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MONTGOMERY COLLEGE Department of Applied Technology Applied Geography, Cartography & G.I.S., And Geographic Education
Course Syllabus--Fall 2006 GE 104, Physical Geography
Professor: Tanya Allison Office hours: TR: 11:00a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Work phone: 240-567-7614 E-Mail: tanya.allison@montgomerycollege.edu Office: TEC 218A Main Office: TEC205
Texts: McKnight and Hess, Physical Geography, 8th ed., Pearson/Prentice-Hall Pub: NJ, 2005
Corbet, John H. Physical Geography Manual 6th ed., Kendall/Hunt Pub. Co., 2003
Rand McNally, Goode's World Atlas, 21st ed., Hudson Pub: 2005 (optional)
INTRODUCTION: Geography encompasses both the physical and cultural world and is often defined as the parent of all disciplines, e.g. geology, history, sociology, anthropology, archeology, political science, business, oceanography, forestry, and environmental science (to name a few). Certain fundamental elements of these disciplines become spatial issues. Therefore they become geographical in nature.
As we begin to focus on physical geography we automatically become interested in the topographical and environmental aspects of our universe. However, we should clearly understand that societies sometimes alter our physical environment. On the other hand, the physical environment can often influence the way a cultural group lives. As we become interested in the spatial perspective of our physical environment, we begin asking what, when, where, why, and how, e.g. ...Why is the climate in this region similar/different than that region?...How did those sand dunes develop and why are they located where they are?...What caused this river to change its course and when did it create that lake?... Although the same species, why does the wildlife in this area differ in behavior and appearance than in
other areas?...What physical process created those caves?...Why have humans developed the land such as they have? Why does this particular vehicle have higher sales there instead of here? Why is corn grown in those regions? If you have ever asked questions such as these, then you have become curious about the physical geography of our earthly system.
Communication is important. I have an open-door policy, i.e. you are welcome to come by my office unannounced anytime to discuss any questions or problems you may have with your course assignments. If I am not available, I will schedule an appointment with you to meet as soon as possible. Otherwise, office hours (above) are times set aside especially to assist you.
Please note: due to the location of my office, accessibility is a minor issue. If a class is being held in TC 218, please do not enter until the class is dismissed. I want this semester and your geography course to be a positive experience. Therefore I strive to make it productive, educational, and enjoyable!
OBJECTIVES: By the end of the semester, students should have a better understanding of physical geography as it pertains to the four principal components of the environment, i.e. the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, and the biosphere, and the interaction taking place among them. Also, students' knowledge of place names, perceptions of places, and a better understanding of map interpretation should be greatly enhanced. All students should gain an appreciation for geography as a whole and how it describes our entire earthly system from a spatial perspective. Finally, students should better understand and articulate the physical features of the global environment. Remember, this is a four credit course with lab material. All students should be motivated, punctual, and attend class on a regular basis.
COURSE GRADE will be determined as follows: *700 points total
Exams = 375 pts. @ 125 pts. each Lab assignments = 150 pts. @ 10 pts. each Quizzes = 60 pts. @ 20 pts. each Special project = 75 pts. Field Trip = 25 pts. Participation = 15 pts.
*Final grade will be determined on the following scale: 90-100% = A 80-89% = B 70-79% = C 60-69% = D 59% and below = F
EX: If you have a total of 618 points at the end of the semester, you will have an 88% which is a 'B' for the course. IF a curve is administered, it will be no more than one or two percentage points. However, this will be determined on the class final average.
Each exam is worth 125 points. None are comprehensive. A verbal outline of each exam will be given a week prior to that exam. Do not forget exam dates. There are no make-ups. If for any reason you miss Exam I or II, the final will count twice. (If you miss both, I suggest dropping ASAP.) After exams have been graded, they will be returned to the students for review and discussion. All tests will then be returned to the professor. Grades will then be recorded. Exams are not returned to students. However, you are always welcome to come by and look it over. If a student fails to return their exam during the review class period, a zero will be recorded for that exam. Exams include lectures, texts, videos, quizzes, lab assignments, field trip, and special handouts. There may be an undetermined amount of possible bonus points. Cheating will result in a zero and possible 'drop' from class. (Refer to Student Code of Conduct @ http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/verified/.)
You will be completing 15 lab assignments during the semester. You are responsible for bringing your manual to every class period (except exam days) unless otherwise announced. Due to length of some of the assignments and limited time, portions will be omitted in the lab manual. Each exercise will be discussed prior to the lab assignment. Some labs parallel the lecture. Others are totally independent. You will be allowed to work on the assignments during lab but students should expect to spend additional time outside the classroom. Come prepared! Some assignments are due at the end of class. Others are due at the beginning of the next class period. Due date will be announced in class. You may work independently, in a group, or with a friend. However, do not let someone else do all the work and you take credit. On the other hand, do not let someone else depend on you for all the answers. Lab assignments are included on the exams. Therefore it is crucial that you understand the assignments. If you are absent the day lab assignments are discussed, it is your responsibility to obtain the information. You will still be responsible for handing the assignment in ON TIME. Three points are automatically deducted if turned in late. However, no late exercises will be accepted once the assignments are returned to the rest of the class. Each assignment is worth 10 pts. They will be graded and returned USUALLY within two class periods.
There will be three quizzes covering place names which pertain to physical geography. These are given at the beginning of class (refer to schedule). If you are absent, you will miss the quiz. There are no makeups. If you are tardy but arrive before the last person finishes the quiz, you will be allowed to take it.
There will be one special project assigned/required for this course which will include time spent outside the classroom. In addition there may be minimal fees, e.g. gas money, metro-rail, photocopying, photography, entrance fees, or lunch money, that you will find necessary to complete the assignment. Ample time will be given to complete the project. One class is waived. (Refer to schedule.) Late projects will be penalized (25% after due date & time with no credit given after the fourth day.)
There will be one field trip required to Great Falls, MD. Students will be responsible for their own transportation. Written instructions will be given. If you are unable to attend the field trip which will be on a Wednesday afternoon (refer to schedule), you may still receive the points by writing a research paper for which I will choose the topic. Written instructions will be given.
Participation is worth 15 points. This can mean the difference between an entire letter grade. For each absence over one, three points are automatically deducted. Therefore attendance can help your grade significantly. Also, attitude, discussion, and quality of work are considered a significant part of participation. It is at the discretion of the professor to drop a student for multiple absences. (Refer to Student Code of Conduct.) Attendance will be taken each class period. If you arrive after attendance has been taken (tardy), it is your responsibility to notify me during break or immediately after class. Otherwise the absence remains on your record. If you are unable to attend a class, I would appreciate an advance notice (in person or via phone) if possible.
Supplies needed: ruler (inches & metric combined); calculator; protractor; azimuth (optional); colored pencils and/or highlighter(s); string @ 2' long; (stereoscopes--optional). Please bring these to class beginning the second day and each day thereafter so that you are prepared for labs.
DISABILITIES: Any student needing accommodations may make an appointment with the Disability Support Services (DSS) @ 240-567-5058, CB122. An authorized letter is required from DSS.
ASSESSMENT LEVEL: EN101/101A, MA100, RD110 Students are expected to and held responsible for meeting these requirements.
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karl.reis@montgomerycollege.edu
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