Geol 101
Introduction to Geology Online
Summer 2023
Ticket # 1219
Embedded Files
About the course
About the course
Earth is our life support system, a dynamic and changing planet that presents both natural hazards as well as many resources upon which we depend for our survival.
Understanding our dependence on this planet as well as the causes for natural disaster can help us formulate the best response to sustain life on Earth.
Studying geology reveals how we are all connected in an intricate web of material and energy flows.
It is a science that draws from many disciplines, including geography, chemistry, physics, and biology (among others).
Catalog Statement:
GEOL 101 is an introduction to the principles of geology with emphasis on Earth processes. This course focuses on the internal structure and origin of the Earth and the processes that change and shape its surface.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
Discuss the theory of plate tectonics.
Discuss current basic understanding of earthquakes, including how they are measured, local issues concerning earthquake risk, and the relationship of seismic activity to faults and tectonic plate boundaries.
Demonstrate an understanding of how geological environments are formed, changed, and eroded through time.
Demonstrate an ability to communicate complex course concepts effectively in writing and diagrams and apply critical thinking and problem solving to make informed decisions in life.
List and briefly discuss the evidence behind the theory of plate tectonics.
Discuss why melting occurs inside the Earth, its relationship to volcanoes, and geographic locations where volcanoes occur.
Discuss uniformitarianism in the context of a scientific view of Earth’s history.
Implement basic skills to interpret timing relationships between rock units.
Discuss the rock cycle and describe the classification of rocks in some detail.
Describe processes that shape the Earth’s surface.
Discuss mineral and water resources.
Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of fundamental concepts, principles, and interactions of Earth’s systems applicable to the geological sciences.
Your fully online class
Your fully online class
This is a FULLY ONLINE 5-week, asynchronous course that runs from Mon. July 24th to Fri. Aug. 25th.
Class will be conducted through Canvas. We will not meet on campus for any reason.
Asynchronous means you are not required to log on at any specific time for this class. You may complete the assignments on your own schedule provided you adhere to posted due dates.
Open Zoom Hours will be held synchronously, in real-time via Zoom
Please refer to "Important Dates" for Add/Drop and Withdrawal Deadlines
How to contact me
How to contact me
Message me through Canvas Inbox Phone (Call or text): (657) 667-3423
On-campus office: CR-142 (Link to GCC campus map)
Zoom room: To be provided on Canvas or by request
In-person Open Office Hours : TBD Or by appointment - Book on Calendly
Blog: All Who Wander the Earth
Social Media: Facebook GoodReads Twitter Instagram Pinterest TikTok
What are Open Zoom Hours? Why should I visit?
What are Open Zoom Hours? Why should I visit?
Every week I set aside a certain amount of time to visit with students one-on-one or in small groups via Zoom (link available through Canvas). This is YOUR time, not mine. There are lots of good reasons to come to office hours. Here are just a few:
If you are confused or stuck, I can help guide you toward clarity.
If you are curious about a topic and want to know more, we can find out together.
If you are anxious about your performance, I can help you develop an action plan to help you achieve the goals you've set.
If you’re not sure how to study or what’s expected from an assignment, please come see me.
Reading Materials
Reading Materials
Required Readings
Required Readings
The following texts may be accessed freely online. You may also download and request a printed copy from a local print shop:
Earle, Steven. Physical Geology. LibreTexts(CC/BY), Published under creative commons license and freely available for download.
Additional readings will be provided through Canvas.
The following texts are useful guides to the study of geology.
The following texts are useful guides to the study of geology.
OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENTAL TEXTS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE OR RENTAL
Tarbuck, Edward J., Lutgens, Frederick K. Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, 13th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2014. Print and/or eText. 12th Grade Reading Level. ISBN 978032181 3930 .
What will we learn?
What will we learn?
This course emphasizes the processes that have shaped Earth, from the inside out. Together we will cultivate a sense of deep time and develop our scientific reasoning as we apply the principle of uniformitarianism to understand why the "present is the key to the past."
Week #1: Online course orientation. Review the scientific method and its application to geology. Examine evidence of Earth's internal structure and describes the link between plate tectonics, seismicity, volcanism/magmatism, and the rock cycle. Introduction to minerals and Bowen's Reaction series.
Week #2: Examine how the properties of molten rock affect its behavior in the formation of different types of volcanoes and igneous rocks. Classify igneous rocks based on their compositional and textural components.
Week #3: Describe how tectonic processes give rise to orogenesis and regional metamorphism. Fit Earth's major orogenic events into context using the geologic time scale. Become familiar with different grades of metamorphism to help classify metamorphic rocks.
Week #4: Examine the role of surface processes of weathering and erosion on the formation of sedimentary rocks. Learn how to describe and classify sedimentary rocks and interpret the depositional environment in which they formed.
Week #5: Study paleoclimatology and examine the geologic evidence for climate change, including glacial and inter-glacial periods in Earth's history. Compare Earth's geology with other planets in our solar system.
*Final assessment will consist primarily of short answer questions, which will be made available one week prior to exam. In addition, there may be multiple-choice, true/false, matching, and/or fill-in-the-bank type questions.
Support for YOU!
Support for YOU!
What's my role?
What's my role?
I am your guide to the Earth and her oceans. I am your captain and your cheerleader. I am here to support you.
Canvas Assistance
Canvas Assistance
We will use Canvas as our online classroom.
If you are unable to log in, please let me know ASAP so we can work together to get you in. Remember, nobody gets left overboard in this class!
Are you new to Canvas? Need technical support?
Are you new to Canvas? Need technical support?
Check out the resources Distance Education offers!
Just click the link and scroll down below the log-in portal to find tutorial to help you get oriented.
You can get LIVE Canvas support Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. or call the Canvas support line to get help 24/7 around the clock: 1-844-600-4951
Are you a Dreamer? A Black scholar? A veteran? Foster youth? Need money or food?...
Are you a Dreamer? A Black scholar? A veteran? Foster youth? Need money or food?...
Whoever you are and whatever you need, GCC's got your back!
I feel so lucky to be a part of the GCC community because it is like a family - we all look out for each other.
Here is a list of resources to help you find the help you need!
If you DON'T find what you need, please hit me up and I will do what I can. Remember, I am one of many who support you.
Our Agreements
Our Agreements
What you can expect from me:
What you can expect from me:
What I will expect from you
What I will expect from you
I will post materials in a timely fashion (at least 5 days before due dates).
I will provide timely feedback (within 72 hrs).
I will support your intellectual and academic growth.
I will provide special accommodations.
I will help you succeed.
You will make your best effort to meet due dates and communicate regularly.
You will commit time to review materials and seek answers to your questions.
You will preserve your academic integrity.
You will tell me how I can support you
You will be aware of your rights & responsibilities
Policies
Policies
I trust that you will devote the time necessary to do the assigned work to the best of your ability. This includes:
giving appropriate credit to outside sources that you may have consulted or "borrowed from" in the completion of your work
adhering to the expectations outlined in each assignment, whether a group project that invites collaboration or an exam that you would complete individually
reaching out to me for additional clarification if you're unsure about expectations or if you would like feedback about how best to cite sources
- Attendance:
Because this is an online class, your attendance is recorded based on your participation in and completion of assigned work.
Please plan to complete the THREE check-in assignments by Thursday July 27th in order to stay enrolled in the class. If you don't I will reach out to you to give you a second chance to get on board. If these assignments are not completed by Sun. July 30th you will be dropped from the class.
I understand that life happens and sometimes you may not be able to complete your work on time. If this happens to you, please reach out and let me know how I can support you. I don't want you to fall behind, but if you miss more than a week of assignments, it will become more difficult to catch up.
If you do fall behind and feel it would be best to drop the class, it may be helpful to know your rights & responsibilities and to understand the refund policy.
- Classroom community:
Everyone has a shared responsibility to ensure that the classroom is a safe place to support learning. To help preserve this sense of online safety, let's all agree to abide by the rules of netiquette.
- Communication:
Students are always welcome to reach out to me. I will respond to electronic communication within 24 hours during weekdays and up to 48 hours during weekends. If you do not hear back, then chances are the message was not delivered and you should verify my email address and re-send . Confidential information such as grades can only be communicated through your official student email account. Please use this account for confidential correspondence.
- Disability Accommodations:
Any students with disabilities are encouraged to contact me. Assistance is available on campus to facilitate reasonable accommodations through the Center for Students with Disabilities. They can be reached at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5905
- Drop Policy:
If you are thinking of dropping the class, please reach out. It may be possible to find a way to bring you back on board so that you don't have to leave the class. But if you decide you no longer wish to be enrolled, it is the YOUR responsibility to drop the class. I will not drop you.
Admissions & Records publishes the Add/Drop deadlines.
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