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.

            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: (1) the primary reading for this course will come from a single textbook. Places and Regions in Global Context, 3^rd Edition by Knox and Marston [ISBN 0-13-101518-4]. (2) The other required learning tool is the Atlas of World Geography (which may come together with the textbook). (3) You will need to acquire three large gray scantrons; bring one usable scantron to class on evaluation days. (4) You’ll need access to a VCR/DVD player and a computer with internet access and word processing (available on campus).

--ATTENDANCE: Attendance is an absolute necessity for learning and succeeding in University level courses. 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 (make-ups) may be at my discretion different (essay or oral exam).

            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 sources of points are the two exams each scheduled for the assigned examination periods: the midterm is worth 350 points and the final exam is worth 350 points. The remaining points derive from a film writing exercise (225) and an atlas/map exercise (75); in addition, up to 25 extra points may be added for attendance, which is conducted discriminately.

            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.

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. Food & drink are okay, but smells, crunches, and wrappers are not (pack your trash out of the room including newspapers). 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. Cell phones and audio devices must be turned off before entering the lecture hall.

• 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! On evaluation days, bring ID card and only what is necessary. Instead of devising ways to cheat or plagiarize, devote that time to studying. If you have questions concerning integrity, honesty, and plagiarism, ask someone. See my HONOR page.
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. I will respond. Please communicate with me; I realize this is a very large lecture section so if you are hesitant to ask questions in front of everyone, at least ask after class or during office hours.

• 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 course materials are copyrighted. Taping and reproducing of course material for other than personal use will be regarded as copyright infringement and referred to the University lawyers for action. Before tape recording, ask me first. Professional note-takers must be enrolled in this course (university policy) and receive my permission prior to any commercial transaction involving course notes (state law).

Prout's Geography Index 

Prout's web-bio (contact me)

Department of Geography

Texas A&M University