Syllabus

Course Description

Physical geography is the study of the earth's dynamic systems – its air, water, weather climate, landforms, rocks, soils, plants, ecosystems and biomes – and how humans interact with the earth's systems.  Physical geography is the study of the world around you. Everyone, every day, interacts with the earth's dynamic systems. I challenge you to join me on an exploration of the complex, and exciting world in which you live!

This is a freshman level college course in physical geography. It requires no prior experience with the subject. It is fully transferable (including UC and CSU). This course typically satisfies the Natural Science with Lab for the general education requirements as well as IGETC area 5A (Physical Science with Lab).

Objectives

By the end of this course you should be able to do the following:

• Explain why we have seasons
• Describe the function and composition of the atmosphere
• Discuss the earth's hydrologic cycle
• Describe the structure of the solid earth and relate it to phenomena such as earthquakes, mountain ranges and volcanoes
• Evaluate the effects of the atmosphere and the hydrosphere on the lithosphere
• Compare and contrast the earth's ecosystems

Prerequisites and Advisories

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Required Texts and Materials

• Geosystems 5^th edition (Christopherson)
• Goode’s World Atlas 20^th edition (Hudson)

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Suggested Grading

This course will incorporate a variety of teaching methods including class lectures, supplemental readings, web-based activities, and two exams. You will be challenged to think critically and independently through a variety of methods including case study evaluation, data interpretation and analysis.

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