Course Syllabus
GEOG 2613 Introduction to Geography
Catalog description: Emphasizes the physical and cultural patterns of the world.
Type of course:
Theory
Credit Hours:
3
Prerequisites:
No prerequisites
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Instructor Name: TJ Eakins
Email: tj.eakins@riverside.k12.ar.us
REQUIRED TEXT, REFERENCES, AND MATERIALS
Texts: Introduction to Geography: 12th edition or later. By Getis, Getis, and Fellman.
References: Campus Library and Internet
Materials: Notebook, folder, paper, pens/pencils, access to a computer equipped with
Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Internet.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Every student graduating from ASU Newport with any Associate Degree will be
proficient in the following competencies:
 Communication Skills (oral and written)
 Math Skills
 Critical Thinking Skills
 Technology Skills
COURSE COMPETENCIES:
ASSESSMENT
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

Candidates should be able to show knowledge,
including geographical terminology and locational
knowledge, related to places and themes across the
range of local, regional, national, international and
global scales.
Formal writing assignments, exams, and discussion
exercises.

Candidates should be able to show an understanding
of how physical and human processes contribute to
the development of geographical patterns, the
geographical characteristics of particular places, and
interdependence between places.
Formal writing assignments and essay questions.

Candidates should be able to describe and offer
explanations for the interrelationships between
people's activities and the environment.
Formal writing assignments, exams, and discussion
exercises.

Candidates should be able to show an understanding
of the significance and effects of the attitudes and
values of groups and individuals involved in
geographical issues, and in decision making about
Writing research paper and other essays using
research.
the use and management of environments.

Candidates should be able to show knowledge,
including geographical terminology and locational
knowledge, related to places and themes across the
range of local, regional, national, international and
global scales.
Research assignments, discussion exercises.

Candidates should be able to show an understanding
of how physical and human processes contribute to
the development of geographical patterns, the
geographical characteristics of particular places, and
interdependence between places.
Research assignments, discussion exercises.
COURSE ACTIVITIES:
In this course students will:
 Compose clear, concise, creative, well-organized papers.
 Complete exams and quizzes over presented materials (textbook, notes, etc.).
 Participate in thought processes using research and analysis on current event
topics.
 Complete a term project and presentation over research.
GRADING CRITERIA AND SCALE:
A student’s final grade for this course will be based on the total number of earned
student points divided by the total number of points possible for the course. See below
for ASU-Newport Grading Scale.
MISSION STATEMENT:
Arkansas State University-Newport’s mission is to provide:
Integrity of Programs and Services
Affordable Life Long Learning, and
Enhance Quality of life
In the Diverse Community we serve.
ASU-Newport
Grading Scale
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = Below 60
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
The Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs has been designated as ASUN compliance
coordinator for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act. (ADA). Any student who requires special services should contact the
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Dishonesty in any form-including plagiarism, turning in assignments prepared by others,
unauthorized possession of exams-may result in the student receiving an “F” and/or being
suspended from the university.
STUDENT CONDUCT
Students should attend every session of every course in which they are enrolled. As such,
students are responsible for all material and information that was given out in class. In
addition, excessive tardiness will not be allowed; therefore, three class “tardies” will be
considered an absence. In addition, disruptive or abusive behavior in class will not be
tolerated. Make sure you are respectful and courteous in class discussions.
ADVISING STATEMENT
Students are encouraged to remain in close contact with their academic advisor to assess
degree progress and ensure the timely completion of programs of study.
MAKE-UP POLICY: If you miss an assignment, it is your responsibility to see the
instructor and arrange to make up the work as soon as possible. It is the student’s
responsibility to make sure assignments are completed within three class periods. Any
attempt to make-up any assignment after the availability period has ended is left up to the
sole discretion of the instructor to accept the results with the option to reduce the points
for lateness. However, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor about any
missed assignment as soon as possible.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: Students should attend every session of every course in
which they are enrolled. If there are extenuating circumstances, a student may miss no
more than twice the number of sessions or other regularly scheduled class activities that
would normally be scheduled during a week. Students who miss more than the
maximum allowable number of course sessions may be assigned a grade of “F.”
DROPPING OR WITHDRAWING FROM THE COURSE: If the unfortunate
circumstance arises that a student needs to withdraw from the course, the student must
contact Admissions and file the appropriate paperwork before the first day of final exams.
Failure to do so will result in a failing grade issued for the course.
DISCLAIMER: This syllabus represents a “best” plan for the course, but as with most
plans, it is subject to changes made necessary by time, space, and personnel constraints.
Tentative Class Schedule by Week:
1.Week of January 12. Chapter 1: Introduction
2. Week of January 19. Chapter 2: Maps
3. Week of January 26. Chapter 3: Physical Geography: Landforms
4. Week of February 2. Chapter 4: Physical Geography: Weather and Climate
5. Week of February 9. Chapter 5: The Geography of Natural Resources
6. Week of February 16. Exam 1
7. Week of February 23. Chapter 6: Population Geography
8. Week of March 2. Chapter 7: Cultural Geography
9. Week of March 9. Chapter 8: Geography of Spatial Behavior
10. Week of March 16. Chapter 9: Political Geography
11. Week of March 23. Spring Break
11. Week of March 30. Exam 2
12. Week of April 6. Chapter 10: Economic Geography
13. Week of April 13. Chapter 11: Urban Geography
14. Week of April 20. Chapter 12: Human Impact on the Environment
15. Week of April 27. Chapter 13
16. Week of May 4. Finals