This course offers an in-depth exploration of Earth's physical geography, emphasizing how natural features and systems shape our world and influence human understanding of place and space. Beginning with the fundamentals of geographical tools—such as longitude, latitude, time zones, and the interpretation of maps, charts, graphs, and tables—students will gain a strong foundation in spatial analysis.
The course examines Earth's relationship with other celestial bodies, providing context for planetary systems and their influence on our planet. Key hydrological features are explored, including lakes, rivers, tributaries, alluvial fans, ponds, seas, and oceans, alongside geomorphological landforms such as mountains, hills, plateaus, plains, canyons, peninsulas, and floodplains.
A significant portion of the course focuses on plate tectonics, covering the major tectonic plates and how their movements shape global landforms. Regional geography units offer comparative analyses of physical landscapes and spatial coordinates across North America (Southern, Midwestern, Interior West, and Pacific states), Canada’s northern territories (Nunavut, Yukon, Northwest Territories), and Latin America (Mexico, Central America, Caribbean Islands, and both coasts of South America).
Students will also examine the physical geography of Europe, focusing on the distinctive characteristics of West Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe, along with an analysis of the vast landscapes of Russia and Northern Eurasia. The course concludes with a case study on the political and geographic implications of the official dissolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh region as of January 1, 2024.
Through readings, map analysis, and regional case studies, students will develop critical geographic literacy and analytical skills applicable across a broad range of disciplines.
Number of Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours
Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for DoDEA Participants.
Course Materials: Text, World Geography Today by Robert J. Sager available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore
Either eBook, paperback or hardcopy can be purchased.
University of San Diego – Academic Credit Information
The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level academic credit. To receive credit, participants must first register and complete coursework through the external program provider.
Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.
Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.
Transcript Delivery Timeline:
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