Fall, 2004 Mondays and Wednesdays 4 to 5:15 p.m., Stevenson 3036
DESCRIPTION:
California as a state and as a region is in many ways unique. This course examines both the singular physical and human aspects of the State, from its unusual geologic history, great range and distribution of climate and vegetation, through its earliest inhabitants, to its present day diverse population and trend setting economic, political, and cultural atmosphere. The course will focus on the interaction between the natural environment of California and the people who live in, use, and change their environment. Issues discussed include natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, landslides and volcanics, climate and effects of global warming, water resources now and in the future, agriculture, forestry and fishing, our unique politics and economy and their national influence, changing populations and regional differences, and evolving urban areas. (3 units, Single Subject Waiver, California Cultural Studies credit)INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Dorothy E. Freidel, Associate Professor.
Office: 3056 Stevenson, 664-2314
email: dorothy.freidel@sonoma.eduOFFICE HOURS:
Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30 to noon, Tuesdays 2 to 3 p.m., and other times by appointment. Make an appointment in class, email me, or call me at 664-2314.TEXTBOOKS
Required: William A. Selby (2000) Rediscovering the Golden State. New York: John Wiley, at SSU Bookstore.
Recommended: Philip Fradkin (1995) The Seven States of California, a Natural and Human History, Berkeley: Univ of California Press. Not at the SSU Bookstore, but new and used copies may be obtained elsewhere.GRADING:
Grades will be based on the following:
Midterm and Map Quiz 25% Final Exam 25% Two group presentations, 15% each 30% Field trip 10% Election Debate 10% Total Points 100% GROUP PROJECTS:
This fall Geog 390 will incorporate learning the technique of presenting group projects using PowerPoint with digital images along with learning about the Geography of California. There will be two group projects, the first describing a physiographic region of California and the second investigating a major economic, cultural, social, or other human issue affecting that region or the State in general. Students will turn in their Power Point presentations for review.FIELD TRIP:
On Saturday, November 6, we will travel to the Oakland Museum where we will see excellent exhibits on the natural environment, history, and art of California, as well as a Day of the Dead special exhibit. Please let me know immediately if you cannot attend. We will leave campus at 9 a.m. and return by 3 p.m. We will need one or two experienced student volunteers to drive one or two of the vans.
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS:
Regular attendance and participation in disucussions are essential for success in this class. If you have to miss a class, please call Dr. Freidel ahead of time, and arrange to obtain notes from another student. You will also enjoy the class much more if you come prepared and participate. Read assignments before the lecture. Keep your eyes out for interesting and relevant news items to share. Discussion is encouraged! Participate fully in your group projects. Ask questions, and if you have trouble with the material, ask for help right away! Don't wait until right before the quiz or presentation.TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Readings from other sources may be assigned throughout the semester.
Day
Topic
Readings in Selby
W 8/25
Introduction
Chapter 1
M 8/30
Physiographic Regions
Chapter 2
W 9/1
Geologic history
Chapter 2
M 9/6
No class, Labor Day
W 9/8
Rocks, Mineral Resources Appendix A
M 9/13
Geomorphic Influences
Chapter 3
W 9/15
Tectonics, volcanics
Chapter 3
M 9/20
California's Faults, Earthquakes
Chapter 3
W 9/22
Weathering, Landslides, Rivers
Chapter 3
M 9/27
Controls on Weather, Climate regions
Chapter 4
W 9/29
Climate change, Global Warming
Chapter 4
M 10/4
Biogeography, Vegetation patterns
Chapter 5
W 10/6
Native Plant Garden, Walking Field Trip
Chapter 5
M 10/11
Vegetation, Climate and Global Warming
Chapter 5
W 10/13
Presentations, physiographic regions
M 10/18
Presentations, physiographic regions
W 10/20
Water Resources, Background
Chapter 6
M 10/25 Midterm and Map Quiz W 10/27 Water Resources, Water Projects Chapter 6 M 11/1 Debate, California Initiatives Voter Pamphlet W 11/3 Agricultural issues Chapter 9 Sat 11/6 Field Trip, Oakland Museum M 11/8 Rural Landscapes and Land Use Chapter 9 W 11/10 Fisheries, Forestry, Mining Issues Chapter 9 M 11/15 California's earliest inhabitants Chapter W 11/17 Spanish/Latin American Cultural Landscape Chapter 7, 8 M 11/22 Modern Ethnic Groups, Lifestyles Chapter 8 W 11/24 Thanksgiving Break M 11/29 Urban Populations, Diversity Issues Chapter 11 W 12/1 Urban Landscapes and Issues Chapter 11 M 12/6 Presentations, cultural issues W 12/8 Presentations, cultural issues W 12/15 Final Exam, STV 3036, 5-6:50
Last updated 11/15/04