Our Dynamic Planet

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

After completion of GES 108, students will be able to:

• Examine the physical processes governing the ways in which atmospheric, geological, and biophysical systems impact human societies.

• Analyze the causes and consequences of human impacts on Earth systems at local, regional, and global scales.

• Demonstrate how physical processes vary spatially and temporally.

In the context of natural sciences, critical thinking means explaining, predicting, and reasoning about the behavior of natural systems, or the outcomes of observations or measurements, using arguments based on established scientific principles and models. In the context of natural sciences, inquiry means developing, deepening, refining, or extending concepts, principles, and models to explain natural systems, based on empirical observations.

Upon successful completion of this critical thinking and inquiry in the natural sciences course, students will:

1. Critically analyze claims, arguments, artifacts, or information.

2. Construct coherent, evidence-based arguments.

SLO 1 will be assessed through exams and quizzes, responses to in and outside-of-class discussion questions, exercises on interactive digital learning platforms, and outside of the classroom field experiences.

SLO 2 will be assessed through exams and quizzes, responses to in and outside-of-class discussion questions, exercises on interactive digital learning platforms, and outside of the classroom field experiences.

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate, and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Midterm Exam	20%
Final Exam	20%
Homework	25%
Discussions	15%
Attendance	10%
Writing Assignment	10%

Grading Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade
60-62%	D-
63-67%	D
68-69%	D+
70-72%	C-
73-77%	C
78-79%	C+
80-82%	B-
83-87%	B
88-89%	B+
90-92%	A-
93-100%	A

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance will be randomly checked at 10 points throughout the semester. These random checks will count for 10% of your overall grade. Since I understand that life can sometimes get in the way, each student will be granted 2 freebie days, which will not count against you for the attendance portion of your grade. After using your freebie days, any additional missed classes will impact your attendance score.

You do not have to email me if you miss a class.

Please note that these random attendance checks are designed to encourage consistent participation throughout the course.

Additionally, I expect all students to refrain from using their phones during class unless otherwise instructed. If I see you using your phone during class, you will be asked to leave immediately, and you will forfeit any opportunity to earn attendance-based extra credit for that session. Phone use is distracting not only to you but also to those around you. Please ensure your devices are silenced and put away to maintain a focused and respectful learning environment. Active participation and attention are key to making the most of our class sessions.

If I have to repeatedly ask you to put your phone away during class, you will be withdrawn from the course.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

You are required to use the ebook version of the Gervais Living Physical Geography with Achieve (ISBN: 9781319374631). The reason you need this version is because there are mandatory quizzes and homework you will complete with Achieve. You do not need a hard-copy version of the textbook but can purchase one if desired.