California State University, Stanislaus
AC-5: Immersive Experience

Using geographic field techniques, the GEOG 4700/5700 Geographic Landscapes and Processes in the Western United States, with Special Focus on Death Valley, course analyzes geomorphic processes, climate characteristics, vegetation patterns, and human impacts and adaptations in California’s desert regions. In-depth field observation and analysis of the historic and modern physical and cultural processes that have and continue to shape landscapes within the desert regions are examined. In particular, students are required to engage in primary field research during a week-long field trip in Death Valley in March in which they observe and study topical environmental hazards and challenging issues in the region including fluvial processes and landscapes, watershed processes including stream flow hydrology and sediment transport, anthropogenic impacts on ecological processes and modern day environmental challenges in the region. During the field trip, each student prepares a flyer or pamphlet that details their topic about a physical or cultural aspect of Death Valley and presents at a site in Death Valley related to their research.