GPHY 210
World Geography
Winter Term 2025 |
Instructor: Staff |
Total sessions: 25 Sessions |
Office Hours: TBA |
Session Length: 145 Minutes |
Classroom: TBA |
Credits: 3 Units |
Class Length: 5 Weeks |
Language: English |
Course Overview:
This course introduces the study of world geography, focusing on the physical and environmental aspects of different regions. Students will explore key geographic features, climate systems, ecosystems, and natural resources, while examining the impact of human activity on the environment. Topics include climate change, biodiversity, landforms, natural resources and environmental degradation. By the end of the course, students will gain a solid understanding of global environmental challenges and the relationship between physical geography and human
influence on the planet.
Required Material:
DK, Earth: The Definitive Visual Guide, 3rd Edition, DK, 2024.
Learning Objectives:
1. Recognize major landforms, climate systems, ecosystems, and natural resources across world regions.
2. Explain climate dynamics, weather patterns, and their effects on regional environments.
3. Investigate key issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
4. Assess human influence on the environment and explore sustainable practices to address global challenges.
Course Outline: Week 1:
Lecture 1-5: Fundamentals of World Geography
Lecture 1: Introduction to Geography
o Definition and scope of geography
o Geographic tools: maps, GIS, and satellite imagery
Lecture 2: Earth's Physical Structure
o Plate tectonics and landform development
o Mountains, plains, basins, and oceans
Lecture 3: Climate and Weather Basics
o Atmospheric layers and global climate zones
o Weather phenomena and patterns
Lecture 4: Global Hydrological Cycles
o Exploring the Oceans, rivers, and freshwater systems
o Wetlands and groundwater significance
Lecture 5: Analyzing Geographic Data
o Regional divisions and map interpretation
o Introduction to GIS data visualization
Assignment 1
More specific requirements (e.g., topic, formatting requirements, deadlines, etc.) will be provided in the course.
Week 2:
Lecture 6-10: Global Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Lecture 6: Overview of Major Ecosystems
o Forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and polar regions
Lecture 7: Biodiversity and Its Importance
o Distribution and significance of biodiversity
o Biodiversity hotspots around the world
Lecture 8: Human Impact on Ecosystems
o Deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization
o Case Study: The Aral Sea disaster
Lecture 9: Ecosystem Restoration Efforts
o Reforestation, wetland restoration, and wildlife corridors
o Case Study: Yellowstone National Park’s wolf reintroduction
Lecture 10: Ecosystems Under Stress
o Climate change and ecosystem resilience
o Case Study: Arctic ice melt and polar bears
Week 3:
Lecture 11-15: Natural Resources and Environmental Challenges
Lecture 11: Natural Resource Distribution
o Renewable and non-renewable resources
o Case Study: Oil exploration and conflicts in the Middle East
Lecture 12: Energy Resources and Sustainability
o Fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewables
o Case Study: Germany’s transition to renewable energy (Energiewende)
Lecture 13: Water Resource Management
o Global water resource challenges
o Environmental impacts of large-scale water projects
Lecture 14: Land Use and Agricultural Practices
o Agricultural practices and urban expansion
o Issues of land degradation and desertification
Lecture 15: Global Environmental Case Studies
o Resource conflicts, environmental crises, and international cooperation
Midterm Exam: multiple choice, short answer and long answer questions (Contains topics in Lecture 1-12)
Week 4:
Lecture 16-20: Climate Change and Environmental Policy
Lecture 16: Scientific Basis of Climate Change
o Greenhouse effect and changes in climate systems
o Evidence of global warming
Lecture 17: Impact of Climate Change on Ecosystems
o Habitat shifts and species migration
o Increased frequency of extreme weather events
Lecture 18: International Climate Agreements
o Overview of the Paris Agreement and global sustainability goals
o Key treaties: Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol
o Case Study: European Union’s climate policies
Assignment 2
More specific requirements (e.g., topic, formatting requirements, deadlines, etc.) will be provided in the course.
Lecture 19: Strategies for Addressing Climate Change
o Mitigation and adaptation measures: Reducing emissions and building climate resilience
o Role of technology and innovation
Lecture 20: Global Policy Perspectives on Climate Action
o National and regional approaches to climate governance
o Case Study: European Union's Green Deal (EU Green Deal)
Week 5:
Lecture 21-25: Regional Case Studies and Global Outlook
Lecture 21: Asia-Pacific Geographies and Environmental Issues
o Tropical rainforests and coastal management
o Case Study: Coastal erosion and mangrove restoration in Southeast Asia
Lecture 22: North America and Europe
o Urbanization, resource management, and environmental policies
o Case Study: California’s water management systems
Lecture 23: Africa: Challenges and Opportunities
o Environmental issues in sub-Saharan Africa
o Case Study: The Great Green Wall initiative in the Sahel
Lecture 24: South America: Resources and Sustainability
o The Amazon rainforest and sustainable development
o Case Study: Mining impacts in the Andes
Lecture 25: Global Environmental Futures
o The role of geography in addressing sustainability challenges
o Case Study: UN Sustainable Development Goals in practice
Final Exam: multiple choice, short answer and long answer questions (Contains topics in All Lectures)
Grading Assessment:
Assignment 1 |
15% |
Assignment 2 |
15% |
Midterm |
30% |
Final exam |
30% |
Seminar Participation |
10% |
Total |
100% |
Assignments:
Students are required to write two essays during the semester, each ranging between 1500-2000 words. The essays should demonstrate analytical thinking, clear organization, and proper use of evidence to support arguments. Grading will assess the clarity of writing, logic, grammar, and syntax, alongside the depth of analysis and proper citation of references. Specific requirements regarding topics and deadlines will be provided during the course. Essays will be submitted
electronically, and students will receive feedback on the first essay to guide improvement for the second.
Attendance:
Students are required to attend a weekly seminar led by TA to focus on the week's topic and deepen understanding. Seminar time assigned by TA. Seminar attendance counts toward the final grade.
Exams:
The examinations in this course consist of multiple choice, short answer and long answer
questions. The final exam is cumulative.
Final Evaluation:
Letter Grade |
Percentage (%) |
Letter Grade |
Percentage |
A+ |
≥95 |
C+ |
64-67 |
A |
89-94 |
C |
60-64 |
A- |
84-88 |
C- |
56-59 |
B+ |
79-83 |
D+ |
54-56 |
B |
73-78 |
D |
50-53 |
B- |
68-72 |
F |
≤50 |
General Policies:
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is the cornerstone of academia and requires students and researchers to
maintain honesty, fairness, trust and responsibility in all academic activities. It includes not only avoiding dishonest behaviors such as plagiarism, cheating, and falsifying data, but also requires taking responsibility for one's own academic actions and ensuring that all work is done
independently and accurately cites the research of others. Violations of academic integrity can result in severe academic penalties, such as zero grades, suspension or even expulsion, and can cause serious damage to an individual's reputation and future career. Upholding academic
integrity is therefore essential to promoting a fair academic environment and facilitating the authentic dissemination of knowledge.
Accessible Resources Policy
The policy ensures that all students, especially those with disabilities, are able to participate equally in school learning and activities. The school provides a wide range of accessibility resources including, but not limited to, specialized classrooms, hearing aids, Braille textbooks, assistive technology, and flexible testing arrangements. Students are required to apply to the school in advance and provide appropriate medical or psychological evaluations so that an
individualized support plan can be developed for them. This policy is designed to remove barriers in the academic environment and to ensure that every student has access to equitable learning opportunities.
Withdrawal Policy
Students may choose to withdraw from a course within a specified period of time, and may not be able to do so after the expiration date. When withdrawing from a course, students are required to fill out a withdrawal form with a reason, which will be reviewed and processed on a case-by- case basis. Withdrawal from a course may not affect the student's academic performance. If a student withdraws from a course with incomplete requirements, a “W” may be assigned instead of a grade, depending on the course.
