Geograp
Geograp
Introductions Course
Introduction Final
Notes
Michael
Mercier
Teaching
Core Geography (introductory human geography, research methods, field methods, etc.) Regional Geography (US, Brazil, Ireland, Europe) Urban Geography (social issues) Geographies of Health & Population
Personal
Info.?
1. Physical geography: the study of the physical environment, i.e. patterns and processes of the physical earth e.g. mountains, rocks, rivers, weather & climate, vegetation, etc. 2. Human geography: the study of the human environment, i.e. patterns and processes of human activity e.g. population, cities & settlement, economic activity, culture, etc.
Geography: the study of patterns and processes on the earths surface Two branches of geography
Areas of the earths surface which are relatively homogenous (uniform), with respect to particular characteristics, are referred to as regions
e.g. the prairies flat topography, agricultural economy, etc.
While each region displays a certain degree of uniformity, each region is distinct from its neighbours
e.g. the prairies are distinct from the Rockies, the North and central Canada Regional Geography
An
Local
Two themes: regionalization and globalization Two learning objectives: 1. Acquire knowledge about world regions and their distinctive landscapes (physical and human), cultural and economic practices, sociocultural attributes, etc. all those elements that make each region unique Regionalization 2. Conceptualize ways that all regions, despite their uniqueness, are interconnected with one another Globalization
Organization of Learning: 1. Introduction 2. Key concepts in regional geography 3. Systematic study of the worlds regions Social, economic, political, historical, physical geographic characteristics/patterns Issues: urbanization, migration, economic change, inequality, resource scarcity, geographies of indulgence, natural disasters, emerging regions, etc. The regional mosaic
Instructor:
Office: GSB 220 Phone: 905-525-9140 ext. 27597 Email: [email protected] Hours: GSB - 220 Mondays & Wednesdays 12:30 PM - 2:20 PM Hours: BSB 147 Mondays & Thursdays 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM Tuesdays 4:30 PM - 5:20 PM
Office
Class
Mixed teaching modalities, based on current pedagogical research on student learning Each week: three one-hour classes
Lectures: overview of region Discussions: a mix of small and large group discussions Issue-based discussions requires advance preparation Testing: September 24, October 22, November 19 Independent, self-directed learning: textbook reading, videos, reading of current events, etc.
Content-intensive course: requires the absorption and recall of a large volume of material
Reading is essential to success in the course Expect: one chapter (or more) each week (~3 hours) Textbook digital companion website: E-version of text, chapter quizzes, videos, MapMaster, practice maps, links to websites and news sources, etc. Class attendance and attention are critical Note-taking is very important
Lecture Notes:
Required Text:
VERY basic (skeletal) lecture slides on A2L Insufficient information to pass the course designed to supplement your notes
A2L:
Marston, S., et al, 2014. World Regions in Global Context: Peoples, Places and Environments. (5th Edition) No used copies available Bound and binder-ready versions are available Course outline, skeletal lecture notes, announcements, grades, and a discussion board
Evaluation:
Test 1 (10%) Test 2 (10%) Test 3 (10%) Term Assignment (15%) Small Assignments (15%) Approx. 5 (3% each) Final Exam (40%) September 24 October 22 November 19 November 4 Various Dates December Exam Period
Tests: Drop grade of lowest of the three tests, and make the second-best test worth 20%
No make-up tests for those that miss a test due to illness, etc. With an MSAF I will make your lowest test worth 20%.
Assignments:
1. A relatively short (3-6 pages) written report 2. A series of very short (1 page) written exercises or reflections
Academic Integrity
Instructor and University reserve the right to change any aspect of this course at any time
E-mail Communication:
Please include GEOG 2RW3 as the subject of all emails Do NOT use A2L email I will respond as quickly as possible keep in mind I am teaching about 1500 students this semester No texting or MSN use appropriate social conventions Appropriate use of A2L discussion forum
A2L:
Using
a global perspective, how many regions are there? Can you identify any of them?
This should be a fun course a break from some of your others This does NOT mean that this is a bird course you will have to do the work to get a good grade But, it should be fun and interesting and should help you to gain a better understanding of what (some) geographers do and what makes the world such an interesting and complex place Next Class: