1100

Geography 1100: Cultural Geography
Summer Semester, 2007

Instructor: Dr. Michael Cornebise
Class Meeting Time: 10:00-12:30 MTWR
Office: PHYS 3065
Office Hours: 9:00-10:00 & 12:30-1:00 MTWR, or by appointment
Phone: 581-5400 (office); 581-2626 (Geography Department)
E-mail: mwcornebise@eiu.edu
Class Webpage: www.ux1.eiu.edu/~mwcornebise

Course Content and Objectives:

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the study of spatial and cultural variations in an era of greater global interaction. In order to accomplish this task, the course will focus on Describing, Analyzing, and Interpreting the variation of phenomena from place to place and the function of humans in creating such variation. Course material is based on physical and human, as well as theoretical and applied, concepts of spatial interaction. The course and the textbook draw heavily from case studies to illustrate important concepts. In order to facilitate a varied and lively class atmosphere, we will incorporate a combination of lectures, videos, power point presentations, in-class discussions and group activities.

Class Materials (both of which are available at Textbook Rental):

1.    Rubenstein, J. M. (2005). An Introduction to Human Geography, 8th edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall Publishing.

2.    Gover, B. ed. (2005). Atlas of World Geography. Rand McNally and Co. (This is the basic reference source.)

Course Assignments:

1.    Textbook Readings: Students will be responsible for the readings assigned in the text and any handouts provided during the semester.

2.    Reaction Papers: Each student will complete four reaction papers (each worth 20 points) on their choice of in-class videos. The papers will be comprised of 2 double-spaced typewritten pages.

3.    Quizzes: There will be several pop quizzes scattered throughout the semester. They will be based on readings, lecture and discussion. Make sure you keep up with all material!

4.     Course Project: An instruction sheet will be given in class (project worth 20 points).

Exams and Grading:

Your grade will be based on four exams, four reaction papers, in-class pop quizzes, and the course project. Grades will be weighted as follows:

First Exam                    80 points     May 17
Second Exam              100 points    May 24
Third Exam                 100 points    May 31
Final Exam                  100 points    Jun 7 (The final exam is NOT comprehensive)
Quizzes                         20 points    ???
Reaction Papers            80 points    see schedule
Course Project              20 points due: Jun 5 (T)
Total                           500 points

Course Evaluation:
            A    90% or higher
            B    80-89%
            C    70-79%
            D    60-69%
            F    59% or lower

Attendance:

Attendance is required, role will be taken and records will be kept. You are penalized for poor attendance in two ways. First, I do not give make-up class assignments (see below for explanation); therefore, you lower your grade by losing points for assignments given when you are absent. Second, lecture notes are not derived exclusively from the textbook reading and exams will include material not found in the text. You are considered absent if you miss a class because of lateness.

NOTE: Several pop quizzes and in-class exercises will be given over the course of the semester. They will be based on class lectures and reading assignments. Make sure you keep up with both!

Important Points to Note:

·    You will be allowed to make up exams and class assignments (including quizzes, reaction papers, impromtu exercises, or any other work that is done during class) ONLY if you show me verifiable proof that clearly indicates that it was impossible for you to attend class during the regular meeting period. It is your responsibility to contact me after missing an exam to see if I will accept your proof as verifiable. In every case that you miss a class, exam, or any other assignments, you are responsible for obtaining missed material regardless of whether I allow you to make up the material in question.

·    Leaving a message on my voice mail does not constitute a verifiable excuse for missing class, exams, or other class assignments. For medical emergencies, I will accept ONLY a written note from a physician, a university health service worker, or the dean of enrollment management.

·    Students who have to miss all or part of a class session because of an academic function (e.g., an event for which the student has university approval) must contact me with proof of such an activity (e.g., a letter from a coach or department chairperson.)

·    Activities such as work schedules, appointments, club or organizational functions, or making up another exam during this class period are not acceptable excuses for missing class, exams or assignments.

·    Final exams will only be rescheduled in the event of university sanctioned events and verifiable emergencies. Final exam day is a regularly scheduled part of the academic calendar and will be treated as such.

·    If you have a documented disability and wish to receive academic accommodations or services, please contact Julie or Kathy in the Office of Disability Services at 581-6583. If you need to know where the areas of rescue assistance are located in case the building must be evacuated, please notify the instructor.