Always remember, you are unique, just like everybody else. -- Anon.
Class Notes
It is necessary to attend class and take careful notes to do well in
this course. The lecture material is not entirely duplicated in the
text.
Since every quiz will have five questions drawn from the lecture
material,
missing class or taking notes ineffectively will have a significant
negative
impact on your ability to succeed. You will also need a good set of
notes
when you attempt to do some of the homework assignments. We frequently
cover economic geography concepts in greater detail in class than your
book does. Some of the homework exercises require you to work through
an
example of a concept. If you have not paid attention in class and taken
careful notes, you will find it difficult to complete the homework
assignments.
Assignments
During the semester, you will submit three map assignments. These
assignments require you to search for, find, and
record some up-to-date information related to a course topic and use
the information to make a map.
You may make the map in any way you choose—sketch it yourself, map the
data onto a published base map, or use computer software. The important
thing is that you construct the map. Photocopied maps are not
acceptable. For detailed suggestions and a grading rubric consult the
"Map Assignments" page.
Five homeworks compose the remainder of the approximately one-third
course credit that is earned outside of class. These homeworks are
meant to reinforce class concepts by giving you the opportunity to work
through an example of some of the models and theories we discuss. You
may work on these homeworks with your classmates, but make sure you do
your own work. If you do cooperate with a classmate, please indicate on
your homework sheet the person(s) with whom you worked. If your paper
is identical to that of anothers and you have not listed anyone on your
homework sheet, the homework grader could conclude that you copied
someone else's work.
Final Exam
Old finals are available for you to download from this web site. These
are meant to give you an idea of what to expect on the final. I have
changed
books, and I add and subtract lecture material each semester.
Therefore,
you might find questions on these old exams that ask about material you
have never read or heard.
When reviewing for the final, keep in mind that the exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester's work). I will ask only about topics that were covered in class, however. Therefore, you should put the greatest effort into reviewing your class notes.
When studying your notes, ask yourself questions about the ideas and
concepts you encounter. Test yourself to see if you can use the concept
to explain what might happen under a specific set of circumstances. I
will
ask you very few questions that can be answered simply by remembering a
fact. Whenever possible I will ask you to demonstrate that you can use
what you have learned to figure out what has happened, is happening, or
will happen in the real world. Thus, the best way to study for the
final
is to pose problem to yourself and see if you can solve them.
The answers to the final exam questions are not on line nor will I make them available by other means. Good luck.
SI Review Sessions
To be announced at a later date.