Geography at the college level moves beyond the study of state capitals or mountain ranges that you may have encountered in grade school. Then you probably learned a catalog of facts about the world, but little about how the facts fit together. Yet a description of the earth is only the beginning of the study of geography. Geographers want to know where things are and why they are there. Geographers try to understand the relationships among elements of the physical and cultural environment and how the elements vary spatially. They use certain questions, certain methods of investigating problems, and a variety of intellectual tools to explain the location of thins. The most familiar tool is the map, but today's geographers also use intricate statistical models.

In a way, we are all geographers. From the time we could crawl, we began exploring the space around us. By the time we became adults, we had acquired a considerable amount of data about the world. Now, the discipline of geography offers you a more particular way of looking at the world. This course tries to convey the geographic viewpoint. The goal of this course is to help you discover the field of physical geography and to help you remember facts and understand concepts that can be applied to your own experience.

This course is based on a text and a topographic map. You will find additional information on the publisher's web site. You are required to read and study 15 Chapters and one Appendix of the text. You are required to complete two graded surveys, two graded exercises, 15 chapter quizzes (online), participate in discussion forums, one topographic map exercise, submit online three current event articles, and complete two essays. You are also required to take four exams.

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

1. You will know what physical geography is and what it entails.
2. You will understand gravity, earth rotation and revolution, and the geographic grid, and be able to demonstrate the advantages, disadvantages and concepts for various map projections.
3. You will understand the earth's radiation balance, cycle of atmospheric moisture and cloud formation.
4. You will demonstrate an appreciation for the earth's water resources.
5. You will be able to name and define the three major rock classes.
6. You will understand the composition of the earth's interior and be able to discuss the theory of plate tectonics.
7. You will be able to differentiate between physical and chemical weathering and their effects on the earth's surface and identify landforms made by running water, wind, and ice.

In addition to the required text(s), you will need to purchase Harrisonburg, VA. 7.5 Minute Quadrangle map (TVA0397) from the U.S. Geological Survey. You can purchase online or in person at most offices.

Your course grade will be determined by the survey, quizzes, homework, projects, map exercise, forums, and exams, according to the following points:

Note: Your exam average must be 60% or above in order to pass the course, regardless of how well you do on the other assignments.

There are 4 exams in this course.

Last Updated: September 24, 2010