Syllabus, World Regional Geography (GEOG050, Section A), Spring 2012

Syllabus, World Regional Geography (GEOG050, Section A), Spring 2012
MWF 3:00-3:50, Fleming 101
Instructor:
Contact Information:
InstructorOffice Hours:
Dr. Stuart White
Old Mill 212/ 656-2087/ [email protected]
Friday, 9:30-12:30 and by appointment
Teaching Assistants:
Matt Barall ([email protected])
Sam Manna ([email protected])
Per announcement, and by appointment
TA Office Hours:
Course Materials
The course textbook is Rowntree, Lewis, Price and Wyckoff, 2012, Diversity Amid Globalization: World Regions,
Environment, Development, 5th edition. Textbook purchase includes access to Mastering Geography, an online
tutorial that GEOG050A will use for homework, map assignments and test preparation.
Additional articles, videos and audio tracks will be assigned. An ethnographic series includes weekly videos
exploring the effects of globalization on regional and local cultures. These materials, or links to them, will be
placed on GEOG050A’s Blackboard site or be made available at Media Services in Bailey-Howe library.
Topics and Thematic Structure
Three basic topics structure the course:
Peopling follows early hunter-gatherers as they leave Africa and progressively populate the Earth. The vast
array of physical environments they encountered will be described, and we examine their subsistence systems,
social organization and environmental impacts.
Regions assesses the Earth region by region, employing the course textbook as our guide. We punctuate the
text with class lectures that examine specific issues related to each region.
What Binds Us Together, occupying the final week of the semester, examines global issues that tie regions and
diverse human groups together in common destinies.
Assignments
Assignments include (i) graded homework to be completed online via Mastering Geography
(www.masteringgeography.com), (ii) readings available through the GEOG 050A Blackboard site under
“Readings”, (iii) weekly ethnographic videos whose links can be found on Blackboard under “Video
Assignments” and (iv) a student group presentation.
i.
Mastering Geography assignments will follow the regional order of the textbook and lectures, and must
be completed online by 11 PM on Tuesday of each week.
ii.
Readings placed on Blackboard should always be completed before the corresponding topic is addressed
in lecture.
iii.
Ethnographic videos are assigned in the regional order of the textbook and should be viewed by their
due dates.
iv.
Students will be assigned to a particular regional group (S. America, SE. Asia, Europe, etcetera) that will
choose and analyze a regional topic, and present a synopsis to the entire class.
Testing and Grading
The course will have a midterm exam on February 29, plus the final exam on May 11. Exams represent 70% of
the final grade and will be based on the textbook, lectures and readings.
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Graded homework and map assignments via the online Mastering Geography will represent 20% of the final
grade.
Assigned online videos covering regional ethnic groups in the context of globalization will be quizzed as part of
the midterm and final exams and on two additional dates during the semester, and will contribute 10 % to the
final grade.
Finally, the presentation given before the entire class by each regional student group will generate bonus points.
Exams and quizzes must be taken at the scheduled times, except when conflict arises with religious holidays
advised in advance, or when an absence is due to a certified health problem or family tragedy. Also, varsity
athletes and others with UVM-related scheduled activities that will conflict with exam dates should advise the
instructor during the first two weeks of class so that alternative dates can be established. Students are
permitted to drop their lowest grade among the Mastering Geography homework assignments, and the lowest
of four online video quizzes. Except as specified above, missed exams and quizzes will not be rescheduled, nor
will extensions be given to complete a Mastering Geography assignment.
Class Conventions
Faithful class attendance is necessary for a successful completion of the course.
Students are discouraged from employing their computers during lecture except to take notes. The use of
mobile communication or audio devices in class is disallowed and cell phones should be turned off. Students
using computers to take notes are required to occupy seats in the upper five rows of the classroom in order to
avoid distracting other students.
Honesty is of utmost importance in all aspects of academic life. Plagiarism, copying, and cheating will result in a
failing grade and referral of the case to the Center for Student Ethics and Standards (CSES). Please consult the
Code of Academic Integrity (http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/acadintegrity.pdf) for more detailed
information.
If you have a learning difference or disability that interferes with your access or participation in class, please see
the instructor early in the semester so that adequate accommodations can be made. In all cases, if you are
experiencing difficulties in responding to the demands of the course, please do not hesitate in contacting your
teaching assistant or instructor.
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