Geography 1190: Cultural Geography Honor's Section
Spring Semester, 2009
SYLLABUS
Instructor:
Dr. Michael Cornebise
Class
Meeting Time: 2:00-3:15 pm TR
Office:
PHYS 3065
Office
Hours: 12:00-2:00 TR & 3:00-4:00 MWF, 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.
Course Assignments:
1. Textbook
2. Reaction Papers: Each
student will complete four reaction papers (each worth 20 points) on their
choice of in-class videos or assigned readings.
The papers will be comprised of 2 double-spaced typewritten pages.
3. Writing/Research Project: Adopt one country from the list below. Identify a major cultural/geographic problem
or issue for your country. Conduct
research on your country’s problem, and compile a file of your research
material. Write a 5 to 6-page critical
appraisal of your country’s problem and include: causes of the problem,
the present state of the problem, attempts at solving the problem, and future
prospects for your country. The completed first draft of the project is due Apr
21. See schedule for oral presentation dates.
Countries:
Chile Panama
Venezuela Haiti
Hungary Algeria
Lebanon
Oral
Presentation: The oral presentation
provides an opportunity to share with the class the initial findings of your
research project and to enlist suggestions from class members and the
instructor. In order to receive full
credit, your presentation must contain the following: a clear statement of the problem you have
defined and are researching (it might help to develop a hypothesis to explore
ahead of time), a brief explanation of the background of the problem, a brief
summation of the data you have found (include at least one graphic illustration
in the form of a map, chart, graph, table, etc. to help highlight your points),
and your expected conclusions (i.e., where are you going with the
research? what
do you expect to find?) You can present
your data in any way you choose including using overhead transparencies or
power point slides.
Final
Research Project: All papers must contain the
following:
Introduction: Tells me what
to expect in your paper
Body of the text: Include headings, proper paragraphs,
tables, figures and/or maps, and references to material borrowed from other
authors, even if such material is not quoted directly.
Conclusion: Summarize your findings,
ask pertinent questions related to the project,
discuss potential solutions and
problems, and suggest new directions or approaches to the problem.
Bibliography: Include a full list of consulted material. Consult the manual of your choice regarding
proper citation form.
NOTES: Your paper should be
type-written and thoroughly proof-read and corrected for proper content, style,
grammar and organization. Points will be
deducted for sloppiness. Do not
depend solely on internet-derived material!
Please consult at least one book and one journal article and include
them in your paper and bibliography, though you should include AT LEAST FIVE
total sources. You must turn in your final project (first submission) with your
revised version to be eligible for full credit.
Exams and Grading:
Your
grade will be based on three exams, three reaction papers, panel discussions,
the project oral presentation, in-class pop quizzes, and the first and final
drafts of the research project. Grades
will be weighted as follows:
First Exam 80 points Feb
5
Second Exam 100 points Mar
12
Final Exam
100 points May 6
Quizzes 20 points ???
Reaction Papers 60 points see
schedule
Panel Participation 20
points see schedule
Oral Presentations 20 points see
schedule
Research Project 70 points due
Apr 21
-Revised
Version 30 points due
May 6
Total 500 points
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: