Physical Geography 300: Elements of Physical Geography
American River College
Spring 2017

MW 09:00AM-10:20AM ARC Science 426 10643 Final Monday, May 15 8:00-10:00 a.m.
TTh 09:00AM-10:20AM ARC Science 426 11185 Final Tuesday, May 16 8:00-10:00 a.m.
TTh 10:30AM-11:50AM ARC Science 426 10343 Final Tuesday, May 11 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
TTh 12:00PM-01:20PM ARC Science 426 10344 Final Tuesday, May 16 12:45-2:45 p.m.

Charles Thomsen
530 848-1244
Office: S - 443 Office Hours MW 12-1:30, T 1:30-2:30, and Friday 12-1 Online
thomsec at gmail dot com
http://ic.arc.losrios.edu/~thomsec

I. Catalog Description 3 units, UC and CSU transfer credit, AA/AS general education credit. This course explores the processes and interrelationships which shape Earth's natural landscapes. Key topics include solar energy balance, weather and climate, water resources, landforms, natural hazards, soil, and vegetation. Relevant application of these concepts is used to explain the evolving relationship between humans and Earth's natural systems. Field trips may be required to relate course content to the real world.

II. Student Learning Outcomes:
* list the basic components and describe the structure of each of Earth's major environmental systems, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
* describe the basic processes and interrelationships occurring within and between between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
* identify and assess the impacts that  the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere have on human environments.
* identify and assess the impact that human populations have on  the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
* identify the basic patterns and processes which have shaped their local environments over time.
* better utilize maps, charts, and graphs to understand the concepts, patterns, and processes covered in this course.

III. Methods of Instruction This class will be taught using the "lecture-discussion" method. This will be supplemented by videos, slides, readings, and field trips. You will learn to apply geographic themes, techniques, and conceptual skills to the material presented, and more importantly to your world

A. Assigned Reading: I expect you to have completed relevant readings before each class session. The readings will complement the lectures and discussions

B. Class Participation: Class participation is an integral part of the learning process. If you are not in class, you cannot participate. While you can probably obtain notes regarding the material covered in a missed class, you and the rest of the class will miss out on your contributions. If you have any questions, please come see me. Be on time, come prepared, turn off cell phones and pagers, and participate fully. If I know that you have a cell phone during lecture you will be dismissed from class immediately. Single-use plastic bottles are not allowed in class. Finally, this is your class - you will get out of it what you put into it!

C. Attendance: Attendance is very important. Absences and tardiness will adversely affect your grade. You are responsible for all material covered in class. If you miss a class you should get the notes and handouts from fellow students. I strongly encourage you to swap phone numbers and form study groups. If you find it helpful, please feel free to tape record lectures. If you are going to be absent or late you do not need to let me know beforehand. Please be considerate of your fellow students - be on time, and if you are sick and contagious, please do not come to class. It is your responsibility to drop the class. Make up tests will be given immediately after the final exam
1) Attendance will be taken silently every day at the beginning of class.
2) If you are late, you must check in with me after class (or you will be marked absent).
3) If you are clearly asleep, you will be marked absent.
4) After three absences you may be dropped from the class without notice.

IV. Methods of Evaluation This is a college transferable class and you should be prepared to study hard, take extensive notes, develop critical thinking skills, and convey your thoughts both orally and in writing
A. Grading: Grading is very important to both of us. I will give your work careful consideration. Again, please come see me if you have any questions. The breakdown will be roughly as follows:
Tests: 4 at 100 points each
MasteringGeography: 25%
Pop quizzes: up to 40 points
Extra credit: up to 7% of total points
B. Cheating: Cheating or plagiarizing of any kind will not be tolerated Any cheating or plagiarizing will result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. The College may take additional disciplinary steps as well

V. Course Content:
0. Introduction to Physical Geography. What is it? Major themes, systems, locational systems, maps, scale, projection
1. Solar Energy, Seasons, & the Atmosphere
2. Energy in the atmosphere and at the surface, temperature
Test #1
3. Pressure, Winds, & Currents
4. Atmospheric Water and Weather
5. Water Resources
6. Global Climate Systems
Test #2
7. Climate Change
8. Tectonics, Earthquakes, & Volcanism
9. Weathering & Mass Movement
Test #3
10. Stream Erosion & River Systems
11. Coastal Systems & Wind Processes
12. Glacial Systems
13. Ecosystems & Soils
14. Biomes
Final exam

VI. Class Texts: Christopherson, Robert W. Geosystems Core, 1st edition, Prentice Hall, 2017, WITH MasteringGeography (website).

VII. Other: No single-use plastic water bottles are allowed in my class.