An overview of the various perspectives put forward in the West on the proper human relationship to the environment. We will investigate the metaphysics behind the fact/value dichotomy, the currently influential views on the human-nature relationship, various environmental ethical frameworks, the distinctive characteristics of moral reasoning and argumentation as they bear on the human-nature relationship, and the religious, economic, socio-cultural, and ideological factors contributory to the rise of the ecological crisis.

This course describes and explores Canada's physical and human geography focusing on the regional distribution of natural features and resources, population and settlements, economic activities and development, and cultural change. It emphasizes the diversity and interrelationships between the physical and human landscapes which have evolved over time, creating the identifiable regions and subregions within the country.

Introduction to the geological causes and characteristics of natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, landslides, floods, weather-related events, and climate change. The focus will be on understanding how the natural hazards affect us in everyday life and how we can predict the hazard, prevent, or moderate the hazard to avoid a natural disaster.

An overview of the fundamental earth science processes responsible for the creation, transformation, and ongoing physical development of the Pacific Northwest. These processes are studied in the context of the building of the North American continent through tectonic forces and surface dynamics. Topics include: geologic time, tectonics, volcanology, seismology, stratigraphy, glaciation, erosion, paleontology, paleoclimatology, and environmental issues. Field trips and field studies are included.

An inventory of plant life across major habitats - particularly in the local area of British Columbia - this course provides insights into the ecology of these environments. Local field trips highlight natural habitats, agricultural and horticultural crops, and managed forests. Critical assessment of planetary stewardship forms a common theme.

This course explores urbanization processes in developing countries, particularly in urban settings across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It provides a geographic perspective on the socio-economic, political, cultural, and environmental conditions under which cities of the Third World are rapidly growing and their relation to globalization issues. Case studies from selected areas examine such problems as unemployment, inadequate health services, housing shortages, and inadequate urban infrastructure.

Principles of spatial and digital literacy applied to the geographic context of our contemporary world. In this course, students will discover the importance of place, spatial data collection, assessment of spatial patterns and principles of scale. Students will gain an understanding of the nature of geospatial data, and explore geospatial technologies such as GPS, mobile maps, satellite data and GIS. Students will discover digital cartography principles and spatial analysis techniques.

An investigation of the scientific principles behind environmental issues and practical inquiry-based approaches to environment concerns in our local and global communities. The course integrates theoretical knowledge about the environment with real-life activities in a multitude of settings outside of the classroom to help students learn about complex interactions between human populations and their environments; and to inspire critical thinking about environmental challenges for today and future generations.

Through an investigation of the fundamental concepts of earth systems science from a geographic perspective, students will develop confidence in using the scientific method. Emphasis in the course is placed on understanding the origins and development of Earth's surface features; the characteristics and circulations of Earth's atmosphere, including weather systems and global climates; and introducing the biophysical principles governing vegetation distribution patterns on Earth.

An introduction to human geography and the notion of globalization by exploring some of the major economic, political, social, cultural, environmental, and technological changes that have recently occurred at the global level and are shaping local places.