Geography of California Course Syllabus

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1 Geography of California Course Syllabus Geography Department Grossmont College Spring ! 1 -

January 26 th, 2016 Dear Students, Welcome to Geography of California. This course is designed for students looking to satisfy the general education requirements in the social sciences.

class for you! In this class, you will learn: the physical and cultural regions of California and their relationships.

2 January 26 th, 2016 Dear Students, Welcome to Geography of California. This course is designed for students looking to satisfy the general education requirements in the social sciences. If you are working towards your associates degree, planning to transfer to a CSU or UC school in the future, or if you are simply interested in learning more about the Golden State, then this is the class for you! In this class, you will learn: the physical and cultural regions of California and their relationships. Emphasis will be on the geographic factors that will broaden your knowledge of the California environment including climate, water, tectonics, natural vegetation, agriculture, industry, economy, and population. Because of its emphasis on the interrelationships among different elements of natural and human systems, Geography is the one science that bridges the gap between the natural and social sciences, and provides the opportunity for a truly interdisciplinary approach to studying the world around us. Learning is often characterized as a shared journey. We are now traveling this road together! Best wishes for a successful learning experience, Judd M. Curran Associate Professor of Geography -! 2 -

3 Table of Contents Topic Page I. Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes 3-4 II. Tentative Class Schedule 5-6 III. Evaluation 6 IV. Grading Scale 7 V. Assignment Overview 7-9 VI. General Policies 9-11 VII. Textbook and Materials 11 VIII. Contacting the Instructor 12 I. Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes The objectives of the course are: 1. Examine the qualities of the physical environment and human landscape that, in combination, have set California apart as a distinctive and unique region. 2. Develop an understanding of those qualities including: California s historic geographical remoteness, climatic and tectonic situation, highly specialized and productive agriculture, sustained and unparalleled population and economic growth, cultural and socioeconomic diversity, reliance upon technological innovation and a massive water-transfer infrastructure, and juxtaposition as both the American Dream and the American Nightmare. 3. Improve skills using maps, graphs, and charts as tools of geographic study to enhance learning of spatial relationships within California. -! 3 -

4 The student learning outcomes of the course are: 1. Students should be able to describe and explain California s location relative to the tectonic system, and thus why it s a) so seismically active and b) topographically diverse. 2. Students should be able to describe and explain California s location relative to the general circulation of the atmosphere, summer vs. winter, and all that implies. 3. Students should be able to describe the evolutionary response to climatic variation within the state, in association with its topography, resulting in its spectacular diversity of ecosystems. 4. Students should be able to describe the natural distribution of water resources in the state relative to human development and demographic trends, and thus be able to explain the logistical, political, and ecological implications that result. Likewise, the situation for the entire arid West. 5. Students should be able to name California s major sub-regions, and describe and explain the site, situation, and economic base of each. 6. Students should be able to describe the unique demographic diversity of California, both in terms of the innovative strength it brings and challenges it presents. -! 4 -

5 II. Tentative Class Schedule DATE TOPICS EXAM//MAP QUIZ CA: The Great Exception by Carey McWilliams 01/26-01/28 A. THE PHYSICAL LANDSCAPE I. Tectonic Situation Geologic Principles 02/02-02/04 Geologic Principles (continued) Tectonic Development Map Quiz #1 Thursday 02/04 Tues: Discuss Ch 1 02/09-02/11 Tectonic Development (continued) Earthquakes Map Quiz #2 Thursday 02/11 Tues: Discuss Ch 2 02/16-02/18 Earthquakes (continued) Notable Faults Tues: Discuss Ch 15 02/23-02/25 II. Climate Situation Dominant Weather Systems EQ Faults Map Assignment Due 2/23 Tues: Discuss Ch 3 Thurs: Discuss Ch 4 03/01-03/03 Dominant Weather Systems (continued) Fog Formation Reading Quiz #1 Tuesday 03/01 03/08-03/10 The Orographic Effect Control on Vegetation Distribution of Climate EXAM #1 Thursday 03/10 03/15-03/17 B. THE FORESTED NORTH III. Cascades 03/22-03/24 *********SPRING BREAK*********** ************* ************** 03/29-03/31 III. Cascades (continued) IV. Modoc Plateau Map Quiz #3 Thursday 03/31 Tues: Discuss Ch 5 04/05-04/07 Modoc Plateau (continued) V. Klamath Mountains Map Quiz #4 Thursday 04/07 Tues: Discuss Ch 6 Thurs: Discuss Ch16 04/12-04/14 C. WATERWARS VI. Water Transfer Projects Water Policy Tues: Discuss Ch17 Reading Quiz #2 Thursday 04/14 04/19-04/21 Bay Area Water Supply LA Aqueduct Exam #2 Thursday 04/21 04/26-04/28 Colorado Aqueduct Imperial Irrigation District -! 5 -

6 DATE TOPICS EXAM//MAP QUIZ 05/03-05/05 Imperial Irrigation District (continued) Central Valley Project (CVP) Map Quiz #5 Thursday 05/05 CA: The Great Exception Thurs: Discuss Ch 7 05/10-05/12 State Water Project (SWP) Tues: Discuss Ch 9 05/17-05/19 San Diego Water Supply D. THE INTERIOR VII. Central Valley Los Angeles Mapping Assignment Due: 05/17 Reading Quiz #3 Tuesday 05/17 05/24 Class meets on Tuesday only for Final EXAM #3 Tuesday 11:35-1:35 **NOTE: The instructor may modify course schedule and or content as necessary during the semester. III. Evaluation On a 400 point scale, the following points will be allocated to each assignment. Assignment Points Possible Approx % of Total Grade Exam # % Exam # % Exam #3 (final) % EXAM TOTALS % Map Quiz # % Map Quiz # % Map Quiz # % Map Quiz # % Map Quiz # % MAP QUIZ TOTALS % EQ Faults Mapping Assignment % LA Mapping Assignment % MAP ASSIGNMENT TOTALS % Reading Quiz # % Reading Quiz # % Reading Quiz # % READING QUIZ TOTALS % Pop Quiz # % Pop Quiz # % Pop Quiz # % Pop Quiz # % POP QUIZ TOTALS % COURSE TOTAL % -! 6 -

7 IV. Grading Scale Percent of Total Points Earned Grade Points Required 97% - 100% A points 93% - 96% A points 90% - 92% A points 87% - 89% B points 83% - 86% B points 80% - 82% B points 77% - 79% C points 68% - 76% C points (C or above required for Pass/No-Pass) 60% - 67% D points 0% - 59% F points V. Assignment Overview 1. Exams The three exams in this class will assess your understanding of the course material and reinforce your learning of geographic concepts from the lectures, handouts, and assigned readings. Each exam may consist of multiple choice, true false, matching, short answer, and or essay questions. You are held responsible for bringing a No. 2 pencil, 3-4 highlighters, and DataLink form (#26760) to each exam. Each exam, including the final (Exam #3), will only cover course material since the last exam. Hence, these exams are not cumulative. Study for the exam throughout each week of the semester by reviewing in-class notes, handouts, and readings, by meeting in study groups to practice explaining what you know to your peers, by generating questions from your notes and seeking out answers to those questions from your study group and the geography tutor, and by actively participating in class. Consult section II. of this syllabus for the tentatively-scheduled dates and times of the exams for this semester. Note: Use of any electronic device (including cell phones) or any other unauthorized materials during the exam is considered cheating and will result in disciplinary action (See the Behavior and Academic Integrity section under General Policies within this syllabus). In addition, students are not allowed to leave the classroom during the exam. If you need to leave the classroom during an exam for any reason, you cannot return to finish the incomplete portion of the exam. -! 7 -

8 2. Map Quizzes The five map quizzes will allow you to demonstrate knowledge of the locations of places and physical features throughout California. During the semester, references will be made to different features and places in California. Knowing the locations of these features and places will give you a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the topics discussed. You will be given sets of place names with corresponding maps for each of the five map quizzes. The topics of the map quizzes are defined below: Map Quiz #1: Geomorphic Provinces and Geologic Time Map Quiz #2: Major Earthquake Faults of California Map Quiz #3: Northern California Place Names Map Quiz #4: Rivers of California Map Quiz #5: Southern California Place Names Quizzes will be administered at the end of class and students will have 5 10 minutes to complete. Graded quizzes will be returned to you the following week. Consult section II. of this syllabus for the tentatively-scheduled dates and times of the quizzes for this semester. Note: Do not leave the classroom once a quiz has been distributed until you have completed the quiz. 3. Mapping Assignments Two mapping assignments involving the earthquake faults in California and Greater Los Angeles will develop your spatial knowledge of key features and locations of significance in California. Details on the requirements of the mapping assignments will be provided to you during the semester. Consult section II. of this syllabus for the tentatively-scheduled due dates for these assignments. 4. Reading Quizzes The three reading quizzes will allow you to demonstrate knowledge of specific topics, ideas, terms, and or themes from assigned readings in California: The Great Exception, by Carey McWilliams. In addition, the reading quizzes will help to prepare you for exam content that pertains to your readings. Prepare for these quizzes by completing the assigned readings on time, taking good notes while reading, answering all assigned reading questions and reviewing them and your notes prior to class discussions and the quiz, and most importantly, actively participating and contributing in class discussions about the readings. Quizzes will be administered at the end of class and students will have 5 minutes to complete. Graded quizzes will be returned to you the following week. Consult section II. of this syllabus for the tentatively-scheduled dates and times of the quizzes for this semester. -! 8 -

9 5. Pop Quizzes Pop quizzes are designed to test a snapshot of your progress in learning the course material. Thus, they are not given on a set schedule, but are rather assigned randomly throughout the semester. An announcement will be made during the lecture immediately as the quiz is administered. Students may have up to five minutes to complete. A pencil is all that is required for these quizzes. Make-ups are not offered for pop quizzes. 6. Participation and Attendance Your success in learning and your performance on the exams is directly influenced by your level of participation and attendance. Therefore, it is crucial that you become actively involved in classroom discussions and activities. Students who attend every class meeting on time for the duration of the class and participate in classroom activities and discussions will be more successful in achieving the class objectives. Thorough note-taking during lecture is required. Participation in classroom discussions about the assigned readings and reading questions is required. Do not walk in and out of class during lecture. Use the restroom prior to attending class. VI. General Policies Attendance Each student is expected to attend every class meeting, arrive on time, and remain for the duration of the class. Absences, tardiness, going in and out of class during lecture, and early departures will not be tolerated. A student may be dropped when total absences exceed two class meetings, regardless of the nature of the absences. Excessive tardiness is defined as arriving late to class more than three times. Tardiness and leaving class early will be regarded as an absence. In case of extreme emergency, the student should apply for a leave of absence petition in the Student Health Services Office. Students not in attendance on the first day of class will be dropped. Accommodations for Students With Disabilities Students with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) during the first week of the semester so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. Students may contact DSPS in person at the DSPS office on campus or by telephone at (619) or (619) (TTY for deaf). Withdraw from Class The last day to withdraw from class without receiving a W grade is February 5 th, Students should always officially withdraw from a class with the admissions office. -! 9 -

10 The deadline for applying for Pass/No Pass (Credit/No-Credit) is February 26 th, The last day to drop the class without receiving a letter grade is April 22 nd, Prior to dropping a class, please discuss your situation with the instructor. If a student decides to drop the class during the drop period, it is the student s responsibility to process the drop request with WebAdvisor or the Grossmont College Admissions and Records office. Behavior and Academic Integrity Inappropriate behavior in the classroom will not be tolerated. A student may be excluded from class whenever the student exhibits behavior which interferes with the educational process. The instructor will determine when behavior is disturbing and appropriate action will follow. In addition, cheating is a serious offense with serious consequences and will not be tolerated. You are responsible for reading and adhering to the rules described in the Student Conduct section of the Grossmont College General Catalog. Cheating and plagiarism (using as one s own ideas, writings, materials, or images of someone else without acknowledgement or permission) can result in any one of a variety of sanctions. Such penalties may range from an adjusted grade on the particular exam, quiz, paper, project, or assignment (all of which may lead to a failing grade in the course) to, under certain conditions, suspension or expulsion from a class, program, or the college. Class assignments, exams, and quizzes that are missed during a suspension are not eligible for make-up. In addition, suspended days are counted as absences. For further clarification and information on these issues, please consult with your instructor or contact the office of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs. Use of a cell phone or other electronic device is not allowed in class. Any student caught using a cell phone (calls, text messaging, internet, camera, or any other use) in class will be asked to leave class for that day and no makeups will be allowed for quizzes or exams missed as a result. Use of laptops or other electronics for the purpose of note-taking during lecture is strictly prohibited. Use of audio tape recorders (not digital) to record lectures for playback when studying is allowed only after the device has been approved by your instructor. No video recording allowed. Do not walk in and out of class during lecture. Use the restroom prior to attending class. Do not sit in the back of the classroom if empty seats are available in front of you. It is required that you sit as close to the front as available seats allow. Visitors may be allowed into the classroom only with the instructor s prior approval. If you bring food and or beverages into the classroom, please clean up after yourself. Exam and Quiz Makeups No makeups are offered for the Final Exam (exam #3) or for reading quizzes. Exams and map quizzes cannot be made up unless the instructor is informed of your situation preferably prior to the class meeting of the exam/quiz, or within 24 hours after the exam/quiz at the very latest. The decision to allow any makeup is entirely at the discretion of the instructor. -! 10 -

11 In the event of an approved exam or quiz makeup, the student may be required to take an alternate written assessment during office hours. To request a makeup, send an to your instructor and include you class meeting date and time, your full name, and a brief summary of your situation. Makeups will be administered during office hours only. Preparation for Class Students should always bring a pen, pencil, handouts, highlighters, notepaper, and three-ring binder to every class meeting. Note-taking during lecture is required. Assigned readings and associated questions given in class must be completed by the due date. Create study groups and organize study sessions with other students in the class. These actions will help prepare you to take notes and actively participate in discussions and class activities. Bring a DataLink form (#26760) to each exam. Learn the place names for the map quizzes well in advance of the scheduled quiz so that you have time to learn and remember the information. Complete all assigned readings soon after they are assigned and participate in class discussions. Civic Duty If you are not currently registered to vote, please do so. You can register online at: registertovote.ca.gov. And, I would recommend choosing the vote-by-mail option, so that you can cast your vote while not missing any class time on election day! VII. Textbook and Materials Required Supplies: CA Road Map (Rand McNally or AAA only) Three different colored highlighter pens. Small three-ring binder with note paper. 3 DataLink Forms (# 26760) Required Book: McWilliams, Cary California: The Great Exception. University of California Press. ISBN: pages. -! 11 -

12 VIII. Contacting the Instructor Notes: Judd M. Curran Associate Professor of Geography Office: Building 37, Room 300A-1 Office Hours**: Mon - Thurs: 8:45 am to 9:15 am Tues: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Wed: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Please let me know in advance via if you plan to visit an office hour. **Note: On some occasions, an office hour may conflict with meetings and will be cancelled. When this occurs, another office hour will be added in the same week to compensate. Check the class website for announcements about any temporary changes to the office hour schedule. judd.curran@gcccd.edu (Best way to contact me) Note: Requirements (failure to follow requirements may result in no response) 1. must include the following in the subject line: Full Name, Class subject, meeting date and time Example: Judd Curran, Geog 120, MW must be written in proper English, using complete sentences, with a clear and concise message. Please refrain from using any abbreviated texting language such as thnx, instead of Thanks., u instead of you, etc. 3. If you are using an program other than your Grossmont College student (ex: Yahoo, Gmail, AOL, etc), then there is no guarantee that your will be received by your instructor due to spam filters. Thus, if the subject of your is of great importance, send it from your Grossmont College student . Your instructor is not responsible for lost s that are sent from accounts other than your Grossmont College-issued gcccd.edu . Office Phone: (619) Class meets: Tues & Thurs: 1100 to 1215, January 26 th through May 24 th Location: Building 36, Room 354 Section #: ! 12 -

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