Field Studies in Geography (GEOG 394)
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Fall 2016
RHN 208 / LVNP
Orientation - Sept. 1st - 6:00 - 8:50
Trip - Sept 9th - 13th
Post Trip Meeting - Sept 22nd - 6:00 - 8:50
Instructor: Craig Davis
Office: Rodda North 231
Office Phone: 558-2578
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.scc.losrios.edu/craigdavis/
Office Hours: MW 9:30 - 10:30
TTh 12:00 - 1:00
(or by appointment)
Course Description: This course will explore Lassen Volcanic National Park, one of the most unique volcanic
regions in the world. The topics covered will include volcanic and glacial features, local weather and climate, flora
and fauna, and human-environment interaction. Participants should expect variable weather conditions and be
prepared to hike moderate distances in altitudes above 5000 feet. Transportation will be provided by SCC. Equipment,
camping, and meal needs will be discussed at the orientation meeting. In addition, a $20 field trip fee will be collected
at the orientation.
Outcomes and Goals: 1) Apply concepts and processes discussed in lecture to experiences in the field. 2) Compose
field notes and collect and analyze field data. 3) Describe and explain geographic phenomena related to the particular
physical and/or human environments under study. 4) Integrate geographic information from various disciplines
(geology, biology, ecology, urban studies, anthropology, history, economics, cultural studies and others) in order to
explain landscape patterns and processes. 5) Stimulate critical thinking and learning. 6) Have fun.
Departure: We will meet at 8:00 a.m. and depart ASAP from the SCC Facilities Office. I would advise against
leaving your car on campus all weekend, but if you need to we will discuss logistics. We will return to the same
location around 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Course Policies:
Drugs and Alcohol: No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs will be permitted on this trip. If you are in possession
of these items you will automatically flunk the course and be subject to SCC disciplinary action and local laws. This
policy is ZERO TOLERANCE. For more information consult SCC Academic Standards under Student Conduct (see
class website for electronic link).
Behavior:
Students are expected to follow the same rules and code of conduct that are outlined in the SCC student
guide. This field course is an SCC event from start to finish.
Group Dynamic: By enrolling in this course you are agreeing participate in a group activity. Please be considerate
of others and realize that some personal freedoms may have to be forfeited for the betterment of the group.
Safety Guidelines:
Health: Please inform the instructor of any relevant health information that could affect you on this trip. In addition,
eat and drink regularly (lots of water), take medications, and inform the instructor immediately of any problems.
Hiking/Alone Time: NEVER HIKE ALONE - always stay within voice range of the group. If you need/wish to go
somewhere alone or with a small group, the instructor must be notified with plans, times, routes etc.
Park Regs: Follow all park rules and regulations at all times. For example, stay on trails at all times, store food
properly (we will be in bear country), don’t feed or pet animals, etc.
Vans/Travel: Do not distract or harass the van drivers. Be safe and watch for traffic when entering and exiting the
vans.
Grading:
Journal (100pts.): Each of you will keep a “Journal” that will catalogue your trip. This document should include
notes, observations, stories, sketches, questions, etc. This items will be collected at the post-trip meeting. No late
journals will be accepted!!
Book Analysis (100pts) Everyone will read one book and write a 3-5 reaction/analysis of this work. The book should
pertain to the places we explore or the topics we cover. For detailed information, please consult project guide on
course website. Due: By Nov. 1st. No late work will be accepted!!
In-Field Presentation (10pts.): You will also be required to give a short informal presentation (5 min.) about a topic
relating the park features or class material. Check the list of potential topics on class webpage and chose a topic by
sending me your preferred topic via email.
Final Meeting Presentation (20pts.): You will also be required to give a short informal chat (5 min.) at our final
meeting. This should include a bit about the book you are reading for the course. In addition, you are also
encouraged to talk a little about an experience you had on the trip, share a reading from your journal or a text, tell a
joke, sing a song, recount a story etc. Be as creative as you would like.
Participation (50pts.): Participation in field activities and classroom discussions are imperative to this course.
Cheating & Plagiarism: Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in the automatic failure
of the course.
Grading: Grades will be determined using a points system and the following scale,
A=90%-100%
B=80%-89%
C=70%-79%
D=60%-69%
What to Bring:
Be prepared, but only bring what you need. We will only be gone for 3 days and 2 nights. We will not have room
for extra or superfluous gear.
General - Everyone will need:
·
Boots/Walking Shoes (extra)
·
Sleeping Bag
·
Sleeping Gear (Small Tent, Pad)
·
Appropriate Clothing (Warm, Cold, Rain)
·
Daypack
·
First Aid/Meds (aspirin, band-aids)
·
Rain Gear
·
Sun Protection (hat, block, glasses)
·
Bug Juice
·
Toiletries (TP, Tooth, Soap, Towel etc.)
·
Water Containers
·
Journal, Pens, Pencils
·
Flashlight and batteries
·
Swimsuit
·
Spending $
·
Critical Personal Items
·
Reading Material
Camping/Cooking
·
Plate, Bowl, Cup, Utensils
·
Pots, Pans, Utensils (one per group)
·
Cooler (one per group)
·
Stove and Gas (one per group)
·
Lantern (one per group)
·
Cleaning Supplies (one per group - soap,
towel scrubber in zip-lock bag)
·
Matches/Lighter
Optional
·
Camera
·
Small Camp Chair
·
Binoculars
·
Field Guides/Books/Maps
·
Mobile Phone (for emergency only)
·
Musical Instrument (see me)
·
Ear Plugs
Do Not Bring
Firearms, Large Knives or Weapons of any kind.
Fireworks, Music Players, Any other dangerous or
distracting items.
A Little Help:
Sleeping/Camping/Gear: We will need to conserve as much space as possible, so placing our tents in close proximity
and sleeping more than one to a tent is preferred. Small tents are preferred. If you don’t have something ask. Often
this item can be borrowed instead of purchased/rented.
Clothing: Be prepared for any conditions (heat, cold, rain). Wear layers instead of bringing larger jackets. Bring
and wear breathable fabrics and multi-use items (e.g. zip-off pants) if possible.
Cooking and Food: We will be cooking in groups, so plan and pack carefully. Please make your meals/snacks as
simple as possible. Each group will need:
·
Individual Lunch (Friday)
·
Two dinners (pasta, burritos, tasty bites, falafel, etc.) We will eat at a restaurant(s) on Sunday evening.
·
Two lunches (avoid refrigeration - pbj, tuna, crackers/salami/cheese, tortillas, snacks)
·
Two breakfasts (cereal, bagels, breakfast bars, fruit, coffee/tea)
·
Snacks (dried fruit, jerky, cliff/power/granola bars, nuts, trail mix, crackers/cheese, etc.)
Additional Course Policies/Info:
Course Withdrawal: It is your job to withdraw from the course.
Waste Reduction: All students are expected to participate in SCC’s waste reduction program. Please reduce and
reuse when possible and always recycle appropriate materials in the proper receptacle.
Students with Disabilities: Any student with a disability should contact me immediately to discuss accommodation.
Notice: If you cannot make the trip notify me and your group as soon as possible.
Emergency: If there is an emergency have the interested party call the Park at 530.595.4480 and request a message
be sent to the SCC group camping at Lost Creek Group Camp, site 2.
Tentative Schedule:
Friday Sept. 9th
·
8:30ish a.m. departure
·
Park Arrival/New Visitors Center
·
GPS/Topographic Map Lecture-Discussion
·
Visitor Center
·
Bumpass Hell
·
Camp Set-up
Saturday Sept. 10th
·
7:00 a.m. wake-up
·
Park Headquarters
·
Hike/Features/GPS/Lecture-Discussions
·
Subway Cave
·
Cinder Cone/Fantastic Lava Beds
·
Devastated Area, Chaos Crags, etc.
Sunday Sept. 11th
·
7:00 a.m. wake-up
·
Hike/Features/GPS/Lecture-Discussion
·
Devastated Area, Lassen Peak or Kings Creek, Sulphur Works.
·
Visitor Center
·
Depart for Sacramento
·
Nosh
·
7:00ish. arrive SCC