Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Earth's Natural Environments: Physical Geography (Online)

GEOG 1000-30I

Course: GEOG 1000-30I
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Geosciences
CRN: 32437

Course Description

A geographic analysis of the processes and distributions of the elements that shape Earth’s dynamic natural environments. An Earth systems approach is used to highlight the interconnections between the atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere. 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)] General Education Category: Physical Sciences

Required Texts

RECOMMENDED Textbook:
Gervais, Bruce (2019) Living Physical Geography. Macmillan. ISBN: 9781319056889 (Paperback) ISBN: 9781319135034 (E-book)
NOTE: the 1st edition is OK and cheaper, and there is a copy of the 2nd edition in the library.

Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Students will be assessed based on how well they achieve the following course learning outcomes.
  1. Define Geography and Physical Geography.
  2. Explain the processes that shape the physical landscape and how they affect life on earth.
  3. Demonstrate how to use and interpret maps and location systems (e.g., GPS).
  4. Describe characteristics and processes of the atmosphere, climate, and physical landscape.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the distribution of organisms and their natural environments.

Knowledge Area Learning Outcomes

This course fulfills General Education course requirements for the Physical Sciences Knowledge Area. Students will be assessed based on how well they achieve the following learning outcomes.
  1. Explain science as a process and as a way of understanding the physical world; 
  2. Demonstrate understanding of matter, energy, and their influence on physical systems; 
  3. Evaluate the credibility of various sources of information about science related issues; and 
  4. Describe how the Physical Sciences utilize their foundational principles to confront and solve pressing local and global challenges, shaping historical, ethical, or social landscapes in the process.

Essential Learning Outcomes 

Students will be assessed based on how well they achieve the following essential learning outcomes.
  1. 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.
  2. Problem Solving: Students design, evaluate, and implement strategies to answer open-ended questions or achieve a desired goal.

Course Requirements

PARTICIPATION: Each module includes summary page with a screencast video lecture with questions embedded within it. Students are expected to watch the video lecture and answer the questions. Only the best 10 of 12 grades will be used to calculate each student’s final participation grade.
QUIZZES: Each module includes a quiz to reinforce the course material that was covered in the module. Quizzes are open-book format and consist of multiple-choice and a few short-answer questions. Only the best 10 of 12 grades will be used to calculate each student’s final grade on the quizzes.
TESTS: Two tests will be administered throughout the semester (see the Proposed Schedule for dates of each test) using an “open-book format” (i.e., you can use the textbook, the library, etc.) to answer only 1 “short-essay” question on each test. Tests will be available on Canvas for 7 days.
ASSIGNMENTS: Assignments are designed to allow students to “do” geography by investigating course material using geographic tools and reasoning, which provide students with opportunities to develop their knowledge, attitudes, and skills insofar as research, technology, and communication. 

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS: 
(A) Optional Syllabus Quiz: Students will earn 1 extra-credit point toward their final grade if they correctly answer 10-questions about the course syllabus (students may need to refer to both versions of the syllabus; the one Canvas and this pdf version). 
(B) Optional Empathy Survey: Students will earn 1 extra-credit point toward their final grade if they anonymously and honestly complete a 28-question survey. 
(C) Optional Mid-Semester Feedback: Students will earn 1 extra-credit point toward their final grade if they honestly and fairly complete a 13-question survey about their experience with the course.

Course Outline

| MODULE | DATE | LECTURE TOPICS | READINGS
| 1 | Wed-Sep-02 | Course Format, Expectations, and Overview | Canvas/Syllabus
| 1 | Fri- Sep-04 | The Geographer’s Toolkit | Chapter 1
| -- | Mon-Sep-07 | NO CLASS – Labor Day | --
| 1 | Wed-Sep-09 | The Geographer’s Toolkit | Chapter 1
| -- | Fri-Sep-11 | DATA COLLECTION – Sit & Sense Project – OUTSIDE | --
| 1 | Mon-Sep-14 | The Geographer’s Toolkit | Chapter 1
| 2 | Wed-Sep-16 | Portrait of the Atmosphere  | Chapter 2
| 2 | Fri-Sep-18 | Portrait of the Atmosphere  | Chapter 2
| 2 | Mon-Sep-21 | Solar Energy and Solar Power | Chapter 3
| -- | Wed-Sep-23 | DATA COLLECTION – Urban Heat Island Mapping | --
| 3 | Fri-Sep-25 | Water in the Atmosphere | Chapter 4
| 3 | Mon-Sep-28 | Atmospheric Circulation and Wind Systems | Chapter 5
| 3 | Wed- Sep-30 | The Changing Climate | Chapter 7
| 4 | Fri-Oct-02 | Patterns of Life: Biogeography | Chapter 8
| 4 | Mon-Oct-05 | Patterns of Life: Biogeography | Chapter 8
| 4 | Wed-Oct-07 | Patterns of Life: Biogeography | Chapter 8
| -- | Fri-Oct-09 | DATA COLLECTION – Biogeography | --
| 5 | Mon-Oct-12 | Ocean Ecosystems | Chapter 10
| 5 | Wed-Oct-14 | Ocean Ecosystems | Chapter 10
| 5 | Fri-Oct-16 | Ocean Ecosystems | Chapter 10
| -- | Mon-Oct-19 | NO CLASS – Fall Break | --
| -- | Wed-Oct-21 | NO CLASS – I am Away at a Conference | --
| -- | Fri-Oct-23 | NO CLASS – I am Away at a Conference | --
| 6 | Mon-Oct-26 | Soil and Water Resources | Chapter 11
| 6 | Wed-Oct-28 | DATA ANALYSIS – Soil Texture | --
| 6 | Fri-Oct-30 | Soil and Water Resources | Chapter 11
| 6 | Mon-Nov-02 | Soil and Water Resources | Chapter 11
| -- | Wed-Nov-04 | DATA COLLECTION – Soundscape | --
| -- | Fri-Nov-06 | NO CLASS – I am Away at a Conference | --
| 7 | Mon-Nov-09 | Weathering and Mass Movement | Chapter 16
| 7 | Wed-Nov-11 | Weathering and Mass Movement | Chapter 16
| 7 | Fri-Nov-13 | DATA COLLECTION – Weathering on SUU’s Campus | --
| 8 | Mon-Nov-16 | Flowing Water: Fluvial Systems | Chapter 17
| 8 | Wed-Nov-18 | Flowing Water: Fluvial Systems | Chapter 17
| 9 | Fri-Nov-20 | The Work of Ice: The Cryosphere  | Chapter 18
| -- | Mon-Nov-23 | NO CLASS – Thanksgiving Break | --
| -- | Wed- Nov-25 | NO CLASS – Thanksgiving Break | --
| -- | Fri- Nov-27 | NO CLASS – Thanksgiving Break | --
| 9 | Mon- Nov-30 | The Work of Ice: The Cryosphere  | Chapter 18
| 10 | Wed-Dec-02 | Water, Wind, and Time: Desert Landforms | Chapter 19
| 10 | Fri-Dec-04 | Water, Wind, and Time: Desert Landforms | Chapter 19
| 11 | Mon-Dec-07 | The Work of Waves: Coastal Landforms | Chapter 20
| 11 | Wed-Dec-09 | The Work of Waves: Coastal Landforms | Chapter 20
| -- | Fri-Dec-11 | DATA COLLECTION – Sit & Sense Project – INSIDE | --
| 12 | Thur-Dec-17 | Final Exam – In-Person (Ch. 1 - 8, 10, 11, & 16 thru 20) | 9:00-10:50 am

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

LATE ASSIGNMENT POLICY: Late assignments are accepted at the sole discretion of the instructor. If accepted, they may be penalized up to 10% per day and return time may be severely impacted.

MAKEUP POLICY
: Technical difficulties are not acceptable excuses for missing due dates for quizzes, tests, and tasks unless the school or regional network is down for a prolonged period. If you encounter technical difficulties when taking a test, please contact me directly. If you experience a prolonged absence from school due to illness or personal situation, please let me know.

Attendance Policy

It is the responsibility of the student to arrange with the instructor an opportunity to complete missed material during excused absences (SUU Policy #6.30).

Course Fees

3 Credit(s) | $40.50 Fee

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.