Fall 2003
Professor:
Paul Laris Office:
LA4-101
E-mail: plaris@csulb.edu Office
Hours: T-Th
Meeting
Times: T-Th
Room:
LA4-100 Phone:
985-1862
Course Description This course is an introductory physical geography
course. It explores the different
aspects of the physical environment, including the atmosphere and hydrosphere
(weather and climate, oceans), biosphere (plants and animals), and lithosphere
(landforms, earth processes), and emphasizes the relationships between these
spheres. The goal of the course is
to gain a deeper understanding of how these systems work and how they are
intimately connected. There is an
emphasis on the role that humans play in modifying these processes and how our
impact may be modifying the environment at the local and global scale.
By the end of the semester you will be
able to: i) understand the way humans (you) modify the
environment; ii) classify climates into types based on a few variables; iii) explain
the causes of different vegetation patterns; iv) identify a variety of physical
and biological features on the landscape; v) explain the greenhouse effect, its
relation to global warming and its causes; and vi), gain appreciation and
knowledge of Californian environments.
Expectations As a general rule you should expect to spend 2 to 3
hours preparing for each hour of class time, a total of about 6-9 hours per week.
Required
Texts:
1. McNight and Hess. 2004. Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation. 7th
Edition. Prentice Hall.
2. Exploring
Tropical Cyclones.2003. Brooks/Cole. (A workbook and software program).
3.
I will handout or post on the WEB additional material as necessary.
Method of Instruction Lecture, discussion, and
small work groups following the outline below.
I will use many forms of media to present the material. Students may also have the option of presenting in
class.
Grading Policy: You will be graded on your
performance on three exams. These will
amount to 75% of your total grade. The
final exam is not comprehensive. Attendance
is mandatory. Participation will
constitute 5% of your grade. There will also be approximately 5 exercises worth
20% of your final grade.
Summary of points for final
grade:
|
Participation |
5% |
|
Midterm
Exam 1 |
25% |
|
Midterm
Exam 2 |
25% |
|
Final
Exam |
25% |
|
Exercises |
20% |
|
TOTAL |
100% |
Letter
grades are
awarded by fitting a “curve” to a student’s total score for the semester. Historically, a student’s score must be near
90% to achieve an ‘A’ grade; 80% to achieve a ‘B’; 70% a ‘C’ and 60% a
‘D’. The actual score required may
vary. Students registered on a credit/no
credit basis must earn a C or higher for credit.
If you follow these simple suggestions you can learn
a lot about the physical environment and get a good grade.
Never miss class, and don't arrive late. Attendance is an important part
of the course—you will not do well if you do not attend. If you need to be absent please e-mail me and
arrange to get notes from another student.
Much of the material covered in class (and more) is covered in the
textbook. Class presentations focus on
the basics and emphasize what you need to know.
Read the assignments before the lecture for which they are assigned, and
ask questions in class. The schedule of topics will be followed as closely as
possible. Turn in homework on time. If you're having difficulties with the
course, seek help early--don't wait until right before the midterm! Note carefully the dates of the exams. There
are no scheduled make-up exams. Any conflicts with exams must be resolved within
the first 2 weeks of the semester.
****IF AT ANY TIME YOU NEED HELP, PLEASE
ASK FOR IT!****
TENTATIVE GEOGRAPHY 140 SCHEDULE
1 9/2 Introduction:
What is Physical Geography?
Earth-Sun
Relations, Chapter 1
2 9/9 The Atmosphere & Solar Energy Chapters 3 & 4
Global
Energy Balance & Greenhouse Effect Handout 1
3 9/16 Global
Climate Change Film: What’s
Up w/the Weather
Human
Impact on Climate
4 9/23 Discuss Global Warming Assignment #1 Due
Atmospheric Pressure, Wind,
Circulation Chapter 5, Handout 2
Atmospheric Moisture and
Precipitation Chapter 6
5 9/30 Weather
Systems and Storms Chapter
7; Assignment #2 Due
Computer Assignment: Storms (in Lab) Bring Cyclone Workbook
6 10/7 Weather
in California & El Niño (weather report) Weather & Review Handouts
Catch-up and
Review Assignment
#3 Due
7 T 10/14 MIDTERM
EXAM 1
Th 10/16 Introduction to Global Climates Chapter 8
8 10/21 Climate
and Biomes (Tropics) Chapter
8, 10 & 11 (p.322-323)
Handout 4
9 10/28
Climate and Biomes
(Temperate) Chapter
8, 10 & 11
10 11/4 Climate
and Biomes (Polar/Mountain) Assignment #4 DUE
Soils and Hydrosphere Chapters 9 and 12 (p. 337-347)
11 11/11 Catch-up and Review Review
Handout
Th 11/13 MIDTERM EXAM
II
12 11/18 Landforms
and the Rock Cycle Chapter
13
Plate Tectonics Chapter 14
13 11/25 Volcanic
Landforms Chapter
14
11/27 Thanksgiving
14 12/2 Weathering
and Mass Wasting Chapter
15, Handout 5
Landforms of Running Water Chapter
16
15 12/9 Landforms
of Arid Lands, Waves and Wind Chapter
18, 20 Assign # 5 DUE
Landforms of Glaciers (Ice
Ages) Chapter
19 Review Handout
16 T 12/18 FINAL
EXAM @
***Out of courtesy to your classmates and to me, turn off cell
phones before entering class!***