GEOG 2: Human Geography
Professor Elizabeth Lobb
Winter 2014, Jan 7 – Feb. 13, 2014
Email: elobb@mtsac.edu; Course Website: http://faculty.mtsac.edu/elobb/geography2.html
Office: 26D-2481L; (909) 594-5611 x3619
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES:
This course is an introduction to Human Geography with two main objectives: first, the introduction of
critical areas of inquiry and research within the discipline of Geography. We will focus primarily on the
interconnections of place and process in several sites around the globe. Secondly, the comprehension of
important terms and concepts in the discipline will be emphasized.
II. COURSE READING:
The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human Geography, 11th edition, Rubenstein.
The textbook is very expensive when purchased new. You should be able to find it online for approximately
$65. Try CourseSmart.com, Amazon, ezytextbook.com, or Half.com as alternatives to the campus
bookstore. In addition to using the textbook, I will be assigning journal and newspaper articles to augment
the topics we will be discussing in class.
The text can also be purchased as an e-text. As an e-text it is $63.99 at:
http://www.coursesmart.com/the-cultural-landscape-an-introduction-to/james-mrubenstein/dp/9780321841193
III. COURSE EVALUATION
Your performance in the course will be assessed through the following:
3 Essay, Multiple Choice and Map Based Quizzes 30 -40 pts each
1 Exam, 100 points
2 Position Papers, 50 points each
2 Exams (includes Final), 150 points
TOTAL
IV. GRADES
A= 90% - 100%
B= 89 – 80%
C= 79 – 70%
100 points (17%)
100 points (17%)
100 points (17%)
300 points (50%)
600 points
D= 69% - 60%
V. COURSE POLICIES:
1. No makeup exams or quizzes are given. Please arrange your schedule so that you will be in class on
the days these assessments are given.
2. There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding plagiarism in this course. ANY evidence of plagiarism will
result in an automatic “F” in the course and possible suspension from the College.
3. No late work of any kind will be accepted.
4. Cell phones must be turned OFF.
5. Laptops may be used for note taking purposes, ONLY.
6. Audio recording requires PERMISSION of instructor.
VII. POSITION PAPERS
The purpose of the position papers is to allow you the opportunity to explore in greater depth an issue or
idea introduced in the lecture and/or readings. During the semester you will be responsible for writing 2
different position papers. You may write a maximum of 3 position papers, with the best two counting
towards your grade. Each paper should be 2-3 pages long, double spaced, and written in 12-point font.
The papers are due on the dates indicated and should deal with an issue or topic covered in lecture
the previous week.
You will have 4 opportunities to turn in position papers: 1/14, 1/21, 2/4 and 2/13. You can only submit
1 paper per due date, so plan accordingly. Late papers will not be accepted, it is therefore essential that
you keep up with your work.
How to Write a Position Paper:
1. Choose a topic or idea of interest from the previous week. This is a difficult process. I advise you to
choose either a term or a topic from the previous week and expand on it. For example, in the first
week we will be discussing the core themes for the class: sustainability and human-environment
relationships. A possible paper topic could be the potential for sustainable development using a
particular approach or based on a particular country/region experience. Other possible topics
include: genetically modified foods, corn subsidies, language and cultural preservation, global
culture and fast food, guest worker programs, refugee policy, etc.
2. Find some newspaper, magazine, or scholarly publications to augment your understanding of the
topic. Please cite these appropriately. Do not use Wikipedia as your only source.
3. Take a clear position in your writing. For example: “In this paper I argue that eco-tourism in Latin
America is one of the few industries that can successfully bridge the demands of economic growth
with sustainable resource use”. Your position is your thesis statement. You thesis statement should
be included in your first paragraph. The following paragraphs should support your thesis statement
with evidence and/or illustration. Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence. Any
significant conclusions that you draw in your position paper should also be included your first
paragraph; this helps your audience know where the paper is headed.
4. Assume that your reader is intelligent, but that she or he may not have necessarily read or heard
all that you have. Thus, you will need to tell your reader enough so that she or he will know what
you are talking about, but not so much that she or he gets bored or feels talked down to.
5. Be sure to support your assertions with both logic and information. For your reader, many things
will not be as self-evident as they are to you. Be sure to tell your reader why you are saying what
you are saying. Always ask the question of yourself, why is this important? Then answer that
question in your essay.
6. Always read your essay out loud before you turn it in. If you were hearing it for the first time, would
it make sense to you? Have you expressed yourself as clearly as possible?
7. Always proofread everything you turn in. Typographical errors, spelling mistakes, and bad
grammar prove very frustrating for your audience. They also result in lower grades.
VI. SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND READINGS
WEEK
TOPIC
1
Introduction to Geography:
Defining Place and the `
Human-Environment Interface
READINGS
Chapter 1: pp. 2-19; 22-25; 30-37
The Geography of Wealth and Poverty:
Models of Development
Chapter 9: pp. 298-313; 328-343
QUIZ 1
Chapters 1 & 9
Map of Asia
2
3
4
5
6
The Geography of Human Population:
Patterns, Theories & Predictions
Chapter 2: pp. 42-63; 70-75
Position Paper Due 1/14
The Geography of Human Mobility:
Migration Patterns and Historical
Connections
Chapter 3: pp. 76-105
Chapter 8: pp. 274-275
EXAM 1
Chapters 1, 9 & 2
Map of Africa
The Geography of Folk & Popular Culture:
Diversity amid Globalization
Chapter 4: pp. 106-121; 126-136
Chapter 1: pp. 20-21; 26-27
The Geography of Language:
Cultural Preservation in the Face of Change
Chapter 5: pp.158-179
Position Paper Due 1/21
QUIZ 2
Chapter 3
Map of Southwest Asia
The Geography or Religion:
Reading the Cultural Landscape
Chapter 6: pp.180-207; 210-223
The Geography of Ethnicity & Race:
A Divided Landscape
Chapter 7: 224-257
EXAM 2
Chapters 3-6
Map of Europe
Economic Geography:
Origins and Evolution of Food Production
Chapter 10: pp. 347-351; 356-391
Economic Geography:
The Global Assembly Line
Chapter 11: pp.392-397; 408-411;
418-425
QUIZ 3
Chapter 7
Position Paper Due 2/4
Natural Resources:
Consumption Patterns &
Sustainability
Chapter 9: pp. 314-326;
Chapter 1: p. 30-31;
Chapter 11: pp.412-417
Position Paper Due 2/13
***SYLLABUS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE PROFESSOR***