Introduction to Physical Geography (GEO 206)
Fall, 2011
M/W 8:30 - 9:50; 206 Old Horticulture
Office: 121 Geography
Phone: 355-5262
E-mail:
Twitter: @ArbogastDPG
Office hours: 3 to 4 on Monday and Tuesday; and by appt.
Teaching assistant: / Alison Keener
Office: 20 Geography
Phone: 352-6259
E-mail:
Office hours: - 3 to 4 on Thursday; 10:30 to 11:30 on Wednesday
Text: Discovering Physical Geography by Arbogast (2nd Edition; with respond I-Clicker)
Course Objectives - The primary purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the physical environment. Specifically, this course seeks to provide you with (1) an awareness of the important concepts, facts and terminology of physical geography, (2) an introduction into the way natural systems function at global and regional scales, and (3) an appreciation of the interrelationships between humans and their environment.
Examinations – This class has 3 examinations, including the final exam, during the semester. Each of the first pair of exams will draw upon lectures and text material since the previous examination. The final exam will be held during Finals week and will be comprehensive, including class material from the last 1/3 of the course. Each of these examinations is worth 50 points and consists primarily of multiple choice questions. I do not allow make-up exams. If a conflict exists, you need to inform me ONE WEEK (7 DAYS) ahead of the scheduled time for the exam.
Pop Quizzes –5 pop quizzes are given during the semester at random intervals. Each quiz is worth 5 points and covers material from that day’s class, as well as the previous class period. Questions in these quizzes are in a multiple-choice format. The lowest quiz score will be dropped at the end of the term. This means that only 4 quiz scores will be included in final grade calculation.
Concept Cache – This course includes 1 outside assignment, which is to submit a personalized concept cache to the Wiley website. Each student will take a photo of something in nature that represents a concept within physical geography. The photo must be taken this semester and include a time stamp for verification. Accompanying the photo will be a discussion of at least 275 words that outlines the nature of the concept. The photo and text will be submitted to Alison for approval. Once the document is approved, the student will then submit it to a special Wiley website specifically devoted to this class. The assignment is worth 10 points. Points for the cache will be awarded based on originality, quality, and time of submission to Alison. The concepts submitted to Alison by the date of the first exam (10/3) can achieve the full 10 points. Those submitted to Alison by the 2nd exam (11/7) can achieve 8 of the 10 points, whereas those submitted to Alison by the last day of class (12/7) can achieve 6 of the 10 points. Cache details will be provided later.
Attendance: Attendance will be randomly assessed 12 times with the response pads. You will receive 1 point for each time you are present. You can throw away 2 absences, which means that 10 potential points are available for attendance.
GRADING SCALE
Overall course assessment is based on 190 total possible points. Your grade will be based on the following straight scale.
Grading scale Percentage Number of points
4.0 100-93% 176 - 190
3.5 92-87% 164 - 175
3.0 86-81% 153 - 163
2.5 80-75% 142 - 152
2.0 74-69% 130 - 141
1.5 68-63% 119 - 129
1.0 62-56% 105 - 118
0.0 55-0% 104 and below
* I do round up, which means that if your final percentage is 80.5% (for example) your final grade would be a 3.0.
Extra Credit - Given the number of exams and size of the class, I simply can’t administer individual extra credit assignments. However, if you come to my office and speak with me for 5 minutes you will receive 5 extra credit points. You can meet with me by yourself or with a small group. It's your call.
The extra credit offer is good only until the 1st exam.
Disabilities - Any individual with a disability that may impair performance in this course should contact the Student Assistance Center, and talk with me as soon as possible to discuss the class requirements and any appropriate accommodations. Also, please inform me if you have any conflicts due to religious observances. I will certainly work with you.
ADDITIONAL COURSE RULES
1) If you have to leave the class in the middle of the lecture, please let me know ahead of time. I typically provide a ~ 5-minute break about ½ way through class; you can leave freely at that time.
2) Please do not sleep in my class. If you can't stay awake, don't come. What’s the point?
3) Consistent with university policy, I don't allow cheating on my exams. Those caught will be given a "0" for that particular test. If the problem persists with any individual, I will have to report that person to the University.
4) Please turn cell phones off when you come to class. No texting. And, I’d appreciate it if you refrained from gazing at Facebook or email while in class.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Date / Lecture Topic / Text Readings8/31 / Introduction to physical geography / 1
9/5 / Labor Day Holiday – no class
9/7 / The Geographer’s tools / 2
9/12 / Earth/sun geometry and the seasons / 3
9/14 / Global Energy System / 4
9/19 / Structure of the atmosphere and global temperature patterns / 5
9/21 / Atmospheric pressure and winds / 6
9/26 / Pressure, winds, and global circulation / 6
9/28 / Moisture in the atmosphere / 7
10/3 / EXAMINATION #1
10/5 / Air Masses and Cyclonic Weather Systems / 8
10/10 / Severe Weather / 8
10/12 / Global climates / 9
10/17 / Plant Geography / 10
10/19 / Soils / 11
10/24 / Soils (Randy?) / 11
10/26 / Tectonic processes and landforms (Mike?) / 13
11/31 / Earth structure, rock cycle, and geologic time / 12
11/2 / Groundwater and karst landscapes / 15
11/7 / EXAMINATION #2
11/9 / Fluvial systems and landforms / 16
11/14 / Fluvial systems and landforms; Human impact on streams / 16
11/16 / Glacial processes and landforms / 17
11/21 / Glacial landforms & Michigan physiography / 17
11/23 / Eolian processes & landforms / 18
11/28 / Coastal processes & landforms / 19
11/30 / Reconstructing climate change / 9
12/5 / Global warming / 9
12/7 / The Big Squeeze (Energy consumption and climate change) / 20
12/12
(Monday) / FINAL EXAMINATION @ 7:45 -9:45 AM
Note: This syllabus may be subjected to minor changes over the course of the term.