Course Syllabus
Geography 1 (Introduction to Physical Geography)
Instructor Contact
Professor: Dr. Jason Paul Finley (Ph.D., CCM, GISP)
Email address: finleyjp@piercecollege.edu
Please include YOUR NAME and “Geog 01 Online” in the subject line of your email!!! Please allow 24 hours for response (excluding evenings/weekends)
My faculty website: https://finleyjp.wixsite.com/facultywebsite
Online Office Hours via Zoom: Tuesday/Thursday from 1:30 to 3:30 pm (Zoom), or by appointment. Zoom details can be found in Canvas.
Textbook
Hess, D., McKnight’s Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation. (13th edition), Pearson, 2022 (ISBN-13: 9780135827147)
This book is crucial for textbook reflection assignments and exams. However, slightly older editions are fine (e.g., 11th or 12th editions).
Course Description
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
This course studies the Earth's physical environment using an Earth Systems Science approach. Emphasis is given to earth-sun relationships, atmosphere-hydrosphere interactions related to weather and climate, lithospheric processes and geomorphology, integration of climate, biomes, river and coastal features, and their spatial patterns. Tools used for geographic inquiry may include maps, satellite imagery, geographic information systems, and field investigations. Thus, it is highly recommended for students to have a background/interest in math/science.
This is a college-level science course which will be taught for majors and non-majors. If you are a non-science major, please keep this in mind and, as always, please don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to perform a real-world task requiring Physical Geography that demonstrates meaningful application of essential knowledge and skills. Examples of essential knowledge and skills at the Introduction to Physical Geography level may include but are not limited to: a) Demonstrate ability to apply scientific systems of measurement to natural phenomena; b) Critically analyze maps to identify, measure, and evaluate environmental features; c) Explain the patterns, processes, and distributions of the Earth’s subsystems of the hydrosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere.
Class Policies
This is college where most of the learning is the student’s responsibility (see “High School vs College” handout on Canvas).
Class Philosophy: To establish an online learning community, please participate in the assigned class discussions and the optional Q&A forums as often as you can and with respect to each other (as if face-to-face). Online learning can sometimes feel isolating. These tools, however, will foster a safe, virtual space to answer questions more easily, resolve problems and concerns, and allow each student to get to know each other. We are all here to learn, and using these tools will facilitate learning more effectively in an online class. Review this document online regarding the Core Rules of Netiquette to foster ethical communication within this course: http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
Communication policies: My preferred method of communication is email. However, I sometimes teach multiple classes and more than 200 students. So, please include name and class in subject line, and a salutation (Hi Dr. Finley…) and signature (your name at bottom of email) in body of the email (this excludes emails saying “Thank you” or something similar). This will expedite my response time.
I will be available during the day and some evenings during the week (Monday – Friday) to respond to email. I will try to respond to email within 24-hours. If you do not hear back from me within 24 hours (excluding evenings/weekends, for which I don’t check email), send me another email.
For help with class content or logistics outside of my available hours, please utilize the Q&A forum. Many questions you have can probably be answered by your fellow students.
Email etiquette: Use proper email/message etiquette when communicating with me or a fellow student. Here are some general guidelines:
- Be courteous and respectful!! (I will ignore rude and unprofessional emails)
- Don’t write a message when frustrated or angry. Doing so may result in a written message that will be misunderstood or misconstrued. Since we cannot assess body language in an email, there are many ways written communication can be taken the wrong way. Therefore, wait and carefully craft a message with time and careful proofreading.
- Be constructive and professional. Within the body of the email, include a professional salutation (like "Hi Dr. Finley") and a signature (your name at the bottom of the email). Without these basic items, your email may not be answered.
- Proofread your email so that you can communicate professionally, carefully, and with the most impact.
Drop policies: In order to spark enthusiasm and participation early in this course, you must complete the first assignment (First Week Assignment/Discussion) on time in order to remain in this course (see Canvas for more details). This is due on Friday, September 3rd, 2021 at 11:59 pm PDT (No late work accepted!!). This will help me identify who is still interested in taking this course and remove students who no longer want to remain in this course.
Late work: For quizzes, exams, and original discussion posts, no late work will be accepted! * For other work (not all!) if late, then 50% off up to 3 days after due date. Afterwards, no credit will be awarded. See assignments on Canvas for further AND official details. Keep in mind that late policies are established to reward punctual and hard-work students and keep a sense of structure crucial for success in an online course. Bottom line: DO NOT PROCRASTINATE IN CASE OF INTERNET/TECHNOLOGY ISSUES, ETC. AT LAST MINUTE. Work on assignment a few days prior to deadline!!
Excuses like computer crashed, internet down, had to work late, need a better grade, etc. will not be considered, and any emails requesting extensions, do-overs, completing additional extra credit assignments, etc., may be ignored.
I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO IGNORE EMAILS THAT REQUEST A CHANCE TO WORK ON AN ASSIGNMENT AFTER THE DUE DATE!!
* Exceptions may include the following: COVID-19 related issues, death in immediate family**, hospitalization of student, military duty, or legal proceedings requiring students’ presence. Conclusive evidence must be provided, such as death certificate and proof of presence at funeral of immediate family member, doctor’s and hospital’s notes of emergency hospital admissions, legal proof of student’s presence, and documents proving military duty. Explanation of situation above and proof must be provided within 5 DAYS of exam/assignment deadline. These situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and do not guarantee retakes or extensions. Alternate assignments might be given if grades of missed exams/assignments have already been posted.
** For this course, an immediate family member is defined as a parent; sibling; child by blood, adoption, or marriage; spouse; grandparent or grandchild.
WITHDRAWALS
You MAY be excluded for not participating (logging into Canvas) for more than one week (OR missing more than one assignment).
Grades and Assignments
Grades are based on a percentage of points (400). If on a borderline, grade MAY be bumped-up (within 0.5%).
Grading scale is as follows:
A = 90–100% (360 – 400 points)
B = 80–89% (320 – 359 points)
C = 70–79% (280 – 319 points)
D = 60–69% (240 – 279 points)
F = below 60% (below 240 points)
ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADE DISTRIBUTION
Three Midterm Exams (165 points)
Exams will be based on textbook, lectures, videos, and assignments. No late work will be accepted for exams! (I will replace lowest exam grade with your highest exam grade). Note: These exams will have a 1.5-hour time limit.
Final Exam (65 points)
Final exam will also be based on textbook, lectures, videos, and assignment material. Although the exam is not cumulative, there may be one essay question requiring a summarization of the course material. No late work will be accepted for the final exam!
Homework Assignments (170 points)
For the quizzes, textbook reflection assignments, and original discussion posts, no late work will be accepted! For other work (not all!) if late, then 50% off up to 3 days after due date. Afterwards, no credit will be awarded.
Notes about Grades:
- Midterm and final exam grades MAY be curved. However, final course grades are not curved. Therefore, due to this and Section 76244 of the California Educational Code (see below), I will not respond to emails or have any discussions requesting grade changes at the end of the course. I will be more than happy to discuss why you received your final grade.
- In accordance with Section 76244 of the California Educational Code, the only basis for an instructor to change a grade is instructor error. In the absence of an instructor error the final grade in the course is a final grade. Any error in grading must be brought to the attention of the instructor no later than one year after the last day of class. A grade cannot be changed after one year even if an error has been made.
- Keep in mind that I don’t give grades. You earn them, and I am just the bookkeeper of them. Therefore, final grades are final grades unless there is an instructor error. I keep this very strict grading policy to be as fair as possible to each student.
- Extra credit will be determined as the semester progresses. Note: No extra credit will be given to any student on an individual basis.
Class Schedule (subject to change)
|
Week |
Date |
Topic |
Assignment |
Due Dates (Pacific Time) |
Pts |
|
1 |
Week of Aug 30 |
Introduction & Syllabus Unit 1 (Chapters 1 – 3) |
First week discussion |
September 03 at 11:59 pm |
10 |
|
2 |
Week of Sep 06 |
Unit 1 (Chapters 1 – 3) |
Content Quiz #1 & Syllabus Quiz |
September 10 at 11:59 pm |
20
|
|
3 |
Week of Sep 13 |
Unit 1 (Chapters 1 – 3) |
Unit 1 Discussion MetEd: Introduction to the Atmosphere |
September 17 at 11:59 pm
|
20
|
|
4 |
Week of Sep 20
|
Unit 1 (Chapters 1 – 3) |
Midterm #1 |
September 24 at 11:59 pm |
55 |
|
5 |
Week of Sep 27 |
Unit 2 (Chapters 4 – 7) |
Unit 2 Textbook Reflection |
October 01 at 11:59 pm |
10 |
|
6 |
Week of Oct 04 |
Unit 2 (Chapters 4 – 7) |
Content Quiz #2 |
October 08 at 11:59 pm |
10 |
|
7 |
Week of Oct 11 |
Unit 2 (Chapters 4 – 7)
|
Unit 2 Discussion MetEd: Basic Weather Processes |
October 15 at 11:59 pm |
20 |
|
8 |
Week of Oct 18
|
Unit 2 (Chapters 4 – 7) |
Midterm #2 |
October 29 at 11:59 pm |
55 |
|
9 |
Week of Oct 25 |
Unit 3 (Chapters 8, 13, & 14) |
Unit 3 Textbook Reflection |
October 29 at 11:59 pm |
10 |
|
10 |
Week of Nov 01 |
Unit 3 (Chapters 8, 13, & 14) |
Content Quiz #3 |
November 05 at 11:59 pm |
10 |
|
11 |
Week of Nov 08 |
Unit 3 (Chapters 8, 13, & 14) |
Unit 3 Discussion MetEd: Volcanic Ash: Volcanism |
November 12 at 11:59 pm |
20 |
|
12 |
Week of Nov 15
|
Unit 3 (Chapters 8, 13, & 14) |
Midterm #3 |
November 19 at 11:59 pm |
55 |
|
13 |
Week of Nov 22 |
Unit 4 (Chapters 16, 19, & 20) |
Unit 4 Textbook Reflection |
November 26 at 11:59 pm |
10
|
|
14 |
Week of Nov 29 |
Unit 4 (Chapters 16, 19, & 20) |
Content Quiz #4 |
December 03 at 11:59 pm |
10 |
|
15 |
Week of Dec 06 |
Unit 4 (Chapters 16, 19, & 20) |
Unit 4 Discussion NWS Oceans Module |
December 10 at 11:59 pm |
20 |
|
16 |
Week of Dec 13 |
Unit 4 (Chapters 16, 19, & 20) |
Final Exam |
December 17 at 11:59 pm |
65 |
Notes about Schedule and Assignments:
- The course is divided up into 4 main sections (units) for optimal organization within an online environment.
- Most assignments/exams are due on a Friday (some exceptions may include holidays, such as Thanksgiving).
- Procrastinate at your own peril! I will not accept emailed work. All assignments must be posted through the Canvas site.
- Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty. The faculty and administration of Pierce College are committed to the belief that honesty and integrity are integral components of the academic process. The College expects students to be honest and ethical at all times. Students who violate the code of academic conduct by which the College maintains its academic integrity will be dealt with in a manner reflecting the seriousness of these violations.
- Violations of academic honesty and integrity occur when a student participates in any act in which he/she uses deception or fraud while performing an academic activity. Violations include, but are not limited to, the following: Using study aids such as calculators, tape recorders or notes, when not authorized by the instructor. Cheating on examinations, assignments or experiments (allowing another student to copy one’s answers or copying the answers of other students; exchanging information by any means, including verbal exchanges, sign language, hand signals, secret codes, passed notes, creation of a distraction for the purpose of cheating; changing answers on a previously scored test, assignment or experiment; inventing information and/or data.) Allowing another student to assume one’s identity in order to fulfill an assignment or take a test. Submitting for a grade the words, ideas, and/or written work (including laboratory notes and drawings) of another person without giving due credit to that person. This includes purchased papers or papers written by other students. Falsifying or attempting to falsify attendance records and/or grade rosters. Conspiring with other students to commit any of the above behaviors.
- Consequences for any offense against academic honesty and integrity may include: An “F” or a “0” on the examination or assignment. Suspension from the class and other sanctions and/or penalties authorized by the Board of Trustees for violations of the District Code of Conduct. A record of the student’s violation placed in the student’s disciplinary file. Students are required to be honest and complete their own work at all times (homework, class work, quizzes, tests, etc.). Additional information about plagiarism can be found at www.plagiarism.org.
Office of Special Services/DSPS
Special Services is the program on campus providing services to students with disabilities. This program has been serving students since 1974. Each semester over 900 students with disabilities receive a wide range of support services that are not provided by other departments on campus and many services that are. This "One- Stop" approach creates a more user-friendly atmosphere for all our students.
Student Health Center
- Phone: (818) 710-4270
- Student Health Center Website
Read the following handouts (click on the actual names of these handouts to open): Campus Guidelines and Resources and High School vs. College posted on Canvas. The syllabus quiz will have questions about the syllabus and the content from these handouts.
Have a great semester!
Dr. Finley