Undergraduate Program
Introduction
The Department of Geography offers courses concerned with broad-ranging understandings of humans as inhabitants, observers and transformers of their environments. Gaining such perspectives involves study of the interrelations between interlocking systems of the natural environment, especially climate, landforms, oceans, biota and the evaluation of natural resources; diverse historical, cultural, social, economic and political structures and processes that affect the location and spatial organization of population groups and their activities in distinct geographical units, especially cities and regions, nations, states and landscapes; the study of place through perspectives including race, gender, class, sexuality and the postmodern condition; and the mapping and representation of earth surface features and resource management policies through the study of geographic information science. Many courses meet general education requirements, and various programs are offered for both majors and non-majors. The department fosters close working relationships among students and faculty.
The undergraduate major leads to the bachelors of arts degree. Students are introduced to basic geographical foundations and methods in a series of required core courses. Students must choose one of three tracks emphasizing urban environments, natural environments, or geographical information science. Majors should expect to participate in one or more field trips as part of their course of study, and they are encouraged to include practical experience gained while working as interns or research assistants in their degree programs.
Three interdisciplinary minors administered by the Geography Department are described in this section. The interdisciplinary minors administered by the Geography Department include Geographic Information Science Interdisciplinary Minor, Pacific Rim Development Interdisciplinary Minor and Interdisciplinary Minor on Southern California. Geography courses are featured prominently in three other majors: the B.A. in Social Sciences administered by the Department of History; the B.S. in General Studies administered by the Rossier School of Education; and the B.A. in Environmental Studies (Geography Emphasis).
Other Resources
- Academic Boutiques: Check out this interesting article on how to choose a major for reasons why small departments like USC Geography are great places for undergraduate majors.
- A Plea for Spatial Literacy: Read about why the National Research Council thinks spatial literacy is a pressing issue in undergraduate education. (via The Chronicle of Higher Education)
- Become a Cultural Geographer: David Brooks is a columnist for The New York Times and a regular commentator on public television’s “News Hour with Jim Lehrer.” In this article he tells you why you should become a cultural geographer.
- Undergraduate Awards: Take a look at the awards that USC Geography undergraduates have recieved.