GEOGRAPHY 395 – INTRODUCTION TO THE MAJOR
Wed. 5:00 – 5:50; HH206; Sched. # 21654
Fall 2015
- SYLLABUS
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Geography major at SDSU! Geography
encompasses many disciplines composed of physical and social sciences that share
common characteristics of human-environment interactions and spatial analyses.
Geographers are most often defined by their specialties, such as Environmental
Planner, GIS Specialist, Urban Planner, Demographer, and so on. This course will
expose you to the overall program of Geography, and introduce you to each of the
specific disciplines and the faculty that specialize in each of these areas. You will learn
of our expectations of you as students, and we will be able to learn about you and your
goals and plans. We are happy to have each and every one of you in the major and
look forward to the next couple of years as you move through your specific Geography
program.
Instructor: Diana Gauss Richardson
Office: Storm Hall 301B; Office hours: T/TH 11:00 – noon, 2:00-3:00, W noon – 3:30,
and specific appointments. My door is usually open, so please feel free to drop by
anytime.
Phone: 619-594-5476; email: drichard@mail.sdsu.edu
Check Blackboard for notices, posting of scores, other relevant course information.
FORMAT: This course is intended to provide you with a strong understanding of what
Geographers do, and you will meet most of our faculty who will describe their work and
classes. We will also cover important Department and University activities and
information. It will also give you a wonderful opportunity to network with your professors
and your peers, and to begin to develop a bond with people in your program who share
your interests. The information in this course is provided so that you will move forward
with a good understanding and confidence of your own academic and future career
goals. Each class meeting will cover various aspects of the program, the facilities, the
people and the opportunities available for you in the major.
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION: You are expected to attend class each week,
and attendance will be recorded. Participation will be gauged by your attention to
course requirements, attendance, and class discussions. You can receive 30 points for
attendance. It is expected that you arrive on time and stay during the 50 minute class
session; I am very strict about being punctual – please do not be late, or leave early. If
you miss a class, your total will be deducted by 10 points (unless you clear this with me
ahead of time, or are sick or have an emergency- you are still required to let me know).
If you miss another class, you fail the course. If you are late, or leave early, you will
have 5 points deducted. Your class behavior is expected to be respectful to everyone in
the classroom.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1) Meet with me by Sept. 3 to go over your program. Worth 10 pts.
2) Portfolio: you will begin to assemble a portfolio for your Geography major and related
academic activities. You will need to purchase an actual portfolio – an example will be
shown in class. Portfolios will have 2 forms: hard copy and digital. Portfolio preparation
will be worth a total of 30 points. Show me your draft Portfolio by Dec. 2.
3) Miscellaneous: Various activities may be assigned point value throughout the
semester. It is expected that will be primarily in-class assignments, or involve very little
“home”work. (There will be no exams in the course.)
GRADES: Course grade based on total score. Total score includes assignments, and
attendance. Grading will be based on the following percentages:
A 92% and above; A- 90-91%; B+ 89%; B 82-88%; B- 80-81%; C+ 79%; C 71-77%; C69-70%; D+ 68%; D 60-67%; D- 59%; F 58% and below.
COURSE SCHEDULE
DATE:
TOPIC
Aug. 26
Introduction: Emphases in Geography, Department Facilities and
programs, Geography faculty and staff, Communication (email),
Schedule, Individual Maps and plans for program completion.
Set up meeting with me to go over program – must meet by
Sept. 3.
Meet undergraduate representative, Kristen Monteverde
Student groups on campus
Sept. 2
9
Meet the faculty
16
23
Library information, writing papers, avoiding plagiarism (Lisa
Lamont, Digital Collections, SDSU Library)
Meet the faculty. Internships, Study Abroad.
30
Career Services, Presentation by Nichola Lawrence
Oct. 7
TBA
14
Meet the faculty
21
Meet the faculty
28
What about graduate school? Meet Dr. Hope, graduate advisor
Nov. 4
Meet the faculty
11
Holiday – Veteran’s Day
18
Matrix, portfolio
25
Thanksgiving! (No class)
Dec. 2
9
Meet the faculty
Conclusion