INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Geography 210

Instructor: Dr. Keith Hadley

Office: 424 M CH

Office Hours: MWF 2-3 or by appointment

Phone: 725-3078

E-mail: hadley@.pdx.edu (Subject: Geog210)

Web Site:

COURSE OBJECTIVE: This is a survey course that provides an introduction to the four topical subdivisions of Physical Geography: climatology, biogeography, soils, and geomorphology. The course uses a systems approach to help students develop a holistic understanding of the natural environment. Human interactions with the natural environment including human-induced climate modification, global reductions in biodiversity, and soil degradation are also discussed. Consideration is also given to those processes that impinge upon human activities, such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods. This course prerequisite to upper division courses in physical geography.

REQUIRED TEXT:

Introduction Physical Geography. Strahler, A. and Strahler, A. 1998. Second Edition. John Wiley and Sons, New York

GRADING:

Final grades will be based on:

(1) Map Exercises and Quizzes 20%

(2) Mid-term Exams 50%

(3) Final Exam 30%

Exams will be objective and consist of true/false and multiple guess questions, matching, and slide identification. Final grades for the course will be curved. However, students earning less than 50% of the total possible points will receive a failing grade for the course. Students missing an exam without a valid and documented excuse will receive a score of zero for that exam. Late exams will only be allowed under extenuating circumstances and will require prior permission from the instructor.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and is subject to severe penalties. Academic dishonesty related to any exercise or exam will result in a failing grade (zero score) for that exam or exercise.

STUDY HINTS: Read the assigned portions of the text before each lecture. Be familiar with the appropriate terminology. Plan to study 8-10 hours prior to each exam to reinforce your knowledge of the course material. Pay particular attention to any lecture material written on the chalkboard or repeated during lecture. Students for whom English is a second language or those that feel they have a disability that may somehow affect their course performance are encouraged to meet with me as soon as possible so that accommodations can be made.

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The following schedule outlines the major topics to be covered in lecture and reading assignments. This is a tentative schedule that may be adjusted as the term progresses.

TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE
TOPIC	DESCRIPTION	READINGS
1	Introduction to Physical Geography and Systems Theory	Prologue
2	Earth-Sun Relations and Energy Flow (Quiz 1)	Chapters 1 and 2
3	Atmospheric Temperature and Moisture	Chapters 3 and 4
4	Air Pressure, Wind, Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation	Chapter 5
	Exam 1
5	Weather Systems	Chapter 6
6	Climate Classification (Quiz 2)	Chapter 7
7	Biogeography and Biomes	Chapter 8
	Exam 2
8	Soil Development and Classification	Chapter 9
9	Weathering and Mass Wasting (Quiz 3)	Chapter 13
10	Fluvial and Coastal Processes and Landforms	Chapters 15 and 17
	FINAL EXAM