COURSE DESCRIPTION

Studies major elements of the natural environment, earth-sun relationship, landforms, weather and climate, natural types of vegetation and soils. Introduces the student to types and uses of maps. Lecture 3 hours per week.

GENERAL PURPOSE

To offer the opportunity to take a lower level geography course that focuses on major environmental topics concerning the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere, and how each interacts with the biosphere.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCY

No prerequisites required.

OBJECTIVES

To acquaint the student with a general knowledge and understanding of the forces and processes that affect the land, air and water surfaces of the planet on which we live.

MAJOR TOPICS TO BE COVERED

A.. Basic elements of geography

1. The physical earth; size, shape and movements
2. Major land masses and major water bodies

B. Representations of the earth
1.  Globes
2. Maps
3. Charts
4. Other useful tools in physical geography

C. The atmosphere
1. Atmospheric energy releases
2. Man’s impact upon the atmosphere

D. The earth’s water resources
1. Oceans, rivers, lakes
2. The hydrological cycle
3. Problems of water pollution

E. Landforms
1. The geographic significance of landforms
2. The shaping of landforms
3. Mineral resources
4. Soil as a natural resource
5. Vegetation

F. Climates

G. Introduction to regional geography