GEOG 1503 - Physical Geography
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 41519,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Melissa Phillips
Email: mcphillips@ysu.edu
Course Description
1503. Physical Geography. An introductory analysis of selected elements of the natural habitat and their geographic distribution. Includes processes involved in weather, climates, soils, vegetation, and landforms. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| McKnight's Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation | Darrel Hess; Redina Finch; Dennis G. Tasa | 9780135800089 |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Chapter 1 Chapter 2 |
Syllabus Lecture 1 : The Earth Lecture 2: Earth Geography |
Discussion 1 (not graded) Quiz 1: week 1 |
| 8/31 | Chapter 3 Chapter 4 |
Lecture 3: The Atmosphere Lecture 4: Insolation & Temperature |
Discussion 2** |
| 9/7 | Chapter 5 | Lecture 5: Pressure & Wind | Quiz 2: weeks 2 & 3 |
| 9/14 | Chapter 6 | Lecture 6: Atmospheric Moisture | Discussion 3** |
| 9/21 | Chapter 7 | Lecture 7: Air Masses & Cyclones | Quiz 3: weeks 4 & 5 |
| 9/28 | Chapter 8 | Lecture 8: Climate | Midterm Preparation |
| 10/5 | Chapter 9 | Lecture 9: The Hydrosphere | Midterm: weeks 1 - 7 |
| 10/12 | Chapter 10 Chapter 11 |
Lecture 10: The Biosphere Lecture 11: Flora & Fauna |
None |
| 10/19 | Chapter 12 | Lecture 12: Soils | Quiz 4: weeks 8 & 9 |
| 10/26 | Chapter 13 Chapter 14 |
Lecture 13: Landforms Lecture 14: Tectonics |
Discussion 4** |
| 11/2 | Chapter 15 | Lecture 15: Weathering & Mass Wasting | Quiz 5: weeks 10 & 11 |
| 11/9 | Chapter 16 Chapter 17 |
Lecture 16: Fluvial Processes Lecture 17: Dissolution & Hydrothermals |
Discussion 5** |
| 11/16 | Chapter 18 | Lecture 18: Arid Lands | Quiz 6: weeks 12 & 13 |
| 11/23 | Chapter 19 Chapter 20 |
Lecture 19: Glaciers Lecture 20: Coastal Topography |
Quiz 7: week 14 |
| 11/30 | None | None | Final Preparation |
| 12/7 | Good luck during finals week! | Don't skip sleep! | Final: weeks 8 - 14 Due: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11TH 11:59 PM |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.