Envs 240 Geography of World Affairs
Patrick Buckley, Prof.
OFFICE: AH222 or AH10 PHONE: 650-4773
e-mail: Patrick.buckley@wwu.edu
web page: http://myweb.facstaff.wwu.edu/patrick
OFFICE HOURS: Click Here
Course Introduction and outcomes
The main purpose of this course is to introduce students to the geographic analysis of various economic, political, social,
and environmental problems in selected regions of the world. We’ll investigate issues such as climate change – both
relatively recent since the industrial age and long term during the Pleistocene and before, geopolitics of conflict – special
focus on the middle east, explosive growth of developing regions – highlighting China, consequences of environmental
impacts on societies – both ancient and current, and other issues. A consideration of spatial and historical context and
implications for future patterns underscores each of these topics. By the end of the course students should be able to
recognize the valuable role “geography” plays in understanding and explaining relationships around the world and be able
to understand and critique a theory of what causes a society to collapse or survive when facing environmental stresses.
Course structure and organization
This is mostly a lecture and discussion course, although we will spend a couple of sessions in the GIS lab. Students are
expected to read the assigned materials prior to class lecture to ensure effective discussions on the topics. Regular
attendance and participation is a necessity as discussion is integral to the course. Failure to attend multiple classes could
result in a failing grade.
Required texts:
 Harm de Blij (2012) Why Geography Matters: More than ever. Oxford University Press. (2nd edition). ISBN13:978-0-190991374-9. (can be found for as little as $15 make sure that it is the 2nd edition).
 Jared Diamond (2005 or 2012) Collapse: How societies choose to fail or succeed. Penguin Books. (either 1st or
2nd edition can be used) (used copies available for as little as $7)
 Additional readings will be made during the quarter.
Expectations
The most important thing is that it will be an exchange of ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. I strive to encourage active
learning and participation. Active participation involves speaking out, sharing ideas, and asking questions, and listening
to others viewpoints in a professional manner. We don’t all have to agree to the same point of view, but we do need to
respect one another’s perspectives.
You are expected to attend each class and have read the materials assigned for that day. If you are not able to attend a
class, you are still responsible for that day’s materials and any assignments. Unexcused absents will result in 2 points
deducted for each day from the final grade (total points as noted below is 100). If you are unable to attend a class for a
valid reason it is up to you to notify the instructor.
Should special circumstances arise that prevent you from meeting any of these expectations, please let me know as soon
as possible so we may work together to find a solution.
Grade Points
Participation
Exercises
Mid Term
Final
20
20
30
30
pts
Total
100pts.
Unexcused absence -2 per class
Exams
The midterm and final will cover concepts and terminology from the readings, lectures, and other materials presented
and discussed in class including maps and diagrams. Questions will be in the form of short answers\essays and possible
multiple choice of fill-ins.
EXERCISES & PARTICIPATION
In-class exercises are intended to provide you an opportunity to offer your perspectives on the topics. The exercises will
include questions about the theme of the reading(s), key questions they answer, whether or not the conclusions are
logically sound, and if you agree or disagree with that the authors were saying? You also will be asked to provide examples
from the reading(s). Exercises must be completed in-class and turned-in on the same day to receive credit.
Participation is important for the following reasons: First, it helps you to synthesize and engage more actively with the
course material. Second, public speaking skills are becoming more important in all careers, and participation gives you a
chance to develop communication and speaking skills. Third, the students in this class have diverse backgrounds and
experiences thus sharing individual perspectives and insights will help us all learn more and appreciate different angles.
Your collective knowledge is far superior to my individual knowledge!
COURSE POLICIES
Please be considerate of your classmates – no talking, no web surfing, no texting, and turn-off cell phones during class
time. Seriously!!
I suggest you make friends with a classmate so that in the unlikely event of your absence, you will have a source for class
notes. You are responsible for obtaining all assignments.
With proper documentation, I am sympathetic to illnesses, family emergencies, and other conflicts that may force you to
miss class. Proper documentation includes: note from a doctor, note from Student Health Services, or other valid notice.
If in doubt, please ask me.
In general, no make-up exams will be given. Contact me beforehand in the event you find you are unable to take an exam
at the scheduled time due to some personal emergency. According to University policy, no early exams may be given.
“Mutual respect for everyone is key to ensuring a safe environment that promotes learning for all students.” Please
notify the instructor and/or Equal Opportunity office if issues arise.
Student services, if anyone is in need of university services for students here are the offices to contact: Research-Writing
Studio, Student Health, Counseling Center, Dean of Students, University Police
Academic Honesty & Integrity: All university policies concerning honesty and plagiarism will be enforced in the
course. You may review plagiarism at the following WWU site http://www.libguides.wwu.edu/plagiarism and academic
honesty at http://catalog.wwu.edu/content.php?catoid=5&navoid=463 . see also http://www.wwu.edu/integrity/
"For help and guidance with the academic honesty procedures, students should contact the Student Life Office."
http://www.wwu.edu/dos/stulife/
Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. I will use all of my abilities to have cheaters expelled from class according to
established University guidelines.
Reasonable Accommodation
Please see me if you have disability or accommodation issues and we will work together to find a solution that best meets
your specific needs .Federal and state guidelines guarantee the right of students to “reasonable accommodation” for
documented disabilities.
Reasonable accommodation for persons with documented disabilities should be established within the first week of class
and arranged through Disability Resources for Students: telephone 650-3083; email drs@wwu.edu; and on the web at
Disability Resources http://www.wwu.edu/depts/drs/
This syllabus is subject to change. Changes, if any, will be announced in class. Students will be held responsible for all
changes
DRAFT OF SCHEDULE EXPECT CHANGES updated on Nov. 4, 2015
Updated Nov. 4, 2015
Week Day Date
Chapter
1
1
28
2
30
Chap 1
2
3
5
4
4
7
5
3
5
12
6
6
14
4
7
19
7
8
21
5
9
26
10
28
Test 1
6
11
2 prologue
12
4
"
7
13
9
2
8
9
10
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
11
16
18
23
25
30
2
Topic
Introduction
Why Geography Matters
Geography and Climate Change
Climate Place and Fate
The Geography behind war and terror
Lab Day -- exploring Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan
Interpreting terror's geographic manifestations
Reading
Critical thinking and review of chapter main points and hypotheses
Lab Day -- Easter Island & Viking Greenland -- Prologue Diamond's Collapse
Discussion of Five-point Framework
Ch. 2: Twighligh at Easter & Collapse video (all parts)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdBSWjxKJOE
7&8
"
9
Vikings: Ch. 7 & 8 (Diamond)
Vikings cont.
Opposite Paths to Success (Diamond)
14
Ch 8
Why do some societies make disastrous choices (Diamond)
China (De Blij Ch 8) and video BBC Documentary 2015 ||China- The New Superpower
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emDz5qghrzY
Final
See WWU Timetable https://admin.wwu.edu/pls/wwis/wwskcfnd.TimeTable
Geography Program Student Learning Objectives:
By the end of the class will be able to:
GEOG 1: Demonstrate literacy around the concepts of space, place, landscape, and location;
As an introductory level class with a strong regional and applied bent, students will be able to
define and illustrate these concepts based on materials discussed in the class.
GEOG 2: Demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of national and global
cultures;
Since a major focus of this class is studying a number of regions on the face of the earth this is
integral to the class and students will be quite well versed on the regions that we explore.
GUR
This course is a part of the General University Requirements (GUR) program under the Social Science Category (SSC).
Students in this course will make some progress towards gaining the following GUR proficiencies, with emphasis on the
ones in bold:
-
Analyze and communicate ideas effectively in oral, written, and visual forms
-
Analyze and interpret information from varied sources, including print and visual media
-
Identify and analyze complex problems
-
Recognize the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of participating in, and contributing as a citizen in, a diverse
society
-
Understand and evaluate assumptions, values, and beliefs in context of diverse local, national, and global
communities
-
Understand and assess the impacts of interactions among the individual, society, and the environment