Geog 696C Physical Geography Seminar, Spring 2004
Time: Mondays, 1:00-3:30 p.m., Harvill 302 for talks, Harvill 402 for class discussion
Credit: 3 units
Instructor: Andrew Comrie (comrie@geog.arizona.edu) 621-1585
Web: http://geog.arizona.edu/~comrie
Office Hours: MW 10-11 or by appointment

Overview
The southwestern United States and surrounding areas are in the grip of a multi-year drought that now rivals the worst on record for the region. There is further evidence to suggest that the Southwest may be in for an extended multi-decadal dry period. This seminar will provide a comprehensive assessment of drought in the Southwest in terms of its paleo and instrumental climate history, its patterns and processes, the related natural and social dimensions of drought impacts, as well as drought mitigation, planning and policy implications. The seminar features weekly presentations and discussions on these topics by a range of leading experts from the Southwest and beyond (coupled as an ISPE seminar series). Student assignments include readings, discussions, and term papers on an aspect of Southwest drought, perhaps in collaboration with visiting speakers. This seminar also satisfies the workshop requirement for the Global Change Ph.D. minor. The class webpage is at http://geog.arizona.edu/~comrie/geog696c/spring04 .

Assignments, Grades & Policies

Participation: True participation in class is essential. Speakers will be presenting a public talk followed by an in-depth discussion with the class. In discussion, we will review the readings provided by the speaker and critically discuss them as a group. Simply attending class and/or attempting to participate by making ad-hoc comments will result in a low participation grade.

Preparation & Review: Detailed, close and critical reading prior to class is also essential. To prepare for each class meeting, students will read all the assigned material and will write a brief review paper that is due in class each week. These reviews should contain titled sections for each assigned reading, with each section comprising a paragraph and/or bullet points concisely summarizing (1) the main arguments and approaches of the reading and (2) a short list of key questions thereon for discussion with the speaker and class. Weekly reviews should be about one to two pages (single-spaced) in length, and should include the student's name and the class date.

Term Papers: Students are required to submit a term paper focused on one or more of the weekly topics. Instructor approval of topic, content, etc. is required. It is intended that some, if not all, students will pick topics very early in the semester, so that they can be in touch with the relevant speaker and be developing the term paper during the semester. Term papers should be approximately 20 pages, typed, double-spaced, in 11 or 12 pt font, due on or before Monday, May 10. Following the semester it is hoped that, for student papers of sufficient quality, students will collaborate with speakers and contribute to an edited volume on Drought in the Southwest.

Grades: 30% on participation and review papers, 70% on the term paper.

Policies: Work submitted late may be subject to penalties. Absence/attendance, withdrawal, honesty and other policies as per the UA General Catalog.

Class Schedule & Readings
This is hopefully a final schedule, but changes are always possible. Links to speakers' homepages or a reasonable substitute are provided below. Week to week announcements, reading lists, etc. will be distributed via the link above, by email or in class.

• TBA