Bachelor of Arts, Minor in Geography
DESCRIPTION
The Minor in Geography aims to provide a coherent focus on the interconnection between the social world and the natural world.
In the first two years of the program, students take courses that introduce the main sub-fields in human and physical geography, a course in data analysis or GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and a course in regional geography. There are requirements for courses in English, in other disciplines and quantitative courses.
At the end of year two, students who have completed the appropriate courses will qualify for an Associate or Arts or Associate of Science in Geography. The end of year two is when most students officially declare their minor in geography at Kwantlen in order to pursue years three and four of Kwantlen’s BA, Double Minor. Students may also transfer into the third year of a BA or BSc major in geography at other universities.
In year three of the BA Minor in Geography, courses focus on the integration of physical and human geography, further sub-areas of human geography, and in research methods or geographic theory. Year four entails more advanced courses in applied geography, and the courses in methods or theory not taken in year three. Students may also choose to undertake a Senior Project.
Completing the BA Minor entails additional courses in other disciplines, quantitative courses and evidence of language proficiency. Of the 120 credits required, 45 must be in upper year courses.
CAREERS
Studying geography can lead to a wide range of careers in fields like urban and regional planning, geotechnical engineering, retail market planning, environmental consulting, meteorology, First Nations governance, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and international development. Geography also provides a versatile background for professional programs like teaching, law, engineering and business.
The BA minor in Geography at Kwantlen is most likely to be paired with a minor in areas like History, Sociology, English and Mathematics. Such combinations may lead towards a geography-related career, a teaching degree or an advanced degree program. Other fruitful pairings would be with disciplines that also employ GIS, such as Anthropology, Business and Criminology.
CONTENT
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree must complete all requirements in the Bachleor of Arts framework in addition to their major or minor program requirements.
1000 level
Students are required to complete all of the following Introduction to human and physical geography courses:
- GEOG 1101 Introduction to Geography
- GEOG 1110 Introduction to the Atmosphere
- GEOG 1120 Introduction to Earth Science
Other geography courses (can be taken as electives):
2000 level
Students are required to complete one course from each of the following categories:
Human Geography
Physical Geography:
- GEOG 2310 Climatology
- GEOG 2320 Geomorphology
- GEOG 2330 Introduction to Hydrology
- GEOG 2340 Biogeography
Analytical Techniques:
Regional geography:
- GEOG 1160 Regional Geography of BC
- GEOG 2140 Regional Geography of Canada
- GEOG 2185 Regional Geography of East Asia
- GEOG 2190 Regional Geography of South Asia
- GEOG 2170 Regional Geography of Europe
Other geography courses (can be taken as electives):
- GEOG 2395 Cartographic Techniques
3000 and 4000 level
Students are required to complete fifteen credits at the 3000 and 4000 level according to the following:
One of Geographic theory and methods:
One of Further human geography specializations:
- GEOG 3210 Geography of Cultures
- GEOG 3220 Political Geography
- GEOG 3240 Development and Globalization*
Two of Integration of human and physical geography:
- GEOG 3310 Natural Hazards
- GEOG 3320 Resource Management
- GEOG 4330 Ecological Impacts and Planning*
- GEOG 4350 Global Climate Change
- GEOG 4380 Applications in GIS
One of Further and advanced topics:
- GEOG 4320 Geography of Tourism and Recreation*
- GEOG 4340 Geography of Health*
- GEOG 4365 Migration in Canada*
- GEOG 4501 Advanced Topics in Geography*
- GEOG 4599 Senior Project*
*Course pending approval
GRADUATION
Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible for a Minor in Geography as a supplement to any Bachelor of Arts degree program, or when combined with a second minor program, a Bachelor of Arts, Double Minor.
