Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number
Course Title
Geography of Hawai`i
Credits
3
Date of Outline
October 8, 2004
2. Course Description
3.
GEOG 122
Geography 122
Contact Hours/Type
4. Prerequisites
Surveys the Hawaiian Islands through the lens of geographic
enquiry. Introduces the unique characteristics of the natural and
cultural landscapes of Hawai`i.
Three hours lecture per week
Placement at English 100, or consent
Corequisites
Recommended Preparation
Approved by _____________________________________ Date________________
5. General Course Objectives The course is designed to acquaint the student with basic geographic
principles and aid in developing a "sense of place" of the Hawaiian
Islands. Concepts of physical and cultural geography are presented with
emphasis on volcanic landforms, coastal features, climate and vegetation
of Hawai`i. Geographic aspects of population, settlement, agriculture,
economics and land use are also investigated.
Geography 122 fulfills three of the 12 credits for the Social Science
requirement for the A.A. degree and the Social Science elective for the
A.A.S. degree at Maui Community College. This course fulfills the
requirements for the University of Hawai’i at Manoa General Education,
Diversification, Social Science (DS).
6. Student Learning Outcomes
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7. Recommended Course Content.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
a. explain the processes by which the natural landscape of Hawai`i was created, and how the
natural landscape has changed over time;
b. analyze and explain how humans have altered and adapted to the natural landscape of
Hawai`i';
c. discuss changes in islands' economic, political, and urban geography;
d. explain the unique differences and similarities of each island;
e. discuss geographical distribution, historical processes, and theoretical considerations
related to the Hawaiian Islands; and,
f.
identify the location of places of Hawai`i.
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to #6. Student Learning Outcomes.
1 session
Ice breaker/get acquainted activity.
Introduction to the course syllabus including a discussion of
course materials, assignments, projects, and Service Learning
option
4-6 weeks
Regional Geography (a, d, f)
Hawaii’s Location in the Pacific
Maps and overview of Hawaiian Islands
Overview of Hawaiian Language and Place Names
6-8 weeks
Physical Landscape (a, b, d, f)
Volcanic Landforms
Erosional Landforms
The Surrounding Ocean
Weather and Climate
Soils
Water Resources
Flora and Fauna
Natural Hazards
6-8 weeks
Cultural Landscape (b, c, d, e, f)
Economic and Cultural Change
Land Use and Ownership
Political Geography
Agriculture
Military
Tourism
Shipping
Urbanization
8. Text and Materials, Reference Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those
currently available in the field. Examples include:
Juvik, Sonia P., Atlas of Hawai‘i (1998), UH Press; or Morgan, Joseph, Hawai`i: a Unique
Geography (1996), Bess Press.
9. Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation
.
30-60%
Quizzes and midterms covering lectures, discussions, media
presentations, guest speakers, field trips, and reading assignments.
10-30%
Individual and/or group oral reports
10-30%
Written reports/term paper(s) and/or Service Learning
0-20%
Participation in class and group discussions
0-20%
Map exercises and/or map quizzes
0-20%
Punctuality and attendance
10. Methods of Instruction:
Methods of instruction should be selected to facilitate learning within the context of instructor
and student abilities. Instructional methods include, but are not limited to:
a. lectures;
b. class discussions;
c. team assignments;
d. group activities and discussions;
e. library research activities;
f. quizzes and other tests with feedback and discussion;
g. videos and DVDs;
h. web-based assignments and activities;
i. GIS assignments and activities;
j. Service Learning;
k. Field trip[s].