GEOG 118: Physical Geography

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
District General Education: B2. Natural Sciences - Physical Sciences
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

A survey of the basic elements of physical geography including maps, seasons, weather, climate, soils, natural vegetation, internal and external geologic processes, land forms, and their relationships and distribution across the face of the earth. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • describe the nature of the earth and recognize its place in the universe
  • compare current theories concerning the origin of the planet
  • identify and compare geologic features
  • identify and compare meteorological phenomena
  • read a topological map
  • understand the dangers of severe weather
  • explain the relationship between internal and external processes of the Earth

Major Course Content

  1. Maps
    1. Map Basics
      1. Scales
      2. Georeference Systems
    2. Map projections
      1. Equivalence vs. Conformity
      2. Cylindrical vs Conic vs Polar
    3. Topographic maps
      1. Symbols
      2. Contour Lines
      3. Reading USGS Topos
  2. Meteorology
    1. Atmospheric Composition
      1. Naturally occuring gases and particles
      2. Anthropogenic gases and particles
    2. Solar radiation
      1. Short wave vs Long wave
      2. Variation
    3. Air temperatures
      1. Physical properties
      2. Variation causes
      3. Relationship to Humidity
    4. Air pressure and winds
      1. Driving forces
      2. Reading barometric maps
    5. Clouds and precipitation
      1. Cloud types
      2. Precipitation types
    6. Storms
      1. Thunderstorms
      2. Hurricanes
      3. Tornados
      4. Impact on Humans
  3. Climatology
    1. Equatorial
    2. Tropical
    3. Climatic regimes
    4. Middle latitude
    5. Polar and arctic
  4. Internal Processes
    1. Plate Tectonics
      1. Development of modern theory
      2. Plate boundary types and locations
    2. Volcanism
      1. Types of volcanoes
      2. Other volcanic activity
      3. Ejected materials
        1. liquid/magma/lava
        2. gases
        3. solids
      4. Impact on Humans
    3. Earthquakes
      1. P & S waves
      2. Magnitude Scales
      3. Impact on Humans
  5. Hydrology
    1. Surface Water
      1. Fluvial Surface features
      2. Water quality & human impact
    2. Sub-surface Water
      1. Aquifer types
      2. Anthropogenic Groundwater contamination
  6. Geomorphology - Description and formation of various surface features
    1. Glacial
    2. Karst & Cave
    3. Desert
    4. Coastal

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Geography internet sources Scholarly geography journals

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

3-4 page paper or 20-slide PowerPoint presentation on a natural disaster.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Assess geologic hazards and personal preparedness around your house/city.
Assess climate conditions around the globe to find desirable alternative places to live.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture

IGETC Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences

5A. Physical Science