Overview
GEOG 302 is a senior-level undergraduate, three-credit course in human geography. It is suitable for students who are interested in the geography, culture, and sustainable development of Canada's North. It presents an overview of the human geography of the Canadian North covering diverse topics such as imaginings of the North; the biophysical features of Canada's North; the history of European exploration and contact with indigenous northern populations; Aboriginal culture and society; political developments in the North; and natural resource developments in this region and their environmental impacts. There are no prerequisites for this course, but because it is a senior undergraduate course, there is an expectation that students will have good skills in critical social analysis, cultural analysis, and writing. As well, while not required, some exposure to geographical analysis and concepts will benefit students.
Evaluation
To receive credit for GEOG 302, you must achieve a grade of at least 50 percent on the final examination and achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent). The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1: Mapping the North | 10% |
| Assignment 2: Case Study—Northern Biogeography | 10% |
| Approval for Assignment 3: Northern Region and Topic for In-Depth Analysis | Approved/Not Approved |
| Assignment 3a: Elaborating on Chosen Region | 5% |
| Assignment 3b: Indigenous Culture | 5% |
| Assignment 3c: Northern Economic Development | 5% |
| Assignment 3d: Northern Sustainability | 5% |
| Approval for Assignment 4: Annotated Bibliography | Approved/Not Approved |
| Assignment 4: Major Research Paper | 25% |
| Final Examination | 35% |
| Total | 100% |
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Physical course materials
The following course materials are included in a course package that will be shipped to your home prior to your course’s start date:
Bone, Robert M. The Canadian North: Issues and Challenges. 5th ed. Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press, 2016.
Other Materials
All other materials are online, including study guides, and electronic readings and videos.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the GEOG 302 challenge registration, you must achieve an overall course grade of D (50 percent) or greater to pass.
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment | 50% |
| Exam | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
Challenge for credit course registration form