocks; weathering, soils and sedimentary rocks; geologic time; structural geology; earthquakes and plate tectonics; evolution of ocean basins and the continents; geologic resources; natural transformations of landscapes; volcanoes and volcanic eruptions; and mountain building.
The practical part of the course has twelve units and a project, suitable for home study. The units involve the examination of rock and mineral specimens, work with geological maps and cross sections, and other exercises supporting the theory part of the course. The project requires the preparation of a report and is intended to enhance your knowledge of your province. It involves the examination of rocks and/or minerals, in-hand specimen, in the field, in a natural history museum, or in marker stones or buildings.
Introductory Historical Geology
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
+
Home Lab
Historical geology is involved directly or indirectly with most aspects of geological studies. There are direct links with astronomy, biology, chemistry, and physics. The course involves discussions of the basic concepts of the discipline, the techniques and evidence used in reconstructing the evolution of Earth, and current research in mass extinctions and global change. The course examines the following: introduction to historical geology and basic principles; sedimentary rocks and historical geology; life through time; the geological concepts of time; planetary beginnings and the origin of the Earth; evolution of the Earth; the crust of the Earth; the Precambrian era; the early Paleozoic era; the late Paleozoic era; the Mesozoic era; the Tertiary period; the Quaternary period; historical geology today and tomorrow.
Prerequisite: none. However, students are strongly encouraged to take GEOL 200 before undertaking GEOL 201.
Our Physical Resources
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
This course examines the nature and uses of numerous physical resources of the world, emphasizing the resources of Canada, and Alberta in particular. The course covers such topics as formation, distribution, extraction, and use of fossil fuels, and nuclear and other energy resources. It examines water, metallic, and industrial resources. Political, economic, and social impacts of the development of these resources are also examined.
Structural Geology: The Architecture of Earth's Continental Crust
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
+
Home Lab
This course considers the Earth's crust from the scale of continents down to that of a single rock outcrop or hand specimen. Mountain building and the resulting rock structures are the main theme of the course, although other features such as intrusions, salt domes, and crustal extension are also discussed.
Topics covered in the theory section include:
- Orogens and structural geology: An introduction to Earth's dynamic crust - orogens - young and old; geosynclines, plate tectonics and the evolution of continents; inside cratons
- Structures in rocks: Getting acquainted - classification of structures; introduction to stress and strain, brittle and ductile deformation, faults, folds, fractures, and cleavage
- Primary sedimentary and volcanic structures: Which way is up - use of primary structures, which way is up, primary deformation
- Faults - thrust, normal and strike - slip faults, ductile shear zones, faults and topography
- Folds - fold geometry, analysis of folds, fold-fault relationships, folding processes, folds and topography
- Fractures and cleavage - comparison of fractures and cleavage, types, origin and significance of fractures and cleavage, lineation, uses of these features in structural analysis
- Nonorogenic structures - glacial thrusting, landslides, salt domes, magmatic intrusion
- Inside orogens: Some examples - the structural evolution of two orogens: North American Cordillera and Trans-Hudson Orogen.
The practical part of the course has seven units suitable for home study. These units will cover the geological compass, outcrop patterns and geologic maps, plotting with stereonets, apparent dip and related structural geometry, displacement on faults, measurement of fold orientation and folds on geologic maps.
Prerequisite: GEOL 200 and GEOL 201. Students should have a working knowledge of geometry.
Special instructional features: For the practical section students will require several coloured pencils, a protractor, a drafting compass, at least one drafting triangle, and both metric and English scales.
Earth's Origin and Early Evolution
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
This course explores the evidence for the processes, events, and materials involved in the formation and evolution of the Earth. Various geochemical tools and techniques used by geologists to reveal and interpret the evidence are also described and discussed. Topics covered include Earth in the solar system - solar system components, dynamics, Earth's present structure; Geochemical and mineralogical tools - origin of the elements, useful elements and isotopes, element partitioning, radioactivity and chronometry; Types of meteorites and comets - significance, classification, and ages of meteorites and comets; Origins of meteorites - interpretation of the chemical and mineralogical compositions and ages of meteorites; Construction in the solar system - processes in the solar nebula, accretion, catastrophes, the role of meteoritic material, origin of the terrestrial planets; The internal Earth - How did it get this way? - differentiation and core formation, geochemical reservoirs, heat and heat flow, mantle convection and plate tectonics.
Prerequisite: GEOL 200 and GEOL 201. Students should feel comfortable with the manipulation of algebraic equations and have a rudimentary knowledge of single-variable differential calculus. Where applied, chemical principles essential for the course are adequately explained, although it would be beneficial for students to have CHEM 217.
Geology Projects
3 each - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
Geology Projects is based on a contracted study arrangement between the student and an approved supervisor. Students improve their skills to choose and define problems, obtain information from libraries or experiments, organize facts and ideas, and report ideas and conclusions in written form.
This course is for students who wish to carry out science-related projects in geology or to obtain formal recognition of science-related skills and training they have received on the job. Projects can only be done on work planned; they cannot be done on work already completed. A student may do one 3-credit project (GEOL 495) or two 3-credit projects (GEOL 495 and GEOL 496).
Registration may take place at any time during the year.
Before registering, the student must submit an acceptable project proposal.
These courses are excluded from the challenge for credit policy.
Prerequisite: permission from the course professor and at least 12 credits (at least 3 at senior level) in the topic area.
Special instructional features: The course may involve library, field or lab work as agreed to by the student and the supervisor. Students are expected to obtain and pay for all materials used in the projects.
Further information and a project proposal form may be obtained from the course professor.
GERMAN (GERM)
First Year University German I
3 - Humanities
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
+
Audio Component
This course introduces the student to the basic elements of the German language. Both oral and written expressions are emphasized in the study of vocabulary, grammar, and idiomatic expression. Pronunciation, oral comprehension, and reading and writing skills are emphasized as well. The course will enable the student to speak and write in simple German in a range of everyday situations. It will prepare the student for GERM 201.
Prerequisite: none. This course is demanding for students without any knowledge of German. A general knowledge of grammar is necessary.
Special instructional features: extensive use of audiocassettes. Regular contact with the course tutor is essential. Students must have access to an audiocassette recorder.
Note: This course may not be taken for credit by students who have obtained credit in German 30 or German 31.
First Year University German II
3 - Humanities
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
+
Audio Component
First Year University German II continues the study of the basic elements of the German language begun in GERM 200. Both oral and written expressions are emphasized in the study of vocabulary, grammar, and idioms. Pronunciation, oral comprehension, and reading and writing skills are emphasized as well. The course enables the student to speak and write in simple German in a range of everyday situations.
Prerequisite: GERM 200 is recommended.
Special instructional features: extensive use of audiocassettes.
Note: This course may not be taken for credit by students who have obtained credit in German 30 or German 31.
Reading German I
Reading - 3 - Humanities
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
+
Required Computer Component
This course is an introduction to German grammar for the purpose of developing a reading skill in German. Texts from various disciplines in the Sciences, Social Sciences, Engineering, Management, and the Humanities are deciphered. This course meets the needs of students who require a reading knowledge of German.
Precluded course: This course may not be taken for credit by students with any formal training in German (German 30 or German 31, GERM 200 or GERM 201, etc.).
Special instructional features: This course is taught in part by computer. Students must have ready access to an IBM-compatible computer.
GLOBAL STUDIES (GLST)
(See also GEOG 200, GEOG 201, and HIST 327.)
The Pacific Century
3 - Social Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
+
Video Component
This course is a telecourse designed to acquaint students with the cultures and recent history of Asian countries on the Pacific Rim, and with the ongoing interchange between these countries and North America. Although several units of the course are devoted to China and to Japan, attention is also given to such Southeast Asian countries as Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. As a broad survey of the Pacific region's economic and political development during the twentieth century, the course explores many themes and crosses many disciplines. Tradition and modernization, collisions between East and West, democracy and authoritarianism, imperialism and nationalism, interdependence and independence, and other themes are discussed from the points of view of history, geography, anthropology, political science, and economics.
Prerequisite: none.
Special instructional features: Ten television programs are included in the course. These programs are broadcast in Alberta by ACCESS, The Education Station and in British Columbia by the Knowledge Network. They are also available to students on videotape through Athabasca University Library.
Americas: An Introduction to Latin America and the Caribbean
3 - Social Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
+
Video Component
Americas explores the political, economic, and social dynamics that have shaped Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the processes that are shaping their future. Americas uses ten hours of video programs to bring to life a startlingly diverse region that encompasses great wealth and desperate poverty, countries as tiny as Jamaica and as enormous as Brazil, with democratic and authoritarian governments and a complex, multicultural heritage.
Topics explored include military dictatorship and authoritarianism, urban growth and poverty, race and class, the changing role of women, liberation theology and social activism, revolutionary movements and armed struggle, literature and the arts, the growing Hispanic presence in the United States, Canadian and U.S. foreign policy towards the region, and more.
Special instructional features: Independent study materials include an innovative ten-part television series broadcast by ACCESS, The Education Station in Alberta, which is also available on videotape through Athabasca University Library. The course was prepared by Professor Michael Gismondi, a specialist in Central American studies. GLST 308 is listed as a course available in the Sociology major.
Twentieth-Century China
3 - Social Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
The study of modern China is important because of China's great size, population, and global impact in world trade and politics. Moreover, recent Chinese history is of direct relevance to the story of Canadian immigration and to the Chinese diaspora experience in Canada. Twentieth-Century China surveys the history of China during the last hundred years, analysing the collapse of the old dynastic empire and its metamorphosis into its present political form. The central theme is modernization: the course traces how internal and external impulses combined to give rise to a series of movements aiming at the transformation of traditional Chinese society including ''self-strengthening,'' Reform, Revolution, and the recent ''Four Modernizations.'' Other themes examined in the course include China's response to the West, continuities between China's past and the present, nationalism and regionalism, and revolution and recovery.
Prerequisite: none. GLST 307 is recommended.
In the event of a discrepancy between the informal web site version and the printed 1999-2000 Calendar, the latter alone is to be regarded as the authoritative and legally binding source.
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