Geography Field Studies Courses, Schools, and Projects
All students enrolled in the B.A. Major in Geography are now required to complete GEOG 467 – Field Studies in Geography I. This course requirement may be fulfilled locally or internationally. Students are encouraged to take this course at the end of their third year of studies so that they can apply the skills learned in their fourth year courses.
Local and Regional
GEOG 467 – Field Studies in Geography I will be offered at the Nanaimo campus from April 24 to May 7, 2012. Students must register for GEOG 467 during the normal registration period for the 2011-12 academic year. An initial orientation class will be held on January 9, 2012, in Room 217, Building 370, at 4:00 p.m.; the field-based course will be delivered from April 24 – May 7, 2012 immediately following final exams at the end of the Spring semester.
Note: This course is not part of Summer Session 2012.
National and International
In some years, students may have the option of taking GEOG 467 – Field Studies in Geography I in another part of Canada or outside the country as part of a larger geography field school program. If delivered outside of Canada, GEOG 467 is preceded by GEOG 466 – Regional Studies (regional geography of the country or region where the field school is being delivered) and followed by GEOG 468 – Field Studies in Geography II (a continuation of work undertaken in GEOG 467). Students enrolled in this 9-credit field school program are eligible for student loans.
Belize Field School – Summer 2007
In Summer 2007, Larry Wolfe and Pam Shaw led a group of 19 students on a five-week field school to Belize. Students completed GEOG 466 – Regional Studies: Mesoamerica; GEOG 467 – Field Studies in Geography I; and, GEOG 468 – Field Studies in Geography II. Part of GEOG 466 was delivered prior to leaving for Belize in early May 2007. In addition to assisting Orange Walk Town in developing community planning policies, the group stayed at the Community Baboon Sanctuary, Indian Church Village/Lamanai Archaeological Site, Belmopan, and Caye Caulker. A summary of this field school experience is available at:
This community-planning-oriented field school produced the following reports:
- Community Policy Issues in Orange Walk Town, Belize: Volume 1: Literature Reviews
- Community Policy Issues in Orange Walk Town, Belize: Volume 2: Policy Analyses
Belize Field School – Summer 2009
Dr. Larry Wolfe delivered another Belizean geography field school in May and June 2009. GEOG 466, 467, and 468 were again offered; however, the theme of the 2009 field school involved planning for mitigation of natural disasters in Belize, including hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. Disasters touch the human and natural resources of any country. The 2009 Belizean field school allowed students to apply their knowledge and skills to a range of social and physical planning issues. Emergency or disaster planning involves identifying hazards and vulnerable areas and people, and developing strategies for minimizing harm by preparing for emergencies and credible responses to such unpredictable events. Students had the opportunity to visit other areas of Belize and learn about tropical marine and terrestrial ecosystems, Caribbean and Central American culture, and archaeology.
GEOG 491 – Research Project
Students enrolled in the B.A. Major and Minor and the B.Sc. Minor in Geography are welcome to take GEOG 491 – Research Project (6 credits). If anyone is interested in this program option, you are encouraged to approach any Geography instructor and discuss your proposed research project. At least one instructor is required to supervise the research project. Prior to registering for this course, a written statement outlining the expectations of student and instructor needs to be signed by both parties and approved by the Dean of Social Sciences. This document will include a project work schedule, including a final date for completion of the project.