INSTRUCTOR:             Anne Saxe                        EMAIL: asaxe@saddleback.edu

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

• Text:  Introducing Physical Geography, 4th Edition, Alan H. Strahler and Arthur Strahler, ISBN: 0-471-67950-X, ©2006.
• One standard world atlas.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 A study of the basic physical elements of geography: Earth-sun relationships, climate, landforms, soils, water and natural vegetation, and their integrated patterns of world distribution.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSESSMENT*

• Regular attendance and participation – It is important to attend all regularly scheduled classes as a significant amount of information will come from case studies, in-class lectures, discussion, handouts, videos/slide presentations and activities.  Please prepare yourself by reading the assigned chapter(s) prior to coming to class.
• Assignments – During the semester, there will be several assignments to be completed either in class or as homework.  These may be group or individual assignments.  Each assignment is worth 5-10 points for an approximate total of 100 points over the duration of the course.  Students must be present in class the day an assignment is distributed and when it is due in order to receive credit.
• Chapter quizzes a final exam – Chapter quizzes are of equal weight (20 points each).  The final exam is semi-cumulative but will mainly cover material from the last section of class.  The quizzes and exam will consist of multiple choice, map, matching, true/false, and problem-solving questions.  The final will contain at least one essay question.  Make-up policy: You must take all quizzes and the exam on the scheduled date to receive credit.  NO MAKE-UP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN other than for extreme emergencies that can be verified in official written form (doctor’s note, etc.)! 
• Group Presentation – Each student will participate in a group and develop a brief (10-15 minute) presentation on a global issue in which humans have impacted the environment.  Worth 50 points. 

• Class Etiquette – In the spirit of promoting a safe classroom environment that is conducive to stimulating discussion and promoting academic growth, please keep all cell phones and pagers turned to the off or vibrate position during class.  In addition, please refrain from engaging in conversations with your classmates or working on material from other classes during class.  Plan to arrive on time and stay for the duration of the class as it is disruptive if you arrive late or leave early, especially if you do so on a consistent basis.  Consistent tardiness may adversely affect your grade.  If a circumstance arises in which you must be late, be as unobtrusive as possible.

* Please see me if you would like study suggestions or if you have any concerns (academic or non-academic) that you would like to discuss. 

GRADING POLICY

The points you earn on the quizzes, final exam, various practice exercises and assignments and one group presentation project will determine your overall course grade.  Your final grade for the course is computed by averaging your total accumulated points for the semester, and it will be based on the following grading scale: 90-100%=A, 80-89%=B, 65-79%=C, 50-64%=D, and 0-49%=F.  TOTAL POSSIBLE IS APPROXIMATELY 300 POINTS.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY

Academic dishonesty (i.e., cheating during exams and quizzes, copying another student’s homework, or plagiarism) is not acceptable in any course at Saddleback College.  A violation of the academic honesty policy may result in a student receiving a failing grade on a test or assignment, a failing grade for the course, or expulsion from the college.

TO RECORD EXAM AND ASSIGNMENT GRADES AND DATES:

                                                   Points Earned                                    Points Possible

Chapter Quizzes                        ___________                                              100

Final Exam                                  ___________                                               50

Assignments                               ___________                                              100

Group Presentation                     ___________                                               50

TOTAL                                        ==========                                              /300 = ________

IMPORTANT DATES TO BE AWARE OF:

Drop With Refund by                  Friday, June 24

Drop Without “W” by                   Wednesday, July 6

Drop With “W” by                        Monday, July 25

Elect CR/NCR by                        Wednesday, July 6

If you must drop the course for any reason, please be sure to follow the proper administrative procedures for dropping a course.

 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

For additional copies of the syllabus, study guides or lecture outlines, please visit Blackboard at http://socccd.blackboard.com

Study Suggestions:  At the end of each chapter, you will find a list of key terms.  Please be familiar with these terms.  My suggestion is to create flashcards – standard index cards with the term written on one side of the card and the definition written on the opposite card.  If you’re a visual learner, you may want to also include a small drawing. 

The publisher of your textbook, J. Wiley & Sons, also has a great website with interactive activities to help you become more familiar with the material.  I highly recommend that you utilize the website!

http://bcs.wiley.com/he-bcs/Books?action=index&itemId=047167950X&bcsId=2190