CONT795: Intermediate Geography

Course Schedule

Course Description

This course is designed for certified teachers seeking to deepen their expertise in teaching Geography at the Intermediate level (Grades 7 - 9). You will critically explore key topics in physical and human geography, including climate systems, landforms, population dynamics, urbanization, and sustainability.

The course emphasizes the integration of Indigenous perspectives, environmental stewardship, and spatial technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS) into classroom practice.

Through collaborative learning, reflective practice, and practical application, you will enhance your ability to promote geographic thinking, support diverse learners, and create inclusive, engaging learning environments. The course also fosters leadership development in curriculum planning, assessment, and interdisciplinary teaching.

What You Will Learn and Do

In this course, you will have the opportunity to

• engage with other geographic educators to expand your knowledge of geographic thinking and teaching
• critically examine how your personal and professional identities—shaped by cultural, social, and historical factors—influence your values, beliefs, and interactions in educational settings, and develop responsive, equity-focused practices that honour the diverse identities, experiences, and needs of your students
• learn to design and implement universal design for learning (UDL) lessons with geographic inquiry processes in mind (formulating questions, gathering and interpreting data, drawing conclusions, and communicating findings) to deepen student understanding of spatial relationships, environmental issues, and global interdependence
• gain the knowledge and skills to meaningfully incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems, land-based learning, and culturally responsive pedagogy to foster inclusive, respectful, and relevant learning experiences in Geography
• explore and apply tools such as GIS, interactive maps, and data visualization platforms to support inquiry-based learning and develop students’ spatial awareness and critical thinking

Application Requirements

1) OCT MEMBERSHIP

We will use the OCT number you provide during online registration to confirm you are an OCT member with an undergraduate degree.

2) YOUR UNDERGRADUATE/GRADUATE UNIVERSITY TRANSCRIPT(S)*

Your transcript(s) must show: The equivalent of 3.0 full-year undergraduate/graduate courses in Geography or the equivalent of 2.0 full-year undergraduate/graduate courses if you already hold another intermediate qualification. Courses may be accepted from Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, etc.

*If you completed a Queen's undergrad (at any time), or a B.Ed., Honour Specialist, or an Intermediate or Senior ABQ course with us within the last 4 years you are not required to resend your transcripts.

Please email a copy of your unofficial undergraduate transcript to cedmail@queensu.ca

Course Materials

Accommodations

Applicants who require accommodations for a specific learning need (e.g., learning disability) within their AQ/ABQ course, should click here for further information and support.

Have a question? Contact us!

Refund Schedule

• If you drop a course by the midpoint of the course, you will receive 100% of your course fee
• If you drop a course after the midpoint, before the end of the course, you will receive 50% of your course fee

For more about our refund policies, visit our Fees & Refunds page.