This document provides information about an introduction to physical geography course being offered in spring 2013. It outlines the instructor's contact information and office hours, required textbook, an overview of what the class covers, learning outcomes, grading policy, tips for success, academic honesty policy, and other important information for students. The class utilizes a systems approach to explore the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere and their interactions.

1. Introduction to Physical
Geography
Spring 2013

2. Contacting Me
 Office Hours (For any type of question):
 Online, Mondays 5-6 pm Eastern
 Email (for private concerns about grades or emergencies):
 akelly@gmail.com
 Blackboard Questions Forum (for general questions about
assignments & tests.
I will generally answer emails and Blackboard Questions forum questions
within 24 hours, 8am-5pm Monday – Friday, except holidays.
Students emailing me on Saturday or Sunday can expect a response
by 5 pm Monday.

3. Course Textbook
 Geosystems/ Robert W. Christopherson-- 8th ed.
 Hard copy and electronic copies are available at the
campus bookstore and is on course
reserve in the Fredericksburg
campus library.

4. Getting Around the Class

5. What This Class is About

6. What This Class Is About

7. What This Class Is About

8. What This Class is About

9. Learning Outcomes
General
 Utilize a systems theory approach to explore the functions of
the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere
 Identify and explain the functions and components of maps
and other geographic tools and technologies
 Identify how human activities modify the environment
within the systems explored
Atmosphere
 Explain the earth-sun geometry, the seasons, and
atmospheric structure
 Interpret the earth’s radiation balance and global
temperature and circulation patterns

10. Learning Outcomes
Hydrosphere
 Explain the basic fundamentals of energy transfer in the atmosphere
 Explain the hydrologic cycle, and identify the state of the world’s
current water supply
 Define global climates and weather systems
Lithosphere
 Understand the composition of the Earth’s interior and be able to
discuss the theory of plate tectonics
 Differentiate between physical and chemical weathering and their
effects on the Earth’s surface and identify the landforms made by
running water, wind, and ice
Biosphere
 Demonstrate basic knowledge in soil properties and distribution
 Identify ecosystem components, including carbon, oxygen, and
nitrogen cycles

11. Grading Policy
 Orientation Activities – 5%
 Reading Assignments (14) – 30%
 Discussion Boards (10) – 10%
 Geography in the News Blog Post & Comments – 15%
 Exams (2) - 40%

12. Grading Policy
 Reading questions
 Based on textbook, lecture, and additional resources if
available
 Done on Blackboard, and are multiple choice, true/false, and
essay
 Discussion Questions
 Based on a series of questions or a bit of online research
 Individual posts plus two peer responses (individual posts
due Saturday, and peer responses due Mondays).

13. Grading Policy
 Geography In the News Project
 A blog post that covers a current news story and relates it to
the content for the week.
 Midterm and Final
 Must be taken on campus through the testing center.
 The final is not cumulative.
 Review materials are available in each Weekly Folder.

14. Tips for Success
 Print and read through the syllabus and mark off
assignments/tests on a calendar or in a planner.
 Make sure you check your Germanna email account daily! This is
how I will contact you if there are urgent announcements.
 Get the book and keep up with the reading. Tests draw on both
lecture and the reading.
 Proofread and double-check assignments to make sure they are
complete, and get them in on time. Make sure any outside
resources you use are referenced.
 Ask questions if any of the material or directions are unclear!

15. Academic Honesty
Academic dishonesty is cheating and stealing. Academic
dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
 Using material verbatim from a source without giving credit.
 Rewriting material from a source without giving credit.
 Using information from an Internet source without giving credit.
 Submitting the work of another person as your own work.
 Using/copying another student's computer disk.
 Copying from another person's paper/test/homework.
 Allowing someone else to copy/use your work
(paper, homework, quiz, test).
 Violating VCCS Computer Ethics Guidelines in the pursuit of
academic studies.

16. Other Important Info
 Disability Services:
 If you need accommodations, contact Counseling Center, (540-891-3019 at the
Fredericksburg Area Campus or 540-423-9140 at the Locust Grove Campus).
 Tutoring Services:
 Fredericksburg Area Campus FAC2 Room 214 (540) 891-3017
 Locust Grove Campus Room 208 (540) 423-9148
 Academic Computing Centers:
 The ACC at the Locust Grove Area campus is located in room 204.
 The ACC at the Fredericksburg Area campus is located in FAC2 room 112A.
 The ACC at the Daniel Center for Advanced Technology is located in room 206 .