Time Schedule:
Robert Joseph Turner
BIS 314
Bothell Campus
Topics/areas of study may include: cultural geography, physical geography, geography of globalization.
Class description
Environmental Geography investigates geographic variability in the interplay between people and natural systems. The focus of this course is on the development of extreme events (volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.) and our response to them. Why are certain regions prone to specific natural hazards? How can culture turn natural environmental variability into a disaster? A fundamental goal of the course is to assess the value of a taking an interdisciplinary approach in the study of natural hazards.
Student learning goals
Characterize the earth processes driving the genesis, geographic distribution, frequency, and magnitude of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and floods.
Assess the impacts of natural hazards on natural and human systems.
Evaluate the influence of culture and socioeconomics on a society’s vulnerability and response to natural hazards.
Apply geographic techniques in the analysis of environmental variability. This will include becoming adept at reading, interpreting, and creating maps; reading and interpreting air photos; and reading, interpreting, and creating graphs and charts.
Demonstrate facility in working with a partner in a research collaboration by producing quality work on time
Articulate how they have improved in their ability to conduct research, write abstracts, format a bibliography, and design a research poster.
General method of instruction
This course will feature a blend of lecture, lab, and seminar type formats.
Recommended preparation
Have an interest in the planet and our relationship with it. Be prepared to interact in class.
Class assignments and grading
Students will be required to do daily reading assignments, participate in discussions, submit lab and homework assignments, and prepare and present a research poster. Most of these assignments will be done in collaboration with a partner or small group.
Mechanisms for evaluating your learning and their relative weight in determining your grade will include homework/lab assignments (~35%), 2 exams (~25%), a research poster (~33%), and participation (~7%).
