UST 289 Physical Geography Syllabus, Spring 2003 Page 1of 3 Cleveland State University Physical Geography (UST 289 Section 1) Levin College of Urban Affairs Spring Semester, 2003 1:30 to 2:35 pm MWF Department of Urban Studies Email: [email protected] or Instructor: Winifred Weizer [email protected] Office: UR217 Hours by appointment Phone: 687-2136 (leave message) Course Description: This course is an introductory examination of the development of the physical environment in which we live. The course will cover this development drawing from a number of scientific fields, among them being meteorology, geomorphology and agronomy. Course Objective: The objective of the course is to assist the student in understanding how the physical environment has developed and its impact on our metropolitan areas both suburban and urban. This course will also assist the student to understand how geographical knowledge can aid in understanding and solving problems of the city. Course Method: Although lectures by the instructor are the primary course method, other methods will also be used including guest speakers and class discussion. Students are expected to come prepared to discuss the material that is assigned. Grading Policy: Grades are based on the results of exercises, tests, and class participation. There will be three tests given (two midterms and the final). Two exercises will be assigned at various points throughout the class. The grade will consist of the following; Midterm One 15% Midterm Two 25% Final 35% Application Exercise 15% Class Attendance /Participation 10% Exam attendance is required. Makeup exams will only be given with the prior approval of the instructor. Late assignments are subject to a 5% grade penalty per week they are late. Please Note: Dates as given in the syllabus are approximate and will be adjusted as necessary by the instructor. Test dates will be confirmed one week prior to any exam being given. Text: Strahler, Alan, Strahler, Arthur. 2003. Introducing Physical Geography. New York, NY. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.UST 289 Physical Geography Syllabus, Spring 2003 Page 2of 3 Class Schedule and Readings Week 1: January 13 to January 17 Course Introduction. What is Physical Geography? The Earth as a Rotating Planet Read Prologue, Chapter 1 and 2 Week 2: January 20 to January 24 The Earth’s Global Energy Balance Read Chapter 3 and 4 Application Exercise Distributed January20 Martin Luther King Day – No Class January 24 Last day to drop and not have it appear on transcript. Week 3: January 27 to January 31 Air Temperature, Atmospheric Moisture and Precipitation Read Chapter 5 and 6 Week 4: February 3 to February 7. Winds and Global Circulation, Weather Systems Read Chapter 7 Week 5: February 10 to February 14. Global Climates Read Chapter 8 and 9 February 10 – Midterm #1 (Covers Chapters 1 to 6) Week 6: February 17 to February 21 Biogeographic Processes, Global Biogeography Read Chapter 10 and 11 February 17 – President’s Day – No Class Week 7: February 24 to February 28. Global Soils, Earth Materials Read Chapter 12 Week 8: March 3 to March 7. The Lithosphere and Plate Tectonics Read Chapter 13 Week 9: March 10 to March 14. Spring Recess -- No Classes This Week Week 10: March 17 to March 21. Volcanic and Tectonic Landforms Read Chapter 14 Week 11: March 24 to March 28 Weathering and Mass Wasting March 24 Midterm #2 (Covers Chapters 7 to 14) Read Chapter 15 March 28 Last day to drop with a W on transcriptUST 289 Physical Geography Syllabus, Spring 2003 Page 3of 3 Week 12: March 31 to April 4 Fresh Water of the Continents Read Chapter 16 Week 13: April 7 to April 11. Landforms Made by Running Water Read Chapter 17 April 11 Application Exercise Due Week 14: April 14 to April 18. Landforms and Rock Structure Read Chapter 18 Week 15: April 21 to April 25. Landforms Made by Waves and Wind Read Chapter 19 Week 16: April 28 to May 2. Glacial Landforms and the Ice Age Friday May 2 Final Review Wednesday, May 7 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Final Exam Note: Students are strongly encouraged to email the Instructor with questions or problems they may be having. I am on campus most days of the week and check my email on a daily basis. I am also willing to meet with students that may be having difficulty with the material. Please contact me to set up a specific time and place. University Policies Students should refer to the Undergraduate Bulletin for procedures regarding add/drop and withdrawals. Physically challenged/Special Needs Students with special needs (physical handicaps, learning disabilities, English as a second language) should identify themselves so that the appropriate arrangements can be