GEOG 102-02: Human Geography
Fall 2012
Monday: 6:00 – 8:50PM
Butte 505
Steve Herman: Instructor
Office: Butte 508 (530) 898-5285
Office Hours: M: 8:50 – 9:50PM
e-mail: srherman@csuchico.edu
A. Course Description:
In this course, we will explore the human world. We will investigate why lifestyles have developed the way
they have in various world locations. Emphasis will also be placed on the study of how humankind interacts with
the environment. We will attempt to identify patterns of human culture as well as demographic patterns. This is an
approved Non-Western course and and approved General Ed. Course.
B. Course Objectives/Goals:
1.
2.
3.
4.
To enhance the students' appreciation of our planet.
To gain a clearer understanding of the arrangement of world locations.
To define the word culture as it pertains to the study of geography.
To become comfortable using the basic tools of geographic inquiry, such as maps, globes, atlases,
aerial photos, slides, and other visual aids.
5. To use the arena of Human Geography as a medium for the extension of reasoning, speaking, and
writing skills.
C.
Optional and Required Materials:
1. Espenshade, E. (ed.), Goode's World Atlas (any recent edition)
2. Rubenstein, James; The Cultural Landscape (any edition) (optional, access to this text is useful)
3. World map packet and exercise booklet (required for map quizzes)
D. Course Requirements:
1. Examinations: Two exams will be administered this term, a midterm and a final. The midterm will be
given Monday, October 15. The final exam (non-comprehensive) will be Monday, Dec. 17, 8PM
2. Map Quizzes/World Map Test: Students are expected to attain competence in their knowledge of
world place location. Students will be assigned map completion exercises on a regular basis.
Quizzes based on these homework assignments will be administered at the beginning of nearly all
class meetings. A test focusing on world map locations will be given Monday, December 10.
3. Reading Assignments: Reading the appropriate chapters in The Cultural Landscape is a useful
supplement to the weekly lectures. This is particularly true for students who learn more easily from
reading than they do from class lectures, though the lectures are paramount in this course.
4. Media Review Assignment: Students will earn 20 points for completing a brief written assignment
after some media interaction. More information will be forthcoming. (Due no later than Dec. 3)
5. Attendance: Absence usually has a detrimental impact on one's grade. It is difficult to
compensate
for what is lost when lectures, discussions, films, etc. are missed. Also students should note that
quizzes and exams may not be made up unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor. See
you in class.
E. Grading:
A. Grades will be determined based upon simple percentage tiering, as follows: (There will be no
curved grading.)
93 - 100% = A
77 - 79% = C+
90 - 92% = A73 - 76% = C
87 - 89% = B+
70 - 72% = C-
83 - 86% = B
60 - 69% = D
80 - 82% = B0 - 59% = F
B. The maximum value of each assignment (or aggregate of assignments) are as follows
(totaling 500 points):
First Exam:
170 points (34% of total course points)
Second Exam:
170 points (34% of total course pts)
Map Quizzes:
90 points total (18%) (8 map quizzes; 6 x 10 points; 2 x 15 points)
World Map Test: 50 pts. (10%)
Media Assignment: 20 pts. (4%)
F. Weekly Schedule (tentative):
August 27 - Introduction.
Sept. 3 – LABOR DAY Holiday
Sept. 10 - Folk /Popular Culture
Sept. 17 – Language (Map Quiz: USA, 15pts)
Sept. 24- Religion (MQ: Middle America)
Oct. 1 – Agric./ Migration (MQ: So. America)
Oct. 8 – Ethnicity (MQ: Europe, 15 pts)
Oct. 15 – First Exam/Political Geog.
Oct. 22 – Poliical Geography (MQ: Middle East)
Oct. 29 – Development (MQ – No.Africa)
Nov. 5 – Industry/Resources (MQ: So.Africa)
Nov. 12 – Veterans’ Day (no class)
Nov. 19 -- THANKSGIVING WEEK (no class)
Dec. 3 – Resources/Population (MQ- East Asia)
Dec. 10 -- World Map Test /Population
Dec. 17 (8:00 – 9:50PM) -- Final Exam
First Exam:
170 points (34% of total course points)
Second Exam:
170 points (34% of total course pts)
Map Quizzes:
90 points total (18%) (8 map quizzes; 6 x 10 points; 2 x 15 points)
World Map Test: 50 pts. (10%)
Media Assignment: 20 pts. (4%)