GEOG 106 Physical Geography
Cal Poly Humboldt
WELCOME TO OUR class journey!
I'm Rosemary Sherriff and I am your professor for GEOG 106 Physical Geography. You can call me Rosemary, Professor Sherriff, Dr. Sherriff or any variation that you prefer. I'm excited about the topics we'll cover and to welcome you to the course!
This is our Liquid Syllabus, a short and concise syllabus to help get started. A complete syllabus is on the course Canvas site. As you get ready for the semester, this site will be your quick reference for answers to many Frequently Asked Questions about the structure and expectations for this course. If you don't find the answer you need, please review the Canvas course site or reach out to me. I'll be glad to hear from you, and I'm happy to help.
When you're ready to get started in our course, you may login to Canvas.
What is physical geography?
The goals of this course are to give you an overview of Earth’s physical systems and processes, and demonstrate the critical role that knowledge of physical geography plays in helping to resolve the intensifying problems involving land, water and other natural resources that humans face in the future. The primary objective of this course is to explore global patterns of Earth’s dynamic systems – energy, air, water, weather, climate, tectonics, and landforms. A key part of the course will be to examine the physical systems of Earth in relation to human-Earth interactions and contemporary environmental issues.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
This is an in-person course at Cal Poly Humboldt that also has a lot of online material, links, discussions and assignments through Canvas
First Class Meeting On: Wednesday 01/17/2024
The class meets in-person MWF 11:00-11:50am in Founders Hall 108 (FH 108)
The class meetings are required attendance (more details on the full syllabus on Canvas)
COURSE GOALS
The goals of this course are to give you an overview of Earth’s physical systems and processes, and demonstrate the critical role that knowledge of physical geography plays in helping to resolve the intensifying problems involving land, water and other natural resources that humans face in the future.
MY ADVICE FOR SUCCESS
I want help you to succeed so please review this advice and get my help often and as early as possible if you are struggling in this course. If my office hours do not fit your schedule, contact me to meet at another time – we can work out a time that works for both of us.
We will cover a large amount of material each week. Past experience has shown that trying to memorize it all doesn’t work. Instead, aim to comprehend what is being discussed in class and in the reading on a weekly basis and feel free to ask questions in or outside of the class. If you have a question so does someone else!
To do well in this course you need to:
Read the weekly material before lecture
Come to class regularly and have reviewed the weekly topic outlines that are posted to CANVAS
Review the weekly material and lecture notes again after class or by the at the end of the week
Complete all homework assignments, quizzes, participation points, and other assignments
Review for quizzes.
There are 150 minutes of class time per week so you should aim to spend at least twice that amount of time outside of class reviewing the material each week as well. Regular attendance and participation in class is expected and very important to succeed in this course.
OUR PACT
What you can expect from me:
As your instructor, I will be actively present in your learning experience.
I will create a positive and supportive environment where you will feel safe to ask questions and take on challenging material.
I will provide clear and concise content and practice materials that helps you learn.
I will respond to your questions within the week and I will provide feedback on your assignments within two weeks.
I understand that you are busy and that you have many competing priorities. When needed, I will be flexible to support your successful completion of this course.
What I will expect from you:
You will establish a weekly study routine (expect about 6 hours per week) that allows you to review material, complete assignments, discussions, and quizzes.
You will focus on both understanding the concepts and performing the skills of this course, aiming for your own personal best.
You will be a regular and active participant in our learning environment.
You will uphold academic integrity by submitting only authentic work.
You will challenge yourself to try new things, keep an open mind about earth science concepts and topics, and recognize that mistakes are a vital part of the learning process.
You will be thoughtful in your interactions with peers, while taking extra care to respect diverse perspectives. You will support your classmates as you share this learning space and time.
MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
In teaching earth science and geography, I seek to inspire your curiosity about the subject area and expand the boundaries of the classroom to explore Earth systems. As an interdisciplinary teacher, I challenge you to think critically and stimulate connections across disciplines and contemporary issues. One of the most important means of doing this is by incorporating your own experiences and knowledge, so that what you learn becomes relevant to your own lives.
About me
I've been a professor since 2004 and at Humboldt since 2009. Before coming to Humboldt, I lived in the central valley of California, San Diego, Oregon, Colorado, Hawaii, and Kentucky (in order). I teach earth science, climate change, biogeography, and research methods courses. I have two kids (in the picture to the left) who are 17 and 10. During my non-work hours, I like to spend as much time as possible outdoors, with family and friends, cooking or at home working on projects.
For research, I study forests, fire, drought, and climate change, particularly in the western U.S. including forests in from Alaska, the Rockies, and in California. I work collaboratively with both undergraduate and graduate students for nearly all of the projects I'm involved in. Ask me more if you are interested or see my Dendroecology Lab website.
WEEK 1 SUCCESS KIT
College courses move quickly, and getting off to a good start is an important way to prepare yourself for success. Read this page carefully and you'll have all you need to start this course on the right foot.
How This Course Works
You will use Canvas to log into the course and all of the course content.
Weekly Modules will become available to you a week a head of time.
Each week will have in class discussions, participation points, discussion forums, and online review material. Every other week there will be a homework assignment due followed by a quiz on related material with staggered due dates.
There are no exams. There are in-class participation points and bi-weekly homework assignments and quizzes that are assigned for different sections of the course that make up the primary grading requirements.
Materials You Will Need for Week One
Access to the Canvas course.
Access to your Humboldt email account.
Access to a Computer that is connected to the Internet. Computers are available for you to use at the campus library or available to borrow through our Laptop Loan Program.
Due Dates for Start-up and Week 1 Module
Put these dates on your calendar now.
Introducing yourself to me assignment [Due Monday, January 22]
Review of the syllabus and material on the Canvas Week 1 module.
COMMUNICATION ESSENTIALS
Professor: Dr. Rosemary Sherriff, Department of Geography, Environment & Spatial Analysis
Email: sherriff@humboldt.edu
Please email GEOG 106 - in subject line for the quickest response
Phone: 707-826-4119
Office: Founder’s Hall 110
Office hours: MWF 12:00-1:00pm or by appointment
How and when to best reach me outside of class: Talk with me after class if you cannot make my office hours and have a question. Alternatively, email is the best way to reach me outside of class if you cannot make my office hours. I'm happy to find a zoom time to meet as well.
SUPPORT FOR YOU
Resources and Options for the Student Community
Find a full list of services for students here:
http://www2.humboldt.edu/studentaffairs/student-resources
Learning Center
The HSU Learning Center has a wide range of academic support services. Learning Center
Writing Studio
The Writing Center offers free peer assistance with writing assignments and standardized writing examination preparation. The Writing Studio's web site can be accessed at Writing Studio
Improving Study Skills
Find a variety of resources to improve your study skills. RAMP Academic Resources
Tutoring Services
The Learning Center provides tutorial assistance to students having difficulties in specific courses. The Tutoring Services web site can be accessed at Tutorial Services
Advising
The Academic and Career Advising Center supports students' pursuit of educational goals. Academic & Career Advising Center
Mentoring
Peer academic support through Retention Through Academic Mentoring Program (RAMP). RAMP Program
Registration
The Office of the Registrar can guide you through all your registration information.
Counseling
The Counseling & Psychological Services Center supports the wellbeing of students. Counseling & Psychological Services