Geography 101: Introduction to Geography

 Monday, January 4, 2010

Name:________________________________

 By signing, you agree that you have read this syllabus and  understand all classroom and grading policies. You will not be handed back any graded work until I have received a signed copy of this syllabus. 

Course Syllabus - Winter 2010

Course Goals/ Learning Objectives:

First of all, you will notice the date above - this is a dynamic syllabus, subject to change throughout the quarter, as necessary. I may update this syllabus periodically, and change the date when I do so. You will be expected to review the course schedule regularly for additional readings, web materials, updates, and announcements.

This course is designed to open the world up to you through a variety of academic perspectives - the lens is the multi-disciplinary science of Geography. The subject matter will range from the physical and natural sciences, to human and cultural science, studied from a spatial perspective. The course will develop critical thinking skills as you examine the different environments as well as their interrelationships. Theoretical models and practical applications will be discussed in class to develop your oral communication skills, and a multi-cultural perspective on the world.

Upon completion of this course, you will know and understand:

1. The World in Spatial Terms - maps and other tools of the geographer

2. Places and Regions - physical and human characteristics of places

3. Physical Systems - processes and characteristics of natural systems and ecostystems

4. Human Systems - population characteristics, cultural mosaics, economic networks and patterns, and human settlement patterns

5. Environment and Society - human impacts on physical systems

6. Uses of Geography - the dynamic aspect of the geographic discipline past, present, and future

7. How to work as an effective and responsible member of a team

8. How to apply critical thinking to academic concepts

9. How to research a complex and current subject on a weekly basis

Materials:

1. Edward F. Bergman and William H. Renwick: Introduction to Human Geography - People, Places, and Environment - Prentice Hall.

   Materials:

by Edward F. Bergman - Lehman College of the City University of New York; William H. Renwick - Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

Publisher: Prentice HallIntroduction to Geography: People, Places, and Environment: Third Edition

Copyright Year: 2005

Publishing Date: 2004/03/02

I am offering this textbook as an e-text (the link is below, and you can buy it for $59.00 for the quarter). If you need to purchase a hard-copy, a limited amount of the textbook is available in the EVCC bookstore, but I am not guaranteeing that this edition will be eligible for buyback at the end of the quarter. I would recommend the coursesmart option below (it is the green option and will save you money).

http://www.coursesmart.com/0131445456

Classroom Policies:

This is an Introductory Course, but is not an easy class - we will cover a lot of material and you will need to aggressively learn to do well. Apply concepts independently of the context you learn them (this is referred to as critical thinking). Working in Teams and doing research are integral parts of this class. Also, taking good notes and reading the materials ahead of time are essential. Think analytically and apply concepts outside of the box (or books) that you learn them in. Interact with the texts by highlighting key phrases and jotting notes in the margins. Use web resources, maps and a dictionary liberally. Interact with your instructor and classmates by asking questions. You will find study groups to be a powerful learning tool, which will be reinforced by weekly group assignments.

Your presence in class and punctuality arriving to class are expectations and not pleasant surprises. If you must unavoidably miss a class you will be expected to know the material covered. Please do not ask me what you missed in class (ask a classmate). I do not have the time or desire to catch everyone up on what they missed in class due to absence (there are few exceptions to this rule). If you are late, you will not be given extra time to participate or turn in assignments. Special arrangements for a test will need to be made in person, in advance, and confirmed by e-mail. Absence due to illness will need to be confirmed by a doctor to make up a test. You are responsible for knowing what is happening in the course, and for your grades. Carefully follow the course schedule (the link is at the bottom of this page). Also, I will not accept late assignments outside of class (especially outside my office door), unless it is arranged ahead of time.

Please, no conversations while I am lecturing - I will stop the class and ask you to leave. I find it rude, distracting, and discourteous to myself, and everyone else in the class. When class starts I expect your attention! If you must converse (e.g.: cell phone), leave the classroom. Please either turn your cell phones off, or on mute. During tests, all cell phones must be turned off. If you are unable to comply to this courtesy, I will ask you to leave. If this behavior continues, you will be withdrawn from the class. If you have questions about expectations of your conduct, I would advise you to consult the EVCC Student Handbook.

In regards to your participation in group projects if you do not contribute significantly, you will find it very difficult to do well in this class. On the other hand, members of groups that function well together often experience a boost that goes beyond any extra points earned for projects.

 You will find it essential to take good notes - not only because I will allow you to use them on the midterm and final, but because you will be lost without them. We will cover a lot of ground in this class, with a different area of Geography each week. Also, you will find it important to treat videos like a guest lecturer, and take diligent notes on these materials - you will be tested on them. Also, there will be homework in this class - you should expect to spend a good amount of time researching and writing your group projects, and completing your assignments.

It is assumed that you will complete a week’s assigned reading prior the start of the week. The weekly assigned review questions reflect this assumption. This process will allow you to be actively involved, rather than passively involved in the learning process. All assignments must be submitted in person, during class hours (unless special arrangements have been made – yes, I have mentioned this twice now). If you have plans that may affect your ability to turn in an assignment on time, you may talk with me before or after class to arrange how to submit your assignment on time, and then e-mail me confirming our arrangements. I will then reply to your e-mail, and this will be your proof of our arrangement.

If you require any kind of special accomodations, do not hesitate to ask. I will do whatever I can to help you do well in the class and have an enjoyable experience. There are also many resources (such as the Writing Center and Center for Disability Services etc.) that may be available to you through Everett Community College.

Cheating on a test will earn an automatic "F" grade for obvious reasons. You should also be aware that expulsion is a possibility in such circumstances. Plagiarism on weekly group assignments is also not an option, and is easily recognized. In such cases, you may not only forfeit your grade for the assignment, but incur the scorn of your teammates, as you will be hurting your team. If you have any questions on these issues, please consult the EVCC student handbook. I am committed to your academic growth, but can only be of assistance with you engaged in the learning process. Please do not hesitate to work with me if you are having difficulties - my office is open to you, and I welcome your presence.

This class will deliver the world to you doorstep, and you will better understand the world as a result. I simply want you to enjoy yourselves and feel good about what you have accomplished when this class is complete.

GRADING:

On the third day of class you will be expected to hand in the first page of this syllabus. You will need to sign your name and will be credited 2 extra credit points for this assignment. I will keep the first page of the syllabus on file. By signing the syllabus, you are signing a contract, that you have read this syllabus, and agree to fulfill its terms. If you do not hand in the syllabus on the third day of class, you will still be expected to do so, to receive credit for assignments that you turn in (you will not receive extra credit for syllabuses turned in late).

There will be a Midterm and a Final exam each worth 35 points each, for a total of 70 points. The Midterm and Final exams will be in-class essay questions on the group projects and films shown in class. All group projects (not just the one that your group does) will be addressed on the exams.

Also, there will be 10 weekly quizzes that will be on ANGEL The weekly quizzes will be on the assigned reading, and eight will count towards a total of 80 points (your 2 lowest scores will not count). Also, you will get 2 opportunities to take the quiz for that week, and your highest score will count. The quizzes will have different questions each time you take them, and will be multiple-choice. You will have 25 minutes to answer 10 questions (worth 1 point each). The quiz will be released on Monday, and you have until midnight Friday to complete it.  

On the first day of each week (not including the first day of class), you will hand in review questions from the assigned reading. These will need to be typed, and answered completely. These weekly assignments will be worth up to 10 points each, for a total of 100 points. Weekly assignments will be due at the beginning of class, at the start of each week - if you are late and turn it in at the end of class it will be considered late. Two points will be deducted for each day a weekly assignment is turned in late. I will only accept the weekly assignments in class - unless you have made prior arrangements. One point will be deducted for each and every question that is not answered on the weekly assignments.

On most Fridays, you will hand in group assignments that will be worth up to 15 points each. Small groups of 5 or 6 people will be formed during the first week of class - each person will be expected to contribute and participate. These assignments will involve research on specific topics that we will be focusing on that week - you will find links for the online materials in the course schedule, faculty in the EVCC Library can be of help, and we will have an introductory session on conducting research at the library at the beginning of the quarter. Members not submitting a map with their name on it will have 3 points deducted. Members not contributing to their group may be left of that week’s assignment. There will be a peer revue at quarter's end, where you will be evaluated by your team members (this will be worth 30 points). While it may sound like I am trying to scare you, these rules and guidelines are meant to make the group process work smoothly. Many students have had bad experiences with group projects - this is rarely the case in this class. I think you will find the group projects to be a very positive experience, and a powerful learning tool. If there are any issues in your group’s dynamics, it is important that you continue to be productive in your group setting, to insure that you will be able to receive full credit for your work.

In general, you can expect materials handed back within 1 week of when I receive them (not accounting for times of unusually heavy volume such as Midterms, etc.). Your grades will be posted on ANGEL. You can access ANGEL from the Student Favorites dropdown menu on the Everett Community College homepage. Instructions how to sign will appear when you load the link.  

If you fail to complete any assignment/s worth up 10% of your grade, it will be up to my discretion to assess that you have failed to meet the minimum requirements of the class at the end of the quarter. Therefore, your grade will be a maximum of 400 points, which will then be calculated on a 4.0 scale, with letter grades assigned accordingly. The breakdown is as follows:
 
 

 Link to Winter Quarter Schedule for Geography 101