Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for GEO 110 archive revision 201704

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Effective Term:
Fall 2017

Course Number:
GEO 110
Course Title:
The Natural Environment
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Focuses on natural processes that create physical diversity on the Earth. Analyzes global impact of environmental events, by holistically examining Earth's system. Includes energy, air, water, weather and climate, soils, vegetation, ecosystems, biomes, and landforms, as well as their distribution and significance. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

The course is valuable for students seeking to understand the varied and complex physical environments of the Earth.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • Use climate graphs, diagrams and maps to understand physical processes and characteristics of the Earth’s atmosphere and climate.

  • Identify diverse landforms on the Earth’s surface by examining the landform processes and evolution.

  • Use knowledge of the Earth’s physical geography, and the interrelationships between atmospheric temperature, pressure, wind, precipitation, air masses, fronts and disturbances, to analyze climate change.
  • Use a methodological framework to analyze the interrelationship between human culture and the physical environment.

Social Inquiry and Analysis

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to apply methods of inquiry and analysis to examine social contexts and the diversity of human thought and experience.

Course Activities and Design

Course activities and design will include some or all of the following: quizzes, essays, small and large group discussions, in class activities, and case studies. 

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of themes, concepts, issues, competencies and skills by any combination of the following:

  • In-class discussions
  • Exams and quizzes
  • Class labs and assignments
  • Literature reviews
  • Research projects

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes, concepts, Issues:

  • Energy, Atmospheric System
  • Water, Weather, and Climate Systems
  • The Earth-Atmosphere Interface
  • Solis, Ecosystems, and Biomes