Geography and environmental studies differ from other subjects due to their emphasis on space, place, and how humans connect and interact with their environment. Major global challenges of our time, such as climate change, depletion of natural resources, water availability, migration, war and conflict are better understood and addressed by those who have an in-depth knowledge of geography and environmental studies. The subject is diverse and is based on both natural science and social studies.
What is Geography and Environmental Studies?
Geography and Environmental Studies encompasses three areas:
- human geography
- physical geography
- environmental studies
Human geography analyses the way humans use and understand the world and addresses the spatial differentiation and organization of human activity and its interrelationships with the physical environment.
Physical geography—a component of Earth sciences—is the study of the natural processes that occur at and above the surface of the Earth.
Geography is one of mankind’s earliest scientific disciplines and studies the environment – everything that surrounds us, including human beings.
Environmental Studies encompasses the study of the planet and its intricate variety of living and non-living elements and processes, how human beings connect with the physical structures, institutions and economies we build, and the politics, language and culture by which we communicate.
Some specialty courses in geography and environmental studies at the U of R include:
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
This course offers an introduction to concepts and techniques of GIS used for spatial analysis such as car navigation or smartphone applications. Operational training in GIS is included.
The Place of Craft Beer
Is craft beer a sustainable practice for building local community? Topics include the geography of craft beer, environmental impacts, economic development, labour market, gender, and relationships to the local community.
Geography of Recreation and Tourism
Employing multiple analytical approaches, this course examines the economic, social, cultural, and environmental factors and processes of recreation and tourism, and their implications for the environment, space, and place, at a variety of geographical and temporal scales.
(De)constructing Berlin: an Exploration of Urban Place and Time
This course offers a multidisciplinary approach to the history and human/urban geography of Berlin, Germany. Emphasis is placed on selected themes in the physical, historical, cultural, political, and economic development of the city. The course includes a field trip to Berlin, Germany
Urban Planning
Urban Planning examines the classical roots of modern urban planning, the core concepts of planning theory, and the land-use plan. Emphasis is placed on urban planning in Canada and especially in Regina.
Climate Change Policy
This course explores questions such as what policy options are available to address climate change? What climate change policies have been introduced in Canada and around the world? How do we evaluate whether climate change policy has succeeded?
Geomorphology
The study of landforms and the processes which create and modify them. Emphasis on the mechanics of geomorphic processes and how they relate to properties of earth materials.