This document provides information about the GEOG 160 Physical Geography course being offered in the summer of 2015. The course will cover topics like the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, and how they interact and impact humans and other organisms. It will also fulfill the GE B3 science requirement. The instructor is Robert Fritz and the class will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-4:30pm from June 22nd to July 25th. Student grades will be based on exams, writing assignments, labs and attendance. The required textbook is Foundations of Earth Science and students should bring a red pen and manilla envelope to class.

1. Physical Geography
GEOG 160 Summer 2015
KH D4057
TuTh (13:30­16:30hrs)
06/22/2015 ­ 07/25/2015
Instructor: ​Robert Fritz
E­mail: ​rfritz@calstatela.edu
Office Hours TuTh (Before and after class)
ABOUT THE CLASS​: Geography 160 is an introductory physical geography course that presents the
physical environment we live in, how it works, how it nourishes and challenges society, and how it is
impacted by human activities. There is not one day when there is not a significant event in the world, or
even in southern California, that can be considered part of physical geography (storms, earthquakes,
droughts, among others). You will learn how the weather machine works as well as the slower workings
of the oceans and land masses. This course fulfills the science without a laboratory of the B3 block
requirements of the university general education program.
Geography 160 is a science, non­lab, course that fulfills the GE B3 requirement.
Course Objectives
1. Students will discover how the different components of the physical environment
(lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere) interact.
2. Students will also see how global changes in the physical environment impact
humans as well as other organisms.
3. Students will be able to demonstrate how human activities can impact the natural
environments, both beneficially and detrimentally.
Learning Outcomes​:
1: Ability to use maps and interpret patterns of human and physical characteristics of the Earth’s
surface.
2: Understand the distinctiveness of places and regions with respect to the integration of physical
and human characteristics; people’s perceptions of places and regions; and the use of regional
generalization in description and analysis.
3: Ability to describe and explain human​ ​populations and their spatial distribution on the Earth’s
surface, including composition of population, cultural complexes, economic interdependence,
settlement, and political patterns.

2. 4. Understand human­environment interactions, including the perception, distribution, and use of
natural resources.
Course Materials:
Required:
­Lutgens, Frederick K., Tarbuck, Edward J., ‘Foundations of Earth Science.’ [Edition Optional]
­Red grading pen
­Get yourself a small manilla envelope to store all course docs
Optional:​ An atlas! It’s good to know where on earth things are...
Evaluation:​ Student grading will be based on the following criteria:
Midterm exam (June 9) 25%
Writing assignments/Homework​ ​25%
Labs 25%
Final Exam ​25%
100%
Extra Credit(maps) (To be determined)
Writing Assignments:
A reading will be assigned during each class that relates in some way to the course material and a
properly cited, ½ page summary will be brought to each class. These will be peer reviewed
during class, re­written for the next class and finally both copies, with a signature from the
reviewer, will be submitted​.​ Various additional homework assignments will be assigned
throughout the term.
Exam and Quiz Format and Procedure:
Exams are a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. A review session will
be held the class before the exam. Student input on review format is encouraged. I highly
encourage the use of online discussions through Moodle...help each other out, ask questions.
Labs
Although there is no lab credit for this exam, an in class assignment will take place during each
class­time. These will be due at the end of the class period.

3. Extra Credit:
Knowing place names is an expectation of a geographer. I’ll give weekly map quizzes and give
bonus points accordingly.
Additional Policies:
Cell Phone/Texting Policy​: Phones must be on silent.
Laptop Computers​: No laptops in class.
Reasonable Accommodation: ​will be provided to any student with a disability who is registered
with the Office of Students with Disabilities and requests needed accommodation.
Academic Honesty​: Students are expected to adhere to the University Policies and conduct
themselves in a manner that is respectful to other students in the classroom. ​Also, plagiarism
will not be tolerated.
E­mail communications:
It is essential that you regularly check your Cal State LA email address or forward your Cal State LA
emails to your preferred email address. Please provide at least 24 hours for a response. Also do not expect
responses in the evening, on weekends, or over holidays. Lastly, when writing an e­mail please follow
these steps:
1. In the subject line, type ‘Geog160’ and a brief subject.
2. In the message begin with a salutation (such as “Dear____, Good afternoon______,”)
3. Include complete sentences, correct punctuation, professional body, and a closing with your full name
and e­mail address (to assure response to the correct e­mail account).
4. If you have a question, please clearly state your question as: “My question is ….” or “I’m writing to
ask”
E­mails that do not follow these steps are incomplete and will not be answered.
Attendance:
Each hour of class costs about $50 to attend.