Geography Syllabus
Geography Course
Course Title | [COURSE TITLE] |
Course Code | [COURSE CODE] |
Instructor Name | [YOUR NAME] |
Email | [YOUR EMAIL] |
Office Hours | [OFFICE HOURS] |
Class Location | [CLASS LOCATION] |
Class Time | [CLASS TIME] |
1. Course Description
This course provides a foundational understanding of the Earth's physical processes and features. Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities, students will explore key concepts in physical geography, including landforms, climate systems, ecosystems, and natural hazards. Emphasis will be placed on developing spatial awareness, critical thinking skills, and an appreciation for the complexity and interconnectedness of Earth's physical environment.
2. Instructor information
Instructor: [YOUR NAME]
Contact Info: [YOUR EMAIL]
Organization: [YOUR COMPANY NAME]
3. Learning Objectives
Understand the fundamental principles of physical geography
Identify different geographic features and phenomena
Understand the influences of physical topography on human activity
Master the use of geographic instruments and software
Apply geographical skills effectively in a variety of contexts
4. Course Schedule
Week | Topic | Activities | Resources |
|---|
1 | Introduction to Physical Geography | Introduction to the course, group discussions | Chapter 1 & 2 of Textbook; online resources |
2 | Earth's Structure and Composition | Lecture on Earth's layers, hands-on activity on rock types | Chapter 3 of Textbook; online interactive modules |
3 | Plate Tectonics and Landforms | Video presentation on plate boundaries, group activity on landform identification | Chapter 4 of Textbook; educational videos online |
4 | Weathering, Erosion, and Mass Movement | Field trip to observe erosion features, lab experiment on weathering processes | Chapter 5 of Textbook; geological maps and diagrams |
5 | Climate Systems and Global Circulation | Discussion on climate zones, analysis of global climate data | Chapter 6 of Textbook; climate charts and graphs |
6 | Weather Patterns and Atmospheric Circulation | Weather map analysis, simulation of atmospheric circulation patterns | Chapter 7 of Textbook; online weather resources |
5.Required Readings and Materials
Main Textbook: Introduction to Physical Geography (latest edition)
Atlas of the World (latest edition)
Scientific Calculator
Access to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software
Stationery for note-taking and assessments
6. Recommended Readings
"Geography: Realms, Regions, and Concepts" by Harm J. de Blij and Peter O. Muller
"The Earth System" by Lee R. Kump, James F. Kasting, and Robert G. Crane
7. Assignments and Assessments
Weekly quizzes to assess understanding of lecture material
Group projects involving GIS software
Midterm and final exams covering material from lectures and required readings
Individual presentations on assigned topical issues
Final report assessing an area of choice using the skills learned in the course
8. Course Policy
Regular attendance is mandatory. Absences will be excused only in exceptional circumstances if the instructor is notified beforehand.
All assignments are to be submitted on the due dates. Late submissions will be penalized unless due to exceptional circumstances and with prior notification.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any evidence of academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade.
Students are expected to participate actively in class discussions.
Use of electronic devices during lectures is strictly prohibited, except for note-taking purposes.
9. Grading Policy
Category | Percentage |
|---|
weekly quizzes | 15% |
Group projects | 20% |
midterm exam | 25% |
Final exam | 25% |
class participation | 25% |
10. Disclaimer
The syllabus acts as a guide for the course, providing an overview and structure for the course content and expectations. However, it is important to note that the instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus, although they will provide advance notice in such instances.
Syllabus Templates @ Template.net
