Geog
107: Introduction to Physical Geography
Tuesdays and Thursdays:
Fall 2006
Link to Homework assignments and Powerpoint lectures
Link to Tsunami, Exam 3, and Final grade!
Instructor: Jen
Osha Office: 119
White Hall
Email: josha@mix.wvu.edu Telephone: 293-5603 x 4323
Office
Hours: Wednesdays: 10:00 to 11:30
Thursdays 1:30 to 3:00, or by appointment
Text: Introducing Physical Geography, Third Edition.
Alan Strahler and Arthur Strahler,
John Wiley
Web resource: www.geo.wvu.edu/~josha
Course
Objectives:
1) Describe the principles and methods of physical
geography, including map reading, climatology, geomorphology, soils, and
biogeography
2) Identify relationships between the three major spheres
of physical geography (atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere)
3) Apply their knowledge of physical geography while
traveling and in everyday experience
4) Relate local environmental problems and conditions to
global and regional environmental issues
5) Be able to use critical thought to evaluate from a
geographic perspective the major contemporary environmental problems currently
affecting the globe, including global warming, ozone and biodiversity.
6) Have sufficient understanding about the complexities
of scientific issues relating to our planet system to think critically about
the mutual impacts of science, society, natural resources, and the
environment.
General Expectations:
1. In order to do well in Geog
107, you must attend class. Please drop this class if you can not make it to class.
Although I will not take role every day, I will give five pop quizzes and also
call on you randomly to answer questions for participation points. Please see Grading Policies (below) for more
information about how missing class will affect your grade. You have no excuses for
missing classes now that you have read the attendance policy in this
syllabus!
2. Quizzes are unannounced. Quizzes are not returned. For the most part the quizzes focus on the
current or previous lecture’s work.
Quizzes are designed to reward you for attending class, paying
attention, and taking good notes, as well as to make you think about the
material. You will not be able to make
up a quiz unless your absence is excused ahead of time.
3. Exams are multiple choice. Please bring your own #2 pencil, picture identification,
and a blue No. 30423 Scantron form.
4. I expect you to do the reading listed in the syllabus
before the class lecture. That way, you
will come to class with a basic knowledge of the information and will be able
to ask questions. Don’t get behind
in your readings.
5. Cheating will not be tolerated. Do not copy answers from another student
under any circumstances – whether in an exam, or in completing the exercises.
Consult the university code on cheating in the student handbook for more
information. You should always protect yourself from accusations of cheating by
making sure others do not copy your work.
This applies not just to exams, but also to the homework exercises.
6. You earn class participation by answering questions in
class. I will call on students randomly
in class to answer the review questions.
Be ready. If I call on you and
you are either not in class or not prepared, you will lose credit for participation. This means that you need to come to class
prepared
7. A few words about respect: please turn off your cell phone ringers. If you fall asleep in class, I will wake you
up and take off participation points.
Please don’t talk to each other during class. In general, please try to remember that we
have a big class and your actions can and will affect other students.
Grading
Policies:
1. Assignments
are due at the beginning of class. They
should be thoughtful, typed, and spell checked.
Do not turn them in when I am lecturing!
2. Late
assignments may be turned in to your TA within one week of the due date for
half credit. No assignments will be
accepted more than one week late.
3. Don’t
ask me to make up an exam unless you have a TRUE reason and a way to prove it
(i.e. doctors note, letter from dean or family member.) Do NOT lie to me. The truth always works better. No make up exam will be given unless proper
documentation is provided and you tell me BEFORE the exam. All make up exams are essay. There is no make up for the final exam.
