GEOG 1503 - Physical Geography
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 06, CRN 41836,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Dawna Cerney
Email: dlcerney@ysu.edu
Course Description
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This course is a systematic study of the various elements that make up the Earth’s physical environment - weather and climate, biota, soil, and landforms. The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of the study of physical geography, the complexity of earth systems, and recognition of the human relationships to those systems. It focuses on the mechanisms of matter and energy transfer through and among the earth systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere) and is concerned with the natural processes that interact to produce the earth’s physical environments. Emphasis will be on the processes within the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
The intent of this course is to provide insight into scientific explanations of the Earth and its physical features. The course presents science-based frameworks and evidence used within the discipline of geography. The instructor does not seek to challenge personal beliefs or alternative ways of understanding the Earth, nor to persuade students that scientific explanations are the only valid perspectives.
“The (Geography) Degree helps develop a whole range of employability skills including numeracy, teamwork through regular field trips, analytical skills in the lag and a certain technical savviness through using various specialist computing applications. Also, the subject area in itself cultivates sensitivity. Those all potentially help a geographer to stand out in the labor market.” (White 2010)
“Moreover, a national 2018 survey of employers found that only around 40 percent say that recent college graduates exhibit professionalism, a good work ethic, and have decent oral and written communication, and only 33 percent say that recent graduates possess leadership skills. This is particularly concerning given that soft skills and their combination with technical skills are becoming more important than ever.” (Christos Makridis, 2020)
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | McKnight’s Physical Geography Edition: 13th | Hess, Darrel / Tasa, Dennis G. | 9780135800089 |
This book is First Day ready
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 | McKnight’s Physical Geography - Chapter 1 | Module 1: Introduction to the Earth | No items due - prepare for Syllabus Quiz test 1, and Mini Module 1 |
| 8/31 | McKnight’s Physical Geography - Chapter 2 | Module 1: Introduction to the Atmosphere | Mini Module Assignment 1 Due – September 2, 11:59.60pm Syllabus Quiz – September 4, 11.59.60 pm Test 1 Due – September 5, 11.59.60 pm |
| 9/7 | McKnight’s Physical Geography - Chapter 3 | Module 2: Insolation and Temperature | Mini Module Assignment 2 Due – September 9 11:59.60pm |
| 9/14 | McKnight’s Physical Geography - Chapter 5 | Module 2: Atmospheric Pressure and Winds | Assignment 1 Due: September 18 11:59.60pm Test 2 Due – September 19, 11.59.60 pm |
| 9/21 | McKnight’s Physical Geography - Chapter 6 | Module 3: Atmospheric Moisture | Mini Module Assignment 3 Due – September 24, 11:59.60pm |
| 9/28 | McKnight’s Physical Geography - Chapter 7 | Module 3: Atmospheric Disturbances | Assignment 2 Due – October 2, 11:59.60pm Test 3 Due – October 3, 11.59.60 pm |
| 10/5 | McKnight’s Physical Geography - Chapter 8 | Module 4: Climates | Mini Module Assignment 4 Due – October 7 11:59.60pm |
| 10/12 | McKnight’s Physical Geography - Chapter 9 | Module 4: Hydrosphere | Test 4 Due – October 17, 11.59.60 pm |
| 10/19 | McKnight’s Physical Geography - Chapters 10, 11 | Module 5: Biogeography | Mini Module Assignment 5 Due – October 21, 11:59.60pm |
| 10/26 | McKnight’s Physical Geography - Chapter 13 | Module 5: Landforms | Assignment 3 Due – October 30, 11:59.60pm Test 5 Due – October 31, 11.59.60 pm |
| 11/2 | McKnight’s Physical Geography - Chapter 14 | Module 6 Earth Internal Processes | Mini Module Assignment 6 – November 4 11:59.60pm |
| 11/9 | McKnight’s Physical Geography - Chapters 15 | Module 6: Weathering and MassWasting | Assignment 4 Due – November 13, 11:59.60pm Test 6 Due – November 14, 11.59.60 pm |
| 11/16 | McKnight’s Physical Geography 16 | Module 7: Fluvial Processes | No assessments due. Prepare for Mini Module Assignment |
| 11/23 | McKnight’s Physical Geography - Chapter 18 | Module 7: Arid Lands | Mini Module Assignment 7 Due – November 25 11:59.60pm |
| 11/30 | McKnight’s Physical Geography - Chapter 20 | Module 7: Glacial Modification | Test 7 Due – December 5, 11.59.60 pm |
| 12/7 | No readings | Final Exam Week | Any excused pre-arranged makeup tests are scheduled |
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.