Geography 1303
Instructor: Shashi Krishna
Fall 2011_________________________________________________________
Everything is somewhere - Finding a Focus for Spatial Study
is Geography
Geography is the science of place. Its vision is grand, its views panoramic. It
sweeps the surface of the earth, charting the physical, organic and cultural
terrains, their areal differentiation and their ecological dynamics with man. Its
foremost tool is the map.
Leonardo Krishtalkg
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Major Themes in Regional Geography
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Physical attributes of the region
Cultural attributes of the region.
Economic and political developments of the region.
Globalization
Future role on world stage.
Objectives
When you complete this course you should be able to complete the following primary
objectives:
• Describe how spatial expressions of regional attributes underpin the present world.
• Apply the major themes and concepts in selected world regions.
• Demonstrate your ability to combine concepts, principles, and generalizations at the
micro and macro levels with selected topics.
• Demonstrate basic map skills
Text:
Geography: Realms, Regions, and Concepts. By de Blij and Muller. 14th edition.
Class Format
The format will consist of class discussion, lecture with power point presentations, class
activities, map assignments, map quizzes, and weekly quiz on topic under discussion.
Exams and Quizzes
Two major comprehensive exams will be given, mid-term and the final. Map quizzes will
be given every two weeks for each selected realm as outlined in the weekly schedule. Weekly
quiz on the topic under discussion will be given at the end of the class. Grades are averaged on
total point basis. All tests are valued 100-200 points whereas the daily grades and quizzes are
valued ranging from 10 to 50 points.
Grading scale: A = 90 – 100, B = 80 – 89, C = 70 – 79, D = 60 – 69, and F = Below 60.
Make-up Work Policy
Tests, and map quizzes and map assignments can be made up provided the student has
notified the instructor in advance. Quiz on Reading cannot be made up. A ten percent grade will
be deducted on late homework per week. To make up an assignment you have two weeks from
the day that assignment was given in the classroom. However, you are strongly suggested to
make it up as soon as possible.
Office Hours
Office hours can be arranged by appointment. My home phone number is 870/773-4774.
E-mail address: shashikrishna6712@gmail.com
Instructor – Shashi Krishna
Geog – 1301 World Regional Geography
Syllabus
You must print this syllabus and bring it to the class on our first meeting. I will
have a few copies for those who have no access to a printer.
Week 1
(August 26th)
Introduction
Our first geographic realm, Europe
Overall view on Landscape and Historical Geography
Contemporary Europe – cultural, language and economic unity
Homework: maps of Europe, reading assignment, text pages 40 - 63
Week 2 (Sept. 2nd)
States of the mainland core
Quiz on reading
Reading assignment, pages 63 – 84
Study questions will be handed out
Week 3
(Sept. 9th)
The contiguous core in the South
The discontinuous core in the North
Periphery region of the Eastern Europe
Conclusion of the European realm
Quiz on the map of Europe
Reading assignment, pages 85 – 97
Week 4
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(Sept. 16th)
A short test on Europe
Our second geographic realm – North America
Defining the realm, natural resources
Economic and cultural geography of North America
Homework: maps of North America, reading assignment, pages 148 – 170
Study questions will be handed out
Week 5
(Sept. 23rd)
Regions of North America – North American Core,
Maritime Northeast, French Canada
The South, the Southwest
A quiz on reading
Reading assignment, pages, 170 - 190
Week 6
(Sept. 30th)
Map quiz on North America
Pacific Hinge, the Western Frontier
Review for the mid term exam
Week 7
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Week 8
(October 7th)
Midterm Exam
Our third geographic realm – North Africa and Southwest Asia
Hearth of culture
Homework: Maps of NASWA, reading assignment, pages 341 - 360
(October 14th)
Stages of Islam
The power and peril of oil
Regions of the realm – Egypt and the lower Nile basin
The Maghreb and its neighbors
A quiz on reading
Reading assignment: 360 – 379
Study questions will be handed out
Week 9
(October 21st)
The Middle East
The Arabian Peninsula
Map quiz on NASWA
Reading assignment: 380 – 398
Week 10 (October 28th)
The Empire States – Turkey and Iran
Afghanistan
Conclusion of the realm
Quiz on reading
Week 11 (November 4th)
A short test on North Africa and Southwest Asia
Our fourth geographic realm – East Asia
Defining the realm
Natural Environment, a brief historical geography of China
Homework: maps of East Asia, reading assignments, pages 457 – 475
Week 12 (November 11th)
Regions of the realm – China Proper
Taiwan and Mongolia
Study questions will be handed out
Quiz on reading
Home work: reading assignment, pages, 475 – 492
Week 13 (November 18th)
Japan and Korea
Jakota Triangle
Map quiz on East Asia
Reading assignment, pages, 492 - 526
   November 25th Thanksgiving Holiday   
Week 14 (December 2nd)
Conclusion of the East Asia
Review for the final exam
Final exam will be a comprehensive exam
Week 15 (December 9th)
Final Exam
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