Field Geography

SYLLABUS Berninapass

Field Geography

Texas A&M University

Spring Semester 2006

PROFESSOR:

Dr. Erik Prout

Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Geography

Office Hours: set times and by appointment

Office: CSA 301-C (Teague West / DPC Annex)

Set times: Monday and Thursday 1500-1700

Direct phone: 979-458-3379 (Geog. Dept. 845-7141)

Website: http://geog.tamu.edu/~prout

TA: Rachel Isaacs

Office Hours:.

COURSE:

GEOG 450-500

Field Activities, Lecture & Exercises for three credits

Monday’s class meets in CSA 303 from 1350 to 1440

Wednesday’s class meets in the field between 1350 and 1750 (exact details TBA)

Statement:

The “Field” is heard all the time, but what does it mean? Geographers throughout the years have gone into the field to collect data, or sometimes it seems that we go into the field to remain geographers. The field is a special place that academic and professional geographers alike associate with being in direct contact (observation or other senses) with the people, places, and phenomena that we want to discern patterns and meanings from; other words, were looking and engaging with the real world or planet we purport to be studying.

Field geography is a unique course that compliments the geography curriculum by engaging students in real world situations. Students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of previously learned concepts and ideas, and students are introduced to the equipment, terminology, and techniques of working in the field. The Texas A&M Undergraduate catalogue states:

“Introduction to field methods; documenting materials, reconnaissance, the field plan; mapping traverse, base maps and aerial photographs; recording techniques; interview procedures. Fields trips required, some on weekends and/or semester breaks, for which departmental fees may be assessed to cover costs.”

The successful outcome of this course, which is my goal, is to (1) increase your understanding of the field as geographers use the term, (2) introduce students to the procedures and equipment that are used to record and utilize field data, (3) facilitate your interest and knowledge of direct observation to appreciate the cultural and ecological diversity of our local environments

Requirements:

PREREQUISITES: Fifteen hours of geography coursework or equivalent is required. Therefore, most students registered for this course should be officially listed as upper-level geography majors or minors. Ideally, students should have successfully completed the introductory courses (201 and 203 with lab) as well as a regional course (301 or 305). There is some leeway, but permission of instructor is required for all other students.

ATTENDANCE: Attendance is a key factor in academic performance and becomes a crucial component to your success during the semester. Attendance is required for this course. Unexcused absences will count against you, and all absences will be taken into consideration when determining participation. Take special note of Wednesdays when we are scheduled to be in the field; expect to be busy until 1745 and how unreasonable it is to make plans before 1900 (e.g. work or evening classes). Miss class at your own peril, and if you should, contact your fellow students for notes. The readings are equally important to lecture in preparing for individual exercises, so it is imperative that you keep up with the reading schedule.

Readings & Resources:

The majority of readings will be available on reserve (or e-reserve).
Additional resources will be handed out or will be posted on webCT.
You will need to have regular access to the internet.

Access to Reserve and Electronic Reserve (e-reserve) in Evans Library 2nd floor <>
On-campus terminal may be necessary for downloading copyrighted material

Access to NEO for communication; webCT for grades and downloads; www for background, etc.

Evaluation / Grading:

I use a 1000 point scheme for grading. *see grade table below* <>Every evaluation or activity has a set value of points, and the final grade is determined from the total number of points accumulated. The main categories of where the points derive from:
Project Reports: the majority of the points will from the write-ups you produce from the individual exercises and field activities. The exact number and precise value depends on the schedule and how difficult each project becomes.
Field Participation is attendance on field days (Wednesdays and the Saturday field trip) and contribution (dirty hands and muddy boots).
Class Participation includes lecture attendance and your preparation (reading, discussion, and quizzes). <>

<grade table>

Evaluation:	Possible points	Your score
Project Reports (various values / approx. 13 x 50)	650
Field Participation (roll—attendance)	250
Class Participation (lecture, readings, & quizzes)	100
Total Points	= 1000	=

Instructor, University, & Classroom Policies:

I have high expectations of my students because we are in a learning environment and we should set high goals and standards. In return, I commit myself to equally reasonable expectations; here are a few key points.

• Conducive learning environment is foremost: late arrivals and early departures should be extreme situations; disruptive behavior of any sort is wrong. You must minimize the distractions especially unnecessary noise because it interferes with others ability to hear me. Cell phones and audio devices must be turned off before entering the lecture hall and silenced in the field. Good manners and appropriate dress in the field is required. Long pants and hiking shoes/boots are advised for certain field activities; bring water and snacks as necessary.<>

• Academic Integrity Statement: I will not tolerate any form of dishonesty (personal and academic).
The Aggie Honor Code is: "An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do."
<>Please refer to the Aggie Honor Code and Honor Council Rules and Procedures on the web at http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor. Simply put, do not do it! 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.

• Questions: YES, ask questions. Be inquisitive. The best questions start with why, where, or who. If you are curious or unsure, probably others in class are thinking the same thing. A field class is an ideal student—faculty situation for asking questions. <>

• Communication/Office Hours: I try to return phone calls and emails in a timely manner and I do my best to keep office hours. When emailing me, please write out your name and exact course inside the message as well as filling in the subject line. Remember, serious communication should be in person.

• FERPA/grade disclosure: All personal information concerning your performance/grade in this course is covered by federal privacy legislation. No grades or status questions will be addressed over the telephone or by email.

• ADA 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 Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) at Cain Hall, room B118. The phone number is 845-1637.

• Copyrights: 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.

Week 1

Week 2

M 1/23 “The Field” discussion; Salter reading (HO first day)

W 1/25 Location / GPS; (Campus)

Week 3

M 1/30 Survey and Exploration lecture

W 2/1 Surveying; Research Park (West Campus)

Week 4

M 2/6 Historical and Commercial lecture

W 2/8 Socio-economic activities; Northgate

Week 5

M 2/13 Urban lecture

W 2/15 Urban survey; Downtown Bryan

Week 6

M 2/20 Bryan discussion

W 2/22 Follow-up Bryan / Houston preparation

Sat 2/25 Houston Field Trip

M 2/28 “Post trip” analysis and “Windshield geography”

W 3/1 Automobile survey

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

M 3/20 Geomorphology and Soils lecture

W 3/22 Brazos Terraces; Animal Sciences Complex

Week 11

M 3/27 TBA

W 3/29

Week 12

M 4/3 Religion and Material Culture lecture

W 4/5 Religion; St. Anthony’s Catholic Church

Week 13

M 4/10 Cemeteries and memorials lecture

W 4/12 Religion; Rock Prairie Baptist Church

Week 14

M 4/17 Vegetation lecture

W 4/19 Vegetation; Lick Creek Park

Week 15

M 4/24 Vegetation (map room?)

W 4/26 Vegetation; Lick Creek Park

Weeks 16 & 17 — Dead week, redefined days & Finals Exam schedule