COURSE OUTLINE

OXNARD COLLEGE

I. Course Identification and Justification: A. Proposed course id: GEOG R104 Banner title: Geography of California Full title: Geography of California

Previous course id: GEOG R104 Banner title: Geography of California Full title: Geography of California

B. Reason(s) course is offered: This course fulfills a general education requirement in the Social Sciences for the Associate degree. It satisfies a Social Science transfer requirement in both IGETC and CSU-GE.

C. Reason(s) for current outline revision: Course Modification

II. Catalog Information: A. Units: Current: 3.00 Previous: 3.00

B. Course Hours: 1. In-Class Contact Hours: Lecture: 52.5 Activity: 0 Lab: 0 2. Total In-Class Contact Hours: 52.5 3. Total Outside-of-Class Hours: 105 4. Total Student Learning Hours: 157.5

C. Prerequisites, Corequisites, Advisories, and Limitations on Enrollment: 1. Prerequisites Current: Previous:

2. Corequisites Current: Previous:

3. Advisories: Current: Previous:

4. Limitations on Enrollment: Current: Previous:

D. Catalog description: Current: This course examines the physical and cultural environments of California’s diverse landscapes, including landforms, climate, natural vegetation, natural resources, economic activities and historical settlement in the Golden State. Special emphasis is given to the human landscape of Southern California.

Previous, if different:

E. Fees: Current: $ None Previous, if different: $ None

F. Field trips: Current: Will be required: [ ] May be required: [X] Will not be required: [ ]

Previous, if different: Will be required: [ ] May be required: [ ] Will not be required: [ ]

G. Repeatability: Current: A - Not designed as repeatable Previous:

H. Credit basis: Current: Letter graded only [x] Pass/no pass [ ] Student option [ ]

Previous, if different: Letter graded only [ ] Pass/no pass [ ] Student option [X]

I. Credit by exam: Current: Petitions may be granted: [ ] Petitions will not be granted: [X]

Previous, if different: Petitions may be granted: [ ] Petitions will not be granted: [ ]

III. Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to: A. Identify on a map and describe the major geomorphic regions within California, based on its diverse landforms, climate, soils, water resources and natural vegetation. B. Analyze the historical settlement of California and the evolution of demographic patterns within the state. C. Describe the push-pull factors stimulating migration to California, assessing the effect of immigration to the state. D. Discuss how the location and development of agriculture and industries have diversified California’s economic base. E. Identify the location of the dominant transport and communication infrastructure within California. F. Explain the emergence of the cityscape; how the philosophy and implementation of land use policies will affect the growth of California cities. G. Utilize a geographic framework to list the key issues currently facing California. H. Explain the environmental hazards that affect the California landscape, such as the atmospheric rivers that have created megafloods in California history. I. Discuss Californians' response to global climate change and its environmental challenges on the state's water resources.

IV. Course Content: Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to: A. Introduction to California as a Region 1. Concept of region in geographical studies 2. Site and situation qualities of California 3. Where is California’s geographic center? 4. Status of California’s place in the global context B. The Physical Diversity of California 1. Review of California’s eleven landform provinces 2. Geologic evolution of California’s physical landscape 3. Geologic processes that shape the natural environment: volcanism, plate tectonics and denudation processes C. How Do Humans Relate to Their Natural Environment? 1. California’s environmental hazards 2. Living in “Earthquake Country” 3. Relentless droughts D. Climate and Weather 1. Characteristics of a “Mediterranean” climate in the Golden State 2. Climate controls for California: latitude, ocean current, water/land relationship, altitude, air masses, global pressure and wind belts and cloud cover 3. Temperature and precipitation distribution for California 4. El Nino effect on California’s weather 5. Air quality issues: smog 6. Impact of global warming on California’s climates 7. Atmospheric rivers and historical evidence of megafloods in California 8. Californians response to climate change, surviving droughts E. California’s Rich Biogeography: Distribution of Plants and Animals 1. Environmental controls that affect the distribution of California’s plant communities: climate, soils, slope and biotic elements 2. Geographical distribution and description of California’s major biomes 3. Vertical zonation of natural vegetation in the Sierra Nevada 4. Chaparral plant communities of Southern California 5. Impact of “prescribed burn” on Southern California’s natural vegetation F. Sequent Occupancy of the Golden State 1. Historical geography of California: from Native Americans, Spanish, Mexican, Anglo to recent settlement in the state 2. Demographic profile and 2010 Census indicators 3. Geographical distribution of population in California 4. California’s ethnic and cultural diversity is reflected in historical migration patterns to the state 5. The push-pull factors of migration to the Golden State 6. The new immigrants: where are they, who are they and how have they contributed to changing the California landscape? 7. Preserving past cultures and landscapes 8. Traditions, popular cultures and the future mosaic of California society G. Agribusiness and the California Economy 1. Major agricultural regions in the state 2. What determines the best land suitable for agriculture: topography, soils, climate? 3. What makes California’s agriculture so special? H. Historical Development of Water Resources for a “Thirsty State” 1. California’s water budget and its sources 2. Development of state’s early water rights 3. Evolution of California’s water projects 4. Alternative water resources 5. Water conservation I. Energy Resources: California’s Potential for Economic Expansion 1. Major sources of California energy: fossil fuels, hydropower, nuclear, geothermal, green energy (solar, wind, biomass, ethanol) 2. Major consumers of energy in state J. Cityscapes in California: the Growing Megalopolis 1. Components of urban landscape: form and function 2. Land use constraints that affect urban development 3. Concept of “New Urbanism”: “Smart Growth” policies 4. Problems with uncontrolled urban growth 5. “Green Architecture” 6. Comparison of San Diego, Los Angeles lowland, and San Francisco Bay area 7. Examples of mass transit systems in California cities K. California’s Growing Economy 1. California’s “4 Pillars of Industry” 2. State economic sectors/division of labor 3. Location of California’s industrial heartland 4. State’s major technopoles: centers of high tech manufacturing, research and development and information generation 5. Factors affecting the geography of manufacturing in the Golden State 6. NAFTA provisions and California trade 7. Global trade and California’s Pacific Rim trade partners L. Land Use, Development and Community Planning: Oxnard as a Case Study M. Planning for Tomorrow: A Summing Up

V. Lab Content: VI. Methods of Instruction: Methods may include, but are not limited to: A. In-class problem solving, such as how to calculate and construct climagraphs for selected climate stations in California and summarize the climate controls that contribute to each climate type. B. Class lecture and discussion of the geologic processes that shape the natural environment: volcanism, plate tectonics and denudation of the physical landscape. C. In-class viewing of PowerPoint resources to recognize California’s environmental hazards and their impact on the state’s residents. D. In-class discussion and question-and-answer about the incorporation of “Green Architecture” into California’s cityscape, its benefits in reducing carbon emissions in the environment. E. Instructor-led panel discussion on “Energy Alternatives for California” where students select an energy resource alternative to fossil fuel production; present data and reasons why this resource would secure California’s present and future economic development. F. Educational video clips shown in class to complement topics for discussion, such as preserving past cultures, popular cultures and the future mosaic of California society. G. Invite the local city planner of Oxnard to discuss with the students the development of a city’s “general plan” and current local issues with city planning.

Other methods of instruction: N/A

VII. Methods of Evaluation and Assignments: A. Methods of evaluation for degree-applicable courses: Essays [X] Problem-solving assignments (Examples: Math-like problems, diagnosis & repair) [X] Physical skills demonstrations (Examples: Performing arts, equipment operation) [ ]

For any course, if "Essays" above is not checked, explain why.

B. Typical graded assignments (methods of evaluation): 1. Students will write a critical essay discussing water resource development for Ventura County. The assignment requires presenting a proposal for expanding the water resources in the county and how this will relieve the water needs for the future. Students will be assessed on their research techniques and writing organizational skills. 2. Students participate in small groups to select and present a geographical analysis of a familiar neighborhood based on the homogeneous patterns of a “sense of place” and a “sense of community”. Students will be evaluated on content material presented during class discussion. 3. Students select and present in class from one of the various topics on California’s environment, such as describing the tectonic processes currently active in California and how these processes affect economic, cultural and political activities in the “Golden State”. Students will be assessed on their demonstration and use of reliable Internet sources. 4. From U.S. Census 2010 data, students develop a demographic profile on a selected California city and identify future trends in population growth. Students will be graded on their understanding of patterns of population geography for California. 5. In-class exams will cover various topics reviewed in class such as the climate controls that determine California’s unique “Mediterranean” climate. C. Typical outside of classroom assignments: 1. Reading a. Students will be assigned reading of selected articles on California topics using such journals/periodicals as: California Geology Magazine, California Geographer, California Department of Water Resources, and California Historical Courier. b. Students will review maps of California that show the physical features such as mountains and river systems in preparation for a map quiz. 2. Writing a. Students will write a critical essay based on identifying two cultural landscapes in California which reflect ethnic clusters. Students will use a camera to capture images of buildings, signs, dress, language and food preferences in each selected cluster. The essay should cover a description of images photographed and comment on possible visual signs of assimilation of these cultural groups in mainstream society. b. Assignment requires completion of 6 climagraphs on selected cities in California that reflect a description of climate types and controls for the California region.

c. A take home essay assignment in partial fulfillment for the final exam asks the students to compare the site and situation features that distinguish the Los Angeles cityscape from that of San Francisco, which city has the advantages for growth and development. 3. Other a. Have students review Internet sources such as U.S. Census 2010 for demographic changes in California, or SCAG (Southern California Area Governments) for economic profile of Southern California, and California Energy for the state’s fuel resources

VIII. Textbooks and Instructional Materials: A. Textbooks/Resources: 1. Selby, William A (2013). Rediscovering the Golden State: California Geography (3rd/e). New York John Wiley & Sons Inc. B. Other instructional materials: 1. Wall maps 2. Digital slide presentations 3. Videotape and DVD presentations 4. PowerPoint presentations 5. Overhead projections

IX. Minimum Qualifications and Additional Certifications: A. Minimum Qualifications: 1. Geography (Masters Required) B. Additional Certifications: 1. Description of certification requirement: 2. Name of statute, regulation, or licensing/certification organization requiring this certification:

X. Approval Dates CC Approval Date: 09/24/2014 Board Approval Date: 09/24/2014 Course ID: 1578