Geography 100 - Introduction to Physical Geography - Dr. Vincent Devlahovich
| Course: | Introduction to Physical Geography |
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| Professor: | Dr. Vincent Devlahovich |
| Email: | vincent.devlahovich@canyons.edu |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
This course is a condensed version of a regular 16 week semester length course. It requires a high degree of time management skills as well as a moderate level of online competence. In order to succeed in this course, you will have to manage your time efficiently, as this course is a sixteen week course condensed into FIVE short weeks. Therefore you need to budget AT LEAST 20 or more hours per week to studying for this course in order to succeed in this class. If you cannot do this, my advice is to drop this course immediately and get your money back.
If you can budget this significant amount of time consistently for the next five weeks, then first read the syllabus IN DETAIL and email me at vincent.devlahovich@canyons.edu if you have any questions or concerns. This is the best, in fact the ONLY way, to reach me during this course. Also check your MyCanyons email regularly during this course, as I often send you reminders of deadlines and cutoffs which are firm and will not be changed for any reason.
Each week of the course has a module listed that has all the assignments required for that
week. Be sure to pay particular attention to the deadlines in this course because they are FIRM and cannot be changed for ANY REASON.
Good luck and enjoy your exploration of the wonders of Mother Earth!
Course Description
This course is an Introduction to Physical Geography in an 100% online format. It requires minimal computer skills and internet access. It examines the basic physical elements of Earth and the processes that affect weather, climate, water, soils, vegetation, landforms, how humans and the environment interrelate, the fundamentals of Earth/Sun relationships and cartography.
What to Expect in this Course
This online course has strict deadlines that CANNOT be changed for any reason. You need moderate computer skills and good time management skills to be successful in this course.
Types of Assessments
Quizzes, exams and discussion boards.
Textbook Information
Physical Geography, Arbogast, 4th edition.
ISBN 9781119294818 This is the binder-ready edition, available in the COC bookstore. You can use this version or the E-Text or a paperback version.
Other Relevant Course Information
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Demonstrate basic cartographic skills of map reading and spatial analysis.
- Analyze the inter-relationships among Earth's lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, Earth/Sun relations and the influence of humans.
Objectives:
- Examine the interdependence of Earth's four environmental spheres with Earth's relationship to the sun and the seasons.
- Calculate locations and time zones using the geographic grid of latitude and longitude.
- Demonstrate basic cartographic literacy such as map reading, interpreting topographic elevations with contours, and analyzing spatial phenomena with digital technology.
- Analyze how the interplay of atmospheric temperature, pressure, and humidity determine short-term weather and long-term climate patterns.
- Analyze the interrelationships between global wind patterns and ocean currents.
- Compare and contrast characteristics of water and its movement in the oceans, on the land surface, and in the ground.
- Explain world distribution patterns of plants, animals, and soils.
- Examine how internal geothermal energy drives the movement of tectonic plates and creation of volcanoes, earthquakes, and major landforms.
- Compare and contrast the processes that create and modify desert, fluvial, glacial, mass wasting, karst, and coastal landforms.
- Assess how the role of humans influences each of Earth's environmental spheres.
- Evaluate how Earth’s internal energy determines its structure, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and continent building.
- Compare and contrast Earth’s surface geomorphology through the dynamic erosional and depositional processes of mass wasting, surface water, wind, glaciers, groundwater, and coastal waves.
- Assess Earth’s metallic, mineral, gem, fossil fuel, and energy resources.
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 04/15/2022 Sub#: 1023