September 2

Hi

Welcome to Geography 100:  Physical Geography of Canada. This is will be an awesome course as we explore God’s creation together.

This is a distance education course.  This creates some exciting possibilities for you – you get to study at your time and place and explore issues that interest you in greater depth.  You will also experience some challenges – you don’t get to see me, your instructor.  But yes, I do exist.  And I will do all I can to make this a positive, creative learning experience for you.

I have taught this course, distance education, for several years.  Most students really enjoy this style of learning.

 Some things you need to do right away (TODAY…):

  1. We have an introductory Zoom meeting on Friday, September 4 at 4 pm.  Please plan to attend.  It’s an opportunity to meet me, and get a brief introduction to how the course works. Link:  https://ubc.zoom.us/j/67534198025?pwd=rGFm2bQ8E3bJ6AxhEQ2P9YcgZX29lC.1  Passcode:  2026
  2. Buy the course text. It is only available online. Get the textbook here. The good news is the same text is used in both Geography 100 & 101
  3. Read the Syllabus carefully – make sure you have a printed copy to refer to
  4. Read the Calendar carefully (also on the website) – post a printed copy on your bulletin board where you can’t miss it, put the dates in your e-device – whatever works for you
  5. I will send a weekly email update to your Briercrest email address, so please check it regularly.
  6. Questions?  Please email me:  bmartin@briercrest.ca

My background is as a geographer and pastor.

I have taught geography since my university days at UBC.

I also was a pastor for over 30 years. Most recently I was lead pastor of First Baptist Church, Lethbridge, AB. I still live in Lethbridge.

I now work for Canadian Baptist Ministries, the global mission agency of Canadian Baptists, which works in partnership with local churches around the world to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to a broken world. We equip our partners to share the good news, build the church, promote justice, address poverty, support kids at risk, and respond to crises.

Unfortunately, I am not actually on campus – but I DO exist.  Feel free to be in touch by email. We can set up a Zoom meeting if needed.

Professionally, I am a member of the Canadian Association of Geographers (the academic and professional association for geographers in Canada), the Canadian Scientific Christian Affiliation (a network of Christians in the sciences – student members are welcome.). 

For continuing education, I am a Visiting Scholar at Cambridge University, U.K. (the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, St. Edmund’s College).

I have lived in BC, Nova Scotia, and Alberta.  You can find out more about me on the website, click on the “Who is Bruce?” link.

I am really excited to be able to help you discover the wonders of God’s creation.  We will have a stimulating, exciting course together.  Welcome.

Bruce Martin, Ph.D.

Adjunct Professor (Geography)