GEOGRPH-100 - Physical Geography - Tina White

Introduction

This is where I'm supposed to tell you "who I am" and the "first thing I'd like prospective students to know about my course".   Happily, what we cover in my courses reflects who I am and what I'm interested in.

I grew up at the beach but didn't really appreciate nature.  I went on to earn a college degree in Political Science but fortunately - and as you all know - you must take some science courses, no matter your major.  So I took geology, and liked what I was learning.  Then I went on a 5-day field trip (dry camping in the Death Valley area) and my life changed.  I'd found my passion!  But it was a little late to change majors, so I spent 30+ years taking science classes wherever & whenever I could.  When I retired (early) from my government job, I finished my MA in geomorphology (look that one up!) and started teaching at various colleges in the LA and Orange County areas.  So here I am!

That's who I am, and what I want you to know about my course is that I am going to introduce you to the topics which so fascinate me and do my best to share my enthusiam with you - and hope that I convince you to share my interest!

Course Description

You'll find the official language in the College Catalog, the Course Description, and the Syllabus you'll soon find in Canvas.  While this is also included in the latter document, here's a general list of the topics we'll cover:

Latitude/longitude, maps, GPS & GIS, Earth history & composition, tides & currents, plate tectonics, mountain building, volcanos, faults & earthquakes, landslides, soils, groundwater, geysers, rivers, lakes, Earth/Sun relations, air pressure, wind, weather, biomes, climates, and climate change.  Yes, that is a lot!

What to Expect in this Course

Most weeks you will be assigned two (2) Discussions and two (2) Assignments. That sounds like a lot, but as we're going to cover a full 16 weeks of material in 8 weeks, there is going to be 2x the work of a full semester course.  There will be two (2) Exams worth 50 points each, and one (1) Project worth 100 points.

All course material will be found in Canvas and all of your work submitted there, usually as a .doc, .docx, .pdf, or pdfx.  You will likely need Adobe Acrobat Reader; if you do not already have it on your computer you can download it at https://get.adobe.com/reader

Textbook Information

This course uses a Zero Textbook Cost book; the relevant chapters will be posted in Canvas in the appropriate Modules.

Other Relevant Course Information

Be sure to log into Canvas and start reviewing/working on course material the day classes begin.  We'll start on topical material right away, and a mandatory quiz is due at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday of that first week.  Don't get behind!

And if you have questions at any point in the class, please ask me via email or during Wednesday's Zoom office hour (link in Syllabus). If I don't know the answer, I'll do my best to find it!

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: 02/05/2025 Sub#: 1895