GEOG 101: INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY
Tracie Hallock
3
Fall 2011
Meetings Online
Course
Instructor
Credits
Term
Instructor’s Contact Information
Office/Cell Phone
Emergency Contact
Office Location
Email Address
Office Hours
Syllabus Changes
Other Information
570-212-1589
In the event of an emergency, contact my cell phone provided above
n/a
Tracie.Hallock@keystone.edu
Wednesday 9-10am or by appointment. [NOTE: You can also utilize the
Frequent Questions/Answers Forum under Discussions and/or email me at any
time]
Instructor's reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus as needed,
and you are responsible for keeping up with those changes. Please logon
regularly to Blackboard to get the most current information.
Please feel free to call or email me at ANYTIME with any questions,
concerns, or issues.
Course Description & Information
n/a
Pre-requisites, Corequisites, & other
restrictions
Online Learning Expectations: To be successful academically, online
students must be able to navigate & search the internet, use email, attach and
upload documents, download & save files, and have access to and use
Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint.
GEOG 101: Introduction to Geography: Surveys the field of
geography including introductory concepts, geographic issues, and
Course Description the geography of the world regions with particular emphasis on North
America and its subregions.
Required Readings
Buying Textbooks
World Regional Geography: Global Patterns, Local Lives (4th edition)
Authors: Pulsipher and Pulsipher
Please note that the Keystone College Bookstore has the most complete and
up-to-date information about your course textbooks. Be sure you are
purchasing the correct edition and receive all the materials you need.
Browser/Plugin/Viewer
Info
For standard Browser/Plugin/Viewer visit this page:
http://web.keystone.edu/library/syllabus/browser.htm
Course Goals, Objectives/Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The students will acquire an understanding and knowledge of concepts in
geography, geographic issues, and the geography of world regions.
The students will demonstrate proficiency with the geography of North America
and its sub regions.
The students will apply concepts in geography through a series of experiential
exercises and assignments.
The students will assess how multicultural and diversity issues impact the
concepts and issues in geography.
The students will further develop their map reading and recognition, writing,
teaching, study, information literacy, power point, and critical thinking skills.
Grading
A= 94-100
A-=90-93
Grading (credit) B+=87-89
Criteria B=84-86
B-=80-83
Discussion Board
Criteria
Make-Up& Late
Work
C+=77-79
C=70-77
D+=67-69
D=60-66
F=0-59
See Discussion board Rubric and assignment information for grading procedures.
Make up and Late work will only be accepted/arranged for special
circumstances approved by the instructor
If anyone is interested in Extra Credit throughout the semester, below is
the assignment that can be completed to gain extra points onto a test
grade. Please notify me of your intent to submit an extra credit paper.
They will be due no later than 05/02/11.
ASSIGNMENT:
Pick a movie that focuses on a specific sub region of the United States.
Extra Credit
After watching the movie, write a 3-6 page paper addressing the
following:
- Movie Title, year made, actors/actresses in movie
- Plot of the movie
- How it fits into the class
- Compare and Contrast reality to “Hollywood”
GRADING:
You can earn 5-10 points for this paper.
Course Policies
Class
Attendance
Student
Conduct/
Netiquette
Special
Procedures
You will be expected to complete the online orientation by September 1 st in order to
remain enrolled in the class. See your welcome letter for details.
For Netiquette information, visit this webpage:
http://web.keystone.edu/library/syllabus/netiquette.htm
Taking Exams and Proctoring:
http://www.keystone.edu/academics/onlinelearning/studentresources/takingtest.dot
For Blackboard assistance http://blackboard.keystone.edu/ or e-mail the Blackboard
administrator at blackboard@keystone.edu
Blackboard
Support
For a New Student Orientation to Blackboard, visit:
http://academic.keystone.edu/ksussman/blackboard_student_training.htm
For tutorials on using specific aspects of Blackboard, visit
http://academic/ksussman/blackboard_student_training.htm
Technical
Support
Plagiarism &
Academic
Integrity
You can get technical support or assistance by visiting the Technology Support page
here: http://www.keystone.edu/current_students/technology_support/ or by contacting
the IT Helpdesk at (570) 945-8778 or helpdesk@keystone.edu
Academic misconduct and dishonesty includes any activity that compromises the
academic integrity of the College or subverts the educational process. For information
on dishonest acts including plagiarism, cheating, and fraud, consult your Student
Information Guide or click on the link below. If you have any questions, talk with your
instructor.
http://web.keystone.edu/Library/syllabus/integrity.htm
Copyright
Notice
Email Use
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the
making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials, including music
and software. Copying, displaying, reproducing, or distributing copyrighted works may
infringe the copyright owner’s rights and such infringement is subject to appropriate
disciplinary action as well as criminal penalties provided by federal law. Usage of such
material is only appropriate when that usage constitutes “fair use” under the Copyright
Act. As a Keystone College student, you are required to follow the College’s copyright
policy. For more information about the fair use exemption, see the Miller Library’s
copyright page: http://web.keystone.edu/library/copyright.html
Keystone College states that all official student email correspondence be sent only to a
student’s Keystone email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students
official only if it originates from a Keystone account. This allows the College to
maintain a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individuals and the security of
transmitted information. Keystone College furnishes each student with a free email
account that is to be used in all communication with College personnel.
Withdrawal
from Class
The College has set deadlines for withdrawing from courses. These dates and times are
published in the course catalog and on the Academic Calendar. It is the student's
responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements from any class. You must do the
proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if
you choose not to attend once you are enrolled. If you are considering withdrawing
from a class, talk with your Advisor and consult the College Catalog.
Procedures for student grievances are found in the College Catalog. Please consult the
procedures before taking action.
Academic
Grievance
Procedures
Please note: The first step in attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding
grades, evaluations, or other fulfillments of academic responsibility, is to make a serious
effort to resolve the matter with the instructor. The College Catalog outlines any
subsequent steps.
According to the College Catalog, an Incomplete (“I”) will only be awarded in the case
of exceptional circumstances. Mere inability to submit work on time, or missing the final
exam, is not valid reasons for an Incomplete.
Incomplete
Grades
Students must make arrangements with the instructor prior to the final exam it they wish to
receive a grade of incomplete. (Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.) The
deadline for the completion of the coursework is four weeks into the next semester. If the
course work is not completed within the specified time frame, the incomplete grade will
become an “F.”
Keystone College does not discriminate in any of its programs on the basis of disability.
ADA
Statement
KC Connect
Tutoring Info
Advising &
Other Student
Support Info
While there is not a deadline for the disclosure of a disability by a student, in order to
facilitate the documentation and accommodation processes, students are encouraged to
voluntarily and confidentially disclose and disability requiring an accommodation prior
to the beginning of class. This disclosure should be made to Owen Conaghan,
owen.conaghan@keystone.edu College Counselor & Coordinator of Disability
Services. Students who disclose a disability, and who are seeking an accommodation,
ultimately will be expected to provide documentation verifying the disability.
For information about classes & advisers, to check midterm and final grades or to
register for classes, logon to KC Connect.
The College does offer tutoring assistance for many courses. For more information or to
schedule an appointment, consult the Tutoring webpage here:
http://www.keystone.edu/studentlife/studentresources/studentsuccess/tutoring.dot
For information about academic advising, visit the Academic Advising Center
homepage here:
http://www.keystone.edu/studentlife/studentresources/studentsuccess/academicadvising.
dot
For a list of Student Support Services, visit the Support Services webpage here:
http://www.keystone.edu/studentlife/studentresources/
Bookstore Info
Visit the Bookstore at this link:
http://www.bkstr.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10117&
langId=-1&catalogId=10001
Attendance Policy
Students must complete Orientation by September 1st at 10pm. The Orientation
Module can be found under Course Assignments. Under this module, you will be
required to do ALL of the following:
1) Go through the Orientation Powerpoint Presentation
2) Complete the Introduce Yourself forum
3) Complete the Practice Quiz
Although none of the above requirements are graded, it signifies your desire to be
enrolled in this course. I will need to verify that each student has completed the above
requirements in order to keep you enrolled in the course.
Attendance will be reported to the registrar on the 2nd. Those who fail to complete the
above will be dropped from the class. Students are expected to logon to Blackboard
once per week, at a minimum. Attendance is monitored by participation in discussions
and completing assignments on time.
Assigned Readings-Weekly Chapter Quizzes: (20% total)
Completing assigned readings is critical to your success in this course. In order to
gauge this component, there will be chapter quizzes given weekly to assess your
understanding of the readings. Each quiz must be completed by 10pm on the due date
specified below. The quizzes are open book and untimed, however, you are only
allowed to take the quiz once.
Course
Requirements
Chapter 1:
Chapter 2:
Chapter 3:
Chapter 4:
Chapter 5:
Chapter 6:
Chapter 7:
Chapter 8:
Chapter 9:
Chapter 10:
Chapter 11:
09/09/11
09/16/11
09/23/11
10/07/11
10/14/11
10/21/11
10/28/11
11/11/11
11/18/11
12/02/11
12/09/11
Each quiz will be worth 2% of your grade (totaling 20%) and your lowest grade will be
dropped.
MAP QUIZ ON UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: (15%)
You will be responsible for a map quiz of The United States of America during this
class. You will be required to know the 50 states, and the region that the state is located
in. SPELLING COUNTS!!!!!!!! (This quiz is closed book and timed (20 minutes) and
you are only allowed to take it once.)
**This quiz opens on 09/19/11 and remains open until 09/23/11 at 10pm.
Examinations: (45% total)
There will be three exams worth 15% a piece. The exam schedule will be as follows:
Exam One will cover chapters 1-3 and will be open from 09/24/11 until 09/30/11 at
10pm.
Exam Two will cover chapters 4-7 and will be open from 10/29/11 until 11/04/11 at
10pm.
Exam Three (FINAL EXAM) will cover chapters 8-11 and will be open from
12/10/11 until 12/16/11 at 10pm.
Discussion Board: Geography in the Media: (20% total)
Each student will be required to locate an article from the media on a country
OUTSIDE of the United States. “The Media” can include online news sites, magazines,
newspapers and/or television. After you find the “article” of your choice, you will
create a thread under the appropriate Geography in the Media forum (under
Discussions) and include the following information in a 3-4 paragraph submission:
Name of Article
Source of Article
- List the name of the country
- Tell where the country is located
- Summarize the article and/or why this country was in the media
- Your opinion on the event/situation.
Students MUST fully participate in all 4 discussions to receive full credit. (Due Dates
listed below) Participation means that the student MUST contribute a 2-3 paragraph
essay that details the above requirements.
In addition to this, each student MUST respond to at least one other student’s post.
Students who follow these guidelines completely, and submit their work on time, will
receive full credit. Each discussion will count as 5% of your grade (totaling 20%).
Keep in mind, these discussions WILL require preparation. You will need to have
already read/watched the “article” and then have composed your response. Please
prepare and begin work on these early. Also be sure to use proper tone, professional
language, and check grammar, punctuation, and spelling before posting.
*Responses to classmates need not be carefully composed, but they should still maintain
professional language and style.
Please note: While you are encouraged to express your ideas openly and honestly in
this class, you must also be aware that this freedom of self-expression carries with it the
responsibility to treat others with courtesy and respect at all times.
DUE DATES:
Geography in the Media #1:
Geography in the Media #2:
Geography in the Media #3:
Geography in the Media #4:
09/14/11
10/05/11
11/09/11
11/30/11
Note: All submissions must be received by 10pm on the due date.
Schedule of Assignments: [please note this is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion)
DATE (WEEK OF)
AUGUST 29
SEPTEMBER 5
SEPTEMBER 12
SEPTEMBER 19
TOPIC
Orientation
-Geography: An Exploration
of Connections
-Basic Terminology
-North America
-Geographic Setting
-Current Geographic Issues
-Sub-regions
-Middle and South America
-Geographic Setting
-Geographic Issues
-Sub-regions
SEPTEMBER 26
EXAM ONE OPEN ALL
WEEK
OCTOBER 3
-Europe
-Geographic Setting
-Geographic Issues
-Sub-regions
READINGS/ASSIGNMENTS
-Read Welcome Letter via
email
-Login to blackboard
-Under Course Assignments,
complete Orientation Module
by Sept. 1st at 10pm (this
includes PowerPoint
presentation, introduction
forum, and practice quiz)
-Review Syllabus for
important dates******
-Get started on next week’s
activities to get a head start
Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Quiz due
09/09 10pm
Chapter 2

Geography in the
Media #1 Discussion
Board Post due 09/14
10pm
 Chapter 2 Quiz due
09/16 10pm
Chapter 3

U.S.A. Map Quiz
open 09/19 -09/23
10pm
 Chapter 3 Quiz due
09/23 10pm
 EXAM ONE OPENS
09/24/11
 EXAM ONE open
09/24 until 09/30
10pm
Chapter 4


Geography in the
Media #2 Discussion
Board Post due 10/5
10pm
Chapter 4 Quiz due
10/07 10pm
OCTOBER 10
OCTOBER 17
OCTOBER 24
-Russia and the Newly
Independent States
-Geographic Setting
-Geographic Issues
-Sub-regions
-North Africa and SW Asia
-Geographic Setting
-Geographic Issues
-Sub-regions
-Sub-Saharan Africa
-Geographic Setting
-Geographic Issues
-Sub-regions
OCTOBER 31
EXAM TWO OPEN ALL
WEEK
NOVEMBER 7
-South Asia
-Geographic Setting
-Geographic Issues
-Sub-regions
NOVEMBER 14
NOVEMBER 21
NOVEMBER 28
DECEMBER 5
DECEMBER 12
-East Asia
-Geographic Setting
-Geographic Issues
-Sub-regions
THANKSGIVING BREAK
-Southeast Asia
-Geographic Setting
-Geographic Issues
-Sub-regions
-Oceania: Australia, New
Zealand, and the Pacific
-Geographic Setting
-Geographic Issues
-Sub-regions
FINAL EXAM OPEN ALL
WEEK
Chapter 5

Chapter 5 Quiz due
10/14 10pm
Chapter 6

Chapter 6 Quiz due
10/21 10pm
Chapter 7

Chapter 7 Quiz due
10/28 10pm
 EXAM TWO OPENS
10/29/11
 EXAM TWO OPENS
10/29 until 11/04
10pm
Chapter 8

Geography in the
Media # 3 Discussion
Board Post due 11/09
10pm
 Chapter 8 Quiz due
11/11 10pm
Chapter 9

Chapter 9 Quiz due
11/18 10pm
THANKSGIVING BREAK
Chapter 10

Geography in the
Media # 4 Discussion
Board Post due 11/30
10pm
 Chapter 10 Quiz due
12/02 10pm
Chapter 11



Chapter 11 Quiz due
12/09 10pm
FINAL EXAM
OPENS 12/10
FINAL EXAM
OPENS 12/10 until
12/16 10pm