Geography 3025: Geography of the United States and Canada
Fall Semester, 2008

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Instructor: Dr. Michael Cornebise

Class Meeting Time: TR 2:00-3:15

Office: PHYS 3065 (Office Hours: 10:00-11:00 MWF & 2:00-3:00 MW, 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:

 

This course deals with the regional geography of the North American realm.  The course begins with an overview of the physical and human characteristics of the U.S. and Canada followed by an in-depth analysis of the major themes and trends of the assigned regions.  The goal is for the student to gain an understanding of how North America’s regions function as components of national, continental, and worldwide systems.

 

Class Materials (available at Textbook Rental):

 

1.      Hardwick, S., F. Shelley & D. Holtgrieve (2008).  The Geography of North America, First Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall Publishing. 

 

Course Assignments:

 

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

 

2.      Articles:  In addition to the text, there will be several articles (located on E-Reserve and at the library) that will be discussed in class and will be fair game on examinations and quizzes.

 

3.      Term Project: Students will complete an in-depth project on an assigned North American region.  The project will be assigned following the first exam.

Project Due: Nov 13

 

4.      Map Identification: Students will be responsible for learning the major geographic features of the United States and Canada (cities, regions, water bodies, etc.).  A map identification section on each exam will test each student’s knowledge of geographic features.  Please refer to the map package handout.

 

Exams and Grading:

 

            Exam One                                70 pts               Sep 25

            Exam Two                               80 pts               Oct 30

Final Exam                            100 pts              Dec 15

            Quizzes/In-Class Exercises      40 pts               ???

            In-Class Project                        10 pts               TBA

            Term Project                          100 pts              Due: Nov 13

            Total                                      400 pts

           

NOTE: The final exam is NOT comprehensive. 

 

List of Articles:

 

1.  Ford, L., F. Klevisser, and F. Carli. (2008) “Ethnic Neighborhoods and Revitalization: Can Europe Use the American Model?”

     Geographical Review, 98(1): 82-102

 

2.  Hurt, D. (2005). “Dialed In? Geographic Expansion and Regional Identity in NASCAR’s Nextel Cup Series,” Southeastern Geographer, 45(1): 120-137

 

3.  Schroeder, J. (2005) “Chicago and Its Inland Sea,” AAG Publications. (Handout)

 

Attendance:

 

Attendance in this class is mandatory.  Class roll will be taken and records kept. Several pop quizzes 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, map assignments, impromptu 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.

 

  • 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.