Intro summer 2016 geog 101
- 1. Physical Geography Geography 101 Professor Lisa Schmidt Section 56908 MTWTh 8:00-10:05 AM
- 2. Welcome to Geography 101! • In this class you will learn the basic elements of geography. • We will study climate, landforms, water, soils, and native plants and animals. • We will examine the inter- relationships between these things and we will look at their patterns of distribution throughout the world.
- 3. Textbooks • Required – McKnight’s Physical Geography • McKnight • ISBN 978-0321820433 Required – Goode’s World Atlas • ISBN 0-528-65000-3 • Or any recent World Atlas that contains physical maps • Recommended – The Geography Coloring Book • Wynn Kapit • 978-0131014725
- 4. Alternate Texts • You may use older editions of this book or the regular, non-California editions. • Details can be found here: http://schmidtphysicalgeography.wikispaces.com/Textbooks
- 5. Required Materials • Pencils • Pens • Paper • Internet Access
- 6. Recommended Materials • Colored Pens or Pencils • For map studies
- 7. Course Description • The goal of this course is to introduce students to basic concepts in physical geography… – Since it is an introductory course, it is assumed students have little or no background in physical geography.
- 8. Course Objectives • By the end of this course: – You will gain an understanding of the geographic perspective within natural and environmental sciences, including place, space, map scale, map projection, spatial connection, and spatial diffusion. – You will better understand how to use maps, in particular, the geographic distribution of natural phenomena. – You will learn about the four environmental spheres: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere and how they interact across the surface of the Earth. – You will learn the role of humankind within the environment.
- 9. Exams, Quizzes, and Assignments Note: You must earn at least 60% to pass this class. You may be dropped for falling below 60%. Please refer to your syllabus.
- 10. Exams • There will be four exams. • You will need to log in to Blackboard for each exam. • The format will be multiple choice, true and false, and/or matching. • Each exam will be worth 100 points. • All exams close at 11:59 PM on 7/28/16. • You have one chance to complete exams.
- 11. Chapter Quizzes • There will be a quiz for each chapter we cover in the textbook. – Quizzes will be posted on Blackboard after each lecture. • You must be connected to the internet to complete the quizzes. See syllabus for campus locations. – All quizzes will close on 7/28/16 at 11:59 PM. • There will be 14 quizzes. – The format will be multiple choice, true/false, and or matching. • Quiz questions may be used on exams. – You will want to take notes from your quizzes and study them.
- 12. Map Quizzes • We will study the physical features of Earth. • You MUST bring your atlas to class on map study nights. • Colored pens or pencils will be helpful. • You will have five map quizzes. • Map Quizzes will be given using Blackboard and will also close on 7/28/16 at 11:59 PM. – North America 25 points – South America 25 points – Europe 25 points – Asia 25 points – Africa 25 points • Total 125 points
- 13. Presentation • A presentation is required for this class. • Presentations should be five minutes long. • You may choose from a list of topics. • Presentations MAY be done in groups with instructor approval. • A video may be created as an alternative to a presentation. • Presentations will be scheduled, if you do not present on your scheduled date, you will lose points.
- 14. Absences and Tardiness• I reserve the right to drop students who miss class twice. • If you have to miss class, you should stay in contact with me if you do not want to be dropped. • You may be dropped for excessive tardiness. – This means being more than five minutes late, more than three times. • If you are going to be late, come in quietly and take a seat WITHOUT interrupting lecture.
- 15. E-mailing Assignments/My Mailbox • Assignments will NOT be accepted by e-mail. • If you cannot make it to class, take your assignment to my mailbox which is located in the Liberal Arts Building, where the faculty offices and secretaries are located.
- 16. Dropping • If you have attended class at least once, then it is your responsibility to drop should you decide to. • If you stop coming to class, I have no way of knowing if you want to drop or receive and F, so I will likely give you an F because it is your responsibility to drop.
- 17. Graded Work • It is your responsibility to pick up graded work. • You should keep all of your graded work until you receive your final grade. – Not only for this class but all of your classes! • All graded work will be held for 30 days after the end of the semester then discarded.
- 18. • Some extra credit may be assigned throughout the semester. • It will be announced in class and you must be present in order to take advantage of it. Standing Offers for Extra Credit 1. Donate Blood-bring me the paperwork or send me a picture of you donating and I will give you 10 points extra credit. 2. Get your Ed Plan done-bring it to me and show me, for 5 points.
- 19. Academic Honesty • Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. – Any incidences of cheating or plagiarism will be reported to the deans office. – Please refer to Victor Valley College’s policy on academic honesty.
- 20. Cell Phones and Texting • Use of cell phones for talking or texting during class is inappropriate. • You may be asked to leave the classroom if you are talking or texting on your phone during lecture. • Phones should be set to silent mode when in class. Use of cell phones for geography or learning is encouraged!
- 21. Blackboard • Blackboard will be used for this class. • You must use Blackboard for your quizzes, map quizzes, and exams. – You will also find PowerPoint lectures, study guides, blank maps, grades and course documents. – http://vvc.blackboard.com • If you have questions about blackboard, stay after class, I am here to help.
- 22. Disabled Students Programs and Services • If you need accommodations for this course, please see me after class. • If you have or think you may have a disability that might affect your performance in this course, please contact the office of Disabled Students Programs and Services at (760) 245-4271 ext, 2212, or stop by their office located in building 50. • There is help available.
- 23. Contact Information • My e-mail address is: ProfessorLisaS@gmail.com • You may text me or leave voice mail for me at (760) 440-8977 • My mailbox is located the Liberal Arts Building (Building 30, our building) • My voice mail is (760) 245- 4271 ext. 8585. This is my VVC voice mail, which I don’t check that often. – Text of E-mail is the best way to reach me.
- 24. Note bout Schedule and Topics • All dates, topics, point totals, and assignments are tentative. • I reserve the right to make changes as they may become necessary throughout the semester. • Should you happen to miss class, it is you responsibility to obtain information about any changes.
- 25. Disruptive Behavior • If you disrupt the class, you may be asked to leave. • If disciplinary action is taken, you may be removed from the following class. • Disruptive behavior includes talking during lecture or talking during presentations.
- 26. Class Schedule… • Please take a moment to look at the schedule in your syllabus. • Notice when quizzes are due, when map studies are, when exams are, and when presentations begin.
- 27. For Your Success • There are computers available for your use on campus in the library and in the ATC. – See the map on the syllabus… There are many other services available for you- Counseling Child Care Center Veteran Services Transfer Services Honors Program EOPS And more!
- 28. What is Geography? • The scientific study of the Earth's surface and its various climates, countries, peoples, and natural resources.
- 29. Fields of Geography • Human or Cultural Geography – Deals with social, economic, and behavioral processes • Physical Geography – Examines the natural processes occurring at Earth’s surface that provide the physical setting for human activities
- 30. Branches of Physical Geography • Biogeography • Climatology • Coastal Geography • Environmental Geography • Geomorphology • Glaciology • Hydrology • Oceanography
- 31. Branches of Human Geography • Developmental Geography • Economic Geography • Medical Geography • Transportation Geography • Urban Geography • Cultural Geography • Historical Geography • Political Geography • Population Geography • Demography
- 32. What we will be studying… • Four great physical realms or spheres of Earth – Atmosphere • The gaseous layer that surrounds the earth – Lithosphere • The outermost solid layer of the Earth – Hydrosphere • The liquid realm of the Earth – Biosphere • Encompasses all living organisms of the Earth
- 33. Tools Geographers Use • Maps – Paper representations of space showing point, line, or area data • Or more simply put, locations, connections, and regions • Remote Sensing – Aircraft or spacecraft provide images of earth’s surface • GIS or Geographic Information Systems – Powerful computer mapmaking software connected to data bases • Mathematical Modeling and Statistics – Used to understand natural and human phenomenon
- 34. Next Class : • Chapter One – Quiz will open after class. • Come to class prepared to learn : )