Heartland Community College
Social and Business Sciences Division
Course Syllabus for Students Fall 2012
Course Prefix and Number: GEOG 101-01
Course Title: World Geography
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory Hours: 0
Days and times the course meets: GEOG 101 01 meets 9:00-9:50
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
Introduction:
World Geography is designed to use geography as a discipline, through the use of population,
resources, physical and cultural elements of the environment. Also incorporated into regional
study is economic and human development. Students are encouraged to use basic geographical
and developmental concepts to better understand the world we live in today.
Catalog Description:
This course is a study of the interrelationships between contemporary world cultures and
geographic structures and regions. The course includes a geographic perspective of human
origins and distribution, population, migration, health, climate, culture, language, settlements,
industry, and agriculture.
Instructor Information:
Instructor name: Robert L. Dennison
Phone number to contact instructor: 268-8646
Instructor e-mail address: robert.dennison@heartland.edu
Location of instructor's office: Math & Science Dept. ICB 2408
Hours and days of instructor's office hours: Instructor can be reached anytime by email
or before/after class and during my office hours from 10:00 - 10:50 on
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday or 12:30 - 1:30 on Thursday.
Textbook:
Required:
Johnson, Douglas L, et.al. (2010) World Regional Geography, A Development
Approach.10th Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, Inc. Publishers.
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transfer:
(Indicate if course is General Education/IAI)
Geography 101 fulfills 3 of the semester hours of credit in Social and Business Sciences required
for the A.A. or A.S. degree. This course should transfer to most colleges and universities as part
of the General Education Core Curriculum described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative to
other Illinois colleges and universities participating in the IAI. However, students should check
with an academic advisor for transfer information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the
IAI web page for more information as well at www.itransfer.org.
Beliefs:
Academic Discipline:
Geography is a synthesizing discipline: the study of how and why things are distributed over the
earth (location). The way in which our world is shaped today is directly related to geographical
factors. Geography emphasizes the physical, cultural, regional, and spatial perspective of man
within the environment.
Student Learning:
It is your responsibility to read the assigned chapters BEFORE coming to class and be prepared
to participate in class discussion and this will help in your note taking as well. Oral quizzes will
be given periodically to help guarantee that you are reading the assigned material. The effort that
you put forward in this class will be reflected in the final grade that you will receive.
Instructor's Role:
I will be responsible for creating an atmosphere conducive to the learning process. Please feel
free to ask me questions either during your class period or my office hours or whenever we can
make a connection. It is your responsibility to ask and my responsibility to respond to your
questions.
Course Objectives (Learning Outcomes):
At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Course Outcomes
1. Identify and communicate
the major geographic
themes of: location, place,
region, movement and
human environment and
interaction.
2. Identify and demonstrate
an awareness of the
cultures of the world from
a regional perspective.
3. Demonstrate an
awareness of using maps
and develop map reading
skills.
4. Develop an understanding
of the purpose of studying
geography and how it can
better enable one to
comprehend the world in
which they live.
HCC General Education
Outcomes
Throughout the semester,
students will achieve the
following Gen Ed
outcomes. A specific course
outcome may correlate to one
or more of the following Gen
Ed outcomes:
CT 1: Students gather
knowledge, apply it to a new
situation, and draw reasonable
conclusions in ways that
demonstrate understanding.
Range of Assessment
Methods
The following are possible
summative assessments that
an instructor may use to
assess if students meet the
learning outcomes:
individual projects, group
projects, presentations,
current news article
summaries and analysis,
reflection papers, map
quizzes, worksheets, quizzes,
and exams.
Individual instructors may use
other summative assessments.
CT4: Students actively
reflect on their answer,
5. Evaluate information
from various sources to
produce a product.
approach, or solution and act
upon those reflections to
improve the final result.
CO 2: Students effectively
deliver a message via various
channels/modalities.
DI2: Students consider the
views of others in light of
those persons’ experiences
and particular understandings
The following are possible
formative assessments that an
instructor may use to assess if
students meet the learning
outcomes:
group discussions, videos
followed by discussion, peer
instruction, quizzes, and
worksheets.
Individual instructors may use
other formative assessments.
CONTENT OUTLINE:
Topic Outline for the Course:
1. Introduction to Geography
2. Basic Geographic Concepts
a. Mapping
b. Relationship to other disciplines
c. Subdivisions within the discipline
d. Geographic Information Systems
e. Application to everyday life
f. Climate
g. Physical landforms
h. Culture (language, religion, social customs, etc.)
3. Regional Studies (time constraints may require instructor to compress or eliminate some
areas)
a. Anglo-America
b. Europe
c. Russia and Central Asia
d. East Asia and Japan
e. South and Southeast Asia
f. Latin America and the Caribbean
g. Sub-Sahara Africa
h. North Africa and the Middle East
i. Australia and the Pacific Realm
Methods of Instruction:
The teaching of geography involves lectures, discussions, readings, significant amounts of
writing and occasional group discussions or activities. Your role as students is to read and come
to class prepared to debate the issues of the day. You will be expected to take notes, to ask and
answer questions and to develop ideas about the course material. I will assume that you can read
the text and that you will ask questions if you find readings or lectures confusing or
contradictory. You will be expected to summarize, analyze and integrate the information from
readings, lectures and discussions into written form for the exams and papers. The emphasis on
academic skills will prepare you for both further academic work and for the workplace.
Course Policies:
Method of Evaluation (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
There will be four exams (400 total points) consisting of a combination of short answer essays (5
points each) and multiple choice questions for a total of 100 points per exam. Your lowest score
on the four exams will be dropped so if you miss an exam that will be the score that would be
dropped. You will also have quizzes (both written and oral worth 80 total points) over the
material from the book, class assignments (approximately 50 total points), map identification,
and a final project worth 100 points which will be assigned no later than the mid term
week. Class participation points may also be earned as well. Your final grade will be based
upon your percentage of the final total points: above 90% = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 6069% = D, and below 60% = F.
Students will be able to achieve success by:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Attending class regularly and taking all the exams.
Participating in discussions and group work and completing oral quiz assignments.
Asking questions about material you do not understand.
Doing careful, thoughtful and thorough work.
Reading the assigned material before class lecture and again afterwards.
Taking good notes and reviewing them regularly.
Reviewing the key terms and questions at the end of each chapter.
Reviewing the material listed on your test review sheets.
Forming a study group with other members of this class.
Attending class on time.
Extra-Credit:
Extra-credit may be offered at the instructor's discretion. No extra-credit is scheduled for this
course at this time.
Make-up of Tests and Assignments:
A clear policy for make-ups is necessary for the fair conduct of a class. There are no make-ups
for quizzes or other assignments given in class except for those students participating in an
approved Heartland Community College sanctioned event who have fulfilled the requirement to
receive a make-up. Make-ups for tests will ONLY be given in the rarest circumstances and will
be different from the test given during the regular scheduled class time. In order for you to
receive a possible make-up exam you must contact me either by phone (268-8646) or email
(robert.dennison@heartland.edu) BEFORE the exam is to be given in order to receive
consideration of a possible make-up. Failure to do this will result in a grade of zero for the
exam. The final project must be turned in by the deadline set by the instructor and NO
exceptions will be granted for any reason whatsoever.
Notice of Cancelled Class Sessions
Cancelled class sessions, for all HCC classes, will be listed under Cancelled Class Meetings in
the A-Z Index and under Academic Information in the Current Students page on the HCC Web
site. Go to http://www.heartland.edu/classCancellations/ to learn what classes have been
cancelled for that day and the upcoming week. Be sure to check the last column, which might
contain a message from the instructor.
General Information for Students
Testing Services (located in Student Commons Building 2001)
Testing Services provides a secure testing environment for students who are enrolled in online,
hybrid, and other distance learning courses; have a documented disability; or need to take a
make-up exam. Testing accommodations for students having documented disabilities must be
arranged by the student through Disability Support Services. Testing Services will only
administer exams at the request of the instructor. For more information, please call (309) 2688050.
Counseling Services
Counseling Services provides confidential and professional counseling for both emergency and
personal issues. Services also include referrals to local community resources and support for
students on academic probation. For more information, please call (309) 268-8318.
Services in Academic Support Center (Raab Road campus)
Library
The Library provides fast and free access to credible information from a full range of resources
including books, online journals, videos, newspapers, online music, class reserves, and
interlibrary loan. Individualize research by appointment or come in anytime. See the Library tab
in myHeartland, email library@heartland.edu or call (309) 268-8292 for details.
Tutoring Services
Tutoring Services provides tutoring in various forms at no cost to Heartland students in Normal,
Pontiac, and Lincoln. Tutors are available at convenient times throughout the week. Study
groups are also available by request. For more information about services available at each
location, please call (309) 268-8231 (Normal), (815) 842-6777 (Pontiac), or (217) 735-1731
(Lincoln).
Disability Support Services
Disability Support Services (DSS) ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to the
college’s programs, services and activities through the provision of reasonable accommodations
as mandated in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
DSS offers a wide range of services to support students with disabilities, including: assistive
technology, document conversion services, personnel, classroom and testing accommodations.
Students with a documented disability who wish to discuss academic accommodations should
call (309) 268-8259 for details.
Open Computing Lab
The Open Computing Lab provides free computing for HCC students at convenient times
throughout the week. The computer lab is staffed by trained Lab Assistants and offers the use of
approximately 70 computers, a scanner, a laser printer, and an electric typewriter.
Writing Lab
The Writing Lab provides guidance for writers on assignment comprehension, critical thinking
and the stages of the writing process. The Writing Lab is staffed by English faculty and Tutors
with years of experience working with students on writing. In every session, supportive
staff work with writers to explore and develop their own ideas as appropriate to the needs of
their readers and to learn the rhetorical strategies necessary for effective communication. For
more information, please call (309) 268-8231.
Services in Community Commons Building, first floor (Raab Road campus)
Academic Advising
Academic advisors provide information to students about degree/program requirements,
transferability of courses, GPA, and enrollment. Academic Advising may also provide
workshops on time management, IRIS navigation, or specific career fields. For more
information, please call (309) 268-8033. Academic Advising services are also available at the
Lincoln and Pontiac sites.
Career Services
Career Services assist students to determine career goals, develop employability and job search
skills and connect with potential employers in preparation for employment and career
transitions. Through the Online Career Center at www.collegecentral.com/heartland students
can learn about area employment opportunities, prepare and post resumes and find a host of free
career-related resources. The job shadow and internship programs offer access to relevant workbased learning opportunities that enhance academic experiences and support students in their
career pursuits. For more information, please call (309) 268-8034 or email
Career.Services@heartland.edu
Financial Aid Office
The Financial Aid Office provides information on programs and types of financial aid available
to students. For more information, please call (309) 268-8020.
Transcripts (Located in Student Commons Building 1000)
Official and unofficial transcripts may be obtained in the Student Records Office. Transcripts
may also be obtained at Heartland’s Lincoln and Pontiac sites. Official transcripts must be
requested in writing. The form is available online
(http://www.heartland.edu/transcripts/index.jsp) or in the Student Records Office. Unofficial
transcripts are available to print online through IRIS.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland Community College
and is essential to the credibility of the College’s educational programs. Moreover, because
grading may be competitive, students who misrepresent their academic work violate the right of
their fellow students. The College, therefore, views any act of academic dishonest as a serious
offense requiring disciplinary measures, including course failure, suspension, and even expulsion
from the College. In addition, an act of academic dishonesty may have unforeseen effects far
beyond any officially imposed penalties.
Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or suborning
cheating or other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of data, falsification
of academic records or documents and unauthorized access to computerized academic or
administrative records or systems. Definitions of these violations may be found in the college
catalog.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. When you write a paper,
create a project, do a presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all the work,
except for that which is attributed to another author or creator, is your own. Plagiarism is
considered a serious academic offense and may take the following forms:

Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source credit.

Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving that source credit.

Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own.

Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting its source.

Paraphrasing someone else’s line of thinking in the development of a topic as if it
were your own.

Using another person’s project or another person’s work as if it were your own.
[Adapted from the Modem Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers of Research
Papers. 7th ed. New York: MLA, 2009:51-61]
Note that word-for-word copying is not the only form of plagiarism. The penalties for plagiarism
may be severe, ranging from failure on the particular piece of work, failure in the course or
expulsion from school in extreme cases.
Many plagiarism problems can be remedied by citing the sources of the original work.
When in doubt, cite the source according to the style your instructor directs. Usually this is APA
or MLA Style. Don’t be daunted by citing sources which are not books. You can cite
everything, including pamphlets, maps, cereal boxes, telephone conversations, movies, television
shows, Internet and world-wide web sites.
Philosophy of Grades
The Heartland Community College grading philosophy grows out of our vision of
educational excellence. This common philosophy provides a framework for each
academic division and instructor as they establish their own individual course grading
system, evaluation methods, and course policies using the shared general rubrics for letter
grades given below.
Letter grades serve as a vehicle to promote meaningful evaluation of student
achievement, to inform students of academic progress, and, as necessary, to improve
student performance, habits, and practices. Using a letter grade as a prerequisite for
subsequent courses means we believe that the grade was assigned through a conscious
judgment about a student’s readiness to proceed to more advanced study.
At Heartland, students’ academic achievement is measured by their mastery of course
objectives and content. We challenge students to meet these recognized standards of
achievement and we assign grades based on their success in doing so. Simply stated, we
believe that the responsibility for academic achievement rests with the student and that
holding students responsible for their learning promotes their academic growth.
Letter Grade Rubrics
“A” This grade represents consistently outstanding performance that demonstrates
superior understanding and skillful use of important course concepts. Performance at this
level signifies that the student is extremely well prepared to continue with more advanced
study of the subject.
“B” This grade represents performance significantly beyond the level necessary to
achieve the course objectives. Work is of high quality but not consistently at an
outstanding level. Performance at this level signifies that the student is well prepared to
continue with more advanced study of the subject.
“C” This grade represents an acceptable achievement of the course objectives.
Performance at this level signifies that the student is reasonably well prepared to continue
with more advanced study of the subject.
“D” This grade represents less than adequate performance. It signifies questionable
readiness to proceed with more advanced study of the subject.
“F” This grade reflects unacceptable performance. The student is not yet ready to
proceed with more advanced study of the subject, and must repeat the course successfully
to receive credit.
No Classes:
September 3 - Labor Day
November 21-23 - Thanksgiving Break
Withdrawal Dates
Students are responsible for officially dropping/withdrawing in writing to Student
Services/Registration from a course for which they have enrolled. Drop/Withdrawal requests
made by telephone will not be accepted.
Syllabi disclaimer:
Changes to this syllabus will be made as need arises. You will be informed at the earliest
convenience if a change is to be made. Any change will be at the discretion of the instructor or
to meet changes necessary to effective instruction.
GEOG 101-01 Course Schedule
Robert L. Dennison
Fall 2012
Weeks
Assignment
Chapters
1&2
Introduction to Geography
& Basic Concepts and
Chapter 1
Ideas
3&4
US & Canada
4
Test 1 over Chapters
1&2
Chapter 2
5&6
Europe
Chapter 4
7&8
Russia & Central Eurasia
Chapters 5 & 6
8
Test 2 over Chapters
4-6
9 & 10
Japan & China
Chapter 10
11 & 12
Southeast Asia & India
Chapters 9 & 11
12
Test 3 over Chapters 9-11
13 & 14
Latin America
Chapter 3
15 & 16
Final project due & Africa
south of the Sahara
Chapter 8
16
Test 4 over Chapters 3
1-16
Unannounced quizzes
Periodically throughout semester
and assignments
Finals week
Final project replaces
final exam
&8
CLASS DECORUM
Cell phones must be turned off during class period. Any cell phone that goes off during an exam
will result in the score of ZERO for that student for disrupting the others in the class. If a cell
phone goes off during the lecture the student may be asked to leave the class room.
Once an exam has begun there will be NO ADMITTANCE into the testing room and the door
will be locked.
Text messaging during class time is not allowed. Anyone caught text messaging during class
time will be asked to leave the classroom immediately.
You may NOT use a laptop computer to take notes, however, you may use it if you have a
documented disability and I receive that information from the Office of Disability Services.
Excessive talking in class other than that related to class material will result in you be asked to
leave the classroom. You will be given one verbal warning and if you do not comply with that
you must leave the room.
Adapted by the Curriculum and Academic Standards Committee March 2011