Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

How the Earth Works

GEO 1090-31I

Course: GEO 1090-31I
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: GEOS
CRN: 31251

Course Description

A General Education course. This course provides a study of the origin of earth materials and their interactions with the processes that function within the Earth and at its surface. Three (3) lectures per week. A minimum grade of "C" (2.0 or above) must be earned in this course before it can be counted in a Geosciences major or minor or as a prerequisite for any other course. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll General Education Category: Physical Sciences

Required Texts

The required textbook for this course is Essentials of Geology by Lutgens & Tarbuck, 13th Edition, Prentice-Hall (ISBN 9780137485116). The eText can be purchased and accessed directly within the Canvas course under the VitalSource Course Materials. For step-by-step instructions, refer to this guide to ensure you have the correct materials ready for class.

Learning Outcomes


Essential Learning Outcomes:


Inquiry & Analysis
: Inquiry: Students systematically explore issues, objects or works through the collection and analysis of evidence that results in informed conclusions or judgments. Analysis: Students break complex topics or issues into parts to gain a better understanding of them


Problem solving:
Students design, evaluate, and implement strategies to answer open-ended questions or achieve a desired goal.


General Education (Physical Science) Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of science as a way of knowing about the physical world;
  2. Demonstrate understanding of forces in the physical world; Discuss the flow of matter and energy through systems (in large and small scales);
  3. Develop evidence-based arguments regarding the effect of human activity on the Earth;
  4. Describe how the physical sciences have shaped and been shaped by historical, ethical, and social contexts.

Additional Outcomes:


By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Have an understanding of basic geological vocabulary
  2. explain the geologic time scale;
  3. describe the theory of plate tectonics including the 3 types of plate boundaries and the geologic features associated with the boundaries;
  4. identify the 3 categories of rocks, classify rocks within the categories, and sketch the pathways within the rock cycle;
  5. describe the  main types of volcanoes and provide examples of each;
  6. explain weathering, mass wasting, and erosion;
  7. understand the importance of geology in everyday life
  8. describe faults and folds and mountain-building processes;

Course Requirements

Module Overviews (10% of total grade)


The first assignment in each module contains an overview with critical reading assignments, videos, helpful diagrams, and review questions. Participation and engagement within these overviews is graded.

Module Questions (5% of total grade)


Each module contains an open forum for questions about geologic concepts from the module. This will give you the opportunity to reflect and dig deeper into these topics. 

Quizzes and Assignments (50% of total grade)


There will be 7 quizzes on chapter reading assignments. The first 6 quizzes will be on the 2 assigned reading chapters that you will cover each module. These quizzes are each 15 questions. The 7th quiz will be cumulative with 33 questions and will contain questions from throughout the entire course. Quizzes are timed with 3 minutes per question. Quizzes are open book and open notes. Be sure to review the chapters, chapter notes, and videos before taking the quiz. You are not allowed to retake quizzes.


There are also 6 assignments that relate to key objectives from most modules. You are allowed to resubmit assignments that were originally submitted on time based on feedback. 

Course Project (35% of total grade)


For the course project we will use the mock scenario that you have been hired as a geology interpreter at your favorite national park. As a geology interpreter your job with the park is to communicate key information about the unique geologic resources of your park to the general public. Your first assignment is to create an informative video for the visitor center that describes and highlights the geologic development of a national park. park. 


Your assignment:

  • 6-10 minute video
  • Describes the overall geologic history/development of the park (see chapters 1.2, 18.5, and 19 for insights into how geologic history works)
  • Highlights unique and diverse geologic features
  • Uses a combination of photos and schematic diagrams to explain the history and features
  • Communicate clearly in an organized and engaging manner to a general audience (no need for jargon unless its defined)
  • Avoids excessive text
  • Include titles and headings

Course Outline


This course examines the geologic processes that contribute to the formation of Earth, its internal structure, and landforms. We will discuss how these processes result in changes at Earth’s surface and how these changes can impact the human population. The course will give important background to better understand Earth's energy resources. This course is designed as an introductory geology course and fulfills the Physical Science general education requirement.


The format of this course requires that you work from the
Modules tab. The modules and their components are placed in the order that allows you to learn and progress in the course. Start at the top of the modules page and work your way down. I have had many students get confused because they were working from the assignments tab instead of the modules tab.  Please do not work from the assignments tab. For example, do not complete an assignment before you have completed the module overview and do not complete the quiz before you have completed the module overview and the assignment. Also remember to keep the due dates listed in mind. 

Module 1: Introduction to Geology
Module 2: Plate Tectonics, Matter, and Minerals
Module 3: Igneous Rocks and Volcanoes
Module 4: Weathering and Sedimentary Rocks
Module 5: Metamorphic Rocks
Module 6: Earthquakes and Crustal Deformation
Module 7: Geologic Time


This is a 3 credit course. This means you can expect around 8-10 hours of work on the course each week that will include reading, watching videos, and completing projects/assignments.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

  • All late work will automatically receive a 5% per day reduction. Work more than 9 days late will be given 50% credit.  All late work needs to be completed before the last day of class. It is your responsibility to review the due dates and submit work before the due date. You may find that assignments and projects take you longer than expected in many cases. Begin early!
  • We understand that some students may be balancing work commitments alongside their coursework. If you anticipate that your job or work hours might prevent you from submitting an assignment on time, it is essential that you inform the instructor in advance. This will allow us to discuss and negotiate any necessary adjustments to deadlines. Without prior notification or negotiation, late assignments will not be accepted. However, if you communicate with the instructor beforehand, we may be able to arrange a more flexible submission time based on the circumstances.
  • Absolutely no late work will be accepted after the last day of class (end of module 7).
  • Your work should be your own. AI generated responses will be given a 0. Work that appears to be done by another student will be given a 0. If there is evidence of you being dishonest about an assignment you have submitted, you will receive a 0 on that assignment. Review the university academic integrity statement.
  • You are responsible for your own learning. As with anything in life your will get out of it what you put into it. Please do your best to take advantage of this learning opportunity. 
  • Remember I am here to help you.

Attendance Policy

Asynchronous Course

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.