Course Information
Title: GGS 102 Physical Geography
CRN: 73510
Time: 10:30 -11:45 AM, Mondays and Wednesdays, 08/27-12/19/2018
Location: Planetary Hall 131
Instructoris: Prof. John Qu , and TA -Manqi Li
Telephone: (703) 993-3958
Office: Room 2412, Exploratory Hall
Office Hour: Stop by 1:30—3:30PM Mondays and Wednesdays or make appointment
Course Description
This is an introductory course to physical geography. This course will introduce the students to the basic concepts and fundamentals of the Earth system. The course will cover earth-sun relations, weather, climate, soils, vegetation, geology, and landforms; and introduce the students to types and uses of maps. Physical characteristics of the Earth system and “Earth form Space” will be the focuses. Through this Mason natural science core course, students explore new ideas, engage in inquiry and experiential learning, and learn how to integrate this learning into their chosen major and beyond. It will incorporate the diverse of Google Earth.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites.
Schedule
| Week one | 08/27, 08/29 |
Introduction and Chapter 1 |
| Week two | 09/03, 09/05 |
Chapter 2 and Chapter 3
|
| Week three | 09/10, 09/12 |
Chapter 4 and Chapter 5
|
| Week four | 09/17, 09/19 |
Chapter 6 and Chapter 7
|
| Week five | 09/24, 09/26 |
Chapter 8 and Chapter 9
|
| Week six | 10/01, 10/03 |
Independent reading and Mid-term
|
| Week seven | 10/08, 10/10 |
Chapter 10 and Chapter 11
|
| Week eight | 10/15, 10/24 |
Chapter 12 and Preparing final group project |
| Week nine | 10/29,10/31 |
Chapter 13 and Chapter 14
|
| Week ten | 11/05,11/07 |
Chapter 15 and Chapter 16
|
| Week eleven | 11/12,11/14 |
Chapter 17 and Guest speaker
|
| Week twelve | 11/19,11/21 |
Preparing final group project, Thanksgiving Break
|
| Week thirteen | 11/26,11/28 |
Final Group Project Presentations
|
| Week fourteen | 12/03,12/05 |
Reviewing and independent reading
|
| Week fifteen | 12/10 |
Final Exam
|
| Week sixteen | 12/12 |
Final group project papers (due date)
|
Final project
The description of the individual Final Project can be discussed in the classroom.
Grading
Grades will be based upon your performance on the homework exercies, midterm, class attendance and final term paper and presentation. The weighted contribution of each of these utems
to your final grade is:
- Homework
10%
- Tests/quizzes 15%
- Midterm
20%
- Final Exam 30%
- Final Project 20%
- Class attendance and discussions 5%
(A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79,
D=60-69, F=<60)
Textbooks
Required Textbook:
Introducing Physical Geography, Alan Strahler, Wiley, 6th Editions
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