GENERAL INFORMATION:  General information about this course, classroom behavior, and similar matters are discussed on a separate WEB page called Gen Info Spring 2007.  This material is part of this syllabus and you should print it out for future reference.  

World Geography
GEO 201: Catalog Description

World Geography is an introduction to the physical and political geography of the world.  It explores how the physical features, natural resources, and climate connect with  economics and politics to shape the various human cultures on this planet.  The major world geographic regions are explored.  Co-requisites:  ENG 101.  Three lecture hours per week.  Three credit hours.

Course Objectives:

·        Demonstrate knowledge of the nomenclature, methods, and definitions of geography.

·        Demonstrate knowledge of the major geographic regions of the world and their characteristics.

·        Apply mapping, charting, and computer software skills to explore and present geographic data.

·        Analyze how physical features, natural resources, and climate connect with economics and politics to shape the various human cultures on this planet.

·        Utilize existing cultural resources through field trips to museums and natural landmarks (World Trade Center site; transportation hubs, world heritage sites, etc.)

·        Demonstrate understanding of the major cultures of this planet.

·        Demonstrate understanding of the geopolitical position of the United States in our world.

·        Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of one’s own cultural background

·        Demonstrate an awareness and sensitivity of the cultural backgrounds of likely classmates.

·        Work collaboratively as a team member of the class.

·        Examine value systems of a specific culture.

·        Examine value systems of a multi-cultural society (United States).

·        Examine human interaction with the natural environment.

RequiredText:

Getis, Arthur,  Judith Getis, and Jerome D. Fellmann,
    Introduction to Geography, 11^th (Boston:  McGraw-Hill
    Higher Education, 2008)

  Course Outline:

Week 1.  Introduction

Week 2.  Maps, read Chts 1 and 2 of  Getis

Week 3.  Physical Geography:  Landforms, read Getis, Ch. 3

Week 4:  Physical Geography:  Weather and Climate, read Getis, Ch.4  

Week 5:  The Geography of Natural Resources, read Getis, Ch. 5

Week 6: Test No. 1:  Wednesday, February 28 second half of period
                                     from 7:00 p.m. ro 8:30 p.m.

Week 6:  Population Geography, first half of period
                                     from 5:40 p.m. to 6:40 p.m.
                                     read Getis, Ch. 6.  This will be covered on 2nd Exam.

Week 7:  Population Geography continued.  Read Getis, Ch. 6.
Cultural Geography:  Diversity and Language, Getis, Ch. 7

Week 8:  Cultural Geography:  Religion, Getis, Ch. 7

Week 9:  Spatial Interaction, Getis, Ch. 8

Week 10:  Political Geography, Getis, Ch. 9

Week 11:  Test No. 2 : Wednesday, April 11 first half of period
                                        from 5:40 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Week 11:  Second half of period from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
                    Economic Geography

Week 12:  Economic Geography, Getis, Ch. 10

Week 13:  Urban Geography, Getis. Ch. 11

Week 14:  Human Impact on the Environment, Getis, Ch. 12
                  and The Regional Concept, Getis. Ch. 13

FINAL EXAMINATION: THE FINAL EXAM IS GIVEN DURING THE FINAL EXAMINATION WEEK FROM MAY 8 THOUGH MAY 14 The Final is comprehensive with emphasis on the last four chapters.

STUDENT EVALUATIONS:

·        Course embedded assessment through tests and reports.

·         Evaluation of oral presentations on selected world geographic problems.

·         In-class question and answer sessions based on group activities.

·        Final examination  

Tests and Reports                               60%
Attendance and Participation           10%
Final                                                    30%
                                                __________
Total                                                  100%