Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for GEO 105 archive revision 202104

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Effective Term:
Fall 2021 through Fall 2024

Course Number:
GEO 105
Course Title:
Human Geography
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Introduces key geographic themes of location, place, region, human-environment interaction, and mobility. Includes an examination of spatial patterns of topics such as population, migration, language, religion, culture, cooperation and conflict, natural resources, and political organization. Addresses these topics at varying scales and with respect to their influence on the global landscape. Focuses on current issues and events. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Interpret the world using thematic and general reference maps as tools. 

  • Analyze socioeconomic and political processes in present day societies using an understanding of cultural landscapes.

  • Examine spatial patterns and global distributions of cultural features and human-environment interactions.

Social Inquiry and Analysis

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to apply methods of inquiry and analysis to examine social contexts and the diversity of human thought and experience.

General education philosophy statement

Human Geography examines the spatial and temporal relationships between people, places and the environment. By examining this relationship, students gain an understanding of the development of human societies, including their culture, economy and politics, and how that intersects with the physical environment. Core geographic concepts such as location, regions, place, scale, and patterns, are analyzed on multiple scales (global, regional, and local) and through a multicultural lens. Students gain a deeper understanding of cultures and places that are different from their own, providing a foundation for breaking down prejudices and making more informed decisions. This creates more socially aware and responsible global citizens.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of themes, concepts, issues, competencies and skills by any combination of the following:

  • In-class discussions

  • Exams and quizzes

  • Mapping activities

  • Class assignments and exercises

  • Conducting research

  • Field observation exercises and projects

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes, Concepts, Issues:

  • Maps, scales, and projections

  • Demographic Transition

  • Mobility and migration

  • Cultural diffusion 

  • Cultural landscapes

  • Language

  • Religion

  • Race and Ethnicity

  • Economic Development

  • Geopolitics

  • Human-environment interactions

Competencies and Skills:

  • Use maps and other geographic representations 

  • Mental maps

  • Spatial dynamics 

  • Making location-based decisions

  • Perception of places and regions

  • Human-environment interactions