Geography 1000, Physical Geography
Spring 2015
CRN 21287 – Section 022
CRN 21597 Section 024
Syllabus
Instructor: A. Jon Allred, Adjunct
Textbook: McKnight’s Physical Geography, Hess & Tasa, Pearson, 11th Edition
(Older editions may work)
Format: Classroom lecture
Consultation: By appointment – contact me anytime: through Canvas, Course Home Page, or .
Pre-requisites: None
Workload: Spend at least one hour in personal study for each hour in class
Resources: Class textbook, classroom lecture, postings at SLCC Canvas, SLCC Course
Homepage and supporting information at www.smartmap.us.
Schedule: Section 022 – Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. to 8:20 p.m., Room 2-168, South Campus
Section 024 – Thursday, 7:00 p.m. to 9:50 p.m., Room 109 HTC, Jordan Campus
General Education Statement
Geography 1000 fulfills a physical science requirement of the General Education Program at Salt Lake Community College. Geography addresses fundamental topics and skills for dealing with mainstream human life on Earth. In class, we identify and solve practical problems in basic science and apply them to business, public policy and consumer affairs. We also connect earth science to world and local news events. Ethics, moral choices and simple quantitative analysis are important contexts for this class.
Geography 1000 is a gateway to science in all directions and supports SLCC goals for:
1. Quantitative literacy
2. Gaining substantial new knowledge
3. Effective communication
4. Critical thinking
5. Computer literacy
6. Civic engagement
Learning Outcomes and Objectives
Exams, class participation and ePortfolio are aimed at verifying how well students internalize the six basic goals listed in the General Education Statement above. During the semester, these goals are reviewed frequently for reflection and awareness. By the end of the course, successful students demonstrate:
1. Substantial increase in factual knowledge about how the world works, including vocabulary, definitions and working models of phenomena;
2. Ability to create on-the-fly solutions to practical, useful problems that relate directly to geographic knowledge and understanding in the real world of business, economics, public policy and natural environment.
3. Increase in awareness of, and curiosity in how the world works.
Lectures, curricula and pedagogy for each chapter and each exam all focus closely on specific, measurable tasks that ensure student success in each of these three outcomes and objectives.
SLCC Canvas
Quizzes will be taken in Canvas. We’ll keep it relaxed and try to give you enough time to get things right. Quizzes are aimed at helping you get ready for the Mid-Term and Final Exams that are time-limited. If you fail to show up for the Mid-Term exam, then you can take an alternate exam during regular class time later on. If you can’t make it to the Final Exam, then it will be your responsibility to get SLCC approval for a “make-up” exam in advance. Genuine emergencies are usually the only basis for a Final Exam exception.
Make sure your Canvas is set up to forward announcements to your preferred e-mail account. You will be responsible to maintain a Canvas connection. Ordinarily, there is no make-up for a missed quiz unless you have a verified technology blockage. SLCC provides IT resources to help students keep Canvas working. Meanwhile, the Syllabus will be a detailed guide to deadlines, even if you missed seeing an announcement from Canvas or from the Course Home Page.
General Education ePortfolio
SLCC students are required to build and maintain an ePortfolio, including a Web page or other product that flows from study of Geography. Your ePortfolio can include your educational goals, extracurricular activities, and your resume. When you finish your education at SLCC, your ePortfolio will be a multi-media showcase of your educational experience.
For detailed information visit http://www.slcc.edu/gened/eportfolio. For students who are new to ePortfolio, also go to any of the options below for tutorials and other guidance:
https://sites.google.com/site/slcceport
http://slcceportfolio.wordpress.com
Note: Weebly is no longer supported by SLCC for new students who do not have an ePortfolio
already started. Wix and Jimdo are new ePortfolio platform options supported by SLCC.
If you would like to start your ePortfolio in a computer lab with a person there to help you, sign up online for one of the free workshops at the Taylorsville-Redwood library: http://libweb.slcc.edu/services/forms/eportfolio.
You may also visit an ePortfolio lab located in the Taylorsville-Redwood Library LIB 047 and/or in HTC 102a at Jordan Campus during business hours. Questions regarding the ePortfolio can be directed to .
For more ideas, check out samples of work done by other students found at my Web site: www.smartmap.us. You can use the Suggested ePortfolio Work Flow in this syllabus as a guide for your ePortfolio, or design one of your own.
Semester Scoring and Final Grading
Final grades are based on examinations, class participation and ePortfolio. All exams are “open-book -- open notes” so students should plan to attend class regularly, take good notes and read the textbook fully.
Preparation for exams is based on topics that are taken from the textbook and additional information provided in class or through Canvas. Exam questions will usually be in either true/false or multiple choice format. Student writing may also be required on exams. Students who read the book, attend class and watch for relevant daily news earn a much better final grade than students who don’t.
Students can earn up to 500 points toward a perfect score and final grade, based on:
· Weekly quizzes, worth up to a total of 250 quiz points.
· ePortfolio, worth up to 50 ePortfolio points, based on:
- Completion of three interim ePortfolio assignments, each worth up to five points.
- Submission of a final ePortfolio product worth up to 35 additional points.
- Following the Suggested ePortfolio Work Flow found in this Syllabus and
submission deadlines shown in the Semester Schedule below. You can also design
your own work flow.
· Mid-term Exam, taken on a Scantron card in class, and worth up to 50 points.
· Final Exam, taken on a Scantron card in class, and worth up to 100 points, covering all textbook chapters.
· Class participation, worth up to 50 points.
The following grading scale applies, with a grading curve’ adjustment for natural breaks between student scores and to ensure fairness across semesters:
450 points or 90% - A
420 points or 84% - A-
400 points or 80% - B+
380 points or 76% - B
360 points or 72% - B-
340 points or 68% - C+
320 points or 64% - C
300 points or 60% - C-
280 points or 56% - D+
260 points or 52% - D
250 points or 50% - D-
Below 250 points, (less than 50%) - E
Learning Resources
The assigned class textbook is supremely valuable for understanding geography. Try to read about 10 pages per day throughout the semester. Taking good notes in class is also vital to doing well, because virtually all quiz and exam questions are covered in class. The daily news is also a valuable source of information. Taking time to observe and report news stories to the class is a valuable way to boost learning for everyone and score points for yourself.
For students who want extra help, a tutor is available in the geoscience student lab located at Redwood Campus, SI 359a. For more information see http://slccgeospatial.weebly.com/gis-lab-and-tutoring.html. Students are responsible for good writing during exams and in your ePortfolio. If your skills in English need support, then use the SLCC's Writing Center. If you have trouble understanding ePortfolio writing goals, then at your request I will help interpret your assignment with staff at the Writing Center.
Students with Disabilities or Special Needs
Students with medical, psychological, learning or any other education-related disability desiring accommodations or services under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must contact the Disabilities Resource Center (DRC). The DRC determines eligibility for, and authorizes the provision of these accommodations and services for the college. DRC resources are at the Student Center, Suite 244, Redwood Campus, 4600 S. Redwood Rd., 84123. Phone: (801) 957-4659, TTY: 957-4646, Fax: 957-4947 or by email:
Students who would like counseling and support for stress, anxiety, substance abuse problems, depression, or debilitating illness may contact the Health and Wellness Center (Redwood SC 035; SCC W 175; 957-4268; http://www.slcc.edu/hw).
Student Code of Conduct
As a student of SLCC, you are expected to read, be familiar with, and abide by the SLCC Student Code of Conduct (http://slcc.edu/policies/docs/stdtcode.pdf).
Class Rules
1. The textbook for the class is vital for understanding physical geography, so try to read 10 pages in the textbook each day. Take careful notes in class and ask questions. Also, take a moment each day to see what’s relevant in the daily news.
2. During class, avoid unnecessary noise or other distractions that might interfere with the learning environment. Try to show up on time, so we don’t have to repeat important announcements.
3. Constructive criticism, disagreement and debate are encouraged. Students earn class participation points by involvement in lectures: asking questions, making relevant comments and raising useful issues.
4. During in-class exams ALL electronic devices must be turned off and put away where they cannot be accessed. Exceptions for electronic textbooks, readers and translators must be approved in advance, not at the last minute. DRC testing center services are available to students who have been accepted for DRC services. Students who experience a verified, legitimate emergency may be able to arrange for a make-up time to take the Final Exam.
5. Use of a ‘soft lead’ pencil is necessary for marking Scantron cards. Make sure that your name and the exam number are on your Scantron card. Avoid stray marks and messy erasures.
6. Class attendance is not required, but roll will be taken regularly for enrollment purposes. Students do not need to explain absence from class and there is no direct penalty for absence. Just remember that up to 50 points toward your final grade are available for making useful comments, raising helpful questions and/or contributing in other ways that aid student learning.
7. Do not cheat or do anything that looks like cheating, such as sitting close to other students during exams and/or looking at their papers, or sneaking a look at a smart phone, tablet or laptop computer.
8. Avoid asking for special favors without good reason.
9. If something upsets you or offends you, then please let me know immediately. Speak with me after class, write an e-mail or call me. I will be very happy to respond to any concern, no matter how incidental it might seem. If you feel uncomfortable talking with me, then contact college staff. The college administration and I will be happy to meet your needs in any way that follows college rules.
10. College students are responsible for their own standing in the class, and will be asked to use a name tag until names are learned. Across the semester, notice how often you participate in class compared to other students. Ask yourself if you are usefully involved in the classroom experience.
11. Students are responsible for ensuring that quizzes and exams are taken on time and for maintaining connections to Canvas, SLCC MyPage and e-mail. Students have primary responsibility for troubleshooting apparent problems with login, navigation and other tasks required for the electronic or on-line aspects of this class. Exceptions to these general rules may be granted where reasonable and fair to other students.
12. Quizzes in Canvas cannot be re-opened or provided by other means after quiz explanations or answers have been posted. An alternate quiz may be available for students with verified emergencies that may include electronic problems beyond their control.
13. Students are free to attend class in a flexible manner. Students can attend either of two weekly lectures, as shown in this Syllabus and can take the Mid-Term Exam and/or Final Exam at either location and time.
Mr. Allred’s Final Exam Rules
1. SLCC limits the final exam to two hours. I can’t change that.
2. If you show up late, you may not get two full hours. I am not allowed to wait for you.
3. All work on the exam must stop immediately when time is up.
4. Please bring a soft lead pencil for filling out a Scantron card that I will provide you.
5. Make sure your Scantron card is finished by the time the exam ends. I can’t give you extra time to finish marking answers. I can’t fill out your Scantron card for you.
6. Open book and open notes are allowed; however, do not share with other students during the exam.
7. No electronic devices can be on, open or in use during the exam, except by prior arrangement for students using language translation software or electronic textbook. Please let me know in advance if you want to use any electronic device. It is very important to pre-approve their Kindle or other electronic reader so that cheating is not suspected.
8. Please try to sit apart from other students to ensure privacy and fairness.
9. Avoid doing anything that might give the impression that you are communicating about the test with anyone except the teacher.
10. Students who raise useful questions about the exam may receive extra credit toward their final grade. You can raise questions during the exam, or write notes or questions about the final exam on the test itself and turn that in with your Scantron card.
11. When marking your Scantron card, be careful to avoid stray marks or incomplete erasures on the Scantron card. It will be difficult to fix Scantron errors afterward.
12. Please be extra quiet during the exam. Students may have difficulty concentrating if there is noise during the exam.
13. Be sure your name is on your Scantron card and on any test papers that you give me.
14. You are not required to turn in anything except the Scantron card. Anything else is optional.
Geography 1000 Semester Calendar
Week 1 January 13-15 – study Chapters 1-2 – Introduction to Earth and Portraying Earth
Quiz #1 in Canvas*