Date Topic Reading
9, 10 Sept. Course introduction. Earth Systems/Earth origins/Earth structure Ch. 1, 23 (p. 540-546)
11 Earth Structure, continued
12 Geosphere Systems: atoms, bonding, and minerals Ch. 3
15, 16 Properties of minerals; silicates as rock-formers Ch. 3, 4
17, 18, 19 Igneous rocks Ch. 5, 6
22, 23 Geosphere-Hydrosphere-Atmosphere-Biosphere Interactions: weathering reactions and weathering products Ch. 7
24, 25 Geosphere Systems: Sedimentary rocks and features Ch. 8
26, 29 Metamorphic rocks Ch. 9
30 Geologic time Ch. 10; text endpapers
1 Oct. Geologic time Ch. 10; text endpapers

2 Oct. Test 1: Material covered 9 - 29 September plus Lab 1.

3, 6 Folds, faults, and Geosphere deformation Ch. 11
7 Geosphere-Hydrosphere-Atmosphere-Biosphere Interactions: Mass Wasting Ch. 12
8, 9 Hydrosphere Systems: Groundwater Ch. 13
10, 13, 14 Hydrosphere Systems: Running water and landform evolution Ch. 14, 18
15, 20 Hydrosphere-Atmosphere Systems: Deserts Ch. 15
16, 17 No Class---> Fall Break
21, 22, 23 Glaciers and the work of ice Ch. 16
24, 27 Hydrosphere Systems: Oceanography and shoreline development Ch. 17
28, 29 Geosphere Systems: Earthquakes and seismic activity Ch. 19, 21

30 Oct. Test 2: Material covered 1 - 27 October plus Lab 2.

31 No Class--->Gone Field Tripping
3, 4, 5Nov. Plate tectonics Ch. 2, 20
6 Student Presentation #1. Earth resources and the human impact: energy Ch. 22
7 Earth resources and the human impact: energy Ch. 22
10 Student Presentation #2. Earth resources and the human impact: energy Ch. 22
11 Earth resources and the human impact: minerals Ch. 22
12 Student Presentations #3. Earth resources and the human impact: minerals Ch. 22
13 Earth resources and the human impact: minerals Ch. 22
14 Student Presentations #4. Earth resources and the human impact: soil, water Ch. 23
17, 18 Earth resources and the human impact: soil, water Ch. 23

19 Nov. Test 3: Material covered 23 October - 14 November plus Lab 3.

20 Student Presentations #5. Earth resources and the human impact: water, air Ch. 23
21 Earth resources and the human impact: water, air
22-30 No Class--->Thanksgiving Holiday
1, 2 Dec Topics on water and air, continued Ch. 23
3, 4, 5 Planet under stress/Solutions/Eco-Cottage field trip Ch. 23

8 Dec. Final Exam: 2:30-5:00 PM (Monday). Material covered 17 Nov.-5 Dec. plus Lab 4.

Objectives: 1) To engage students in the scientific method as applied to Earth; 2) To promote an understanding of Earth materials and their uses; 3) To promote an understanding of Earth systems/processes and their interactions, including human-Earth interactions.
Evaluation: Tests - 22% each; laboratory material will be incorporated into the lecture tests as noted above; 12% - student presentations (more details to come). Grading scale: 10 point scale, 90-100 = A etc. Academic Integrity: "Rather fail with honor than succeed with fraud." -Sophocles Students are expected to abide by the principles of integrity for Furman outlined in the booklet Plagarism and Academic Integrity. Cheating on an exam or paper will result in a grade of zero. Serious or repeated offenses may result in an F in the course. Attendance policy: Three unexcused absences maximum; thereafter, grade will be reduced part of a letter grade (for example, B- to C+) for additional absence. If you must be absent please consult me in advance. Students with disabilities who need academic accommodations should contact Ms. Susan Clark, Coordinator of Disability Services (x2322). After meeting with her please see me to discuss any special needs.