COURSE DESCRIPTION

An examination of the physical and human geography of the coastal zone. Course covers problems of managing coastal resources with an emphasis on North America.  Physical geography of the coastal zone is systematically examined through the processes, landforms, and ecosystems of coasts.  Waves, tides, rivers and sea level are studied as agents of coastal evolution. Human population and settlement, resource utilization and conflicts, and coastal policy and management are also examined. 

OBJECTIVES

This course prepares the student to:

§         Interpret the physical systems and cultural landscape of the coastal zone

§         Apply the principles, concepts, and methods of geography to coastal zone management

§         Identify problems of resources, hazards, and development in the coastal zone

§         Become skilled in tools and techniques for coastal management planning

§         Analyze and communicate information using photographs, diagrams, maps, tables, and digital media

§         Effectively synthesize information and analyses from diverse resources 

PREREQUISITES

GEOG 101S or GEOG 100S or permission of the instructor.  

REQUIRED TEXTS

Haslett, Simon K. 2000. Coastal Systems. Routledge, London, 
218 ppg. (paperback ISBN 0415213029).

Further course information and materials are available to registered students on the ODU Blackboard Website