GEOGRPH-100 - Physical Geography - Jeremy Patrich
| Course: | Physical Geography |
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| Professor: | Jeremy Patrich |
| Email: | Jeremy.Patrich@canyons.edu |
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Introduction
The College of the Canyons and I am excited that you chose this course, and I am looking forward to getting to know you during the semester. Whether this course is on-line, hybrid or in-person, we will have lots of interaction via the pre-recorded chapter summaries and YouTube lectures, discussion boards, weekly announcements, emails, and even social networking! Remember, that regardless of the semester length, it will be the same amount of content and work, in other words, this means that there are the same amount of assignments and reading in a 4-week course as there is in a 16-week course.
It is my goal for you to accomplish your academic goals, and I will provide you with a variety of resources including videos, podcasts, practice tests, study guides, and even extra credit to help you succeed. I aim to be very clear about deadlines, expectations, and course content. Do not hesitate to email me with any questions- and I look forward to sharing my course with you.
Course Description
Examines the Earth's dynamic physical systems and processes. Topics include Earth-sun geometry, weather, climate, water, landforms, soil, and biosphere. Emphasis is on the interrelationships among environmental and human systems and processes and their resulting patterns and distributions. Tools of geographic inquiry are also briefly covered; they may include: maps, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Field trips may be required. Formerly GEOG-101.
What to Expect in this Course
This course has prerecorded lectures and is organized by utilizing modules. With the support of weekly announcements, students will engage in assignments and discussions throughout the term.
Physical Geography is a three unit course. I teach using modules because I like seeing content and assignment chunked together. I have outlined below an average weeks' workload, so you may have a better idea as to what to expect workwise. I also like to unlock several modules at a time to provide students the opportunity to work ahead.
Physical Geography | Week 5 To-Do List (Please Complete All Work by Sunday)
Welcome to your fifth week of our online course. This week, we begin an introduction to geology! The best way to learn about Earth’s crust would be to travel around the world, viewing minerals, rocks, and structures in a variety of places to see what they are and how they can be coaxed into telling Earth’s story.
- One module quiz
- One discussion board with at least two peer responses
- One module assignment (500-word written response)
- Two short chapters of reading
- Four 15-minute lecture videos
Types of Assessments
At the session’s end, you will be evaluated by your performance on the basis of two lecture exams, one lab exam, a series of assignments, reading quizzes, and other general activities. Each of these components will be graded separately, and your total grade for the course will be determined by a combined grade-point total: being weighed as indicated below.
- The Lecture Exams: (20%) Exams will be open written notes. There will be two (2) exams. Exams may include multiple-choice, true/false, map or diagram interpretation, and short-answer questions. Make sure you plan ahead and include additional time in the event of technical issues- and exams cannot be made up or submitted late.
- Assignments: (55%) Please complete all assigned assignments on time for credit. No partial credit is awarded, and no late work is accepted. Please take note of the Canvas Calendar to make sure you are on top of your assignments. You can always work ahead. Assignments include module reading/lecture quizzes as well modular written assessments.
- Online Discussions: (25%) Please complete all assigned assignments on time for credit. No partial credit is awarded, and no late work is accepted. Please take note of the Canvas Calendar to make sure you are on top of your assignments. You can always work ahead, and also be sure to always follow up on your responses. Each forum assignment is a two-part assignment – it consists of an initial post (worth 3 points) and a follow-up post (worth 1 point each). For your initial post, you will answer two to three critical thinking questions pertaining to the weeks’ topics. Your initial post is expected to be in the form of short paragraphs (usually 250 words minimum). For the follow-up post, you must provide commentary and feedback on one of your classmate’s posts. The Forum assignments will be available in Canvas and your initial posts must be posted by 11:59pm on Fridays. Your follow-up posts are due on Sundays at 11:59pm. A rubric and additional details will be provided in the weekly instructions.
Grade Assessment
- A: 100%-89.6%
- B: 89.5%-79.6%
- C: 79.5%-69.6%
- D: 69.5%-59.6%
- F: 59.5-Below
Textbook Information / Link to ZTC Textbook
This course is ZTC (Zero Text Cost), the free text is integrated into the Canvas modules.
Other Relevant Course Information
Waitlists: I will do my best to accommodate all students on the waitlist. I will provide permissions to those on the waitlist first, so keep an eye on your Canyons email account.
Welcome Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBHr6XCPIRo
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
College of the Canyons cares about your emotional and physical health. Learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including free counseling and mental health services available during this time by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center website or by calling them at: 661-362-3259.
The National Suicide Lifeline number is 1-800-273- 8255 (TALK). Please call it if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress - it could save someone's life.
You can also use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. It's free, available 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: 09/14/2022 Sub#: 1074