Geography of the Mount Shasta Region

                                                                                  SCIENCE DIVISION

                                                                           FIRST CLASS HANDOUT

GEOGRAPHY OF

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES        

Geography 12

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

                 Transfer Status: CSU, UC                                                         1 unit

This field course deals with the cultural and historic geography of Northern California communities over a two or three day weekend.  This class provides an introduction to Northern California's diversified geography including physical landforms, economic diversity, settlement patterns and history of the communities of McCloud, Dunsmuir, Mt. Shasta, Gazelle, Grenada, Yreka, Edgewood, Montague, Lake Shastina and Weed.

II. COURSE CONTENT

A. General Goals  

1. To acquaint students with the geographer's approach to studying

            California's urban landscapes, especially the principles governing

            their location.  Students will use tools such as maps, graphs, photos,

            statistics, and models.   

2. To provide instructional opportunities and requirements designed to help   students:      

a) read, view, reason, and synthesize information from varied sources; and

            to develop methods of inquiry through problem solving

b) better understand the relationships between human settlements and their       natural environments. 

B.  General Objectives

 1. To provide a geographic analysis and understanding of the spatial characteristics, economic diversity, history, and ethnicity of these communities through mapping exercises and location surveys. 

2.  To record, study, interpret and analyze the information gained using           geographic tools and methods of study in order to demonstrate a clear        understanding of Northern California's urban patterns.

C.  Course Outline

             Basics of Geography

                        geography defined

                        the concepts of location

                        urban, regional, physical & cultural geography

            An Historical Geography

                        Native American past

                        Spanish & Mexican colonization periods

                        The impact of the gold rush

                        Siskiyou transportation corridor/agriculture/lumber

            Physical Geography

                        landforms

                        climate

                        water issues

            Cultural Landscapes

                        images & stereotypes

                        ethnic diversity & population trends

                        historical landscapes

            Economic Geography

                        urban models

                        economic regions   

III. GENERAL METHODS OF INSTRUCTION

Field Geography is program of instruction and activity.  Slides, maps, aerial photographs and other geographical tools will be used for the pre-trip analysis and discussion.  A suggested reading list and self-study exercises will be given.  While in the field, interviews with local officials and inhabitants may also be used.  Cultural and historical patterns will be surveyed during field exercises and the narrated driving tour. A student's learning during the field portion of the course will be evaluated through an assigned paper.

A. Instructional Activities

1. Narrated Driving Tour

2. Walking Field Exercises

3. Mt. Shasta Walk

4. Individual Excursions

IV. METHODS OF EVALUATION

A. Grading Policies

1. A student may take this course with the credit/no-credit option.  To receive credit or a C grade, the student must attend the pre session as well as the entire two and a half days in Northern California.  Completion of any field exercises, and the driving tour are also required. Field maps are recommended.

2.  A typed paper is required of all students seeking an A or B in this course.  This evaluation paper is to be presented in the standard term paper format (double spaced, typed, title page, etc.) Photographs and supplementary maps are encouraged. Concepts to be included should include:

                  a. a synopsis of the weekend including new concepts learned.

                  b. an explanation of the geographic perspective of a community

                  c. a geographic overview of the communities

                  d. future prospects of these communities

                  e. concepts of effective city planning

Any other topics must be approved by the instructor.  Papers will be evaluated on their integration of learned concepts discussed while on the field class.

The length of your weekend-field trip evaluation paper should be at least four pages. This paper will be due at  5 pm on _______________.   Late papers may not be accepted. 

3. Evaluation of the student in the issuance of final grades is at the discretion

of the instructor.

V.  MATERIALS OF INSTRUCTION

A suggested reading list and information regarding maps available will be given

            at the first class meeting.

VI. OFFICE HOURS AND CONTACT NUMBER

            Instructor:      Carol Jean Cox    

Office:            Rm. S107 (NCC)

Office Hours: by appointment