Geography 101, Spring 2011
MWF 8:10 am, PH 131
Dr. Timothy Cuff
115C Patterson Hall, x6152
cufft@westminster.edu
WORLD GEOGRAPHY
Course Description: This course in world geography is intended to give the student the opportunity to gain an
understanding of the nature of geographic study, the physical planet on which we live, and the multiple ways people have
organized themselves culturally, economically, politically, and physically across the globe.
Course Goals:
Students will gain an introductory understanding of:
1) the nature, purpose, and techniques of geographic study
2) the interrelation of geographic setting and culture, economy, and politics
3) the physical characteristics of the planet
4) the political organization and current political power structure of the globe
5) the diversity of cultural forms and practices across the globe
Course Texts:
1) Bergman and Renwick (B&R),
Introduction to Geography: People, Places, and Environment (5th ed.)
2) Allen, Student Atlas of the World, 7th ed.
3) Achebe, Things Fall Apart
4) Hertsgaard, The Eagle’s Shadow
5) Helferich, High Cotton: A Season in the Mississippi Delta [optional]
6) Photocopied set of outline maps (after purchasing these I suggest that you make several additional copies of
the entire set for yourself)
All of the above materials are available in the bookstore.
Grading and Assignments
Final grades will be based on the following categories of activity which will provide for 1000 possible points.
Examinations: 3 examinations, 175, 185, and 190 points respectively
Quizzes: 7 quizzes, 20 points each (only take “top 6” grades)
Book Study Questions: 2 sets, 50 and 60 points each
(graded like homework, “spot” grading)
Two “international” activities (films, international news programs, exchanges),
25 points each
Regional introduction presentation/participation, 70 points
Attendance and Participation (including attendance at the Undergraduate Research
and Arts Celebration [April 27])
Total
550
120
110
50
70
100
1000
Detailed descriptions and requirements for each of the above will be made available to students well in advance of the due
dates noted in the daily schedule. These descriptions will also be available on the "R: drive." Explanations of how these
assignments will be evaluated, in most instances, will also be available on the “R: drive.”
Assignments (bookl study question answers and any other out-of-class work) are due at the beginning of class on the day
noted. Do not miss class trying to finish an assignment. It will already be too late. Assignments handed in more than
5 minutes after the beginning of class will be considered late.
Class Participation—Ten percent of the final grade will be based on class participation. The level of class participation
will be evaluated based on the extent of classroom discussion involvement, apparent preparation for class, and a series of
GEO101 Syllabus
Page 2
small out-of-class or in-class assignments to be presented in class. A student who attends all classes and says nothing in
class the entire term will receive approximately 80 out of 100 possible participation points. Students missing more than 3
classes for any combination of reasons will see a reduction in their final grade.
Reading--The assigned reading for a particular date should be completed prior to attending that day's class. Your ability
to comprehend lectures and benefit from discussions will be enhanced by having completed the assigned reading.
Reading at the college level often means multiple readings of the material. Allow yourself sufficient time to read,
consider, and re-read the material. Students are responsible for being able to address (i.e. provide an
answer/comment/question based on a thoughtful reading of the material) topics in every reading. Inability to address
material will be the basis for reduction in the participation grade.
Make-up Examinations—Make-up quizzes/exams will only be given in the event of 1) doctor excuse verified illness or 2)
authorized and verified college-related activities. A make-up examination for the final examination will be given only
due to illness verified by a doctor's excuse.
Incomplete Grades--Incomplete grades will be awarded only when students contact Dr. Cuff in advance of assigned due
dates and explain the reasons for their failure to complete the assigned work on time. Failure to do so will result in a
lowered grade for the assignment. Unless all course requirements are fulfilled (or other arrangements are made) by the
end of the term you will receive an "F" for the course.
Extra Credit-- No "extra credit" will be given.
Anticipate an average of 2-3 hours' worth of work outside of class for every hour spent in class for this (and any) college
course. You should expect 6-9 hours of outside work per week for this class. [Note: Therefore, students registered for
16 credit hours should expect 32-48 hours worth of work outside of class each week.]
Academic Integrity
“Central to the purpose and pursuit of any academic community is academic integrity. All members of the Westminster
community, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators, are expected to maintain the highest standards of
honesty and integrity, in keeping with the philosophy and mission of the College.” [Westminster College Undergraduate
Catalog, 2010-2011, p. 71-76.] In other words, as you learned in kindergarten, do your own work, keep your eyes on your
own paper, and treat others as you’d like to be treated.
As per the portion of the College’s academic integrity policy cited above, (and described in full in the College catalog),
violations of the expectation of academic integrity will be dealt with seriously. Any work deemed to be plagiarized will,
at minimum, result in a grade of a zero for the assignment and potentially failure in the course. Similar consequences will
flow from other violations of the expectation of complete academic integrity. Additionally, students should be aware that
across the College and in this class, Internet based software operated by Turn-it-in.Com will be in use this term and for the
foreseeable future. This software has been made available both to enable students to verify that their writing is plagiarism
free and by faculty to check student work for originality. While Dr. Cuff will not necessarily use Turn-it-in.com for all
assignments, be aware that any and all assignments are eligible for such review.
Needs for Special Accommodation
Students with special needs of a physical or academic nature should speak with Dr. Cuff so that accommodations,
consistent with college policy, can be instituted.
Office Hours --I will be available for student consultation (or friendly visits) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from
9:15 – 10:00 a.m.; and Tuesday, from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; and other times by appointment. Please feel free to contact
me by email with questions or concerns at other times. Periodically, I will send assignment clarifications, notices,
and/or items of interest to each member of the class by email. Be sure to check your email several times each week
for such items.
GEO101 Syllabus
Page 3
Geography 101—WEEKLY SYLLABUS
Spring 2011
January 19
January 21
NO CLASS TODAY
Introduction to Geography 101
January 24
January 26
January 28
Geography: Its Nature and Perspectives
B&R: Chapter 1
Geography: Its Nature and Perspectives
Describing and Mapping the World
B&R: Appendix 1
January 31
February 2
February 4
Describing and Mapping the World
Physical Geography:
Weather and Climate
Physical Geography:
Weather and Climate
Quiz on South and Southwest Asia
B&R: Chapter 2
February 7
February 9
February 11
Physical Geography:
Weather and Climate
Physical Geography:
Weather and Climate
Landforms and Biogeochemical
Cycles
Quiz on North America
B&R: Chapter 3 and 4
February 14
February 16
February 18
Landforms and Biogeochemical
Cycles
Landforms and Biogeochemical
Cycles
Reading Guide for
Things Fall Apart Due
B&R: Chapter 3 and 4
Discussion of Things Fall Apart
February 21
February 23
February 26
Population Dynamics
Population Dynamics
Population Dynamics
B&R: Chapter 5
First International Activity
Write-up due
Quiz on Western Europe
and North Africa
February 28
March 2
March 4
EXAM 1
Cultural Geography: An Overview
Cultural Geography: An Overview
B&R: Chapter 6
March 7
March 9
March 11
The Geography of Language and
Religion
The Geography of Language and Religion
The Geography of Language and
Religion
B&R: Chapter 7
Quiz on Sub-Saharan Africa
March 14
March 16
March 18
SPRING BREAK
SPRING BREAK
SPRING BREAK
GEO101 Syllabus
Page 4
March 21
March 23
March 25
The Geography and History of Nation
States
The Geography and History of Nation States
The Geography and History of Nation
States
B&R: Chapter 11
March 28
Quiz on East and Southeast Asia
March 30
April 1
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Agriculture and Natural Resources
April 6
April 8
Paths to Economic Development
EXAM 2
April 11
April 13
April 15
Paths to Economic Development
Paths to Economic Development
Agriculture and Natural Resources
B&R: Chapter 8 and 9
April 4
Paths to Economic Development
B&R: Chapter 12
Regionalization and Globalization
B&R: Chapter 13
Quiz on Eastern Europe, Northern
Eurasia and Russia
April 18
April 20
April 22
Reading Guide for
The Eagle’s Shadow Due
Regionalization and Globalization
EASTER BREAK
Discussion of The Eagle’s Shadow
Second International Activity
Write-up due, April 21, 4 pm
April 25
April 27
April 29
Regionalization and Globalization
EASTER BREAK
ATTEND THE
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
AND ARTS CELEBRATION
May 2
May 4
May 6
Regionalization and Globalization
Regionalization and Globalization
Regionalization and Globalization
Quiz on Central and South America
Presentation Day: The Economic
Geography of the World’s Regions
Presentation Day: The Economic
Geography of the World’s Regions
May 9
FINAL EXAMINATION
Monday, May 9
11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Last printed 5/30/2016 3:14:00 PM
URAC Assignment Due