Geography of California Course Syllabus

Geography Department Grossmont College

Summer 2016

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June 14th, 2016

Dear Students,

Welcome to Geography of California. This course is designed for students looking to satisfy the general education requirements in the social sciences. If you are working towards your associates degree, planning to transfer to a CSU or UC school in the future, or if you are simply interested in learning more about the “Golden State”, then this is the class for you!

In this class, you will learn: the physical and cultural regions of California and their relationships. Emphasis will be on the geographic factors that will broaden your knowledge of the California environment including climate, water, tectonics, natural vegetation, agriculture, industry, economy, and population.

Because of its emphasis on the interrelationships among different elements of natural and human systems, Geography is the one science that bridges the gap between the natural and social sciences, and provides the opportunity for a truly interdisciplinary approach to studying the world around us.

Learning is often characterized as a “shared journey”. We are now traveling this road together! Best wishes for a successful learning experience,

Judd M. Curran Professor of Geography & GIS

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Table of Contents

Topic Page

I. Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes 3-4

II. Tentative Class Schedule 5

III. Evaluation 6

IV. Grading Scale 7

V. Assignment Overview 7-9

VI. General Policies 9-11

VII. Textbook and Materials 11

VIII. Contacting the Instructor 12

I. Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes

The objectives of the course are:

1. Examine the qualities of the physical environment and human landscape that, in

combination, have set California apart as a distinctive and unique region.

2. Develop an understanding of those qualities including: California’s historic

geographical remoteness, climatic and tectonic situation, highly specialized and

productive agriculture, sustained and unparalleled population and economic

growth, cultural and socioeconomic diversity, reliance upon technological

innovation and a massive water-transfer infrastructure, and juxtaposition as both

the “American Dream” and the “American Nightmare”.

3. Improve skills using maps, graphs, and charts as tools of geographic study to

enhance learning of spatial relationships within California.

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The student learning outcomes of the course are:

1. Students should be able to describe and explain California’s location relative to the

tectonic system, and thus why it’s a) so seismically active and b) topographically

diverse.

2. Students should be able to describe and explain California’s location relative to the

general circulation of the atmosphere, summer vs. winter, and all that implies.

3. Students should be able to describe the evolutionary response to climatic variation

within the state, in association with its topography, resulting in its spectacular

diversity of ecosystems.

4. Students should be able to describe the natural distribution of water resources in the

state relative to human development and demographic trends, and thus be able to

explain the logistical, political, and ecological implications that result. Likewise,

the situation for the entire arid West.

5. Students should be able to name California’s major sub-regions, and describe and

explain the site, situation, and economic base of each.

6. Students should be able to describe the unique demographic diversity of California,

both in terms of the innovative strength it brings and challenges it presents.

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II. Tentative Class Schedule

DATE TOPICS EXAM//MAP QUIZCA: The Great

Exception by Carey McWilliams

6/14 TUESA. THE PHYSICAL LANDSCAPE I. Tectonic Situation Geologic Principles

6/16 THURS Tectonic Development Earthquakes

Bring answers toCh’s 1 & 2 Questions

6/21 TUES Earthquakes (continued)

Notable Faults Map Quiz # 1 & 2 Bring answers to

Ch’s 3 & 4 Questions

6/23 THURS II. Climate Situation Dominant Weather Systems Climate

EQ Faults Map Assignment Due 6/23 Reading Quiz #1

6/28 TUES Natural Vegetation B. THE FORESTED NORTH I. Cascades

EXAM #1 Tues 6/28

6/30 THURS I. Cascades (continued) II. Modoc Plateau

Map Quiz #3 & 4 Bring answers toCh’s 5 & 6 Questions

7/5 TUES III. Klamath Mountains C. WATERWARS I. Water Policy

Reading Quiz #2

7/7 THURS Water Policy (continued)

II. Water Transfer Projects

Bay Area Water Supply

Exam #2 Thurs 7/07

7/12 TUES Bay Area Water Supply (continued) LA Aqueduct

Map Quiz #5 Bring answers toCh’s 7 & 9 Questions

7/14 THURS Colorado Aqueduct Imperial Irrigation District

Reading Quiz #3

7/19 TUES Imperial Irrigation District (continued)

Central Valley Project (CVP) State Water Project (SWP)

Los Angeles Mapping Assignment

Due: 7/19

7/21 THURS San Diego Water Supply D. THE INTERIOR I. Central Valley

Exam #3 Thurs at 11:30 am

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III. Evaluation On a 400 point scale, the following points will be allocated to each assignment.

Assignment Points Possible Approx % of Total Grade Exam #1 90 22.5% Exam #2 90 22.5% Exam #3 (final) 90 22.5% EXAM TOTALS 270 67.5% Map Quiz #1 10 2.5% Map Quiz #2 10 2.5% Map Quiz #3 10 2.5% Map Quiz #4 10 2.5% Map Quiz #5 10 2.5% MAP QUIZ TOTALS 50 12.5% EQ Faults Mapping Assignment 15 3.75% LA Mapping Assignment 15 3.75% MAP ASSIGNMENT TOTALS 30 7.5% Reading Quiz #1 10 2.5% Reading Quiz #2 10 2.5% Reading Quiz #3 10 2.5% READING QUIZ TOTALS 30 7.5% Pop Quiz #1 5 1.25% Pop Quiz #2 5 1.25% Pop Quiz #3 5 1.25% Pop Quiz #4 5 1.25% POP QUIZ TOTALS 20 5.0% COURSE TOTAL 400 100%

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IV. Grading Scale

Percent of Total Points Earned Grade Points Required

95% - 100% A+ 378-400 points 92% - 94% A 366-377 points 88% - 91% A- 350-365 points 85% - 87% B+ 338-349 points 82% - 84% B 326-337 points 78% - 81% B- 310-325 points 75% - 77% C+ 298-309 points 67% - 74% C 266-297 points (C or above required for Pass/No-Pass) 57% - 66% D 226-265 points 0% - 56% F 0 - 225 points

V. Assignment Overview

1. Exams The three exams in this class will assess your understanding of the course material and reinforce your learning of geographic concepts from the lectures, handouts, and assigned readings. Each exam may consist of multiple choice, true false, matching, short answer, and or essay questions. You are held responsible for bringing a No. 2 pencil, 3-4 highlighters, and DataLink form (#26760) to each exam. Each exam, including the final (Exam #3), will only cover course material since the last exam. Hence, these exams are not cumulative. Study for the exam throughout each week of the term by reviewing in-class notes, handouts, and readings, by meeting in study groups to practice explaining what you know to your peers, by generating questions from your notes and seeking out answers to those questions from your study group and the geography tutor, and by actively participating in class. Consult section II. of this syllabus for the tentatively-scheduled dates and times of the exams for this term. Note: Use of any electronic device (including cell phones) or any other unauthorized materials during the exam is considered cheating and will result in disciplinary action (See the “Behavior and Academic Integrity” section under “General Policies” within this syllabus). In addition, students are not allowed to leave the classroom during the exam. If you need to leave the classroom during an exam for any reason, you cannot return to finish the incomplete portion of the exam.

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2. Map Quizzes The five map quizzes will allow you to demonstrate knowledge of the locations of places and physical features throughout California. During the term, references will be made to different features and places in California. Knowing the locations of these features and places will give you a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the topics discussed. You will be given sets of place names with corresponding maps for each of the five map quizzes.

The topics of the map quizzes are defined below: Map Quiz #1: Geomorphic Provinces and Geologic Time Map Quiz #2: Major Earthquake Faults of California Map Quiz #3: Northern California Place Names Map Quiz #4: Rivers of California Map Quiz #5: Southern California Place Names Quizzes will be administered at the end of class or before a break and students will have 5 – 10 minutes to complete. Graded quizzes will be returned to you. Consult section II. of this syllabus for the tentatively-scheduled dates and times of the quizzes for this term. Note: Do not leave the classroom once a quiz has been distributed until you have completed the quiz.

3. Mapping Assignments Two mapping assignments involving the earthquake faults in California and Greater Los Angeles will develop your spatial knowledge of key features and locations of significance in California. Details on the requirements of the mapping assignments will be provided to you during the term. Consult section II. of this syllabus for the tentatively-scheduled due dates for these assignments.

4. Reading Quizzes The three reading quizzes will allow you to demonstrate knowledge of specific topics, ideas, terms, and or themes from assigned readings in California: The Great Exception, by Carey McWilliams. In addition, the reading quizzes will help to prepare you for exam content that pertains to your readings. Prepare for these quizzes by completing the assigned readings on time, taking good notes while reading, answering all assigned reading questions and reviewing them and your notes prior to class discussions and the quiz, and most importantly, actively participating and contributing in class discussions about the readings. Quizzes will be administered at the end of class or before a break and students will have 5-10 minutes to complete. Consult section II. of this syllabus for the tentatively-scheduled dates and times of the quizzes for this term.

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5. Pop Quizzes Pop quizzes are designed to test a snapshot of your progress in learning the course material. Thus, they are not given on a set schedule, but are rather assigned randomly throughout the term. An announcement will be made during the lecture immediately as the quiz is administered. Students may have up to five minutes to complete. A pencil is all that is required for these quizzes. Make-ups are not offered for pop quizzes.

6. Participation and Attendance Your success in learning and your performance on the exams is directly influenced by your level of participation and attendance. Therefore, it is crucial that you become actively involved in classroom discussions and activities. Students who attend every class meeting on time for the duration of the class and participate in classroom activities and discussions will be more successful. Thorough note-taking during lecture is required. Participation in classroom discussions about the assigned readings and reading questions is required. Do not walk in and out of class during lecture. Use the restroom prior to attending class.

VI. General Policies

Attendance Each student is expected to attend every class meeting, arrive on time, and remain for the duration of the class. Absences, tardiness, going in and out of class during lecture, and early departures will not only make it extremely difficult for you to succeed, but will also be a distraction to your fellow students trying to learn. A student may be dropped when total absences exceed one class meeting, regardless of the nature of the absence. Excessive tardiness is defined as arriving late to class more than three times. Tardiness and leaving class early may be regarded as an absence. In case of extreme emergency, the student should apply for a leave of absence petition in the Student Health Services Office. Students not in attendance on the first day of class will be dropped.

Accommodations for Students With Disabilities Students with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) during the first week of the semester so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. Students may contact DSPS in person at the DSPS office on campus or by telephone at (619)644-7112 or (619)644-7119 (TTY for deaf).

Withdraw from Class The last day to withdraw from class without receiving a “W” grade is June 16th, 2016. Students should always officially withdraw from a class with the admissions office. The

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deadline for applying for Pass/No Pass (Credit/No-Credit) is June 16th, 2016. The last day to drop the class without receiving a letter grade is July 7th, 2016. Prior to dropping a class, please discuss your situation with the instructor. If a student decides to drop the class during the drop period, it is the student’s responsibility to process the drop request with WebAdvisor or the Grossmont College Admissions and Records office.

Behavior and Academic Integrity Inappropriate behavior in the classroom will not be tolerated. A student may be excluded from class whenever the student exhibits behavior which interferes with the educational process. The instructor will determine when behavior is disturbing and appropriate action will follow. In addition, cheating is a serious offense with serious consequences and will not be tolerated. You are responsible for reading and adhering to the rules described in the “Student Conduct” section of the Grossmont College General Catalog. Cheating and plagiarism (using as one’s own ideas, writings, materials, or images of someone else without acknowledgement or permission) can result in any one of a variety of sanctions. Such penalties may range from an adjusted grade on the particular exam, quiz, paper, project, or assignment (all of which may lead to a failing grade in the course) to, under certain conditions, suspension or expulsion from a class, program, or the college. Class assignments, exams, and quizzes that are missed during a suspension are not eligible for make-up. In addition, suspended days are counted as absences. For further clarification and information on these issues, please consult with your instructor or contact the office of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs. Use of a cell phone or other electronic device is not allowed in class. Any student found to be using a cell phone (calls, text messaging, internet, camera, or any other use) in class may be asked to leave class for that day and no makeups will be allowed for quizzes or exams missed as a result. Use of laptops or other electronics for the purpose of note-taking during lecture is strictly prohibited. Use of audio tape recorders (not digital) to record lectures for playback when studying is encouraged, but only after the device has been approved by your instructor. No video/cell-phone recording allowed. Do not walk in and out of class during lecture. Use the restroom prior to attending class. Do not sit in the back of the classroom if empty seats are available in front of you. It is required that you sit as close to the front as available seats allow. Visitors may be allowed into the classroom only with the instructor’s prior approval. If you bring food and or beverages into the classroom, please clean up after yourself.

Exam and Quiz Makeups No makeups are offered for the Final Exam (exam #3) or for pop quizzes. Exams and map/reading quizzes cannot be made up unless the instructor is informed of your situation preferably prior to the class meeting of the exam/quiz, or within 24 hours after the exam/quiz at the very latest. The decision to allow any makeup is entirely at the discretion of the instructor.

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In the event of an approved exam or quiz makeup, the student may be required to take an alternate written assessment during office hours. To request a makeup, send an email to your instructor and include you class meeting date and time, your full name, and a brief summary of your situation. Makeups will be administered during office hours only.

Preparation for Class Students should always bring a pen, pencil, handouts, highlighters, notepaper, and three-ring binder to every class meeting. Note-taking during lecture is required. Assigned readings and associated questions given in class must be completed by the due date. Create study groups and organize study sessions with other students in the class. These actions will help prepare you to take notes and actively participate in discussions and class activities. Bring a DataLink form (#26760) to each exam. Learn the place names for the map quizzes well in advance of the scheduled quiz so that you have time to learn and remember the information. Complete all assigned readings soon after they are assigned and participate in class discussions.

Civic Duty If you are not currently registered to vote, please do so. You can register online at: registertovote.ca.gov . I would recommend choosing the “vote-by-mail” option, so that you can cast your vote while not missing any class time on election day!

VII. Textbook and Materials

Required Supplies: CA Road Map (Rand McNally or AAA only) Three different colored highlighter pens. Small three-ring binder with note paper. 3 DataLink Forms (# 26760)

Required Book: McWilliams, Cary 1949. California: The Great Exception. University of California Press. ISBN: 0-520-21893-0. 377 pages.

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VIII. Contacting the Instructor Judd M. Curran Professor of Geography & GIS Office: Building 37, Room 300A-1 Office Hours**: Tues: 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm Thurs: 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm **Note: On some occasions, an office hour may conflict with meetings and will be cancelled. When this occurs, another office hour will be added in the same week to compensate. Check the class website for announcements about any temporary changes to the office hour schedule. E-mail: judd.curran@gcccd.edu (Best way to contact me) Note: Email Requirements (failure to follow requirements may result in no response) 1. Email must include the following in the subject line: Full Name, Class subject, meeting date and time Example: Judd Curran, Geog 120, MW11 2. Email must be written in proper English, using complete sentences, with a clear and concise message. Please refrain from using any abbreviated “texting” language such as “thnx”, instead of “Thanks.”, “u” instead of “you”, etc. 3. If you are using an email program other than your Grossmont College student email (ex: Yahoo, Gmail, AOL, etc), then there is no guarantee that your email will be received by your instructor due to spam filters. Thus, if the subject of your email is of great importance, send it from your Grossmont College student email. Your instructor is not responsible for “lost emails” that are sent from email accounts other than your Grossmont College-issued “gcccd.edu” email.

Office Phone: (619) 644-7343 Class meets: Tues & Thurs: 0900 to 1250, June 14th through July 21st Location: Building 36, Room 354 Section #: 8931

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Please let me know in advance via email if you plan to visit an

office hour.

Notes:

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