GEOG 2231: Geography of British Columbia
This course uses the concepts and methods of regional geography to explore the character of British Columbia, through study of the province's diverse physical and human landscapes. Students focus on geographic patterns and on the interaction of physiography, climate, settlement, resource utilization, and economic activity. Students also examine how the province fits into a variety of regional settings: the Pacific Northwest, Canada, North America, and the Pacific Rim.
Learning outcomes
- Define key concepts used in regional geography and other approaches of geographic analysis, with particular application to the geography of British Columbia.
- Describe the physical geography of British Columbia, including the major factors underlying geographic patterns of physiography, climate, soils, vegetation, and their associated hazards.
- Explain how patterns of present ethnic composition in the province have arisen, with particular reference to First Nations, Europeans, and Asians.
- Discuss the structure of British Columbia's economy and the variations in type and level of economic activity in the different regions of the province.
- Indicate British Columbia's position in a variety of regional economic contexts.
- Identify the nature and importance of external linkages in the development of the province.
- Discuss the spatial structure of biophysical resource use in British Columbia, including forest-based, agricultural, and commercial-fishing industries.
- Discuss the spatial structure of physical resource use and the service sector in British Columbia, including metal mining, energy, water resources, tourism, recreation, and conservation.
- Explain the evolution of settlement patterns in British Columbia, including the development and location of urbanization.
- Evaluate British Columbia's position in a variety of regional contexts and the impact of external linkages on the development of the province.
- Present an informed analysis of the physical and human geography of British Columbia and its regions.
Course topics
Unit 1: Regional Geography and Physical Landscape
Unit 2: Peoples of British Columbia
Unit 3: Resource Geography of British Columbia--Abiotic Resources
Unit 4: Resource Geography of British Columbia--Biotic Resources
Unit 5: Rural Settlements and Urbanization of British Columbia
Required text and materials
Students require the following e-textbook, which can be purchased directly from the TRU bookstore site at: https://thebookstore.tru.ca/site_digital.asp
- McGillivray, B. (2011). Geography of British Columbia, People and Landscapes in
Transition. 3rd edition. Vancouver: UBC Press. 307 pages.
Type: E-Textbook. ISBN: 9780774820790 or 978-0-7748-2078-3
Students will need to download and save this resource on their own:
- Wood, C. J. B. British Columbia, The Pacific Province: Geographical Essays. Canadian Western Geographical Series 36. 358 pages. Victoria: Western Geographical Press, 2001.
Note: Please note that the Wood textbook is made available to you as a PDF on your course home page; you must download and save it for your use throughout the course.
Students may wish to purchase the following resource:
- Province of British Columbia Ministry of Forests Research Branch. Biogeoclimatic Zones of
British Columbia. 1999
Type: Map
Note: Please note that the Zones Map is made available through a link in your course; you only need to purchase the map if you would like a hard copy.
Additional requirements
Students should refer to "Course Delivery Formats" in the TRU-Open Learning Calendar or on the TRU-OL web site for computer requirements (see: http://www.tru.ca/distance/services/online_courses.html).
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
In order to successfully complete this course, you must obtain at least 50% on the final examination and 50% overall.
| Assignment 1 – Regional Geography and Physical Landscape | 5% |
| Assignment 2 – Peoples of British Columbia | 5% |
| Assignment 3 – Resource Geography of British Columbia-Abiotic Resources | 5% |
| Assignment 4 – Resource Geography of British Columbia-Biotic Resources | 5% |
| Assignment 5 – Rural Settlements and Urbanization of British Columbia | 5% |
| Final Project – Research Essay in Regional Geography | 25% |
| Final Exam (mandatory) | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
