Geography 220:
World Regional Geography
Instructor:
Tim Mulrooney
Geography looks at the spatial
distribution of almost any phenomena that our global society has to offer. While there are literally countless biomes, cultures,
religions, languages and nations that populate this earth, a world regional
approach breaks the earth into a number of different regions loosely based on
natural and man-made characteristics and briefly looks at these characteristics.
This book divides the global culture into 12 different regions that
transcend the physical and geo-political landscape.
In addition, we will look at current issues within and among each of
these different regions.
Many times geographic data are expressed in the form of maps. We will study essential elements of map design in addition to creating and interpreting our own maps from geographic data. We will cover topics in 'traditional' geography in addition to discussing concepts of Geographic Information Systems, a new technology used to process and analyze geographic data. In addition, you will be given a GIS software package for this class. In essence, it acts like an interactive map, where you will be able to click and point on different global features for the sake of interpreting relationships or gaining information about its different features.
Class Meetings: Wednesdays, August 20th - December 3rd, 7:00 - 9:45, Room 308, Fredericksburg Campus. Final Exam: December 10th, 7:00.
Materials:
All students will need the required text book (Diversity Amid
Globalization: World Regions,
Environment, Development) by
Rowntree, Lewis, Price and Wyckoff. In addition, the optional text is an
excellent resource for help in labs, but there are many other map sources.
As a result, it is not required. Computer
access is suggested. In addition to
the use of the mapping software package, a class web page will be put on the
Internet.
Grades: Your grade
will be dependent upon exams, labs/homework and a short research paper that will
culminate in a presentation in front of the class.
The grading policy is:
Exams (2): 50%
Labs / Homework: 25%
Paper / In-Class Presentation: 25%
Exams:
Two in-class exams will be given over the course of this class.
One covering the first portion of the course will be given on October 1st.
While the second exam is not cumulative, it will necessitate some simple
notions covered in the first half of the course. Exams will cover all material discussed in the lectures,
assigned readings and labs. Exams
are closed book in nature. Unless
you have a documented excuse, there will be no make-ups given. In the event of a missed exam, you must schedule a make-up
exam with the instructor.
Lab / Homework: Homework and Labs will occasionally be assigned throughout
the semester. Labs encompass a wide
array of activities. Students may
have to elicit the use of the GIS software and atlases, make their own maps or
research and formulate an opinion on an issue affecting the global society.
Labs will be started during the second half of selected lectures and
turned in at the beginning of the next week's class.
The lowest lab grade will be dropped in computing your final grade.
No late labs will be accepted or given unless you have a documented
excuse. Labs can be turned in early
- the latest they will be accepted is the beginning of the next week's class.
Students with a documented excuse will have one week to turn in a lab.
While you may work with other people on the labs and homework, every
person must hand in a lab.
Research Paper / Presentation : Each student will complete a paper (4-5 pages) on a country randomly assigned to them. Further information regarding the format will be given in a few weeks. Part of the successful completion of this paper is a class-wide presentation (10 minutes) given during the last two weeks of class. You will see one question from each student's presentation on the final exam.
Other:
The instructor reserves the right to change class materials when it deems
necessary. Many of the concepts and
projects necessitate that you have fully understood the concepts and methodology
within the framework of the lectures. Demonstrations
of the labs, software and concepts covering upcoming exams will be given during
the lecture. In addition, there
will be no make-ups for exams and labs missed during unexcused absences.
Therefore, while class attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly
suggested. While there may arise circumstances where you will not be able to
notify me of your absence before the regularly scheduled class meeting, I
prefer that you notify me of your absence before class via telephone or e-mail.
It is the discretion of the instructor to determine what constitutes a
documented excuse. Missed labs and exams are your responsibility and must
be made up on your own time in a timely manner.
If you do not notify me of your situation I cannot accommodate
you.
Germana's Access Policy for
Individuals With Disabilities:
If you are a student with a disability and will need accommodations while
enrolled in the course, please contact the Coordinator of Disability Services in
the Counseling Center, Room 201.
Academic Honesty: GCC students are expected to maintain complete honesty and
integrity in the completion and presentation of all academic assignments and
examinations. Any student found
guilty of cheating, plagiarism or other dishonorable acts in the academic work
is subject to disciplinary action. In
this course, academic dishonesty will automatically earn a failing grade and
referral to the Dean of Instruction. Students
may work together on labs and homework for the sake of sharing ideas and
concepts, but individual work is required for the quizzes and exams.
In this course, academic dishonesty includes the following:
If you have any questions as to what may constitute academic dishonesty, please ask.
Contact Information:
Office: Room 320; Office Hours Wednesday, 6:00 - 7:00. Other by Appointment
Class Web Page: To be announced
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone : (540) 710 - 2058 (Germana Office)
(804) 633 - 8433 (Work)
(804) 994 - 0146 (Home)
Classes Begin : August 20th
Last Day to Add : August 26th
Last Day to Change from Audit to Credit: August 26th
Last Day for a Refund: September 3rd
Last Day to Withdraw without Academic Penalty: October 22nd
Holiday (No Classes) : November 26th - November 30th
Last Day of Classes : December 8th
Final Exams: December 9th - 15th