California Geography

Catalog description

California is an incredibly diverse state. Its cultural, ethnic, socioeconomic, urban, and rural landscapes comprise an endlessly complex and fascinating tapestry. If it were an independent country, its economy would be the fifth-largest in the world. While the California Dream looms large, skyrocketing housing costs, socioeconomic and racial injustice, pervasive drought, and a year-round fire season are making this dream unattainable for many. This course provides a thematic approach to the state's issues, processes and topics relevant to geography including climate, landforms, natural vegetation, water resources, cultural landscape, ethnic diversity, urban and agricultural regions, and the economy. This course explores the physical, and human landscapes that have evolved as a result of the human-environment interface.