Geography 360

GEOMORPHOLOGY

FALL 2006

Mon 2-3:50, Weds 2-5:50 p.m. (including lab time)
Stevenson 3036, labs in Stevenson 3065

DESCRIPTION:
This course explores the relationships between surficial processes such as running water, wind, waves, and glacial ice, and the different landforms these processes create. Geomorphic systems and the role of tectonics and climate in affecting the balance of these systems are also studied. We focus not only on the theoretical aspects of geomorphic processes, but also on research methods in the field and lab. Therefore, this course includes three field trips during Tuesday class periods, introduction to soils lab techniques, topo map and air photo labs, and one field research report. One all day field trip is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4th, 9-3 p.m.

INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Dorothy E. Freidel, Professor.
Office: 3056 Stevenson, 664-2314, email: freidel@sonoma.edu

OFFICE HOURS:
Mondays, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-11:30 a.m.. or by appointment . Make an appointment in class, email me, or call me at 664-2314.

FIELD TRIPS:
Three field trips will be taken during the Tuesday class periods, plus one Saturday field trip is scheduled for November 4, 2006. The dates scheduled may be changed if weather is inclement.

TEXTBOOKS:
(Required): Easterbrook, Donald J. (1999). Surface Processes and Landforms, 2nd Ed. MacMillan, New York. in SSU Bookstore.
Highly Recommended: Bates and Jackson, eds (1984). Dictionary of Geological Terms, 3rd Ed.. New York: Random House, or some other dictionary of physical geographical or geological terms. New $13, used even cheaper on amazon.com

Reading assignments (from Easterbrook) should be done before the lecture for which they are listed. Some of the text will be read in detail and some will be skimmed for background. This text is somewhat technical, so you will probably need a dictionary to help you understand the material.

GRADING:Your final course grade will be based on your total course score, which has a maximum possible value of 100%. Your total course score is the sum of scores on the following:

Two midterms, at 15% each, 30%
Labs and Field Reports 40%
Research project 10%
Final Exam 20%

LAB EXERCISES:
Lab exercises are available on the class web page (see below). Please print out your copy before coming to class. Lab exercises include field reports so participation in field trips is mandatory. Please notify Dr. Freidel if you are unable to attend the Saturday Nov. 4 field trip. Labs are graded on a scale of 10 points each. They are due by the beginning of lab on the date specified. No late exercises will be accepted after graded exercises have been returned to the class.

CLASS RESOURCES:
The class website is at: http://www.sonoma.edu/users/f/freidel/geomorph/ All written materials for the course are found at this site, including syllabus, schedule, labs, and study guides. You may print out copies of these materials at any University lab. Print out a copy of your lab from this site before coming to class. A class email list will be set up at the beginning of the semester so that you can email any classmate or Prof. Freidel. This will be used for all announcements and communications from Prof. Freidel and your fellow students, so be sure to sign up at the beginning of the semester.

ADVICE FOR SURVIVAL: If you CHOOSE to do well in this class, Attend all classes and field trips, turn in all labs on time, read the text carefully BEFORE the lecture, ask questions in class, and ask for help if you need it BEFORE you get overwhelmed!

 Home | Syllabus |Schedule | Study Guides | Labs | Links

Page last updated 8/8/04