Geography 104.002
Human Geography Department, FSU
Spring 2000
(9:00-9:50 MWF, FA221)

Course Description:

Distribution of human beings in relation to population of dynamics, economic development, and cultural diversity. 3 crs.

Objectives:

This course serves to introduce students to world cultural diversity through the approach of contemporary human geography. The course has no prerequisite. At the conclusion of the course, all students should be able to:

1. Identify the contribution of societal agricultural, industrial, and urban development to the character of contemporary world cultures.
2. Describe the contribution of fundamental human values held in religious and linguistic traditions to the societal institutions of diverse cultures.
3. Explain the principles of economic and social development and cultural diffusion as they affect contemporary world lifestyles.
4. Explain the geographic and social factors which affect population growth worldwide and desired family size individually.
5. Explain the role of natural resources and climatic characteristics in affecting contemporary and historic lifestyles.
6. Analyze relations among political and economic systems in the context of states of the world.
7. Analyze relations among individuals as reflective of cultural diversity in religion, language an ethnicity.
8. Analyze relationships between government policy and individual responses using cross cultural comparisons of development strategies.
9. Describe how human beings react to the contemporary urban environment and corresponding technological change in rural regions.

While mastering the above content oriented objectives, students will also find improvement in their written, oral, and cartographic communication skills. Students will also examine statistical tables and be asked to draw conclusions from them. Problem solving skills will be addressed in role playing situations, through evaluation of government policies, and in examining theoretical work of selected geographers. Students will be frequently confronted with the alternative value systems of other world cultures. Implications for decision making within and between cultures will be developed.

Resource Materials:

              James M. Rubenstein, The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human Geography (6^th edition). Evaluation:

100 Exam I (Feb. 25)
100 Exam II (Mar. 17)
100 Exam III (Apr. 21)
100 Exam IV (Final Exam Time Block: 11:15 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., Tuesday, May 23)
60  Three out-of-class projects
60  In-class Quizzes
520 Total Points

The final course grade will reflect total points earned on the above elements, according to the following scale:

90% (470-520 pts.): A
80% (415-469 pts.): B
67% (345-414 pts.): C
58% (300-344 pts.): D
less than 58%: F

(Note: The CS and NC grades are not available in the course.)

The four exams will include a variety of objective questions (multiple choice, true or false, matching, place location, etc.), and a short answer question. Exams will include material from text, lecture, and discussion. Make up exams are given only in exceptional situations, and only when the absence is explained within 24 hours. Exam scores are not curved or adjusted, but bonus questions may be included on the exam.

Three out-of-class projects will be required. The 20 point projects utilize current data and ask for responsible for the place location and concept material in the study guide for each part of the course and should use the guide as each chapter is discussed. Quizzes may be place location or concept quizzes. Topics are generally not announced in advance. The best six (of a probable 10) quizzes will be used in evaluation of final grades. However, it will not be possible to make up missed quizzes.

Students are expected to attend each class. Any absence from class is assumed to be due to extenuating circumstances such as illness, curricular matters, or university sponsored activities. A student with four or five class absences, for any reason will find their course grade reduced by 20 points. Students with 6 or more absences will be reduced by 40 points. Therefore, students with previously scheduled commitments must carefully monitor their attendance.

Academic honesty is expected in all matters relating to this course. Please consult Pathfinder. Academic dishonesty on any exam will lead to course failure.

Discriptive behavior will not be tolerated in class. Descriptive students will be removed from class. Please consult Pathfinder.

Class Topics and Assignments