Geography 104.905

Human Geography

Fall 1997

(2:00-3:15 p.m. TR--FA 221)

War and Peace in the Modern World Learning Community

Course Description:

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

Instructor: Dr. H.W. Bullamore

309 Dunkle Hall, 687-4413 (Voice-mail available)

E-mail: hbullamore@frostburg.edu

Office Hours: 10:00-12:00 MWF, 11:00-12:00 TR

Resource Materials:

James M. Rubenstein, An Introduction to Human Geography (5th edition, but 4th edition is acceptable).

Evaluation:

100 Exam I (Oct. 2)

30 Map Test I (Oct. 2)

100 Exam II (Nov. 6)

30 Map Test II (Nov. 6)

100 Exam III (Final Exam Time Block: 8:00-10:30 a.m., Dec. 17)

30 Map Test III (Final Exam Time Block: 8:00-10:30 a.m., Dec 17)

40 Two out-of-class projects

20 Learning Community Participation

20 Learning Community Project or third out of class project

40 In class Projects

500 Total Points (yes, the actual total is 510)

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

90% (450-500 pts.): A

80% (400-449 pts.): B

67% (335-399 pts.): C

58% (290-334 pts.): D

less than 58%: F

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

The three exams will include a variety of objective questions (multiple choice, true or false, matching, 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. At the same time as the exams, students will complete a map test on basic place location knowledge of each unit. Each test will have 45 items, but the score will be the number more than 15 correctly answered. In other words, 15 points of the test is considered pre-collegiate information.

Two out-of-class projects (one in each unit) will be required. The 20 point projects utilize current data and ask for your analysis. Projects may be turned in early, but projects more than 2 days late will not be accepted. In the third unit, students may submit a copy of their final ENGL 101 or HIST 100 paper with prior approval.

Approximately eight in class projects, generally unannounced, will be given during the semester. Projects, some group, some individual, will be completed in class. BE SURE TO READ EACH CHAPTER BEFORE THE DATE IN THE SCHEDULE.

Policies:

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 to six class absences, for any reason will find their course grade reduced by 25 points. Students with 7 or more absences will be reduced by 50 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 or map test will lead to course failure.

Course Schedule:

GEOG 104.905

Class Topics and Assignments

Part I: Development of the Modern World

Part II: People and Conflict

Part III: Global Population Issues