Instructor: Charles J. Fuller (Ph.D., University of Georgia)

Time: Tuesday/Thursday

GEO 104-002: 9:30-10:45 AM
GEO 104-003: 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM

Students with Disabilities:

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) provides academic accommodations and accessibility services for students with disabilities. Students in need of services such as notetakers, testing accommodations, sign language interpreters, taped text materials, scribes, adaptive equipment or other accommodative services must make their request at the CSD office. The CSD office is located in Room R-125 and R-137 and can be contacted at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3854, or TTY (708) 456-0991.

Catalog Description:

Geographic structure of the world; natural, human and cultural regional patterns and their interrelations; and human occupation of the natural environmental regions of the world are covered.

Instructorâs Description:

This course÷following the organization of the textbook÷is based on five geographic themes: culture regions, cultural diffusion, cultural ecology, cultural integration, and cultural landscapes. The first÷culture region÷identifies geographical units based on characteristics and functions of culture. The second÷cultural diffusion÷discusses the origin and spread of ideas and innovations throughout an area. The third÷cultural ecology÷investigates the interaction between cultures and their environments. The fourth÷cultural integration÷explores the idea that all aspects of culture are functionally interdependent. The fifth÷cultural landscapes÷examines how cultures modify their natural environment. These concepts will be illustrated and reinforced through videos and class discussion. You should leave the class more appreciative of the cultural diversity in America and abroad. You may even begin thinking of yourself as a "world citizen."

Instructional Materials:

Jordan-Bychkov, Terry G. and Mona Domosh. 1999. The Human Mosaic: A Thematic Introduction to Cultural Geography. 8^th Ed. New York: Longman.

Rand McNally. 1997. Premier World Atlas.

Evaluation:

Evaluation is based on three types of activities: 8 map quizzes, 3 non-cumulative tests, and 7 short essays.

Map Quizzes (210 points)

Attendance:

Regular attendance is important for successful completion of this course. Test questions may include material presented in class but not found in the textbook. Attendance is not officially part of your grade, but I will record attendance. Good attendance and participation will have a salutary impact on borderline grades. In other words, one person receiving a 380 may receive an A, another with a 385 might get a B.

Make-Up Tests:

Stuff happens. If you miss one of the three tests, I must receive an e-mail notification either before the test or no later than 48 hours following the test. Missed tests require a valid reason and verification. There will be no test make-ups. If you miss a test AND notify me according to the above conditions, within one week of the test you must bring in a 5-page essay (double-spaced, 11-point font) summarizing key concepts in the textbook chapters covered by the missed test. That essay will be graded subjectively (compared to the objectivity of the regular test), and my expectations for a concise but lucid explication will be high.

Collectively, a test will be postponed to a later date ONLY if weather conditions close the school and the test is postponed for all students. As long as the school is open, the test will be given. Do not assume the school will be closed if the weather is inclement. If the weather has turned inclement, plan accordingly, allow more time to get to school.

Writing Across the Curriculum Center:

The Writing Across the Curriculum Center, which is located below the library in R-102, is a resource that can assist you with your writing assignments. By calling (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3568 or going to the Academic Success Center service desk in R-100, you can make an appointment to work with a writing tutor. Although the staff of the Writing Across the Curriculum Center will not proofread or do your work for you, they are trained to help you make your paper a success. Furthermore, they have numerous resources available to assist you with any step of the writing process. All tutorial sessions are free, so there is no excuse not to get the help you may need.

Important Note on Essay Writing:

1. Do not use a cover page; write your name, school, and course no. and name in the upper right-hand corner of the first page.
1. Double-space throughout the essay.
2. 1" margins all around.
3. Do not use contractions (e.g., didnât) in college writing.
4. Use an 11-point font and no special formatting other than italics for book names.
5. See attached sample.

Modifications:

Every combination of students is different. Some classes have a high percentage of highly motivated students, others maybe none. In some classes there is good chemistry between the students and the instructor. Because I cannot predict the nature of our interaction or how well you will progress collectively, I reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus, to add or adjust exercises, to try new methodologies that may come to me during the semester. Whatever changes I might make will be motivated by my desire to see that you all succeed in this particular course. I sincerely believe that if you take this course seriously and consult with me when you have problems, this course will also help you to succeed in life.

Good luck! I am looking forward to working with you this semester. Whether in person, by phone or by e-mail, I will be happy to discuss with you any questions related to the course specifically, or in general to the world.

Interesting On-line Sources for GEO 104:
 

CountryWatch	http://www.countrywatch.com/
CIA World Factbook	http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
United Nations	http://www.un.org/
U.S. Census Bureau, IPC	http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/
About.com Geography	http://geography.about.com/science/geography/ index.htm?rnk=c2&terms=geography
Textbook Homepage	http://www.whfreeman.com/jordan/
ABCNews, International	http://abcnews.go.com/sections/world/
CNN, International	http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/
New York Times, Intâl	http://www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/world/
PCL Map Collection	http://www.lib.utexas.edu/Libs/PCL/Map_collection/ Map_collection.html