Last updated 10-Mar-03

Syllabus

Course Information

Course Name and Number: 

Introduction to Physical-Geography 203

Instructor:

Steve Graves

Class Room: 

GT Madison 105

Scheduled Class Time:

MWF 9:30 to 10:45

Contact Dr. Graves

Office:

GTM 127C

Office phone:

257-2774

E-Mail:

sgraves@garts.latech.edu

Office Hours:

Dr. Graves' Daily Schedule (Office Hours)

Department Phone:

257-3427

Web Address

http://www.latech.edu/tech/liberal-arts/geography/courses/203/203home.htm

Course Description

 

203: Physical Geography. 0-3-3  Fundamentals of physical and biogeography with an emphasis on culturally inspired interaction with the varied natural environments.

This class examines the fundamental relationships between humans and the earth environment.  We will examine the way the natural environment works (weather, streams and rivers, soil etc.) and how people have an impact on the earth systems.

Required Materials

 

Strahler, Alan and Arthur Stahler.  2003.  Introducing Physical Geography  3rd Ed.  New York: Wiley and Sons.  ISBN:  0-471-41741-6

 

Web Link: www.wiley.com/college/strahler

 

Try also: http://jws-edcv.wiley.com/college/bcs/redesign/student/0,,_0471417416_BKS_1172____,00.html

http://he-cda.wiley.com/WileyCDA/HigherEdTitle.rdr?productCd=0471417416

 

 

Classroom Activities

Because of the size and nature of this course, most class time will be devoted to lecture and multi-media presentation.  Generally, I try to use lectures to direct your attention to significant matters assigned in the readings or to supplement readings.  There may be a several Internet activities. 

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory.  In accordance with university policy, attendance may be taken each class session and used to aid in your quarter-end evaluation.  You do not have to produce an excuse for missing a class, but you will need a written, verifiable excuse for making up missed exams.

Because irregular attendance is a serious problem that undermines the overall quality of the educational experience for you and your fellow students, I require students to sign a course contract, which essentially states that they have read the course policies and that they agree to follow them.  Click here to access the course contract

Quizzes

During the course of the quarter a number of quizzes will be administered.  Depending on the course, they may include announced map quizzes, pop quizzes or on-line quizzes.  Check your course schedule for dates and information.  As a percentage of your grade, quizzes are of not of great value, but they can be very valuable as exam preparation devices, so take them seriously.

IMPORTANT: Students who read assigned chapters prior to lecture are better prepared to attend lecture and participate in discussions.  Students who don’t read beforehand can do little more than react to lectures, which puts them at a disadvantage.   Click Here to Link to the Geography 203 Course Schedule

Exams

There will be two or three exams during the quarter.  The exams will not be comprehensive.  The tests will be largely multiple choice and students are required to bring a number 2 pencil and a blue “scantron” sheet.

Make-up Exams.  .  If a person misses an exam and is able to produce a valid, verifiable excuse for his or her absence then he or she will be allowed to take an equivalent exam within one week of their return to class.  Failure to produce a valid excuse for a missed exam will result in a grade of 0 for that exam.

Obligations

  1. Attendance will be taken at every session in accordance with University policy.  Students are expected to arrive on time for class and to remain until dismissed.  Failure to attend class or to be less than punctual will influence your grade.  For more details, click here to access the course contract.
  2. Food, drink and tobacco products are not allowed inside the classroom.  These products create extra work for the janitorial staff and I treat transgressions of this simple courtesy a sign of disrespect for me and for those who clean up after you.

Evaluation

Grades will be determined by your performance on the various assignments and tests as well as your attendance/participation where appropriate.

Tentative Grading Regime

Percent

Attendance and participation

3

Quizzes

20

Exam I

37

Exam II

40

Total

100

 

Grade Scale

A = (90-100%)
B = (80-89%)
C = (70-79%)
D = (60-69%)
F = (59% or less)

Back to Geography Home

If you have comments or suggestions, email me at sgraves@latech.edu