GEOG 102-02: Human Geography
Spring 2012
Tuesday: 6-8:50PM
Butte 101
Steve Herman: Instructor
Office: Butte 508 (530) 898-5285
Office Hours: T: 8:50-9:50
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 (21st edition) (other editions are acceptable)
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 March 13. The final exam (non-comprehensive) will be May 15, 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 most class
meetings. A test focusing on world map locations will be given May 8.
3. Reading: The textbook, The Cultural Landscape, is not required but can be a useful supplement.
4. Media Review Assignment: Students can earn up to 20 points for completing a brief written
assignment after some media interaction. More information will be forthcoming.
5. Attendance: Absence usually has a detrimental impact on one's grade. It is difficult to compensate
for what is lost when lectures and discussions are missed. Also, please 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 percentages, as follows: (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: 100 points total (20%) (9 map quizzes; 7 x 10 points; 2 x 15 points)
World Map Test: 40 pts. (8%)
Media Assignment: 20 pts. (4%)
F. Weekly Schedule (tentative):
Jan. 24- Introduction.
Jan. 31 – Folk /Popular Culture
Feb. 7 – Language
Feb. 14 - Religion (MQ: USA, 15 pts)
Feb. 21 – Agriculture (MQ: Middle America)
Feb. 28 – Migration (MQ: So.America)
March 6– Ethnicity (MQ: Europe, 15 pts)
March 13 -- First Exam/ Development
March 20 – Spring Break (no classes)
March 27 – Development (MQ – Middle East)
April 3 – Political Geography
April 10 – Polit. Geog. (MQ -- No. Africa)
April 17 – Industry (MQ –So. Africa)
April 24 – Resources (MQ—East Asia)
May 1 – Resources and Population (MQ- SE Asia)
May 8 -- Population (World Map Test)
May 15 8-9:50PM -- Final Exam