COURSE CURRICULUM

Bachelor of Arts in Geography at Laurier Waterloo, first-year students begin with core courses designed to build a foundational understanding of both human and physical geography, including Introduction to Human Geography and Introduction to Physical Geography. Alongside these, students choose four elective credits, allowing them to explore complementary areas of interest and develop a broad academic perspective. Sample first-year electives include courses such as Invitation to Archaeology, Our Place in the Cosmos, and Pirates! A World History, offering opportunities to connect geographic concepts with historical, cultural, and scientific contexts. As students progress to upper years, the curriculum expands to cover more specialized topics that integrate theory, research, and practical skills. Upper-year courses may include Atmosphere and Hydrosphere, which examines the interactions between the air and water systems on Earth, Environmental Concepts and Approaches, which introduces sustainability and environmental problem-solving strategies, Geographies of Consumption and the Global Economy, which investigates human economic activities in spatial contexts, and Powering Earth, which explores energy systems and their environmental impacts. Throughout the program, students engage in fieldwork, research projects, and data analysis, gaining hands-on experience that enhances their understanding of complex geographic systems and human-environment interactions. This prepares graduates for careers in urban planning, environmental policy, research, and other roles requiring critical spatial and analytical skills.