GEO 100 Syllabus Sprig 2021 PDF

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Download GEO 100 Syllabus Sprig 2021 PDF

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Human Geography

GEO 100 Online

SPRING 2021

BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The City University of New York

Department of Social Sciences

Title of Course: Human Geography

Instructor: Dr. Henry Bulley

GEO 100 (3 Credits/3 Hours)

Office Tel.: 212-220-8000 (Ext. 5328) E-mail: [email protected]

Class Hours:

Office Hours:

Section 1602 – Mon/Wed: 4:00PM - 5:15PM (via zoom) Sec 0500/0501/0502 – (TBA)

Mon: 1:30PM - 2:30PM (via zoom) Thurs: 1:30PM - 2:30PM (via zoom) Or by Appointment

1. Course Description This course introduces students to the key concepts and principles of human geography. The course is designed to show how world geographic conditions such as climate, landform, natural resources, soil, space and ecology have influenced human culture and civilization over time. Although jet travel and recent developments in social media such as Facebook and Twitter have made the world seem like a small place, we still need an understanding and appreciation of different human cultures and places. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the Geography of the various realms of the world. The course is designed to show how natural phenomena and human activities have influenced and shaped the earth's physiographic and cultural landscapes of each geographic realm or region. Spatial relationships and interactions occur between and within these regions and groups of people. Hence, historic and current events can be examined from regional and spatial perspective. In particular, students will encounter and attempt to reconcile the concept of diversity in human settlements, populations and activities with Tobler’s Law of Geography, "Everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant things." Students will be required to complete assignments (knowledge quests), map quizzes, participate in class discussions, take two (2) exams and an optional final paper.

2. Basic Skills: Students should be proficient in using internet resources and Office productivity software (e.g. MS Word and PowerPoint), and familiar with Blackboard course management system

3. Prerequisites/Co-requisites: None

GEO 100 Online

Human Geography

SPRING 2021

4. Student Learning Outcomes Course Student Learning Outcomes (Students will be able to…) 1. Identify and Describe/the diversity of the earth's various geographic realms and regions.

Measurements (means of assessment for student learning outcomes listed in first column) 1. Map Quizzes

2. Explain the role and ongoing influence of various human activities in shaping the earth’s landscapes.

2. Assignments and Exams

3. Understand the patterns and networks of economic interdependence our world

3. Assignments and Exams

4. Utilize skills acquired in the course to become knowledgeable about world and human geography

4. Assignments and Discussions

5. Know how to use maps to organize information about people, places and environments in a spatial context, such as food deserts, favelas and urban sprawl.

5. Assignments and Discussions

Below is the college’s general education learning outcomes, the outcomes that are checked in the left-hand column indicate goals that will be covered and assessed in this course. General Education Learning Outcomes

Measurements (means of assessment for general education goals listed in first column)

Communication Skills- Students will be able to write, read, listen and speak critically and effectively.

Students will read, write, and speak critically and effectively. From class participation, brief oral presentation and exams, students will be expected to hone their communication skills as they relate to Geographical Realms to be discussed in class and the role of human activities and natural phenomena in shaping the various geographical landscapes.

Quantitative Reasoning- Students will be able to use quantitative skills and the concepts and methods of mathematics to solve problems. Scientific Reasoning- Students will be able to apply the concepts and methods of the natural sciences.

Social and Behavioral Sciences- Students will be As a Social Science, Human Geographic course (GEO 100) able to apply the concepts and methods of the social is directly linked to other Social Sciences since they share a sciences. central theme that has to do with human behavior/activities. This course will provide students with an understanding of the geography of various realms/regions in the world so as to improve their knowledge of how human activities and other phenomena continuously shape the cultural and physical landscapes of geographical realms. This objective will be accomplished through the course textbook, maps and other readings. It is expected that the use of these learning tools and focus on geographic concepts will help students prepare for course exams, quizzes and related assignments. Arts & Humanities- Students will be able to develop knowledge and understanding of the arts and literature through critiques of works of art, music, theatre or literature. Information & Technology Literacy- Students will be able to collect, evaluate and interpret information and effectively use information technologies. Values- Students will be able to make informed choices based on an understanding of personal values, human diversity, multicultural awareness and social responsibility.

Human Geography

GEO 100 Online

SPRING 2021

5. Required Text Bradshaw, M., Dymond, J., White, G., Chacko, E., 2011. Contemporary World Regional Geography, McGraw-Hill Higher Education. 4th Edition. ISBN-13: 978-0073522869 Other Resources Note: Extra material will be provided through the course website on BMCC Blackboard

6. Use of Technology (Blackboard & Zoom) You can access this Course site from the BMCC Blackboard system. Lecture slides and other materials will be posted here regularly. Usually, you will receive e-mail message when new materials are added. However, it is your responsibility to keep up with updates on the course website. I will often post announcements, updates and items of interest on Blackboard. Copies of key course documents such as the syllabus and paper requirements will be available on Blackboard. However, certain assigned readings/primary source materials may under external web links outside Blackboard. As importantly, please take the time to read all course policies posted on Blackboard, especially those pertaining to attendance, late assignments and discussions, and grading criteria to avoid any misunderstanding about what is be expected of students. Synchronous classes will be delivered via zoom. Check for zoom link and additional information on Blackboard. Note that Asynchronous class students do not need to attend zoom classes but are welcome to participate if they choose to,

7. Evaluation and Requirements of Students Students' final grades* will be based according to the following percentage points: Percentage Points (%)

Points per task

Midterm & Final Exams

50

25 pts x 2 tasks

Class Discussions/Participation

20

2.0 pts x 11 tasks

Assignments

25

2.5 pts x 10 tasks

Map Quizzes

5

1.0 pt x 7 tasks

Final paper (optional)

10

10 pts x 1 task

110

114 total points**

Activity

Total

Notes: ** - This reflects potential extra credit i. Grading criteria may be subject to change during the semester to reflect progress of the class. ii. Completion of Assignments, Discussions and Map quizzes constitute 50% of the course grade. Do not wait until end of semester, when some of these items are no longer available on Blackboard. Midterm & Final Exams: (50% of final grade) There will be one Mid-term and a Final exam both taken online. Additional information will is available in weekly lessons and course guide. However, the instructor has the prerogative of changing exam dates, number of exams and criteria for final course grade.

GEO 100 Online

Human Geography

SPRING 2021

Class Discussions: (20% of final grade) Students are expected to participate in class discussions on Blackboard. Each student should contribute a thread to each discussion board prompt/question, and then respond (reply) to at least two other posting by your classmates. Assignments: (25% of final grade) Students will have a series of knowledge quests assignments including written responses, to assess your understanding of lecture materials. Map Quizzes: (5% of final grade) There will be map quizzes/exercises to reinforce spatial understanding of world regions . These will be mostly multiple choice, and it is student’s responsibility to make sure you complete the quiz within the time allocated. Final paper (optional): (10% of final grade) Tobler’s Law, Voluntary Service & the Geography of Poverty: A journey through forgotten America Students will reflect on Poverty in NYC, upstate NY, and other parts of USA. Additional information will be provided through the semester. This is an optional task for students who want to augment their grades or “high performing” students interested in more experiential learning opportunities.

8. Class Participation Participation in the academic activity of each course is a significant component of the learning process and plays a major role in determining overall student academic achievement. Academic activities may include, but are not limited to, attending class, submitting assignments, engaging in in-class or online activities, taking exams, and/or participating in group work. Each instructor has the right to establish their own class participation policy, and it is each student’s responsibility to be familiar with and follow the participation policies for each course. 9. BMCC is committed to the health and well‐being of all students. It is common for everyone to seek assistance at some point in their life, and there are free and confidential services on campus that can help. Advocacy and Resource Center https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/student-affairs/arc/, room S230, 212‐220‐8195, [email protected]. Students can receive assistance to address barriers affecting their abilities to succeed in college. The Advocacy and Resource Center offers services that include food assistance, finance consultation, health insurance and other services that may address challenges students experience. All of the services that are offered at the Center are FREE! Assistance is also available through the Office of Student Affairs, S350, 212‐220‐8130, [email protected].

Counseling Center www.bmcc.cuny.edu/counseling, room S343, 212‐220‐8140, [email protected]. Counselors assist students in addressing psychological and adjustment issues (i.e., depression, anxiety, and relationships) and can help with stress, time management and more. Counselors are available for walk‐in visits. Office of Compliance and Diversity https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/about-bmcc/compliancediversity, room S701, 212-220-1236. BMCC is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment free of unlawful discrimination/harassment, including sexual harassment, where all students are treated fairly. For information about BMCC's policies and resources, or to request additional assistance in this area, please visit or call the office, or email [email protected], or [email protected]. If you need immediate assistance, please contact BMCC Public Safety at 212-220-8080.

Human Geography

GEO 100 Online

SPRING 2021

10. Office of Accessibility www.bmcc.cuny.edu/accessibility, room N360 (accessible entrance: 77 Harrison Street), 212-220-8180, [email protected]. This office collaborates with students who have documented disabilities, to coordinate support services, reasonable accommodations, and programs that enable equal access to education and college life. To request an accommodation due to a documented disability, please visit, call the office or email. 11. BMCC Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Integrity Statement Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, words or artistic, scientific, or technical work as one’s own creation. Using the idea or work of another is permissible only when the original author is identified. Paraphrasing and summarizing, as well as direct quotations, require citations to the original source. Plagiarism may be intentional or unintentional. Lack of dishonest intent does not necessarily absolve a student of responsibility for plagiarism. Students who are unsure how and when to provide documentation are advised to consult with their instructors. The library has guides designed to help students to appropriately identify a cited work. The full policy can be found on BMCC’s Web site, www.bmcc.cuny.edu. For further information on integrity and behavior, please consult the college bulletin (also available online). 12. Outline of Topics Week

Topics

Week 1 - 2

Introductions and Course Overview Globalization and World Regions

Week 3-4

Europe

Week 5

Russia & The CIS

Week 6

The Middle East (North-Africa & Southwest Asia)

Week 7

South Asia

Week 8

Asia Pacific (East Asia & South East Asia)

Week 9 Week 10 -11

Spring Recess - No Classes

Week 12 - 13

Latin America & The Caribbean

Week 14

Sub-Saharan Africa

Week 15

Oceania & Australia

Week 16 - 17

Final Exam

Notes

March 27 – April 4th

North America: U.S.A & Canada

See important dates on BMCC Spring 2021 Academic Calendar Spring Recess - No Classes (March 27 – April 4th)

May 17 (Last day of classes) May 19-25 (Final exam period)...