Discipline: Geography Degree Credit  [ ]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Geography 1L


COURSE DESCRIPTION
1L Physical Geography Lab Units: 1.00
 
Prerequisite(s): None.

Co-Requisite(s): GEG 1
Practical application of scientific principles through geographically based in-class exercises using a variety of tools, such as maps, photos, and data in various forms. 54 hours laboratory.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Practical application of physical geography principles through geographically based in-class exercises.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
  1. Exhibit competency in the use of maps by determining distance, area, slope, elevation and height;
  2. Demonstrate proper use of instruments for measuring and location;
  3. Interpret and analyze data in a variety of formats;
  4. Follow instructions, rules, and guidelines in the implementation of scientific analysis;
  5. Demonstrate problem-solving skills in individual and group work
  6. Formulate and test hypotheses about physical processes
  7. Formulate analyses and critical thinking about the development of landforms.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1.   Geographic grid, shape and size of Earth
  2.  Earth motions
  3.  Time
  4.  Solar radiation budget
  5.  Temperature
  6.  Atmospheric pressure and winds
  7.  Atmospheric moisture
  8.  Air masses and storms
  9.  Climate
  10.  Map projections
  11.  Direction and use of magnetic compass
  12.  Map scales
  13.  Topographic contours
  14.  Air photo interpretation
  15.  Landform analysis

 
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Class lectures and discussions that provide examples of phenomenon analyzed in laboratory assignments and that provide examples of laboratory exercises;
  • Videos/films/slides that provide examples of phenomenon analyzed in laboratory assignments;
  • Paired and small group activities/discussions that develop insights into geographic terminology, techniques, and concepts;
  • Class exercises that assist students in comprehending laboratory exercises and help them to prepare for exams and quizzes;
  • Reports and papers that demonstrate student comprehension of physical processes;
  • Handouts that provide examples of geographic techniques and concepts;
  • Individual conferences in order to provide assessments of individual students’ strengths and weaknesses and their overall progress.

 
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Laboratory assignments and exercises that demonstrate students’ abilities to comprehend physical geography processes and to follow instructions in the analysis of data;
  • Written in-class quizzes, tests, and examinations designed to demonstrate understanding of textbook and lecture material and test critical thinking about physical processes;
  • Class discussions of course content which gauge individual student’s grasp of terminology and concepts;
  • Individual and group oral presentations which demonstrate understanding of basic physical processes and insights into the interrelationships between the four spheres. and written presentations on mapping techniques and on conceptual topics;
  • Writing assignments in which students demonstrate knowledge of terminology and concepts and that require critical thinking and problem solving about physical processes and issues.
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Corbet, John H.. Physical Geography Manual. 5 ed. any: Kendall/Hunt, 2003.
  • Strahler, Arthur N., et al.. Exercise Manual Introducing Physical Geography. 3 ed. any: Wiley, 2004.
  • Hess, Darrel. Laboratory Manual for Physical Geography. 9 ed. any: Prentice-Hall, 2008.
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