GEOG 140 C, Sec.

OL1, Ian Boles, Cypress College, Spring 2018

GEOG 140 C: Weather & Climate

Cypress College, CRN: 23611
Spring 2018 Syllabus

Instructor: Email: Voicemail:

Mr. Ian R. Boles iboles@cypresscollege.edu (714) 484-7185
ibolescypresscollege@gmail.com

Class Hours: Class Location: Office Hours:

Online Online via Canvas On-campus office hours by
(https://cypresscollege.instructure.com) arrangement only

Course Information

Course Description:
This course is an investigation and interpretation of the earth’s atmosphere and the science behind local and
global surface weather phenomena. Particular emphasis is placed upon the interrelationships between weather
and climate and upon meteorological forecasting techniques. Term hours: 54 lecture. (UC/CSU, CSU GE, IGETC, C-
ID: GEOG 130)

Prerequisites:
None

Type of DE Course:
This second 8-week short-term class meets entirely online. In this fully-online course, students will engage with the
professor and each other at a distance for the duration of the semester. Students will utilize the Canvas course
management system (CMS) to access readings and assignments, to correspond and interact with their fellow
students and the professor, and to monitor their progress and grades.

Instructor’s Course Description:

Students will be introduced to weather & climate through a topical survey of physical atmospheric processes,
including the atmospheric effects of solar energy, atmospheric moisture, extreme weather, climate patterns, and
human effects on the atmosphere and climate.

Geography is more than just maps and globes. It is a lens through which to better understand phenomena that
exist on Earth. Geography informs our critical analysis with a spatial perspective. As such, geography helps us
understand not only “where,” but “why there?”

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will be able to interpret weather maps with 70% accuracy.
2. Students will identify the geographic variables associated with tropical cyclone formation with 70%
accuracy.
3. Students will be able to classify the forms of precipitation with 70% accuracy.
4. Students will distinguish the various layers of the atmosphere by temperature and gaseous content with
70% accuracy.

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GEOG 140 C, Sec. OL1, Ian Boles, Cypress College, Spring 2018

Required Text:
Understanding Weather and Climate, 7th Edition (2015), by Edward Aguado & James E. Burt.

Available in the Cypress College bookstore.

Canvas course management system:

Cypress College Canvas

Supplies:
• Textbook (Understanding Weather and Climate)
• Computer with Internet access
• Access Cypress College’s Canvas course management system

Instructor Information

Name:
Ian Boles

Virtual Office Hours:

Thursday, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Contact Hours (chat, email, etc.):

Monday through Friday, you can expect me to respond to email within 24 hours; anything posted to me after 4:00
P.M. on a Friday will receive a response the following Monday.

Voicemail Number:
(714) 484-7185

Email address:
ibolescypresscollege@gmail.com (preferred)

iboles@cypresscollege.edu (secondary)

Website:
Ian Boles’ Cypress College Faculty Website

Philosophy statement:
My goal as professor is to reach as broad an audience as possible through technology-assisted distance education.
No student should be prohibited from achieving his or her educational goals in 2018. My highest priority is to meet
students where they are in life, and to provide them with the highest-quality geographic education possible.

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GEOG 140 C, Sec. OL1, Ian Boles, Cypress College, Spring 2018

Instructor Initiated Contact:

During the course of each week I will contact you regularly to keep in touch and verify your progress, participation,
and performance. Our contact will be in the form of the following or other similar activities: Group or individual
meetings, orientation and review sessions, supplemental seminar or study sessions, library workshops, telephone
contact, voice mail, email, feedback on your coursework, CCC Confer meetings, and/or video conferences.

Course Requirements

Online Class Location:

Students will access the online course by using Cypress College’s Canvas course management system. To access
Canvas, go to http://cypresscollege.instructure.com (please note: there is no www in the URL.) When prompted,
enter your MyGateway username and password to login.

If you forgot your password, click the “Forgot password?” link below the login. You may have to reset your
password if it is less than eight characters. To do so, click “How to change your password.”

When the Dashboard appears, you will see a colored rectangular box for our course and any other Canvas courses
in which you are enrolled. To enter our GEOG 140 course site, click the box/link to “GEOG 140 C Weather &
Climate.” You will be taken to the Home page of our course site. There you can read my welcome message, view
weekly learning modules and announcements, track your grades, and interact with the course.

Print out and review our course syllabus. Once you have entered the course site, you will see navigation links to
the left of your screen; click the "Syllabus" link to view and download our course schedule.

For more information about accessing Canvas, logging-in, etc., please visit the Distance Education Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ).

Computer Skills:
Students should be comfortable using a web browser, sending and receiving email, and saving coursework on a
computer.

Computer Equipment and Requirements:

To access your Canvas classroom, you will need to know your username and password, have Internet access, and a
valid email account. Please check the Requirements page on the Distance Education web site for a current list of
supported browsers and operating systems.

Availability of On-campus Computers:

Computers for distance education-use are available at the Learning Resource Center (LRC). For details, visit the
Learning Resource Center website.

Tips for Online Success

Student Role & Responsibilities:

Students are expected to participate in class proceedings by contributing to discussions, submitting regular course
blog updates, providing feedback to fellow students, and always making a strong effort.

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Success Skills:
• Familiarize yourself with the course requirements.
• Create a study schedule and stick to it.
• Identify motivators.
• Establish good study skills.
• Ask for help when you need it.

For more information on cultivating skills for distance education success, visit Tips for Student Success in Web
Based Courses.

Course Policies

Grading:
Grading will be assessed on a point system, following a traditional “A” – “F” grade scale.

Grade Component Points

Weekly learning modules (8 x 25 pts.) 200
Blog posts (4 x 25 pts.) 100
Midterm Exam 50
Final Exam 50
Total points: 400

Points Percent Complete Grade

360-400 90% - 100% A
320-359 80% - 89.9% B
280-319 70% - 79.9% C
240-279 60% - 69.9% D
<240 <60% F

Grade Location:
Grades will be posted on the class Canvas website. Grades will be updated weekly.

Standards and Procedures for Coursework Evaluation:

Students will be evaluated for learning by a series of eight (8) weekly learning modules, four (4) blog posts, one (1)
midterm exam, and one (1) final exam.

Attendance and Participation:

Attendance is mandatory for your successful completion of this course. Students who demonstrate a pattern of
absenteeism (two or more absences over the course of the semester) may be dropped from the course. Absence is
determined by a lack of engagement and participation. If a student fails to engage in online discussions, blogs, and
synchronous online meetings, he or she will be deemed absent. Participation is strongly encouraged. You will get
out of this course what you put in. Non-performing students may be dropped. Effort matters!

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GEOG 140 C, Sec. OL1, Ian Boles, Cypress College, Spring 2018

Netiquette:
Netiquette (Internet etiquette) is the etiquette of social interaction in cyberspace. In this online course, students
are expected to adhere to certain netiquette protocols. Students should:

• Keep paragraphs short and to the point.

• Avoid typing IN ALL CAPS.
• Follow proper punctuation and syntax.
• Refrain from using sarcasm (unless clearly indicated by a smiley face or similar).
• Never share personal information or passwords.
• Always show the same level of respect to others as you would in person.

Academic Honesty Policy:

Academic dishonesty may result in an “F” grade on all or part of an assignment and referral to the dean. For an
explanation of the Cypress College Academic Honesty Policy, please refer to your college catalog or view Cypress
College Academic Honestly Policy online.

In its commitment to academic honesty, Cypress College and this course uses Turnitin.com software to prevent
and detect plagiarism. Instructions for using Turnitin.com are included with the assignments requiring its use. By
enrolling in a Distance Education course you agree that you are the one accessing and completing the work for this
course, and will not share your Canvas course username or password with others. The full text of the College policy
is available in the Catalog on the campus website.

Student Grievances:
I am available discuss and resolve any course related matter with you. However, with as many interpersonal
transactions as occur on a college campus, disagreements with instructors may occur. Should that be the case,
please consult the student grievances procedures found in the Cypress College Catalog located on the campus
website.

Copyright Notice:
Any copyrighted materials used in this class are used for distance education purposes only and in compliance with
United States copyright law. Use of these materials is limited to students enrolled in the course, for the duration of
the course. Students must refrain from saving, changing, or distributing any such copyrighted materials.

Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Use Policy:

Food and beverages are not permitted in the classroom. Water is okay. Smoking is restricted to areas 20 feet or
further from the building.

Cell Phones & Electronic Devices Policy:

Cell phones, multimedia, and electronic devices must be turned off or remain silent and away while class is in
session. Students will be asked to leave if they do not abide by the cell phone policy.

Laptops and Tablets

Students may use laptops and tablets for taking notes. All other uses are strictly prohibited during class.

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GEOG 140 C, Sec. OL1, Ian Boles, Cypress College, Spring 2018

Sexual Harassment/Discrimination Policy:

Sexual harassment or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated in the classroom. For a complete explanation
of Cypress College’s Sexual Harassment/Discrimination Policy, please refer to your college catalog.

Class schedule
Date Discussion Topics Due Dates/Notes Readings

Week 1 Composition of the Atmosphere (Ch. 1)  Introduction to Ch. 1 & 2

Apr. 2 – Solar Radiation (Ch. 2) MasteringMeteorology
Apr. 8  Week 1 Module: Ch. 1 & 2
 Setup Canvas profile
 Due Sun., 4/8 at 11:59 PM

Week 2 Energy Balance (Ch. 3)  Week 2 Module: Ch. 3 & 4 Ch. 3 & 4
Apr. 9 – Atmospheric Pressure (Ch. 4)  Blog post #1: Posted on Canvas.
Apr. 15  Due Sun., 4/15 at 11:59 PM.

Week 3 Atmospheric Moisture (Ch. 5)  Week 3 Module: Ch. 5 & 6 Ch. 5 & 6
Apr. 16 – Clouds (Ch. 6)  Due Sun., 4/22 at 11:59 PM
Apr. 22

Week 4 Precipitation (Ch. 7)  Week 4 Module: Ch. 7 & 8 Ch. 7 & 8

Apr. 23 – Atmospheric Circulation (Ch. 8)  Blog post #2: Posted on Canvas.
Apr. 29  Due Sun., 4/29 at 11:59 PM.

Week 5 Air Masses (Ch. 9)  Week 5 Module: Ch. 9 & 10 Ch. 9 & 10
Apr. 30 – Midlatitude Cyclones (Ch. 10)  Midterm: Posted on Canvas.
May 6 Midterm exam  Due Sun., 5/6 at 11:59 PM.
 Note: Midterm exam due on Canvas by
Sunday, May 6 at 11:59 PM.

Week 6 Lightning, Thunder, and Tornadoes (Ch. 11)  Week 6 Module: Ch. 11 & 12 Ch. 11 & 12
May 7 – Tropical Storms (Ch. 12)  Blog post #3: Posted on Canvas.
May 13  Due Sun., 5/13 at 11:59 PM.

Week 7 Weather Forecasting (Ch. 13)  Week 7 Module: Ch. 13 & 14 Ch. 13 & 14
May 14 – Human Effects on the Atmosphere (Ch. 14)  Blog post #4: Posted on Canvas.
May 20  Due Sun., 5/20 at 11:59 PM

Week 8 Earth's Climates (Ch. 15)  Week 8 Module: Ch. 15 & 16 Ch. 15 & 16
May 21 – Climate Changes (Ch. 16)  Final exam: Posted on Canvas.
May 26 Final exam  Due Saturday, 5/26 at 11:59 PM.
 Note: Final exam due on Canvas by
Saturday, May 26 at 11:59 PM.

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GEOG 140 C, Sec. OL1, Ian Boles, Cypress College, Spring 2018

Key dates and assignments

Last day to drop course for a refund: Saturday, April 7, 2018
Last day to add course: Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Last day to drop course without a “W”: Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Last day to drop course with a “W”: Saturday, May 12, 2018

Weekly learning modules (Due every Sunday night at 11:59 PM)

Each week, students will be assigned a learning module that delves into the topics discussed in that week’s
readings and lecture notes. Modules include, but are not limited to, memory exercises, short quizzes, explainer
summaries, videos, and audio files. Learning modules are located on Canvas, but you must have a
MasteringMeteorology access code in order to complete the module assignments. MasteringMeteorology is
required.

Blog posts (Due Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, and Week 7):

• All blog posts are due on Canvas by Sunday night at 11:59 PM on their respective due dates.
• For full credit, you must reply to at least one other student’s blog post entry.
• Blog posts allow you to think deeply and critically about discussion topics. To be successful, be sure to
read blog post descriptions completely and carefully. You must answer blog post prompts in your own
words, in complete sentences and paragraphs. Be sure to define and explain any terms used. Make your
explanations organized, clear, and detailed.

Midterm exam (Week 5; due Sunday, May 6 at 11:59 PM):

Students will be tested on topics covered in lecture notes and readings up to the midpoint of the class. The
midterm must be completed on Canvas by Sunday, May 6th at 11:59 PM. Students will have one opportunity to
submit the midterm exam through Canvas.

Final exam (Week 8; due Saturday, May 26 at 11:59 PM):

Students will be tested on topics covered in lecture notes and readings from the midpoint through the end of the
semester. The final exam must be completed on Canvas by Saturday, May 26th at 11:59 PM. Students will have
one opportunity to submit the final exam through Canvas.

Assignment and Announcement Notes

Assignment Location & Submission in Canvas:

All assignments will be submitted via the Canvas CMS. To submit an assignment, you will refer to the Assignments
section under Course Content. Assignments must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the date listed in your syllabus.

Announcement Expectations:
Weekly updates on the progress of the course, schedule changes, and other important information will be posted
in the Canvas Announcements section available directly from the main course menu. New announcements will be
posted Mondays by 5:00 P.M. and as needed during the week. Reading these announcements will help you keep
up with the course developments.

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Student Services

Student Support Services:

For a complete list of Student Support Services, please refer to your Spring 2018 Schedule of Classes.

Disabled Students Program and Services (DSPS):

Any student who feels he or she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact
Disabled Students Program & Services at (714) 484-7104 or visit DSPS on the first floor of the Cypress College
Complex, Room 100. For students who have already been determined eligible for DSPS services, please provide
the instructor with the proper form from DSPS in a timely manner, at the beginning of the semester and at least
one week prior to the verified and identified need.

Counseling:
During the semester you can contact your counselor via their individual e-mail, listed in the Counselor section of
this website. During Registration, you may contact the online counselor at onlinecounselor@cypresscollege.edu.
For more information, please consult the Online Counseling website.

Campus Safety:
Campus Safety is located on the first floor of the Business building. They may be reached at (714) 484-7387.

Emergency Procedures:
In the event of an emergency, it may be required to evacuate a building. In such an event, students will proceed to
a clear and safe area away from the evacuated building. Please take all personal belongings with you as you will
not be allowed back into the building until after the emergency has been resolved.

Health Center:
Health Services is located on the first floor of the Gymnasium II building. Phone: (714) 484-7361

Library:
Normal operating hours are:
Mon-Thur: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed

Learning Resource Center (LRC):

The LRC is located on the first floor of the Library/Learning Resource Center. Phone: (714) 484-7183
Normal operating hours:
Mon-Thur: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed

Student Rights and Responsibilities:

For a complete explanation of guidelines, policies, and procedures, please review your Cypress College Catalog.