GEOG 141 Natural Environment

This course is designed to introduce geographic concepts and major components of the physical environment including landforms, weather patterns, global climates, and global flora and fauna distribution patterns. Students will apply geographic principles, theories, and methods to understand and identify the processes shaping the Earth's surface, including analysis of extreme weather events, human impacts on environmental change, and natural processes found with American national parks.

Credits

4

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Apply geographic analysis skills and scientific methodology to environmental phenomena in order to develop a scientific understanding of the relationship between humans and the natural environment

2. Express appreciation for the diverse natural world in which we live by utilizing a “systems approach” to demonstrate comprehension about natural processes, locations, & regions

3. Communicate a comprehensive understanding of the various natural processes that continually shape landscapes, both locally and abroad

4. Explain principles of scientific theories and processes, distinguishing between empirical and theoretical methods

5. Utilize college-level information literacy skills in written and oral communication through the use of in-class discussions and project-based research

6. Express a scientific appreciation for the depth of natural diversity found across the planet as applicable to an introductory course

7. Apply knowledge and skills to contemporary problems and issues, such as how humans manage landscapes, how we act as stewards for environmental features, or how people address concerns relating to natural hazards