GEOGRAPHY SELF STUDY 2006
APPENDIX A
Department of Geography Curricular Goals and Objectives,
National Geography Standards, and
Geospatial Workforce Competency Model
Department of Geography Curricular Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Demonstrate an understanding of the theories, philosophies, and concepts in the discipline of geography
1.1. Objective 1: Define and explain the unifying themes of both human and physical geography
1.2. Objective 2: Define and explain the interactions between society and nature, people and the environment
1.3. Objective 3: Understand the ways in which geographers construct regions and scales of analysis
1.4. Objective 4: Recognize applications of geography in everyday life
Goal 2: Demonstrate an understanding of and distinguish differences between the various methodologies used in geography
2.1. Objective 1: Define and select objects of analysis
2.2. Objective 2: Conceptualize appropriate data
2.3. Objective 3: Formulate research questions
2.4. Objective 4: Assess reliability, validity, reflexivity, and research ethics
Goal 3: Demonstrate ability to analyze and interpret geographic data
3.1. Objective 1: Formulating geographic analyses through the application of geographic methodology and method
3.2. Objective 2: Identify, characterize, and explain "real world" spatial patterns and structures
3.3. Objective 3: Critically evaluate primary and secondary data sources (e.g., identify shortcomings in data)
3.4. Objective 4: Evaluate the relationship between the perception and experience of place
Goal 4: Demonstrate the ability to communicate goals 1 through 3
4.1. Objective 1: Demonstrate the ability to communicate goals 1 through 4 orally
4.2. Objective 2: Demonstrate the ability to communicate goals 1 through 4 in written form
4.3. Objective 3: Demonstrate the ability to communicate goals 1 through 4 graphically (maps and graphs)
4.4. Objective 4: Demonstrate the ability to communicate goals 1 through 4 quantitatively
Eighteen National Geography Standards, Six Elements, and Two Perspectives: Spatial/Regional and Ecological (NCGE 1994)
Element 1: The World in Spatial Terms
Standard 1: How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective.
Standard 2: How to use mental maps to organize information about people, places, and environments in a spatial context
Standard 3: How to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and environments on Earth’s surface
Element 2: Places and Regions
Standard 4: The physical and human characteristics of places
Standard 5: That people create regions to interpret Earth’s complexity
Standard 6: How culture and experience influence people’s perceptions of places and regions
Element 3: Physical Systems
Standard 7: The physical processes that shape the patterns of Earth’s surface
Standard 8: The characteristics and spatial distribution of ecosystems on Earth’s surface
Element 4: Human Systems
Standard 9: The characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations on Earth’s surface
Standard 10: The characteristics, distribution, and complexity of Earth’s cultural mosaics
Standard 11: The patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth’s surface
Standard 12: The processes, patterns, and functions of human settlement
Standard 13: How the forces of cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control of Earth’s surface
Element 5: Environment and Society
Standard 14: How human actions modify the physical environment
Standard 15: How physical systems affect human systems
Standard 16: The changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources
Element 6: Uses of Geography
Standard 17: How to apply geography to interpret the past
Standard 18: How to apply geography to interpret the present and prepare for the future.
Geospatial Technologies Competencies Model
(after Gaudet, Annulis, and Carr 2001)
Competency Area 1: Technical
Competency 1: Ability to assess relationships among geospatial technologies
Competency 2: Cartography
Competency 3: Computer programming skills
Competency 4: Environmental applications
Competency 5: GIS theory and applications
Competency 6: Geology/geomorphology applications
Competency 7: Geospatial data processing tools
Competency 8: Photogrammetry
Competency 9: Remote sensing theory and applications
Competency 10: Spatial information processing
Competency 11: Technical writing
Competency 12: Technological literacy
Competency 13: Topology
Competency Area 2: Analytical
Competency 14: Creative thinking
Competency 15: Knowledge management
Competency 16: Model building skills
Competency 17: Problem solving skills
Competency 18: Research skill
Competency 19: Systems thinking
Competency Area 3: Business
Competency 20: Ability to see the "Big Picture"
Competency 21: Business understanding
Competency 22: Buy-in/advocacy
Competency 23: Skills in change management
Competency 24: Cost-benefit analysis/return on investment
Competency 25: Ethics modelling
Competency 26: Industry understanding
Competency 27: Legal understanding
Competency 28: Organization undestanding
Competency 29: Performance analysis and evaluation
Competency 30: Visioning
Competency Area 4: Interpersonal
Competency 31: Coaching
Competency 32: Communication
Competency 33: Conflict management
Competency 34: Feedback skills
Competency 35: Group process understanding
Competency 36: Leadership skills
Competency 37: Questioning
Competency 38: Relationship building skills
Competency 39: Self-knowledge/self-management