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

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Geology 3


COURSE DESCRIPTION
3 Geology of California Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
The geology of California: A study of its geological history, including the examination of the varying geological provinces and environments which exist throughout the state. Some selected topics include: examining present and ancient geological environments; examining major structural elements (faults) within the state; the study of the geology and the history of California’s geologic resources; the study of geologic hazards; and the relationship of California geology to global tectonics. Total of 54 hours lecture. Optional Field Trips: GEOLOGY 30A, 30B or 31 will accompany the course-1 unit.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Examines the wide variety and development of geologic feature in California, including earthquakes, gold, water resources and parks, such as Yosemite and Death Valley.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

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

Summarize the tectonic development of California and the relevance of major fault activity.

Explain the basic nature of the geologic forces that have shaped California and describe the kinds of features those forces have left on the landscape.

Describe California’s major natural resources and how those resources were created or deposited in California.

Compare and contrast the major geologic provinces in the state.

Evaluate the likelihood of California experiencing a major natural disaster and critique the states general level of preparedness for dealing with such an event.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. Minerals and mineral properties.
  2. Igneous rock types and their processes of formation.
  3. Metamorphic rocks and their processes of formation.
  4. Sedimentary rocks and their processes of formation.
  5. Geologic time and the geologic time scale including methods used to calculate the ages of rocks.
  6. Fossils of California, their modes of formation and preservation.
  7. Plate tectonics, theory and application to the development of California.
  8. Geomorphic and geologic provinces of California including:
    1. Cascades
    2. Modoc Plateau
    3. Great Valley
    4. Basin and Range
    5. Sierra Nevada
    6. Klamath Mountains
    7. Coastal ranges
    8. Transverse ranges
    9. Peninsular ranges
    10. Mojave Desert
    11. Colorado Desert
  9. Volcanic activity in California.
  10. Faulting in California, the features and effects of earthquakes with a focus on the San Andreas Fault system.
  11. Formation of Sierran Gold Deposits.
  12. Glaciers and glaciation with a focus on Sierran Glaciers.
  13. Structural geology of California.
  14. Water resources and utilization in California.
  15. Development and evolution of the Franciscan complex in central California.
  16. Coastal processes and geology along California's coastline.
 
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 to illustrate features of particular California regions and features 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.
 
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:

  • Geology of California, D. Harden, to be published in 1998.
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