Course Syllabus

PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Geography 101 [#14814] Spring 2007
Room HT140 TTH 12:30-1:45

COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course introduces the basic principles, patterns and terminology that explains and
describes our physical environment. Topics include: foundations of physical geography and concepts of science;
the earth's physical systems and the basic energy and material flows by which they operate; climate and weather;
geological forces that alter the landscape; ecosystems and biogeography; and human interaction with the physical
environment. Additional readings, media and materials may be introduced.

TEXTS: REQUIRED: Introducing Physical Geography, 4th edition, by Alan Strahler and Arthur Strahler,
J ohn Wiley & Sons, 2006.
OPTIONAL: Goode's World Atlas, 20
th
edition, J ohn C. Hudson and Edward B. Espenshade, J r.,
eds., Rand McNally, 1999.

NOTE: The Atlas is optional. You may use any reasonably recent atlas (including the ones in the library). You
may also use an online atlas. Possible online choices include:
Atlapedia Online: http://www.atlapedia.com
CIA Reference Maps: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/docs/refmaps.html
Graphic Map's World Atlas: http://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/world.htm
HRW World Atlas: http://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/world.htm
National Geographic: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/maps/index.html
UN Cartographic Section: http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/english/htmain.htm
World Press Review: http://www.worldpress.org/map.cfm
World Sites Atlas: http://www.sitesatlas.com/Maps/index.htm
There is a CD included with the textbook. While the CD has some very interesting materials, it does require that
you have and use a computer which is not a prerequisite for this course. Therefore, although you may choose
to use the CD as a study aid, it is not required.

GRADING: Grading will be based on exams (85%) and map quizzes (15%).
Exams: There will be three mid-term exams and a final exam. Exams will consist of objective
questions (true-false, multiple choice, short answer, matching, etc.). Each mid-term will be worth 20%
of your grade, and will have at least 40 questions. The final will be worth 25% of your grade, and will
have at least 50 questions. The final will be comprehensive. Half of the test questions on the final will
come from the previous exams.
Map Quizzes: There will be a total of four map quizzes. You will receive maps of each region a week
before the quiz. You will familiarize yourself with the physical and cultural features indicated on the
maps. Each quiz will be worth 5% of your grade (we drop your lowest quiz).
Scantrons: You will need a Scantron form 882-ES (green any version) for each exam and each quiz.

NO NON-ESSENTIAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE PERMITTED DURING EXAMS OR QUIZZES

Late Exams: I HATE make-up exams. Please try to contact me if you will not be able to take a test or
quiz at its scheduled time. Make-up exams WILL BE IN ESSAY FORM. Late make-up exams (more
than a week past the scheduled date without a tremendous excuse) will be reduced one grade, and
one additional grade for every week thereafter.
Late Quizzes: You MAY NOT make up a map quiz more then one week after its scheduled date! (But
we do drop ONE quiz).

NOTE: We go over each test together and discuss the answers. If you have missed a test DO NOT sit
through ANY of this discussion! Make arrangements to take the make-up test AND THEN LEAVE.

IF YOU HAVEN'T TAKEN A TEST, AND THEN SIT THROUGH ANY OF THE CLASS
DISCUSSION OF THAT TEST, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN " F" ON THAT TEST!
Instructor: Dr. Alan Osborn Geography Department: (619) 594-5437
Office: SH249 Office Hours: MTuW 11:00-12:00,
Phone: 619-594-3896 (or by appointment)
E-mail: arosborn@mail.sdsu.edu
Course Website: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~arosborn/
Course Syllabus


Grades will be as follows:
A (91.0%-100.0%) A- (89.0%-90.9%) B+(87.0%-88.9%) B (81.0%-86.9%) B- (79.0-80.9%)
C+(77.0%-78.9%) C (67.0%-76.9%) C- (64.5%-66.9%) D (50.0%-64.4%) F (0.0%-49.9%)
Remember: I dont give grades, you earn grades!

EXTRA CREDIT? NO! NEVER! NOT A CHANCE! FORGET IT! DONT ASK!

Please try to read assignments before each lecture. If you have problems or questions about the material
come and see me during my office hours (or make an appointment). No activity which disrupts the learning
environment can be tolerated. All students are expected to conform to University standards of ethics.

No act or activity which disrupts the learning environment can be tolerated. All students are
expected to conform to University standards of ethics and integrity. Under the University
Academic Dishonesty Policy suspected cheating of any kind MUST be reported, and students
WILL BE DISCIPLINED. CHEATING WILL RESULT IN AN AUTOMATIC F.

LECTURE & TEST SCHEDULE
(this may change during the semester)
WEEK LECTURE TOPICS CHAPTER READING
1 (1/18) Introduction; Planet Earth: Basic concepts, science, geography. Prologue, 1 3-49
2 (1/23-1/25) Energy Flows: Radiation, insolation, global energy balance. 2 51-85
3 (1/30-2/1) Atmospheric Structure: Temperature & structure, global warming 3 87-117
FIRST EXAM (weeks 1-3): Tuesday, February 6
th
<<
4 (2/8) Moisture & Precipitation: Humidity, adiabatic process, clouds. 4 119-149
5 (2/13-2/15) Air Circulation: Pressure, global winds, ocean currents. 5 151-183
FIRST MAP QUIZ Thursday, February 15
th

6 (2/20-2/22) Weather Systems: Air masses, cyclonic systems, storm hazards. 6 185-211
7 (2/27-3/1) Global Climates: Characteristics of 13 different climates 7 213-277
SECOND EXAM (weeks 4-7): Tuesday, March 6
th
<<
8 (3/8) Biogeography: Ecosystems, ecology, natural vegetation, biomes. 8 & 9 279-361
9 (3/13-3/15) The Solid Earth: Rocks & minerals. 11 397-419
SECOND MAP QUIZ Thursday, March 15
th

10 (3/20-3/22) Lithosphere & Plate Tectonics: Earth structure, geologic time 12 421-449
No classes Spring Break & Cesar Chavez Holliday 3/26-3/30
12 (4/3-4/5) Volcanic & Tectonic Landforms: Volcanoes, earthquakes, etc. 13 451-479
THIRD EXAM (weeks 8-12): Tuesday, April 10
th
<<
13 (4/12) Weathering & Mass Wasting: Physical & chemical, landslides. 14 481-509
14 (4/17-4/19) Water on the Land: Ground & surface water, streams & lakes 15 511-544
THIRD MAP QUIZ Thursday, April 19
th

15 (4/24-4/26) Fluvial Landforms: Erosion, deposition, humid & arid regions 16 545-573
16 (5/1-5/3) Coastal, Wind & Glacial Landforms: Waves, wind, and ice 18 & 19 597-653
FOURTH MAP QUIZ Thursday, May 3
rd

17 (5/8) Coastal, Wind & Glacial Landforms: Waves, wind, and ice 18 & 19 597-653
Tuesday, May 8
th
, is the last official day of classes
>> FINAL EXAM: TUESDAY, MAY 15
TH
, 1:00-3:00 PM <<


(REMEMBER: The final exam is comprehensive and covers the entire course. Roughly half of the
questions on the final will come from the first, second and third mid-terms, half will be based on the last four
weeks of readings and lectures).