Great Basin College. Physical Geography: GEOG 103 Section 1001Online Spring Credits

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1 Great Basin College Physical Geography: GEOG 103 Section 1001Online Spring Credits Instructor Justin White Office None on campus Digital Office Hours Tu-Wed 3:00 5:00 PM Required Text and Materials: Physical Geography 11 th ed.; McKnight and Hess (ISBN-13: ) and Mastering Geography Bundle through the GBC bookstore. (It is imperative to purchase this book through the GBC bookstore to make sure you have the proper sign-in information for Mastering Geography) Catalog Description: Physical elements of the earth s natural features and their significance to man. Topics include Earth form and motion, landforms, weather, climate, vegetation, and soils. Laboratory experiences are embedded in online exercises. Prerequisite: Must have completed MATH 96 or higher or attained satisfactory score for placement into MATH 120 in ACT, SAT or placement tests. Course Description: This course will provide an overview of the various physical processes of the earth and how they interact to create the observed distribution of earthly conditions and phenomena. The general topics to be covered include understanding maps, the atmosphere and climate patterns, landforms, and the interface of ecological and physical processes. The specific topics are shown in more detail on the attached course outline. Objective: The objective of the course is for students to understand the distribution of physical conditions and phenomena across the planet, and an understanding of why these distributions exist. This will be complemented by an understanding of how these conditions and phenomena affect people and how people affect the environment. An understanding of these ideas will make the student a more informed observer, and a better citizen in decision-making. It is hoped that students will take with them a greater appreciation and enjoyment of what the Earth s features and processes represent. Method of Instruction: This is a fast-paced, rigorous internet course. PowerPoint Presentations, instructor-produced presentations, and other materials available on WebCampus coincide with assigned reading material in the text and add clarification and examples to the material in the text. Learner Outcomes and Measurement: Page 1

2 The following table presents the expected learner outcomes for GEOG 103. Learner outcomes will be measured each class period with the homeworks, exercises, and writing assignments. Results from these assessments will be analyzed. Instruction in future semesters will be altered based on the analysis. Expected Learning Outcomes Describe Earth's motions, including its rotation on its axis and its revolution around the Sun. Recognize the thermal structure of the atmosphere and the gaseous composition of the atmosphere. Describe important functions of the Earth s atmosphere. Describe what controls the global distribution of precipitation. Identify and describe soil forming factors Provide thorough examples of cycles and relationships in the biosphere. Distinguish between Earth s internal processes and external processes. Recognize arid terrain landforms and explain their genesis. Recognize that moving water is the most important agent of erosion and deposition on Earth (except in glaciated areas). Identify components of plate tectonics. Analyze and interpret graphs and maps Observe, identify, and discuss atmospheric and geologic features or processes. Discuss current events related to physical geography. Flexibility to identify fields of interest and pursue them. Measurement Mastering Geography Homework for Chapter 1 Quiz 1 Mastering Geography Homework for Chapter 2 Quizzes 1, 2, and 3 Mastering Geography Homework for Chapters 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 Quiz 6 Mastering Geography Homework for Chapter 6 Mastering Geography Homework for Chapter 12 Quiz 7 Quiz 5 Mastering Geography Homework for Chapters 10 and 11 Field Notebook 2 Rock Classification and Mineral Identification Mastering Geography Homework, Quiz 8 Quiz 18 Mastering Geography Homework for Chapter 18 GEOG 103 Field Notebook Discussions Quizzes: 4 Mastering Geography Homework for Chapters 9 and 16 Quiz 14 Mastering Geography Homework for Chapter 14 Mastering Geography Homework All Chapters GEOG 103 Field Notebook Discussions Current Event Discussions: Able to submit 4 throughout the semester. The non-mandatory assignments and array of choices in the mandatory assignments. Page 2

3 Course Assignments and Events: This course is designed a differently than most. There is some flexibility in how you build your grade. Everyone has their strengths: some people are better at tests, some people are better at projects or labs. Some parts of the course are mandatory (Self Introduction, Writing Assignment, Field Notebook Discussions, and the Homeworks/Labs) getting you 60% of the grade, but some are optional (Final Exam, Quizzes, Documentary Film Review, and Current Events Discussion). Use the optional assignments to build the remaining %40 of your grade. Your grade will be built from zero as you complete assignments. It is out of 1000 points so that you can simply take off 1 zero to find your percentage. No late assignments will be accepted unless you can present proof of emergency. You know the course schedule at the beginning of the semester, plan accordingly or coordinate with the instructor ahead of time. NOTE: with the power of flexibility comes the responsibility to do the work well. Assignments will be graded strictly for professionalism, clarity, and thoroughness. No extra credit will be offered. No late assignments will be collected. Understand that the 1000 points is equivalent to a 100%. The mandatory assignments will only get you up to 600 points (or 60%). See the point break down below. Course Assignment or Point Worth Total Points Available Event Mandatory Total: 600 Self Introduction Mastering Geography Homework and Lab Exercises Writing Assignment Field Notebook Discussions 30 points each 90 Create Your Own Total left to accrue: 400 Current Events Discussion 40 points each 160 Documentary Film Review 40 points each 80 Final Exam Quizzes 30 points each 300 Mandatory Assignments Self Introduction: 10 points Students are responsible for producing a simple, two-three minute introductory video, audio recording, or written introduction to yourself (you can discuss things like your background, what you enjoy, your major, why you hope to get out of attending college or Page 3

4 taking Physical Geography, etc). Instructions for this assignment will be posted the first week of the semester. Writing Assignment: 200 points (Draft 1 = 50 pts, Draft 2 = 50 pts, Final Paper = 100 pts) Let s explore an instance of humans interacting with the environment. Choose one of the given topics and respond to the following points: 1) Describe the physical geography of the interaction. Why and how do humans affect the environment? 2) Describe two benefits and two issues with this interaction. 3) Find some aspect of your life that relates you to this human environment interaction. Additional instructions are located in the assignment area. Field Notebook Discussions: 90 points (30 points each, 3 total) Students will take photos of atmospheric and physical geographic features related to course material and post them in the discussion area. Students will provide the location, observations, and interpretations about the feature presented in their post, and will provide a thoughtful response to a fellow student s post ( words). Mastering Geography Homework and Lab Exercises: 300 points (20 points each, 15 total) Homework assignments will be complete using Mastering Geography (part of the textbook bundle through the GBC bookstore). The Course ID for Mastering Geography is MGEOGWHITE Additional instructions are located in the WebCampus assignment area. Optional Assignments: Current Event Discussions: 160 points (40 points each, 4 total) Report on up to four current events (in the news globally) throughout the semester and respond to fellow students posts. Write 1 page, (single-spaced, 12-point Arial or Times New Roman font) responding to the following: Explain the current event and the physical geography behind it and include a thoughtful comment to a Current Events Post put forth by one of your colleagues. If this is unclear, consider this example: A large hurricane causes destruction in the Caribbean, then provide a description of the causes of that storm, its path, strength, and characteristics based on what we learn in Chapter 5 and 6 of our Physical Geography textbook. Include at least 2 sources that describe the event and what is occurring. Provide a citation for your sources so that others can access the article if they wish. Quizzes: 300 points (30 points each, 10 total) Generally, quizzes will be available on Tuesdays through Sundays. Quiz availability will not be extended under any circumstances. Take quizzes from a computer with a speedy and reliable internet connection. Immediately contact the GBC Helpdesk if technical problems arise. Documentary Film Reviews: 80 points (40 points each) Find and view a documentary that relates to class and write a 1-page, single-spaced review that responds to the following: Given an overview of the video. How does this relate to class? How does this relate to your life? If the documentary takes place in another country, discuss how the processes behind the video content relate to our area. Page 4

5 For example, if the video discusses the south-asian monsoons, think about what causes those (the ITCZ) and whether that relates to Nevada? Remember, everything is connected or follows similar patterns so even if the documentary has very little to do with us, it will still connect in some way. If you have questions I can work with you here. The documentary must be approved by the instructor to receive credit. Exams: 250 points There will be a final exam with multiple choice questions, diagrams and maps, and short answer questions. The exam will be based directly on the semester s course material. It will be available from May 11 th -May 15 th. Grading: Grades will be based on the following divisions: A +95% A % B % B 84-86% B % C % C 74-76% C % D % D 64-66% D % F <59% A student may receive a W grade only if withdrawal occurs on or before March 24, To withdraw, the student must inform the instructor verbally or in writing why the withdrawal is taking place, and must formally withdraw through student services. Anyone who does not formally withdraw and does not complete the course will receive an F grade. I grades for incomplete will be given only under the most extenuating circumstances, and only with the prior approval of the instructor. Spring 2015 GEOG 103 Course Schedule: Week Number Week of Topic Activities and Deadlines Red = mandatory 1 1/18-1/25 Introduction to Earth Introduction 2 1/25-2/1 Atmosphere Quiz 1 Page 5

6 3 2/1-2/8 Atmospheric Pressure and Wind 4 2/8-2/15 Atmospheric Moisture 5 2/15-2/22 Atmospheric Flows and Disturbances 6 2/22-3/1 The Hydrosphere 7 3/1-3/8 Cycles and Patterns in the Biosphere 8 3/8-3/15 Terrestrial Flora and Fauna 9 3/15-3/22 Biogeographical Research Adventures 10 3/22-3/29 Spring Break 11 3/29-4/5 Global Soils 12 4/5-4/12 Landform study Quiz 2 Current Events Discussion #1 Field Notebook Discussion #1 Quiz 3 Quiz 4 Writing Assignment Part 1 Quiz 5 Current Events Discussion #2 Quiz 6 Field Notebook Discussion #2 Documentary Film Review #1 Quiz 7 Writing Assignment Part 2 Current Events Discussion #3 13 4/12-4/19 The Earth s Internal Processes Quiz /19-4/26 Weathering and Mass Wasting 15 4/26-5/3 Fluvial Processes 16 5/3-5/10 The Topography of Arid Land 17 5/11-5/15 Final Exam Due FRIDAY 5/15 Writing Assignment Part 3 Quiz 9 Quiz 10 Field Notebook Discussion #3 Current Events Discussion #4 Documentary Film Review #2 Attendance Policy: It is important to log into the class frequently to stay up to date with readings, assignments, and homeworks. Hints for Success: Participate and do not procrastinate. You are in the class, engage with it, and stay on top of the course content. Page 6

7 Review PowerPoints, videos, and other information posted on WebCampus prior to taking quizzes. Study: if you can explain the material out loud, you are in good shape Ask questions if you do not understand the material. If you are unable to secure a book by the end of the third week of class, the instructor recommends withdrawing from the course and taking it another semester. Additional Course Information: The instructor will reply to WebCampus s during posted office hours. WebCampus s are the BEST way to contact Mr. White. Student Conduct Policy: Students are expected to follow the Student Conduct Policy for students in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) outlined on the GBC Catalog. Because this is an online course, students will specifically be held accountable for behaving in a civil and respectful manner toward other students and the professor in their online communications such as messages, written assignments and classroom discussions. The college catalog states, Messages, attitudes, or any other form of communication deemed to be outside the bounds of common decency/civility as judged by common standards of classroom behavior will not be tolerated (GBC Catalog, ) Pay particular attention to those last four words. Any student who behaves rudely to another student or to the instructor will be dropped immediately. During the first week of class, students will be required to respond to an from the instructor acknowledging that they have read the Student Conduct Policy and understand that they will be dropped from the class for violating it. Academic Honesty Statement: Academic dishonesty, in any form, such as, cheating and plagiarism, will not be tolerated by the instructor AND Great Basin College. Academic dishonesty can result in failing the class, academic suspension, or expulsion. All tests, quizzes, laboratories, and other assignments must be the student s OWN work. Plagiarism is presenting someone else s word, ideas or data as one s own. When a student submits work that includes the words, ideas, or data of others, the source of that information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific references; and if verbatim statements are included, through quotation marks as well. In academically honest writing or speaking, the students will acknowledge the source whenever: Another person s actual words are quoted Another person s idea, opinion or theory is used, even if it is completely paraphrased in the student s own words Facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials are borrowed, unless the information is common knowledge Course Content: Page 7

8 Screencasts and PowerPoints are produced by the instructor using publisher figures/photos and lecture material, and photos/figures and notes developed by the instructor. ADA Statement: The college catalog states, Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of A qualified student must furnish current verification of disability. The ADA Officer, located in Berg Hall, will assist qualified students with disabilities in securing the appropriate and reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services. For more information or further assistance, please call Substantiation of the Incorporation of the General Education Objectives into Geography 103: Communication Skills (significant): The class is translated online but various methods of communication are required for this course and will be used to measure effective communication. The use of appropriate graphs in communicating ideas is promoted. Critical Thinking (strong component): Quantitative Ability (significant): We discuss the fundamental problems of map making and different ways of resolving them. The quantitative relationships expressed on topographic maps are reviewed and practiced in laboratory exercises. Quantitative Ability will be assessed through Calorimetry and Relative Humidity laboratories. Reasoning and Independent Thought (significant): Gizmos require reasoning and independent thought based on the interpretation of quantitative information. The interpretation of landforms and the assessment of meteorological information for weather prediction require reasoning. Scientific Understanding (significant): All principles taught in this course are based on scientific reasoning. All interpretations are given as they are based upon facts. Physical geography covers fundamentals of geology and meteorology (both themselves based in chemistry and physics) with some inclusion of biogeography and soils. The lab introduces the use of the scientific method and the use of both observational and quantifiable facts in its application. The underlying effects of energy from gravity, stream velocity, internal and solar hear, and other sources are discussed in geological processes. The chemical nature of rocks and minerals is shown. The study of weather and climate is based on the principles of physics. Basic elements of thermodynamics, gas laws, phase change, electromagnetic radiation, and solar astronomy are presented in the discussion of weather and climate. Students are taught that every feature of the Earth, and the distribution of categories of features, is the result of specific processes that can be understood and interpreted by those who are knowledgeable of these processes. Scientific Understanding will be assessed through quizzes and gizmos. Personal and Cultural Awareness (moderate component): Sense of the Individual in Society (considerable): This objective is also reflected under the Sense of Accountability objective below. We discuss the right of the individual to build anywhere on desires versus society s willingness to compensate the individual for losses incurred from natural disasters, especially when a high likelihood of the disaster is known (examples: building on flood plains or on barrier islands in hurricane Page 8

9 prone areas, etc). A global view of geological processes is given that shows that they have no deference to any race, creed, or cultural factor. Sense of the Individual in Society will be assessed through quiz questions regarding how humans impact the biosphere and geochemical cycles, such as the carbon cycle. Sense of the Past (considerable): The history of human activity can be shown to reflect the physical environment within which people have existed. The past and present distributions of human populations also reflect the distributions of physical conditions. Human migrations have occurred in response to changes in geological and climatic factors. In this course, note is made of these factors as often as possible. Sense of the Past will be assessed through quizzes. Sense of Accountability (significant): A common theme throughout much of this course is the interaction between humans and nature, and the personal and social consequences of these interactions. These interactions range from geologic hazards (floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mass wasting, etc.) through resource utilization (minerals, fossil fuels, ground water utilization, etc.) through the effects of pollution on natural systems) pollution of groundwater, global temperature change, etc. The acts of individual and society through building and land use planning are discussed, using examples of costs to tax payers through government reimbursement after disasters when individuals build in flood plains, low coastal areas susceptible to hurricanes, earthquake-prone areas, etc. Sense of Accountability will be assessed using quiz questions regarding how humans impact the biosphere and geochemical cycles, such as the carbon cycle Appreciation of Fine Arts (some degree): Development of the arts occurs at different times and different rates in different geographic localities. Appreciation of the Fine Arts will be assessed through quizzes. Personal Wellness (some degree): Personal safety is considered in the discussion of some geologic hazards (warning systems for tsunamis, first reactions to earthquakes, safe places to build or buy homes, etc). Meteorologic factors in health are considered in topics like wind chill factor (hypothermia) and heat index. Contribution factors to air and water pollution are discussed. Personal Wellness will be assessed in the Hurricanes Gizmo and quizzes covering Chapters 3 and 9. Technological Understanding (some degree): Internet links are shown to sites giving global and local weather information, current earthquake reports, past flood data for the United States. Technological Understanding will be assessed through labs, and submission of assignments on WebCampus. Communications (moderate): Online communication consists of s, between students and the instructor, discussion boards and writing assignments. All communication is expected to be formal. Critical Thinking (moderate): Writing assignments require students analyze topics and interpret research materials. Often, multiple choice quizzes are considered a good exercise in deductive reasoning. Page 9

Our Hazardous Environment

Geography 1110; Spring 2012 Our Hazardous Environment Instructor: Dr. Weimin Feng Office: Nevins Hall, Room 2067 Office phone: 333-7030 E-mail: wfeng@valdosta.edu Office hours: MWF 2-3 pm, or by appt.