Intro Human Geography

Introduction to Human Geography

Geography 201 -- Erik Prout, Visiting Assistant Professor

Texas A&M University, Spring 2003

SYLLABUS (below)

*Updated Schedule and Course Outline*

Atlas Exercise, 2/3 --- General Results

Midterm Exam, 2/28 --- General Results

Film Writing Exercise, 4/16 --- Impressions

Final Exam, 5/7 --- last evaluation

Textbook/publisher info. & website companion!!!

Evaluation:	Possible points	Mean points	Your points
atlas exercise	100	89.3
midterm	300	234.1
film writing exercise	225	209.8
final exam	375	283.8
Total Points	= 1000	= 817	=

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR:

Dr. Erik Prout

Office Hours: My general policy is for a large class is set times and by appointment, which means you can come by and see if I am in during office hours or we can schedule a mutually benifitial time to meet. The pre-set office hours when I plan to be in my office during the following times:
Tuesdays at 1400-1600 and
Wednesdays at 1300-1500.

Office: Eugene Butler Hall 110 (Geo-Suites #B).
Office Phone: 979.458.3379
Geography Department office is in the O&M Building (810); Mail Stop 3147
emergency messages can be left with department (845-7141)
INTERNET: http://geog.tamu.edu/~prout

COURSE:

Introduction to Human Geography

GEOG 201 (section 501)
Lecture format for three credits
Class meets M/W/F 1130-1220 in BSBE 115

Statement:
    Geography 201 is an introductory course in human geography that surveys some of the fundamental relationships between people and their environments. Planet Earth is the home of all humanity, and therefore it is essential to understand both culture and ecology that mediate our "earthly" relationship. Human—environment interaction includes many elements such as the building of a house, the design of a city, and the organization of society. When geographers look at the world, they see patterns (spatial variations), similarities (regions), and unique examples (places). The purpose of this course is to introduce key geographical concepts such as core-periphery and innovation/diffusion into a broader discussion of the world we inhabit.
    The successful outcome of this course, which is my goal, is to (1) facilitate your understanding of global diversity and globalization, (2) increase your knowledge of the cultural, regional, and ecological contexts of the world, (3) develop your proficiency in map skills as well as international place-names, & (4) convey the importance of intellectual pursuits that construct geographical ideas.

Requirements:
    There are no prerequisites for this course, so there is no presumption of prior geographical study. I assume all university students are capable and willing to learn, and I will help you become a better student if you ask. You must take responsibility for your learning by attending lectures, completing assignments, reading textbooks, and above all else evaluating your own learning and trying to improve. One feature of a geography course that differs from other university courses is the need to use atlases and maps; be prepared for memorization of geographical features and their locations on maps (such as places, regions, & examples from course lectures).

--READINGS & RESOURCES: the primary reading for this course will come from a single textbook. Places and Regions in Global Context, Updated 2nd Edition by P. Knox and S. Marston. The other required learning tool is the Atlas of World Geography (which should come together with the textbook). You will need to acquire three large gray scantrons and bring one usable scantron to class on evaluation days.

--ATTENDANCE: Attendance is an absolute necessity for learning and succeeding in University level courses. While I do not take roll per se, miss class at your own peril! Most evaluation related material will be discussed or emphasized during class time. If you miss a normal lecture period, first, get notes and impressions from fellow students, and then come to office hours if you have any questions. Evaluation day absences will be "excused" only by University Policy! Exam day emergencies require immediate notification (phone call) and written verification; alternative evaluations are essay oriented and at my discretion.

Grading:
    I use a total point scheme for grading. Every evaluation or exercise has a set value of points, and the final grade is determined from the total number of points accumulated. The primary source of points are the two exams each scheduled for the assigned examination periods: the midterm is worth 300 points and the final exam is worth 375 points. The remaining 325 consists of an atlas/map exercise (100) and a film writing exercise (225).
    The final grade is based on the total points and ranking of your points; not the percentage of points, so do not assume that 90/80/70/60 percent will be the thresholds for A/B/C/D. I reserve the right to adjust the thresholds after evaluating the whole class and the point distribution.
    As a general rule, no unexcused make-ups will be allowed. Exercises can be turned in early (full credit) and up to one week late (with a severe per class reduction). University policy dictates excused absences for our scheduled evaluation dates, and alternative exams are at my discretion.

Evaluation:	Possible points	Mean points	Your points
atlas exercise	100
midterm	300
film writing exercise	225
final exam	375
Total Points	= 1000

Classroom Policies:
I have high expectations of my students and in return I commit myself to some 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. Food & drink are okay, but smells, crunches, and wrappers are not (pack your trash out of the room). You must minimize the distractions especially unnecessary noise because it interferes with others ability to hear me. Discretely let me know if the screen is out of focus or if my voice is too low. I will try to project my voice and I will pester those who waste our class time. Turn off all electronic devices before entering the lecture hall.

Questions: YES, ask questions. The best questions start with why, where, or who. If you are curious or unsure, probably others in class are thinking the same thing. I will respond.

Cheating: NO, do not do it! On evaluation days, bring ID card and only what is necessary. Instead of devising ways to cheat, devote that time to studying. I will not tolerate any form of dishonesty. Cheating will be treated in accordance with Section 20 of the TAMU Student Rules.

Communication/Office Hours: I try my best to keep office hours and appointments and return messages in a timely manner; minimal email etiquette is required for effective communication.

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 Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities in Room 126 of the Koldus Building, or call 845-1637.

Copyright Disclaimer: All course material is copyrighted. Taping, reproducing and downloading of course material for other than personal educational use will be regarded as copyright infringement and referred to University legal officers for action.

Updated Schedule and Outline

WEEK 1
Main Topic/Theme: Intro / Why Place and Geography Matters
Readings: Textbook Chapter One
(1) Jan. 13; First day of class,
            [Introduction to course]; handout Syllabi / sign form
(2)   Jan. 15
            [GEO--GRAPHY]
(3) Jan. 17
            [MAPS] ; handout Atlas/Map Exercise {map video}

WEEK 2
Main Topic/Theme: Globalization and a Changing World
Readings: Textbook Chapter Two
No class on MLK holiday
(4)    Jan. 22
            [GLOBALIZATION; PLACES]
(5)     Jan. 24
            [WORLD SYSTEMS: Slow/Fast Worlds; core--periphery]

WEEK 3
Main Topic/Theme: Population and Demography
Readings: Textbook Chapter Three
(6)     Jan. 27
            [POPULATION: growth, pyramids, natural increase]
(7)     Jan. 29
            [Demographic transition model] {fertility in Italy video}
(8)     Jan. 31
            [Migration] {heart of a migrant video}

WEEK 4
Main Topic/Theme: Nature / Environment and society
Readings: Textbook Chapter Four
• 2/3 *ATLAS EXERCISE* DUE (turn-in on scantron during class for full credit)    100 points (10%)
(9)     Feb. 3
                [Nature introduction; Env. Philosophies and definitions]
(10)     Feb. 5
               [Nature: human & environmental history; human impacts/modifications}
(11)     Feb. 7
                [Nature--Culture]    {IMAGE 1: Cannibal Tours video}

WEEK 5
Main Topic/Theme: Cultural Geography: language and religion
Readings: Textbook Chapter Five
(12)    Feb. 10
                [Nature--Culture]    {IMAGE 2: Cannibal Tours video}
(13)    Feb. 12
                [Culture]
(14)    Feb. 14
                [Cultural themes/elements, and landscape/evidence]    {IMAGE 3: Rumantsch slides}

WEEK 6
Main Topic/Theme: Landscapes: identity & territory
Readings: Textbook Chapter Six
(15)     Feb. 17
               [Language]
(16)     Feb. 19
                [Religion]
(17)     Feb. 21
                [Cultural Landscapes and Interpreting Places] {IMAGE 4: landscape & place}

WEEK 7 Midterm Examinations
No new Readings but Review the first half of textbook pp. i--272, and atlas.
(18)    Feb. 24 Monday
                [Folk--Popular Culture]
(19)    Feb. 26 Wednesday,
                [Review session (Chapters 1-6)]
(20)     Feb. 28
• •         MIDTERM EXAMINATION
closed book & no notes Examination,   (bring scantron)    300 points (30%)

WEEKS 8 and 9
Main Theme/Topic: Foreign Places
Readings: Read ahead in Textbook

No class on March 3, 5, & 7 (AAG conference)

SPRING BREAK
No class on March 10-14

WEEK 10
Main Theme/Topic: Economic Development
Readings: Textbook Chapter Seven
(22)     March 17
                [Development; unevenness]
(23)     March 19
                [Location & Global economies]
(24)     March 21
                [Iraq: a geographical look]

WEEK 11
Main Theme/Topic: War in Iraq and Agriculture
Readings: Textbook Chapter Eight
(25)     March 24
                [Orientalism] {IMAGE 5}
(26)     March 26
                [Frontline: history of documentaries on Iraq] {IMAGE 6}
(27)     March 28
                [Agricultural practices (types of farming)]

WEEK 12
Main Theme/Topic: Rurality and Difference: Close to Eden?
Readings: Textbook Chapter Nine
(28)     March 31    [Movie Screening]
(29)     April 2       [Movie Screening]
(30)     April 4       [Movie Screening]

WEEK 13
Main Theme/Topic: Political Geography: systems & states
Readings: Textbook Chapter Ten
(31)     April 7
                [Political Geography and the territorial-State]
(32)     April 9
                [International Relations & War]
(33)     April 11
                [ Political Cultures and Democracy ]

WEEK 14
Main Theme/Topic: political & settlements
Readings: Textbook Chapter Eleven
(34)     April 14
                [Terrorism]
(35)     April 16
                [Settlements]
• FILM Writing Exercise Due (must be turned-in by 3:00PM) 225 points (20%)

No class on April 18th

WEEK 15
Final Theme: Urban Geography
Readings: Textbook Chapter Twelve
(36)     April 21
                [Historical evolution of cities]
(37)     April 23
                [Urbanization]
(38)     April 25
                [Modern cities of the world]

WEEKS 16 & 17
*Final Exam and rescheduled days Schedule applies*
Readings: review textbook Chapters 7-12
(39)    April 28
                [Geographies of the Future & Conclusion to second half of semester]
(40)    April 29
                [Last day of class / Review session ]

(41)     May 7
***FINAL EXAMINATION ***
    Final is on Wednesday, May 7th, at a specially designated time: 10:30-12:30    375 points (37.5%)

Prout's Geography Index

Prout's web-bio (contact me)

Department of Geography

Texas A&M University

WebCT grade posting

Standard Disclaimer & Online Ethics:
*    I accept (& welcome) criticism of my facts and ideas;
        if you disagree, communicate your own views.
*    Please ask before citing me in publications;
        double check accuracy of everything before using sources for yourself.
*   Please dont mess with my files or prevent others from accessing.