GEOG-1700-042-F13

Students will be introduced to natural disasters; the processes and energy sources that produce them, along with the spatial distribution and pattern of natural phenomena, while developing an understanding of the impact these phenomena have on human activity.

Students will become aware of the dynamic nature of the earth, and the effect this has on the physical, economic, and personal/emotional aspects of their lives. They will discover the ramifications of these phenomena in their lives with an increased understanding of the necessity for preparation, if not prevention, should some type of natural disaster occur locally. Students will also develop an increased awareness of the financial and emotional toll that a headline really represents. All disasters are actually individual disasters! The Geography Program at SLCC has listed the following as its desired outcomes for students in relation to the college-wide learning outcomes, who upon the completion of GEOG 1700 should be able to:

Students communicate effectively.

This includes developing critical literacies—reading, writing, speaking, listening, visual understanding—that they can apply in various contexts; Organizing and presenting ideas and information visually, orally, and in writing according to standard usage; Understanding and using the elements of effective communication in interpersonal, small group, and mass settings.

 Determine what the roles are of natural disaster mitigation at a federal and local governmental level, community level, and individual.

Students develop quantitative literacies necessary for their chosen field of study.

This includes approaching practical problems by choosing and applying appropriate mathematical techniques; Using information represented as data, graphs, tables, and schematics in a variety of disciplines; Applying mathematical theory, concepts, and methods of inquiry appropriate to program-specific problems.

Students think critically and creatively.

This includes reasoning effectively from available evidence; demonstrating effective problem solving; engaging in creative thinking, expression, and application; Engaging in reflective thinking and expression; Demonstrating higher-order skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation; Making connections across disciplines; Applying scientific methods to the inquiry process.

 Analyze and understand natural processes that create disaster events such as: earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, tsunamis, severe weather, disease, and climate change.

 Understand how natural hazards become disasters and ultimately catastrophes.

 Know how many natural processes are cylindrical meaning that they a frequency of recurrence which also influences their magnitude.