C-ID Descriptor
California Geography

None

Ability to read a college level text, eligibility for English composition

1. The major physical elements of California
   1. Landforms
   2. Climate
   3. Vegetation
   4. Soil
   5. Water resources
2. The human geography of California
   1. Population and distribution
   2. Economic activities
   3. Cultural landscapes
   4. Political Landscapes

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Examine the physical processes which shape the natural
  environments of California.
• Analyze the use of natural resources in the state, particularly the role of water in the development of both the economic and cultural landscapes of California.
• Analyze the influence of varying cultural and ethnic groups in the shaping of the cultural landscapes of California.
• Evaluate the origins and development of agriculture and industry in California.
• Compare patterns of urban development in the state and evaluate current and future trends.

Objective and subjective midterm and final examinations. Reports, projects, and/or homework problems.

Rediscovering The Golden State, (William Selby)
California, (Peters, et al.)
California, the Geography of Diversity, (Miller, et al)
or other college level text as selected by the instructor

Other Support Materials:
Atlas of California
Water Atlas of California