UST 289 Physical Geography Summer 2006 Page 1of 3 Cleveland State University Physical Geography (UST 289 Sections 501 and 502 1st 6 weeks) Levin College of Urban Affairs Summer Semester, 2006 WebCT Department of Urban Studies Email: [email protected] or Instructor: Winifred Weizer [email protected] Office: UR217 Hours by appointment Phone: 216-702-8300 (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. An emphasis is placed on helping the student to relate science to their everyday lives. Course Method: This class is an internet class. Students are expected to complete all assignments as noted. Discussion will occur via discussion boards. Grading Policy: Grades are based on the results of exercises, quizzes, a short paper and participation on discussion. There will be six quizzes given (one per week). Six short answer exercises will be done on a weekly basis. One short paper will also be assigned. The grade points will be distributed as follows; Quizzes (6) 30% Short Exercises (6) 30% Short Paper 15% Earthweek board 10% General Discussion 15% Students are required to post weekly. Assignments are due as noted. Late assignments are subject to a 5% grade penalty per week they are late. Text: Strahler, Alan, Strahler, Arthur. 2003. Introducing Physical Geography Fourth Edition. New York, NY. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Special Summer Semester Note: Please be aware that taking semester classes in a six-week period is different than taking a class over 15 weeks. Students like 6 week classes since they are over quickly. Students also dislike 6 week classes since they can easily fall behind in the work and the time to catch up is short. Internet classes can be more of a challenge since we do not meet face to face where the instructor is reminding you of what is due. I would point out to the student though that a six week class can be a fantastic opportunity to hone your time-management skills. To help encourage you to work on those skills assignments are due on a weekly basis and youUST 289 Physical Geography Summer 2006 Page 2of 3 are required to post weekly. This should help you stay on task. Please take the time to refer to the calendar on WebCT to verify final due dates for assignments. WebCT: Assistance is available to the student one on one from the computer lab monitors in the Urban computer lab located on the lower level of the building in room 40. Please let the monitor know that you are registered for UST 289. There is also a WebCT troubleshooting/instruction guide on the website in .pdf format. Class Schedule and Readings Week 1: Chapter 1 to 3 Course Introduction. What is Physical Geography, The Earth as a Rotating Planet, The Earth’s Global Energy Balance, Air Temperature Earthweek ending May 19, 2006 Exercise 1 is due May 27 Quiz 1 is due May 27 Week 2: Chapter 4 to 6: Atmospheric Moisture and Precipitation, Winds and Global Circulation, Weather Systems Earthweek ending May 26, 2006 Exercise 2 is due June 1 Quiz 2 is due June 1 Week 3: Chapter 8 and 9: Biogeographic Processes, Global Biogeography Earthweek ending June 2, 2006 Exercise 3 is due June 6 Quiz 3 is due June 6 Week 4: Chapter 10 and 11: Global Soils, : Earth Materials Earthweek ending June 9, 2006 Exercise 4 is due June 12 Quiz 4 is due June 14 Week 5: Chapter 12 and 13: The Lithosphere and Plate Tectonics, Volcanic and Tectonic Landforms Earthweek ending June 16, 2006 Exercise 5 is due June 19 Quiz 5 is due June 21 Week 6: Chapter 14 and 15: Weathering and Mass Wasting, Fresh Water of the Continents Earthweek ending June 23, 2006 Exercise 6 is due June 26 Quiz 6 is due June 28UST 289 Physical Geography Summer 2006 Page 3of 3 Additional Information Quizzes: There is one timed quiz per week that covers the material that from the book that was assigned for that week. I will post a review sheet that will contain the terms you need to know for the questions. The questions will be true and false and multiple choice. Short Exercises: Short exercises will consist of a few application questions that can be answered in a few paragraphs. These questions are designed to help you apply the material from the book to real life. These will be answered and emailed to the instructor each week. Short Paper: The short paper helps the student to relate what we present as happening in our physical environment to what is reality. The student will have a few topics that the instructor will assign to choose from. EarthWeek Board: The student is required to access the weekly map that is posted on WebCT or at EarthWeek.com or is published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer each Saturday on page A2. Comments, questions, and observations are to be posted weekly by all students. General Discussion Board: This board will be used for weekly postings by the student with comments, questions, and observations regarding the chapters assigned for reading each week. Comments should show some thoughtful consideration of the material. Hence postings like “isn’t interesting that the earth rotates” will not receive credit. The instructor will put postings on this board to help start student discussion but I encourage students to take the lead here. 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 made. Note: The instructor reserves the right to adjust and modify the syllabus as needed throughout the semester. Logging on and reviewing all announcements will ensure that