Syllabus for Introduction to Physical Geography

ACC GEOG 1301- Summer 2012

  1. Course and Instructor Information:
  2. Name of Instructor: Ross Edgar Bigelow, PhD Geography (Michigan State University)
  3. Course name and number: Introduction to Physical Geography, GEOG 1301
  4. Synonym and section number: 30452 - FBG campus, Room 137 FBGH
  5. Course Hours: 12:30 – 2:40 pm, Tuesday / Thursday, May 29 – July 26, 2011 (9 weeks)
  1. Contact Information:
  • Office Hours: 11:30 – 12:30 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Office: Room 137, Hill Country University Center
  • Office Phone: 830 997-6363
  • Home Phone: 830 990-0334
  • Email: or
  1. Required texts/materials: Physical Geography: a Landscape Appreciation, 10th Edition (2011), by Tom L. McKnight and Darrel Hess. The text is accompanied by the Study Guide and the Laboratory Manual by Darrel Hess.
  1. Course description: This course introduces the student to an area of study that brings together the important elements of earth science and the physical environment of humans. It emphasizes the nature, development and distribution. Topics include the Earth in space, atmospheric pressures and wind systems, ocean currents and the hydrosphere, climate and weather, biosphere patterns, landforms, weathering and stream dynamics, plate tectonics, rock classification and earthquakes, glaciers and climate change.
  1. Instructional Methodology

The instructor will guide the students through the various topics, using the text and other course materials, Internet and classroom visuals. Students are expected to read the text and prepare for quizzes twice per week. See the Course Calendar. Two papers / projects will be prepared by students, one focusing on a USA national park and another on an explorer. Other topics or activities can be suggested by students and approved in advance by the instructor. The Final Exam will be given on the last day the class meets.

  1. Course rationale: Introduction to Physical Geography GEOG 1301 is designed to:

Provide students with a basic knowledge of the earth’s environment, earth science and components and the interrelations among the various environmental elements.

Provide a general education that assists students to think critically, and to apply the basic knowledge, skill, and principles of physical geography to everyday life and chosen careers.

Prepare students for transfer to and successin four-year degree granting institution.

7. Common Objectives: by the end of this course, you will:

  • Be able to describe and explain Geography and Physical Geography.
  • Understand the physical principles and processes governing the circulation and characteristics of the atmosphere and climates on Earth.
  • Understand the principles of geomorphology and the processes that shape the landscape.
  • Understand the distribution and dynamics of organisms and their environments.
  • Understand the directional and locational systems employed on the surface of the Earth and to use and analyze maps.

8. Course Evaluation/Grading System: There are 1000 points possible in the course, as follows:

  • Quizzes 14 x 30 = 420 points
  • Papers / Projects 1 and 2 100 each = 200 points
  • Final Exam = 330 points
  • Attendance and Participation = 50 points

9. Course policies:

  • Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes on time. If you cannot attend class or will be late, please advise the instructor by email or phone in advance.
  • Participation: Students will be scored on attendance and participation in class discussions.
  • Withdrawals and incompletes: Consistent with ACC polices, students must advise the instructor in advance.
  • Dishonesty: Consistent with ACC policies, dishonesty will not be tolerated. It could result in being dismissal with a failing grade. See below.
  • Academic Freedom: Academic freedom is the standard. It is encouraged in all aspects of the class and the handling of student activities, consistent with ACC policy. See below.
  • Student Discipline: Students are expected to be self disciplined respecting the rights and needs of other students, the instructor and visitors to class. No food or drinks are allowed in the classrooms.
  • Disabilities: Students with disabilities will be accommodated consistent with ACC policies. Please advise ACC at the time of enrolment and advise the instructor when the class first meets. See below.

10. ACC Policy on Scholastic dishonesty: “Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research, or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework.”

11. ACC Policy on Students with disabilities: “Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester.”

12. ACC Policy on Academic freedom: “Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class discussions. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other at times, but the students and instructor may also find that they have disparate views on sensitive and volatile topics. It is my hope that these differences will enhance class discussion and create an atmosphere where students and instructor alike will be encouraged to think and learn. Therefore, be assured that your grades will not be adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class or in assignments. Rather, we will all respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.”

Course Calendar

Tuesday, May 29Introduction, Syllabus, Calendar, Assignments

Thursday, May 31Earth in the Universe, Can Earth Survive? Adopt a US national park

Tuesday, June 5Looking at the Earth from space, Geology of the Hill Country

Thursday, June 7Temperature, Energy, Ocean Currents, Coriolis Effect

Tuesday, June 12Atmosphere, Wind, Water Resources of the Hill Country, Paper 1

Thursday, June 14Water in the Air

Tuesday, June 19Cyclones, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Fronts

Thursday, June 21Weather and Climate, Climates of the Earth

Saturday, June 23Field Trip

Tuesday, June 26Hydrosphere, Tides, Climate Change

Thursday, June 28Hydrologic Cycle, Plants, Animals

Tuesday, July 3Biosphere, Flora, Fauna

Thursday, July 5Severe Weather, Hurricane Alley, NWS Meteorologist Paul Yura

Tuesday, July 10Soils, Landforms, Tectonics, Volcanoes, “Dirt, the Movie”

Thursday, July 12Rocks, Landforms, Internal Processes,

Saturday, July 14Field Trip

Tuesday, July 17Erosion, Weathering, Floods and Fluvial Processes

Thursday, July 19Topography formation, Glaciers, Terrain

Tuesday, July 24Coastal Landforms, Tides, Waves

Thursday, July 26Final Exam

REBigelow: ACC 1301: Syllabus Phys Geog Summer 2012: 04/21/2012

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