UST 289 Physical Geography Spring, 2006 Page 1 of 3 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 15% Application Exercise 2 15% Earthweek discussions 10% 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 posted on WebCT. Text: Strahler, Alan, Strahler, Arthur. 2006. Introducing Physical Geography Fourth Edition. New York, NY. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.UST 289 Physical Geography Spring, 2006 Page 2 of 3 Class Schedule and Readings Week 1: January 16 to January 20: Course Introduction. What is Physical Geography? The Earth as a Rotating Planet Read Prologue, Chapter 1 and 2 Monday January 16th Martin Luther King Holiday – No class Week 2: January 23 to January 27: The Earth’s Global Energy Balance Read Chapter 3 Application Exercise 1 Distributed January 27 January 27 Last day to drop and not have it appear on transcript. Week 3: January 30 to February 3: The Earth’s Global Energy Balance, Air Temperature Read Chapter 4 Week 4: February 6 to February 10: Atmospheric Moisture and Precipitation Read Chapter 5 February 8: Last day to post for Earthweek discussion week 1 to 3 Week 5: February 13 to February 17: Winds and Global Circulation Read Chapter 6 and 7 February 15: Midterm #1 (Covers Chapters 1 to 4) Week 6: February 20 to February 24: Weather Systems, Global Climates Read Chapter 7 and 8 February 20 – President’s Day no class Research Day February 22 Application Exercise 1 is due Week 7: February 27 to March 3: Global Climates, Biogeographic Processes Read Chapter 9 and 10 March 1: Last day to post for Earthweek discussion week 4 to 6 Week 8: March 6 to March 10: Global Biogeography, Global Soils Read Chapter 11 and 12 March 13 through March 17th Spring Break – No class Week 9: March 20 to March 24: Earth Materials, The Lithosphere and Plate Tectonics Read Chapter 13 March 22 Midterm #2 (Covers Chapters 5 to 10)UST 289 Physical Geography Spring, 2006 Page 3 of 3 Class Schedule and Readings (continued) Week 10: March 27 to March 31: Volcanic and Tectonic Landforms March 31 Last day to drop with a W on transcript March 29: Last day to post for Earthweek discussion week 7 to 9 Week 11: April 3 to April 7: Volcanic and Tectonic Landforms Read Chapter 14 Application Exercise 2 distributed Week 12: April 10 to April 14: Weathering and Mass Wasting Read Chapter 15 Week 13: April 17 to April 21: Fresh Water of the Continents Read Chapter 16 and 17 April 19: Last day to post for Earthweek discussion week 10 to 12 Week 14: April 24 to April 28: Landforms Made by Running Water, Landforms and Rock Structure Read Chapter 18 and 19 April 24: Application Exercise 2 is due Week 15: May 1 to May 5: 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 December 5 Final Review Friday May 12 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. University Policies Students should refer to the Undergraduate Bulletin for procedures regarding add/drop and withdrawals and any other policies that may apply. 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