Geography 1190: Cultural Geography Honor's Section
Spring Semester, 2009

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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. Upper Saddle River, NJ:  Prentice Hall Publishing.                        

 

  1. Gover, B. ed. (2005). Atlas of World Geography.  Rand McNally and Co. (Optional)

 

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 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: Kenya                          Nigeria                Israel                     Ukraine              

                  Northern Ireland          Turkey                 Vietnam                Indonesia                                               

Pakistan                       Iran                      North Korea          Malaysia                

                  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      

 

 

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 week 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.