Geography 304 is an introductory course designed to acquaint you with the basic principles of economic geography. The course is divided into two main topic areas. One of these can be thought of as an introduction to location theory, and the second is an introduction to  economic development, globalization, and trade. In essence, location theory attempts to determine why economic activities are located where they are or why they should be located in one place as opposed to another. It looks at all types of economic activity, from agriculture to manufacturing to retail. The second topic, economic development, globalization, and trade, seeks to explain the economic relationships between regions and why some regions prosper while others do not. It also attempts to develop strategies that will enable a region to enhance its economic development potential and to explain patterns of trade.       Economic Geography is primarily a lecture course. Class participation in the lecture sessions is strongly encouraged and will influence your grade positively. You should be aware that you will be responsible for all of the material contained in the assigned readings as well as what is covered in the lecture. Furthermore, these two sources of information will not be identical. Material which you read but is not discussed in class will appear on examinations (and vice versa). Do not assume that material in the text which is not discussed in class is unimportant. In fact, I will assign you material to read because I do not have time to cover the topic in class.  EXPECTATIONS: If students attend lectures, complete reading, map assignment, and homework assignments, they can expect to receive a solid introduction to economic geography that will help them understand and explain the location of economic activities on the surface of the earth. Students will also gain an appreciation of the basic elements of economic development and world trade. More specifically, students will be able to articulate and explain the impact of spatial factors on economic processes, apply economic geography concepts to analyze problems and predict outcomes, and assess how different economic policies and decisions affect the economic well-being of individuals and regions.     I expect that students will attend lectures faithfully, take exams at the scheduled times, be prepared for class and respect classmates and the instructor by maintaining a proper and polite attitude in class.  EXAMS AND GRADES: There are 12 quizzes, five homework assignments, three map assignments, and a comprehensive final examination. The quizzes must be taken on the days they are scheduled unless a university-accepted excuse is presented (see student rule 7).  If you expect to be excused for missing a quiz, you must notify me of your absence.  If you are unable to make contact before you miss class, you must inform me of the nature of your excuse within 48 hours or as soon as you are able.      The quizzes and exam will be composed primarily of objective questions (multiple-choice and true-false). Homework and map assignments that are not turned in on time will be penalized severely, and since they are worth only 10 points each, you should submit them on time. Classroom participation can influence your grade positively (see below).       Quiz grades will not be posted. Your quizzes will be graded by as quickly as possible so you will usually receive them during the same class session. Extra-credit assignments will not be offered, although final grades may be improved through class participation. PARTICIPATION: Class participation will be rewarded. Students who answer a (or ask a worthwhile) question in class will be awarded two "extra-credit points." These points will be added to students' point totals at the end of the semester. EMAIL: If you would like a response to an email message, you must send the email from your neo account. I will not reply to non-university accounts. ATTENDANCE: I expect you to attend classes. Attendance will not be taken formally every day. I should point out that it is hard for me not to notice repeated absences, especially when returned work is unclaimed. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to get the notes from a classmate. I will not make my notes available to students under normal circumstances. For official class days and holidays, consult the university calendar at http://admissions.tamu.edu/Registrar/General/Calendar.aspx. ACADEMIC HONESTY: I will deal harshly with both cheating and plagiarism. I assume you know the definition of cheating. During quizzes, make an effort to keep your eyes on your own paper. Plagiarism consists of passing off as your own the ideas, words, writings, etc. belonging to another. You are committing plagiarism if you copy the work of another person and turn it in as your own, even if you have the permission of the other person. If you have questions about plagiarism, consult the Honor Council Rules and Procedures on the web http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor. Make “An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do” your guide. COURTESY: I will make an effort to treat students courteously.  I expect the same effort from students.  A few types of behavior that are likely to influence my opinion of you and how serious you are about this course are indicated by the suggestions that follow. Please arrive before the class begins.  If you are unavoidably detained and are late, please disturb other students as little as possible when you take your seat.  In other words, do not walk across the front of the classroom or insist on sitting in the middle seat if one near the edge is available. Avoid talking or engaging in other behavior that disturbs the people who sit around you. If you cannot stay awake, stay home and sleep or be prepared to be awakened. Do not come to class to work on your homework for another course. Leave during class only if it is really necessary. Do not forget to turn off your phone before class begins. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities in Room B118 of Cain Hall. The phone number is 845-1637. Copyright and Plagiarism Policy All materials used in this class are copyrighted. These materials include but are not limited to syllabi, quizzes, exams, lab problems, in-class materials, review sheets, and additional problem sets. Because these materials are copyrighted, you do not have the right to copy the handouts, unless permission is expressly granted. As commonly defined, plagiarism consists of passing off as one's own the ideas, words, writings, etc., which belong to another. In accordance with this definition, you are committing plagiarism if you copy the work of another person and turn it in as your own, even if you should have the permission of that person. Plagiarism is one of the worst academic sins, for the plagiarist destroys the trust among colleagues without which research cannot be safely communicated. If you have any questions regarding plagiarism, please consult the latest issue of the Texas A&M University Student Rules, http://student-rules.tamu.edu/, under the section "Scholastic Dishonesty."   Know the Code Aggie Code of Honor: "Aggies do not lie, cheat, or steal, nor do they tolerate those who do." Instances of scholastic dishonesty will be treated in accordance with Section 20 of the TAMU Student Rules. Please inform yourself on the student rules regarding cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information, conspiracy at the new website: <http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor/>. Final Exams In accordance with Student Rules, if a final exam is given in a course, it must be given at the regularly scheduled time posted at http://admissions.tamu.edu/registrar/General/FinalSchedule.aspx.