GEOGRAPHY 112-01:
REGIONAL STUDY OF THE DEVELOPING WORLD
Spring 2010
| Schedule | Study Guide |
| Meeting Time | MWF 9:15 a.m.–10:20 a.m. | |
| Professor | Dr. Mike Lindberg | |
| Office | DA 315 | |
| Phone | 617-3598 | |
| michaell@elmhurst.edu | ||
| Office Hours | M-F: 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. |
Course Materials
Text - World Regional Geography: Global Patterns, Local Lives, 4th edition, Pulsipher & Pulsipher © 2008.
Course Web Page www.elmhurst.edu/~geo
General Course Description
This course has several interrelated objectives and foci. It also satisfies requirements for several programs on campus including the Global Society gen. ed. category, the core broad-field social studies curriculum, regional-cultural course for a major or minor in geography and as part of the social studies/geography area of concentration for elementary education. At a basic level we will examine the regions and states that constitute the developing or non-Western world. This will be done using, primarily, a topical approach. We will examine the concept of development as both a condition and a process. We will discuss in detail a variety of important issues that are impacting the less developed world and use four regions (South Asia, Latin America, North Africa-SW Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa) as case studies to explore these issues. Throughout the course (although mainly in the beginning) you will become familiar with geography as an academic discipline and see how it not only provides the physical and human landscapes in which development takes place, but also how geography itself influences development. Culture will also play a part in our understanding of the developing world, which is often referred to collectively as the "non-Western" world. This label, of course, exists to distinguish certain parts of the world from our "Western" world. However, as we will see, it can be difficult to define the non-Western world in cultural terms (although it is easier to do so with the Western world). It can, in some cases also be difficult to tell where the non-Western world ends and the Western world begins. To facilitate our understanding of development (or the lack there of) we will rely heavily on the concept of equity (and inequity) which exists today on both a global and national scale. We will use it to explore a variety of issues and challenges that are facing the world today and that help define the contrast between the developed and less developed areas within our global society. Special attention will be focused on how inequity impacts not only the level of development within and among states, but also the prospects for development as a process to succeed or not. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we will consider these issues and concepts within the theme of social justice and examine how they either are or are not socially just.
Course Objectives
To provide the student with a sound understanding and familiarity with Geography as an academic discipline and many of its important concepts.
To familiarize students with the concept of development as it applies to various regions and states of the world.
To facilitate student's examination and understanding of why inequity exists in the world today, especially between the developed and developing worlds, but also within the developing world.
To familiarize students with the major issues and challenges confronting the states and peoples of the developing world.
To facilitate student's understanding of what it means to be a member of a culture through introducing the concepts of the individual, group, society, nation, culture, and identity.
To assist students in understanding and rethinking cultural stereo-types which exist about cultures other than their own.
General Education Curriculum
This course will fulfill the college's requirement for the Global Society category.
Overall Goal of Global Society Courses
These courses help students understand and affirm their membership in a diverse yet interdependent multicultural global society. Emphasis is placed, through careful selection of course content and, in some cases through appropriate travel-study experiences on primary encounters with cultures other than the student's own. Appropriate courses in a variety of disciplines would satisfy this requirement.
Objectives of these courses include
Awareness of the effects of globalization and modernity on individual cultures
Recognition of the dignity and value of other cultures.
Expanded critical awareness of the student's own cultural identities.
Specific Goals of this program include
To promote the valuing of reflective thought, informed judgment and active participation regarding social issues.
To challenge students to define their identities in terms of their personal values and the relationship to society.
To encourage an understanding of differing perspectives, competing truths, and the need to comprehend not only one's own motives but also those of others.
To provide students with an understanding through real world examples of the dangers of indifference and to take advantage of opportunities for positive change.
Assist students to formulate personal positions on course related content and issues.
To provide students with an understanding of the power of individual choice and actions.
To provide students with a basic level of information literacy as it relates to course content and issues.
Assignments & Grading
The final grade which you earn will be based upon the total number of points that you accumulate during the term.* Points may be earned from the following:
| 2 semester exams @ 100 points* | 200 points | 37% |
| Final exam* | 150 points | 27% |
| Research project | 100 points | 18% |
| Class Preparation, Participation | 100 points | 18% |
|
TOTAL POINTS |
550 points* | 100% |
* This is approximate, actual point totals (and even the actual number of tests) will vary. Students will be informed of the actual point value of each test and whether a test is deleted or added.
Note: All grading will be done as objectively as possible. However, in cases of qualitative assessment evaluation will be based on the professor's judgment.
Exams
The exams are designed to fairly assess your understanding of the material dealt with in this course. Having two exams plus a final exam instead of one or two, affords each student more opportunities to achieve a satisfactory level of success and to improve their performance over time if necessary.
Class Participation & Preparation
Students will be assessed by the professor on their level of participation and preparation for class. Included in this evaluation will be how much students participate in class discussions, ask and answer questions, their attendance, tardiness (or lack thereof) and attentiveness and personal conduct in class. Point assessment for this part of the student's performance will be determined by the professor at the end of the semester during the determination of final course grades.
Research Project
A research project will be assigned once the course has begun. It will center on an aspect/issue of social justice as it relates to the developing world. The instructor will provide you details of the assignment in class and on the course web page.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to be present for class and examinations unless prevented by serious illness, by an emergency or by participation in college-sponsored activity, by service with the U.S. military of a death in the family (see p. 44 of EC catalog). Note that these are the only acceptable excuses for missing a scheduled exam. The professor determines whether an excuse is legitimate or not.
If students are prevented from being present at announced exams by one of the previously mentioned circumstances, they will be permitted to make up the exam and should contact the course instructor to complete arrangements (per class make-up policy, see below)
Make-Up Policy
In accordance with the college’s attendance policy (as stated in the EC Blue Book), students may make up exams under certain specific/unique circumstances. The following guidelines apply to this make-up policy.
If a student knows in advance that they will miss an exam they must notify the professor before the scheduled test date and make arrangements for a make-up exam.
If a student misses a test unexpectedly, they should notify the professor either by e-mail or phone on the day of the test or as soon after the scheduled test time as possible.
It is always the student’s responsibility to contact the professor about make-up arrangements.
Students should arrange with the professor to make up a test as soon after the scheduled date as is possible. If a week (five days) passes without the student contacting the professor or taking a make up test, they will not be allowed to make up that test.
If a student misses the scheduled make-up time they will not be allowed to make up the test at all.
The format of the make-up exam will be different than the in-class version of the exam although it will cover the same material.
Code of Academic Integrity
It is the responsibility of each student to know and understand the Academic Integrity policy of EC. There are general campus-wide definitions of academic honesty as well as departmental regulations. It is important that students educate themselves on this matter since sanctions for academic dishonesty may be severe. Thus, EC students should act honestly in all academic work!
For specific information and guidelines concerning EC's Code of Academic Integrity, please consult the "E-Book" which is available from the College.
American Disability Act Policy Statement
The college will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this course, please contact the Director of Advising at 103 Goebel Hall (617-3450).
Policy on Electronic Devices in Class
Please turn off all cell phones and other electronic devises while in class. Do not engage in the use of any electronic devices during class including lap top computers. Thank you.
Professor's Responsibilities
To provide an environment which is conducive to learning, the free exchange of ideas and knowledge for all students.
To provide quality instruction to all students.
To provide a reasonable level of assistance to each student to insure their success in the course.
To maintain reasonably regular office hours during which students can come in for information, help, clarification, etc.
To provide helpful feed back and evaluation of student assignments in a reasonable time-frame.
To allow, encourage and assist students in expressing their opinions and sharing their knowledge about relevant subject matter with everyone else in the class.
To begin and end class on time.
Student's Responsibilities
To assist the professor and fellow students in providing an environment which is conducive to learning, the free exchange of ideas and knowledge for everyone in class. To this end, students are expected to demonstrate integrity, maturity and mutual respect.
Attend all classes (except in those cases discussed in the attendance policy section), and notify the professor beforehand of any absences.
Students will come to class on time! It is disturbing to have students walking in when lecture or other activities have begun. Perpetual tardiness will result in a reduction of course grade (at instructor's discretion).
Consult the professor if you are having problems in the class. Individual help is available.
Be prepared for class, having read the relevant material and reviewed the material prior to class.
Participate in class, ask and answer questions, engage in discussions and share knowledge and ideas with others in class.
Students should spend a reasonable amount of time outside of class studying, reading, working on assignments and reflecting on material presented in class (including writing in your journal).
Consult with the professor before dropping the course. There may be another alternative, don't do anything out of desperation.
Students will refrain from eating, preparing or sharing food in class. Drinks are permitted, but please don't spill!
Unless you are sick, students should visit the restroom before, not during class.
Turn in all assignments on time, take all tests, quizzes at their scheduled time.
Helpful Hints for Success in GEO 112
GEO 112 is an introductory, survey type regional geography course. As you will discover, there is a great deal of material to learn and while it is not "rocket science", many of the concepts and issues covered are quite complex. Many new terms will be introduced to you. It is important to remember that the vast majority of students who take this course complete it successfully (only seven students out of 200 I have had in eleven sections of this course over the past five years have failed). Here are some useful tips for not only successfully completing this course, but also for getting the most out of it.
Come to class! It's no coincidence that those students who attend class on a regular basis achieve the greatest success. Much of the material which you will be tested on is only dealt with superficially in the text (or not at all). If you miss the lecture and discussion sessions it will be difficult for you to fully understand and deal with some of the questions on the tests.
Don't be shy! If you need help, ask for it! And, do so in a timely fashion. In other words, don't wait until the last two weeks of the semester to get help (it will likely be too late by that point).
Participate in Class! Those students who ask and answer questions do the best in this course. Many of the topics we will be addressing are somewhat controversial, express your opinions.
Try to listen and understand! The object of the course is for you to actually learn the material, not just copy it into your notes. If you don't get everything taken down perfectly, don't panic. I, or a fellow student, can help you fill in the gaps after class. It is better to listen, than to miss important points because you are taking down every word.
Don't give up on yourself! You are here to succeed. It is your goal and mine to insure that you do.
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