Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - GEOG 312 D100

Geography of Natural Hazards (4)

Class Number: 4320

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2019
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Malcolm Dorsey
    TBA
    Office: TBA
    Office Hours: Thursday 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm (or appointment)

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 111 or EASC 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the occurrence and origin of natural hazards such as volcanic eruptions, landslides, etc. Interaction between the relevant natural processes and society will be examined, as well as prediction of natural events and the amelioration of the effects of such events within different cultural contexts. Students with credit for GEOG 212 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Both today in the 21st century and historically natural hazards have had a significant impact on the development of human societies. Motivated largely by fear, natural hazards have the capacity to mobilize massive numbers of individuals and resources within a short period of time that has resulted in dynamic changes that define not just the physical environment but our cultural context in how we view our environment. Consequently modern revolutions in geospatial technology, disaster capital, and globalization have significantly changed aspects of natural hazards and how we ameliorate the effects.  

This course will explore the human-related effects of geophysical hazards through a geographic perspective that will include: slope instability, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanism, severe weather events, floods, and sea-level rise. Discussion groups will evaluate both local and regional examples of these hazards from multiple perspectives that will develop into ideas on improved response and mitigation.

Note:
Students with credit for GEOG 212 may not take this course for further credit.
This course may be applied towards the Certificate of Liberal Arts.
There will be no tutorials during the 1st week of classes.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1.    Demonstrate how  natural hazards  are   understood through scientific investigation/analysis.
2.    Estimate risk based on frequency and severity components of specific hazards.
3.    Visualize connections between natural hazards and the spaces in which they occur.
4.    Identify changes in the impacts of natural hazards due to factors such as global population growth, socio-economic development, and global distribution of wealth.
5.    Contextualize the human dimensions of hazards by exploring the stories of those directly involved in hazard case studies.
6.    Evaluate successful mitigation strategies for the adverse effects of natural hazards.

Grading

  • 1. Lecture (55%)
  • • Midterm exam: 20%
  • • Final exam: 35%
  • Tutorial (32%)
  • Pre-tutorial quiz: 8 x 2% each 16%
  • • Tutorial participation: 8 x 2% 16%
  • 3. Geoscapes Term project:(13%)
  • • Research Journal: 5%
  • • Completed project:8 8%

NOTES:

Final letter grades will be calculated as outlined below (*there may be some variation in calculating letter grades but this will rarely exceed 2% in either direction):

A+    95.5-100
A 85-95
A-    80-84.5
B+ 77.5-79.5
B 73-77
B- 70-72.5
C+ 67.5-69.5
C 63-67
C- 60-62.5
D 50-59.5
F 0-49.5

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings in Natural Hazards – Open textbook available online: https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/readingsnh/

GEOG 312 Tutorial Manual – Available from the bookstore (required purchase)

Supplementary text on 2 hr reserve in library: Keller, E.A., D.E. DeVecchio, & J.J. Clague. 2013. Natural Hazards: Earth’s Processes as Hazards, Disasters, and Catastrophes.

Weekly resources on CANVAS

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS