Course Objectives:

This is an introductory course covering the broad area of cultural geography (as opposed to physical geography). This includes the sub-disciplines of demographics, agriculture, industry, economics, politics, languages, and religions, each of which could be a separate course unto itself. As such, the aim of this course is not depth, but exposure to each of the sub-disciplines to gain an understanding of WHAT each is, WHERE various aspects of each can be found, and WHY each is found where it is. The where is emphasized by a series of map tests to enable the student to gain a minimal geographic foundation of places.

This is important knowledge, because humans are social beings, and have throughout our history come together in groups. These groups have developed unique characteristics, and experience teaches us that the more we understand about other people and places, the more enriched our own culture is and the less likely we are to blunder into conflict. As the world becomes increasingly more accessible, success in many careers is becoming more and more dependent on the ability of a person to demonstrate some understanding of the rest of the world.

I encourage students who have some direct experience or knowledge of other places to share that in class. In past semesters this class has been greatly enriched by students who were able to reveal characteristics about regions which otherwise would have been unknown to this class.

Course Requirements:

Exams:

• There will be three exams covering: the material presented in lecture, and the reading in the textbook. The exams will be spaced at approximately equal intervals throughout the semester. Tentative dates are indicated in the syllabus lecture outline. If it is necessary to change the date of an exam, you will have at least one week's notice of the new date.
• Example questions can be found through the links online in the schedule. For example, if you click on "Chapter 1" on the schedule, you will be taken to a set of review questions. The most helpful for you to see if you understand and remember the material are the "SHORT ANSWERS."
• The Final Examination will have 100 points on the material since the last examination and 100 points of comprehensive questions.

Quizzes & Map Tests:

There will be five map tests, which will only cover place name identification for a total of 200 points. There will be one test for each of the major regions of the world. Dates of the tests are on the schedule. If it is necessary to change the date of a map test, you will have at least one week's notice of the new date. The map list and practice maps can be found online from the links on the schedule below. The map tests will be given in the last 15 minutes of the scheduled class period.

Quizzes over the reading assignments are online and listed and linked on the schedule below by the due date. Each is worth 10 points and is added to the total points in the course. You will have 15 minutes to complete each quiz. If you get a 50% or better on the first attempt, you can try a second time in the remaining time. Read and study the chapter before you take the quiz!! All the quizzes are worth 100 points. Quizzes not completed by the due date will get a grade of 0. Since you have all the availability and due dates already listed, extensions will not be given.

Exam/Test Make-Up Policy:

• There will be NO makeup examinations .
• There are No quiz makeups.
• Late homework will NOT be accepted.

If you have to miss an exam or a map test with a valid reason, you must let me know before the test.
I also must have a written verification of your reason for missing from the appropriate person before I can consider a make-up exam or test.
All make-up exams will be essay in format. There will be no makeups for a reading assignment quiz.
Makeup examinations must be completed within 1 week of the scheduled exam.
Graduating seniors can waive the final exam IF they have a 90% or above class average by the last week of the course.

Assignments:

The reading assignment FOR EACH DAY is given on the syllabus. The day that the assignment is listed is the day BY which it should be read. Quizzes will cover assigned readings.

Homework Assignments: Each assignment is worth 10 points. The due date will be given when the assignment is handed out or placed on D2L.

Attendance:

• Please plan on attending every class. This is, of course, a good idea in any class, but especially in this one, as a majority of the points on each exam will be drawn from our lecture discussion (your notes).
  

Grading:

Final Grade:

To pass the course you will need a total average of 60% or more.

Cell Phones:

• Cell phones should be silent in class. If your "vibration mode" is louder than your ringer, just turn the phone off.
• Any phone or communication device that is heard or seen being used (texting/email) in class (from 1:00 PM to 1:52 PM) will require the owner to bring treats for the entire class to the next class.
• Failure to do so will forfeit 10 points from attendance or homework (-10).

Tentative Schedule and Assignments

Click here for Map List - Click on the Map Test Link in the table below to get copies of the maps
For Summaries of the chapters and REVIEW TEST QUESTIONS, click on the links under "Event" and "Assignment."
*ST = Self Tests -- *Rev=Review