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The Physical Environment (GEOG 1102)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This course offers an introduction to geographic facts, theories and methods as they relate to the Earth's physical environment. This course uses a general-systems perspective and a thematic approach to understand the natural environment and how it is impacted by human occupation. Various themes covered include the solar system, atmosphere, climate, ozone depletion, greenhouse effect, hydrosphere, waste disposal, fresh water, lithosphere, soil, natural disasters, biosphere and biodiversity.
Topical Outline:
1. Science, Social Science, Physical Geographic Methods, General Systems Theories
2. The Sun and Planet Earth
3. The Atmosphere. Meteorology and Air Quality Issues
4. The Atmosphere. Climate and Climate Change
5. The Hydrosphere and Water Quality Issues
6. Human-Environment Interaction: The Road Ahead
Learning Outcomes:
1. Use vocabulary, Methods, and Theories used by Geographers and Scientists to study Earth's Systems
2. Apply real World Examples of Human Use and Impacts upon the planet
3. Know facts and sources related to course topics and be familiar with real world events and case studies
4. Identify how their own behaviors and socio-cultural backgrounds affect their perceptions and decisions about planet Earth
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC: