All Geography classes include environmental and/or urban studies material in the course content.
GEOG 1, Introduction to Natural Environment 3 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 5 (Physical Sciences, non-lab) • Prerequisite: None. • Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1.
This course is a survey of the distribution and functional relationships of the elements of the terrestrial environment, including weather, climate, landforms, soils, natural vegetation, wildlife, and hydrography. The effects of the sun and moon on environmental processes are considered. *Maximum credit allowed for Geography 1 and 5 is one course (four units).
2194 8:00a-9:20a MW HSS 251 Hackeling J
2195 8:00a-9:20a TTh HSS 251 Young B C
2196 9:30a-10:50a TTh MC 16 Young B C
4306 6:45p-9:50p T HSS 251 Drayse M H
GEOG 2, Introduction to Human Geography 3 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 4 (Social & Behavioral Sciences) • Prerequisite: None. • Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1.
This course is a study of humanity and its planetary home of distinctive places, spaces, landscapes, and environments. The course systematically considers geographic patterns, processes, and issues that are of both local and global significance. Specific topics include human population change and migrations; agricultural and urban-economic development; cultural and environmental change in an age of globalization with specific attention paid to language, religion, ethnic identity, and biodiversity; and international geopolitics.
2197 11:15a-12:35p MW DRSCHR 128 Abate A
2198 12:45p-2:05p TTh HSS 251 Morris P S
4307 6:45p-9:50p Th HSS 251 Hackeling J
GEOG 3, Weather and Climate 3 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 5 (Physical Sciences, non-lab) • Prerequisite: None.
This course is a survey of the earth’s atmosphere, with special reference to the causes and regional distribution of weather and climate. The nature and causes of winds, clouds, precipitation, and severe storms are studied. Students will learn techniques of local weather observation and prediction.
2199 12:45p-2:05p MW HSS 251 Selby W A
2200 Arrange-3 Hours ONLINE-E Kranz J
Above section 2200 is a Distance Education course conducted over the internet. For additional information, go to smconline.org (schedule of classes).
GEOG 5, Physical Geography with Lab 4 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 5 (Physical Sciences, + LAB) • Prerequisite: None.
This course surveys the distribution and relationships of environmental elements including weather, climate, landforms, soils, natural vegetation, wildlife, and hydrography. It covers the effect of the sun and moon on environmental processes. Students may receive credit for either Geography 1 or 5 but not both. *Maximum credit allowed for Geography 1 and 5 is one course (four units).
2201 9:30a-12:35p MW HSS 251 Selby W A
Above section 2201 is part of the Scholars Program and enrollment is limited to program participants. See Special Programs section of class schedule or www.smc.edu/scholars for additional information.
2202 2:15p-5:20p MW HSS 251 Kellner P A
2203 2:15p-5:20p TTh HSS 251 Drake V G
4308 6:45p-9:50p MW HSS 251 Zackey J W
GEOG 7, Introduction to Environmental Studies 3 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences) • Prerequisite: None.
This introductory course will use an interdisciplinary approach to provide students with a broad perspective on environmental problems and solutions. Students will be introduced to the strategies used by scientists, economists, political analysts, and other writers and researchers to investigate and analyze environmental and urban issues, human/nature relationships, natural and built environments, and environmental citizenship.
Geography 7 is the same course as Environmental Studies 7. Students may earn credit for one, but not both.
4309 6:30p-9:35p W BUNDY 217 Selby W A
Above section 4309 meets at the Bundy Campus, 3171 South Bundy Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90066.
GEOG 8, Introduction to Urban Studies 3 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences) • Prerequisite: None.
The course includes analyses of processes, spatial patterns, and problems related to intercity and intracity development and function. Consideration will be given to selected environmental factors, diverse human cultures, and economic forces that influence urban development. It includes an introduction to the use of maps and modern geographic techniques (such as geographic information systems) to identify and solve urban problems. Student participation in field exercises will be stressed taking advantage of the Los Angeles metropolitan area as a “laboratory” to relate urban theory to fact.
Geography 8 is the same course as Urban Studies 8. Students may earn credit for one, but not both.
2204 9:30a-10:50a TTh HSS 251 Morris P S
2205 12:45p-2:05p MW DRSCHR 208 Morris P S
GEOG 11, World Geography 3 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 4E (Social & Behavioral Sciences) • Prerequisite: None.
This course surveys the world’s peoples and places from a regional-historical perspective. Students will be introduced to major concepts in Geography today, while also developing basic geographic literacy in the distribution of cultural groups and their environments. Student will examine and discuss significant issues— cultural, economic, political, and environmental— facing humanity today. In particular, this course will consider the many diverse localized impacts of globalization and global changes.
2206 9:30a-10:50a MW DRSCHR 128 Morris P S
2207 2:15p-3:35p TTh BUS 252 Morris P S
GEOG 14, Geography of California 3 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences) • Prerequisite: None.
This course satisfies Santa Monica College’s American Cultures requirement.
This course surveys the physical and human geography of California and the process shaping its landscapes. Topics include natural features and resources, such as geology, climate, plants, and hydrology. Historical and current trends in human population, migration, and settlement patterns are considered, including a review of the state’s major cultural groups. Primary and advanced economic activities are examined within modern rural and urban settings. Emphasis is on the profound connections between these topics, on California’s unequaled diversity, and the rapid change that is transforming our people and its landscapes.
2208 11:15a-12:35p MW DRSCHR 207 Drake V G
2209 2:15p-3:35p TTh BUS 250 Selby W A
Above section 2209 is part of the Teacher Academy program and is open to all students. This section is recommended for future teachers. See Special programs section of the schedule for additional information
GEOG 20, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 3 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • Prerequisite: None.
This course is an introduction to the concepts and principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students will be introduced to cartographic principles, as well as the history, use, requirements, and basic operations of GIS. Using ArcView’s vector-based software, students will learn a variety of basic GIS functions through classroom exercises, individual and group projects. Students will carry out spatial analysis using vector data and present their findings in oral, written, and cartographic form.
Geography 20 is the same course as GIS 20 and CIS 20. Students may earn credit for one course only.
4310 6:45p-9:50p T BUS 250 Drake V G
Arrange-2 Hours
GEOG 23, Intermediate Geographic Information Systems 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Geography 20.
This course exposes students to a variety of functions of a Geographic Information System (GIS) using ArcView’s vector-based software. Students are guided through the GIS software using vector data in hands-on laboratory exercises, including assigned classroom exercises and individual projects. The course guides students through the basic functions of ArcView to more advanced functions, including analysis. Throughout the semester, a variety of other commercial software products are introduced in the laboratory segment of the course. Students perform spatial analysis and present findings in written, oral, and cartographic form.
Geography 23 is the same course as GIS 23 and CIS 23. Students may receive credit for one, but not both.
4311 6:45p-9:50p Th BUS 250 Drake V G
GEOG 35S, Geography Field Studies 1 unit
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: None.
This course combines classroom and laboratory studies with actual field studies in geography. Field experiences are designed to apply basic geographic concepts and techniques in the study of diverse landscapes and the processes shaping them.
2210 4:00p-7:05p F HSS 251 Selby W A
Above section 2210 meets two Fridays: February 22 and May 30. There are two weekend field trips: March 28-30 and April 25-27.