Statement:

            Political geography is one of the traditional components to human geography as a whole. At times it has been a leading edge to the discipline while at other times it has been a relegated and neglected part of academic geography. In some ways political geography is very close to popular conceptions of geography because of the foci on States (countries) and global scale activities. Moreover, there is a rich intellectual tradition of thinking and theorizing about the relationship between power and space. Today’s political geography offers us insight and even some possible explanations about how the world works.

            This course will combine a traditional systematic approach to political geography with a inquisitive or exploratory approach to the prevailing theories of global interaction. The systematic approach includes the fundamentals of State description as well as the standard sub-divisions of political geography into nation-states, territoriality, electoral geography, international, and geopolitics. The course will explore world-systems theory, terrorism, Middle East conflicts, and Orientalism as examples of theories and realities that confirm or confound our world view.

            The successful outcome of this course, which is my goal, is to (1) facilitate your understanding of political geography from local to global scale analyses, (2) increase your knowledge and proficiency of the various State contexts and political systems operating in the world, (3) develop a dialogue of "globalization" in regards to culture and politics, and (4) convey the importance of intellectual pursuits that construct geographical places, regions, and ideas.

 
Requirements and Readings:

                There are no formal prerequisites for this course, but there are some implied expectations. There is an assumption of prior geographical study: particularly GEOG 201 and 202 or their equivalents, and being a 400 level course, which implies that you are ready for upper level coursework. One feature of a geography course that differs from other university courses is the need to use atlases and maps; be prepared for some memorization of geographical features and their locations on maps.

            The semester readings include two books to purchase:

Political Geography, 4/e P. Taylor and C. Flint. Prentice Hall, 2000. [ISBN 0582357330]

Orientalism, E. Said. Vintage Books, 1978. [ISBN 039474067X]

            and everything else will be discretionary in terms of cost:

Photocopied Readings and Book Review (details TBA);

Access to an academic atlas such as Goode's World Atlas, 20th Edition. (GEOG 202)

Evaluation / Grading:

         I use a 1000 point scheme for grading. Every evaluation has a set value of points, and the final grade is determined from the total number of points accumulated. The major source of points will come from two examinations and a research paper. The minor source of points includes participation (attendance, discussion, presentation) and small write-ups. The examinations will consist of multiple choice, fill-in the blank, short answer, and map locations. The research paper will be 15-20 pages of writing and be on an approved topic. The final grade is based on the total points and ranking of your points, not the percentage of points.  I set the point thresholds only after evaluating the whole class and the point distribution.

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Classroom Policies:

 • Conducive learning environment is foremost: late arrivals and early departures should be extreme situations; disruptive behavior of any sort is wrong. Food, drink, and smoking are limited by university policies. 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.

 • Excused absences are by university policy! Examination or due-date emergencies require immediate notification (a phone call to me, the Department of Geography, or an appropriate university official) and written verification of emergency. Alternative evaluations are essay oriented and at my discretion.

 • Questions: 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.

• Academic Honesty: I will not tolerate any form of dishonesty. On examination days, bring ID card and only what is necessary. Instead of devising ways to cheat, devote that time to studying. There is zero toleration of plagiarism; take special care when writing your term papers that you give credit for other people's ideas.

 • Privacy: All course evaluations and personal results are confidential in nature. Grades (and point totals in my class) are not to be posted in public nor insecure internet sites in such a way that your privacy is not preserved. I will not give out grades or results over the phone or with an email. Please do not ask or volunteer away your FERPA rights.

 • 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.

 • Copyrights: All course material is copyrighted. Taping, reproducing, and downloading of course material for reasons other than personal use will be regarded as copyright infringement and referred to University lawyers for action.

 • 401 Readings: Some readings will be stored in the Geography Reading Room (O&M 813). If you need to take the readings out to photocopy, please return them in a timely manner. Feel welcome to use the reading room for study groups and pre- / post-class discussions.