WACO, TEXAS COURSE SYLLABUS AND INSTRUCTOR PLAN PRINCIPLES OF GEOGRAPHY GEOG-1300-01 Henry Apperson Course Description: Fall 2013
Introduction to the concepts which provide a foundation for continued study of geography. Includes the different elements of natural environment as related to human activities, modes of living, and map concepts. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec). Prerequisites and/or Corequisites: None Course Notes and Instructor Recommendations: There are five suggested units of study included in this syllabus for World Geography 1300. Unit I introduce various concepts and approaches to study of Geography, including the contribution and synthesis of the related earth sciences. Unit II provides an overview of atmospheric conditions and patterns, and their effect upon both man and the land. Unit III includes a study of world climate, vegetation, and soils, and their inter-relatedness. Unit IV is an investigation of the major landforms of the earth, and the forces which alter the crust of the earth. Unit V is made up of two major parts; the study of the major physiographic regions of the world, and exercises in fundamental place-name Geography. A brief method of evaluation is listed in the syllabus, with a suggested teacher-student reference bibliography. Instructor Information: Instructor Name: Mr. Henry Apperson MCC E-mail: happerson@mclennan.edu Office Phone Number: 299-8934 Office Location: MAC 314 Office/Teacher Conference Hours: MW 12:00 P.M. 1:00 P.M. and TTH 12:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Other Instruction Information: Other office hours by appointment Required Text & Materials: 2
Title: Elemental Geosystems Author: Robert Christopherson Copyright year: 2013 Publisher: Pearson Education, Inc. MCC Bookstore Website Methods of Teaching and Learning: Lectures Quizzes at regular intervals, preferably by units Continuing map work including classroom and outside preparations A final examination, including questions and problems over pertinent material covered during the entire course of study. Course Objectives and/or Competencies: To discuss and illustrate pertinent date about the earth. To broaden general concepts and knowledge of the earth. To create an awareness of the world problems through the study of geography. To observe the influence of geography on human activity. To provide a better and broader base for the student s understanding of some phase of related subjects, such as history, government, and sociology. To stimulate interest in applying new geographical insights to other disciplines. Specific Objectives To synthesize the related key sciences with physical geography. To recognize and interpret various types of maps. To conduct various problem solving activities, including time, distance, location, percentage, and comparison. 3
To determine patterns of climate, landforms, population distribution, and other geographical insights from a quick and easy frame of reference. To examine the size and shape of the earth, map interpretation, soils, climate, oceans, landforms, vegetation, and population distribution. To observe physiographic phenomena and re-enforce classroom studies by means of field trip. Course Outline or Schedule: 4
I. The Engery Atmosphere A. Solar Energy, Seasons, and the atmosphere B. Atmospheric Energy and Global Temperatures C. Atmosphere and Oceanic Circulations II. Water, Weather, and Climate Systems A. Atmospheric Water and Weather B. Water Resources C. Climate Systems and Climate Change III. The Earth Atmosphere Interface A. The Dynamic Planet B. Tectoniucs, Earthquakes, and Volcanism C. Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement D. River Systems and Landforms E. The oceans, costal systems, and Wind Processes F. Glacial and Periglacial Landscapes IV. Solis, Ecosystems, and Biomes A. The Geography of Soils B. Ecosystems Essentials C. Terrestrial Biomes D. Eath and the Human Denominator 5
Specific Objectives To understand the scope of various Environmental problems and their effect on the earth and all of its inhabitants through the investigation and analysis of a specific problem, such as global warming, nuclear waste, recycling, endangered species, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, etc. Each student will present his/her findings in a class discussion. Course Grading Information: 20% Quiz One-February 17, 2011 20% Quiz Two-March 24, 2011 30% Quizzes 3 & 4-Maps (Final Exam Schedule) 30% Environmental Folder-due last class day of April Late Work, Attendance, and Make Up Work Policies: A missed exam must be completed within one school week after returning to class. Initiating this process is the student s responsibility. Student Behavioral Expectations or Conduct Policy: Students are expected to maintain classroom decorum that includes respect for other students and the instructor, prompt and regular attendance, and a positive attitude that seeks to take full advantage of the education opportunity. MCC Academic Integrity Statement: The Center for Academic Integrity defines academic integrity as a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to five fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. From these values flow principles of behavior that enable academic communities to translate ideals into action. Individual faculty members determine their class policies and behavioral expectations for students. Students who commit violations of academic integrity should expect serious consequences. For further information about student responsibilities and rights, please consult the McLennan website and your Highlander Student Guide. Academic Integrity Statement: 6
Specific cheating and plagiarism definitions and policies used in your class sections; if you do not have a statement you can delete this section and leave only the MCC Academic Intergrity Statement MCC Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students, and each instructor will maintain a complete record of attendance for the entire length of each course, including online and hybrid courses. Students will be counted absent from class meetings missed, beginning with the first official day of classes. Students, whether present or absent, are responsible for all material presented or assigned for a course and will be held accountable for such materials in the determination of course grades. Please refer to the Highlander Guide for the complete policy. ADA Statement: In accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the regulations published by the United States Department of Justice 28 C.F.R. 35.107(a), MCC s designated ADA coordinators, Dr. Drew Canham Vice President, Student Success and Mr. Gene Gooch - Vice President, Finance and Administration shall be responsible for coordinating the College s efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under ADA. Students with disabilities requiring physical, classroom, or testing accommodations should contact the Accommodations Specialist at the Completion Center in the Student Services Center, Room 211 or at 299-8122 or disabilities@mclennan.edu. TITLE IX No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Legal Citation: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and its implementing regulation at 34 C. F. R. Part 106 (Title IX) 7
In accordance with the requirements of the Title IX Education Amendments of 1972 MCC s designated Title IX Coordinator, Drew Canham Vice President, Student Success and Deputy Coordinator, Melissa (Missy) Kittner Director, Human Resources shall be responsible for coordinating the College s effort to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX. Contact information Drew Canham, Title IX Coordinator Vice President, Student Success McLennan Community College Administration Building, Room 408 Administration Building, Room 104 1400 College Drive 1400 College Drive 254-299-8645 254-299-8514 FAX: 254-299-8654 FAX: 254-299-8592 dcanham@mclennan.edu mkittner@mclennan.edu Melissa (Missy) Kittner, Title IX Deputy Coordinator Director, Human Resources McLennan Community College 8