UST 289 Physical Geography Spring, 2007 Page 1 of 4 Cleveland State University Physical Geography (UST 289 Section 1) Levin College of Urban Affairs Spring Semester, 2006 11:00 am to 12:05 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. The student will also understand how general science knowledge is applicable to problem solving in their daily lives. Course Method: Although lectures by the instructor are the primary course method, other methods will also be used including guest speakers, videos and class and internet 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, on-line Internet discussions 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 10% Midterm Two 15% Final 25% Application Exercise 1 20% Application Exercise 2 20% 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. Change in schedule: This syllabus is a guide to the semester schedule. The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus and any of its contents at any time during the course by notifying students verbally or by written addendum. Text: Strahler, Alan, Strahler, Arthur. 2006. Introducing Physical Geography Fourth Edition. New York, NY. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.UST 289 Physical Geography Spring, 2007 Page 2 of 4 Class Schedule and Readings Week 1: January 15 to January 19: Course Introduction. What is Physical Geography? The Earth as a Rotating Planet Read Prologue, Chapter 1 and 2 Monday January 15th Martin Luther King Holiday – No class Week 2: January 22 to January 26: The Earth’s Global Energy Balance Read Chapter 3 Application Exercise 1 Distributed January 26 January 26 Last day to drop (by 8:00 p.m.). Week 3: January 29 to February 2: The Earth’s Global Energy Balance, Air Temperature Read Chapter 4 Week 4: February 5 to February 9 Atmospheric Moisture and Precipitation Read Chapter 5 Week 5: February 12 to February 16: Winds and Global Circulation Read Chapter 6 and 7 February 16: Midterm #1 (Covers Chapters 1 to 4) Week 6: February 19 to February 23: Weather Systems, Global Climates Read Chapter 7 and 8 February 19 – President’s Day no class Research Day February 21 Application Exercise 1 is due Week 7: February 26 to March 2: Global Climates, Biogeographic Processes Read Chapter 9 and 10 Week 8: March 5 to March 9: Global Biogeography, Global Soils Read Chapter 11 and 12 March 11 through March 18th Spring Break – No class Week 9: March 19 to March 23: Earth Materials, The Lithosphere and Plate Tectonics Read Chapter 13 March 23 Midterm #2 (Covers Chapters 5 to 10) Week 10: March 26 to March 30: Volcanic and Tectonic Landforms March 30 Last day to drop with a W on transcript Class Schedule and Readings (continued)UST 289 Physical Geography Spring, 2007 Page 3 of 4 Week 11: April 2 to April 6: Volcanic and Tectonic Landforms Read Chapter 14 April 2: Application Exercise 2 distributed Week 12: April 9 to April 13: Weathering and Mass Wasting Read Chapter 15 Week 13: April 16 to April 20: Fresh Water of the Continents Read Chapter 16 and 17 Week 14: April 23 to April 27: Landforms Made by Running Water, Landforms and Rock Structure Read Chapter 18 and 19 April 24: Application Exercise 2 is due Week 15: April 30 to May 4: Landforms Made by Waves and Wind, Glacial Landforms and the Ice Age May 3: Last day to post for Earthweek discussion week 13 and 14 Friday May 4 Final Review Friday May 11 8:30 to 10:30 a.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. Instructor PowerPoint: The instructor will make copies of PowerPoint slides available to students in memo form as .pdf files (Adobe Acrobat). These can be accessed by going to ftp://www.urban.csuohio.edu/ Choose “utility” at the next screen, then choose “weizer” and then choose “ust289”. Chapters will be identified by number. I encourage students to print these out before class and use them as guides for note taking. Questions regarding the university calendar (holidays and finals week schedule) can be resolved by using the following link to the registrar’s office. http://www.csuohio.edu/registrar/calendar.html University Policies Students should refer to the Undergraduate Bulletin for procedures regarding add/drop and withdrawals and any other policies that may apply.UST 289 Physical Geography Spring, 2007 Page 4 of 4 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