Geography 3750: Population Geography
Spring Semester, 2008

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Instructor: Dr. Michael Cornebise
Class Meeting Time: MWF 1:00-1:50 pm
Office: PHYS 3065
Office Hours: 10:00-11:00 MTWR & 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:

This course is built upon the supposition that population issues are crucial in understanding global development.  The twentieth century witnessed profound population growth in terms of the sheer number of human beings added to the planet, a state of affairs that greatly influenced development.  Yet, many countries in the developed world began posting negative growth rates towards the end of the century.  This course will explore the complex issue of global population in the early 21st century through discussion of several pertinent themes including: the Demographic Transition, the 2000 U.S. Census, Migration, Environmental impacts, Fertility and Mortality, Aging populations, Population policy and Urbanization.  Students will examine the linkages between population with these themes through lecture, discussion and a course project.

Class Materials (available at Textbook Rental):

Weeks, J. R. (2005). Population: An Introduction to Concepts and Issues, Ninth Edition.
   Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Thomson Learning.

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 four articles (located on the class webpage) that will be discussed in class and will be fair game on examinations and quizzes.

3. Project:  Each student will complete a 7-8 page paper (double spaced, not including supporting materials) on an assigned topic.  In addition, each student will present his/her findings to the class in groups of three presenters.  The project will be based on a report of one of the themes in population geography listed below.   The finished product must include the following: a clear introduction, a clearly organized and written body of the text, and a logical conclusion.  All papers must also include a complete bibliography that draws from a variety of sources (i.e., do not depend solely on internet-derived sources.)  Click here for the project guidelines instruction sheet.

List of Project Themes:

-Global/Regional Mortality and Fertility Trends

-Migration and the Role of Remittances

-Migration and Impacts on Local/Regional Industries (i.e., agriculture, manufacturing, etc.)

-Urbanization and Population Growth

-Population Growth and the Environmental Consequences

-The Role of AIDS in Demographic Change

-Population Policies (i.e., China’s “one couple-one child” policy)

-Gender and Population: Cross-Cultural Analyses

-The “Graying” of the Developed World: Issues and Impacts

-Neo-Malthusianism and Alternative Theories


Attendance:

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.  It is strongly recommended that you keep up with both!  Additionally, we will complete several in-class projects related to the readings and previous lectures.

Important Points to Note:

· You will be allowed to make up exams and class assignments (including quizzes, map assignments, 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.  LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR POINTS EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF AN EXCUSED ABSENCE.  SEE INSTRUCTOR FOR CLARIFICATION.

· 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.

Exams and Grading:

Your grade will be based on three exams, quizzes, in-class exercises, the project proposal and presentation and the final written project.  Grades will be weighted as follows:
                                                                                                               Course Evaluation
First Exam                                             50 points    Jan 30                    A    90% or better   
Second Exam                                        70 points    Mar 7                     B    80-89%
Final Exam                                          100 points    Apr 30                   C    70-79
Quizzes                                                  30 points    ???                         D    60-69%        
In-class Project                                      20 points    Feb 4-6                   F    59% or below
Project Oral Presentation                       25 points    TBA            
Project Proposal                                      5 points    due Feb 8                                                                                                                                               Project                                                 100 points    due Apr 4   
Total                                                    400 points    

NOTE: The final exam is NOT comprehensive.