Discipline: Earth Science (Geology) Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Geology 2


COURSE DESCRIPTION
2 Geology of National Parks, Monuments Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
A survey of the principles of physical and historical geology as interpreted through the study of several of the National Parks and Monuments. Emphasis will be on understanding the geologic processes which have shaped the present landscape, with considerable use made of rock and fossil specimens, films, slides and maps. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Course examines the geologic features and natural history of National Parks and Monuments in order to illustrate the principles of physical and historical geology.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

Classify rocks into one of the 3 basic rock types and explain their possible origins.

Explain the significance of the geologic time scale and describe the methods used to age date geologic materials.

Analyze the geologic features of a National Park or Monument and deduce a general geologic history for that region.

Describe the basics of plate tectonic theory and provide examples of possible tectonic settings.

Determine what factors might be used to evaluate a region for Park or Monument status.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. Use of several National Parks and Monuments to illustrate the geologic forces creating the unique natural features found in these regions. Possible examples are:
    1. Grand Canyon NP
    2. Yosemite NP
    3. Yellowstone NP
    4. Devils Tower NM
    5. Mount Rushmore NM
    6. Bryce Canyon NP
    7. Zion NP
    8. Arches NP
    9. Glacier NP
    10. John Day Fossil  Beds NM
    11. Dinosaur NM
    12. Many others
  2. Formation of the earth and the moon.
  3. The development and evidence for plate tectonics.
  4. Earths internal structure and layers within the earth based on both composition and physical properties.
  5. Formational processes and types of minerals, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.
  6. Volcanic hazards, the processes that create volcanoes and the features and processes that are associated with them.
  7. Processes of physical and chemical weathering and erosion and mass wasting.
  8. Sedimentary depositional environments.
  9. Development, history and utility of the geologic time scale.
  10. Geologic structures and the tectonic forces deforming earth's crust, the nature of the deforming forces and types of folds, faults, joints and other features.
  11. Mountain building processes (orogenesis) within continental crust. Evolution of mountain belts and the growth of continents.
  12. Glaciers and glaciation, including types and features of Alpine and Continental glacial systems,  glacial budgets and evolution of glacial features.
  13. Coastal processes and the development of landforms through processes such as longshore drift, wave refraction, tectonism, ocean circulation patterns and local effects as well as human influence.
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Present class lectures to describe the processes and features of the topics outlined above.
  • Utilize PowerPoint presentations (or slides/overheads) to enhance points made in the lecture and to illustrate a variety of geological concepts.
  • Show videos in order to illustrate geologic events in real time, as well as to demonstrate events (modeled) through geologic history, which are not directly observable.  In addition, videos will provide the students with an opportunity to see what experts in various fields have to say about a variety of the topics outlined above.
  • Use maps and guidebooks to illustrate features of particular Parks and Monuments in order to illustrate the geology of the landscape and local geological phenomena.
  • Develop and assign group and individual exercises to help the students gain a greater depth of knowledge in specific topics and enhance the educational experience.
  • Develop and assign web-based activities such as visiting the United States Geological Survey web site, Cascades Volcano Observatory web site, and other geologically oriented sites in order for students to see real-time monitoring of geological activity.
  • Invite guest lecturers to class in order to expose students to other opinions and viewpoints and to demonstrate the relevancy of selected topics and subdisciplines.
  • Students may also use the internet for online paper submissions.
 
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:

  • Examinations and quizzes will be given which are designed to determine the students comprehension of materials presented in class.  Question types may include but are not limited to: essay and short answer, fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, true and false, matching, draw-and-label the diagram questions and the reading and interpretation of geologic maps.
  • Written reports may be assigned which are designed to allow the students to explore specific geology topics in greater depth.  Completion of the reports will expose students to a greater breadth of information and will demonstrate to the instructor whether or not the students are able to utilize the materials covered in class to gain a broader understanding of a topic explored on their own.
  • Class and individual projects (as outlined above) designed to help the students understand geological concepts will be collected for evaluation.  The completeness and correctness of these assignments will provide a measure of the level of understanding each student has achieved and if the students are indeed moving toward the student learning outcomes.
  • A final examination designed to determine the level of proficiency each student has achieved in the aggregate of all topics presented during the course.  This will also aid the instructor in adjusting the lesson plan or emphasis in future classes to ensure students are achieving the student learning outcomes as outlined above.
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:

  • National Parks of the West, a Sunset publication.

12/03
1075