UST 289 Physical Geography Spring, 2011 Page 1 of 6 Cleveland State University Physical Geography (UST 289 Section 1) UR 112 Levin College of Urban Affairs Spring Semester, 2011 1:30 am to 2:35 pm MWF Department of Urban Studies Email: [email protected] Instructor: Winifred Weizer Office: UR213 Hours by appointment Phone: 216 523 7574 Course Description: This course is an introductory examination of the development of the physical environment in which we live. The course covers physical environments, stressing relationships to people; study of the surface of the earth, including meteorology, science of weather, and geomorphology, the science of landforms. Additional material covered relates to the fields of biology and natural resources. 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. The student will also understand how general science knowledge is applicable to problem solving in their daily lives. The course is designed to meet the following learning objectives: Knowledge Understand the steps used in the scientific method. Recognize how scientific inquiry can be used to understand the development of the natural world that the student lives in. Understand how advancement in measurement and observation tools have led to advances in data collection that have enhanced knowledge of how our physical environment has developed over time. Understand the design of experimentation, data gathering, and observation. Develop an appreciation of the difference of results using analysis, logic and deduction from the scientific method versus other more subjective means. Skills – quantitative literacy Use technology to solve mathematical problems as well as to prepare graphs and charts. Understand how to interpret graphs, tables and schematics and to draw inferences from them. Represent differences of annual data over time in a symbolic, visual, or verbal manner that has clarity of result. Understand natural science phenomena by data collection and analysis using prescribed formulae. Recognize, understand and present the limitations of mathematical modeling used in the natural sciences.UST 289 Physical Geography Spring, 2011 Page 2 of 6 Skills – writing Develop an ability to find the “real issue” in development of an argument. Understand how to apply material learned in the course to the natural world that the student lives in. Understand the process of developing an appropriate thesis statement for a paper and being able to apply it. Understand how to paraphrase material and to apply it in the context of a paper. Develop the ability to appropriately use a citation format. General Education Statement: This course is approved as a general education course meeting the requirements for the natural science breath of knowledge. Skill areas for this class include writing and quantitative literacy. Course Method: Although lectures by the instructor are the primary course method, other methods will also be used including guest speakers, videos and class discussion. Students are expected to come prepared to discuss the material that is assigned. Application and quantitative assignments exercises will allow the student to apply what is learned in the class to the natural environment that they live in. Course Requirements: Students are expected to attend all class periods, submit application and quantitative assignments when due, and complete the midterms and final as scheduled. Student success is enhanced by keeping up to date with required readings. Class attendance is also critical to the student being successful. Students are also strongly encouraged to print out copies of the instructor’s PowerPoint presentations. These are accessible in .pdf format (3 up with lines for taking notes). The student can access them from home or school via the internet on Blackboard. https://bbce8.csuohio.edu/MACAuth/Login8Servlet Copies of the syllabus and other assignments will also be accessible there. Please be sure to click on the “check browser” to the right of the login block when you go to the site. This will help you determine what you might need to do for Blackboard to work properly. Some items will not display on Blackboard unless your pop-up blocker is set to allow pop-ups from the site. We will also use blackboard as a communication medium between class sessions. Grading Policy: Grades are based on the results of written assignments, tests, and class participation. There will be three tests given (two midterms and the final). Two papers will be assigned at various points throughout the class. Three quantitative literacy assignments are also a part of this class. The grade will consist of the following; Midterm One 10% Midterm Two 15% Final 20% Application Exercise 1 15% Application Exercise 2 15% Quantitative Assignments (3) 15% (5% per assignment) Class Attendance/Participation 10%UST 289 Physical Geography Spring, 2011 Page 3 of 6 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. Grading scale: 95- 100 A 94-90 A- 89-87 B+ 86-83 B 82-80 B- 79-75 C+ 74-70 C 60- 69 D Change in schedule/requirements: This syllabus is a guide to the semester schedule and its requirements. The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus and any of its contents at any time during the course by notifying students verbally, by written addendum or by announcements through Blackboard. Text: Strahler, Alan, Merali, Zeeya. 2008. Visualizing Physical Geography. Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley and Sons. Please note that your text is available in a two ways. You can purchase the book or purchase the card that will allow you access to Wiley.com. The card gives you access to an electronic form of the book and will provide a savings over the soft or hard bound book copy. Please note: if you purchase the electronic copy of the book, you cannot resell it back to the bookstore at the end of the semester. Class Schedule and Readings Week 1: January 17 to January 23: Course Introduction. What is Physical Geography? The Earth as a Rotating Planet Monday January