Geography 120
Section 001 (9-9:50am)
Winter Semester 2013
Instructor Contact Information
Office: 624
SWKT
Office Phone: 801.422.4116
Office Hours: MWF 10-10:50am,
and by appointment
BYU email: jodurrant@byu.edu
Course Introduction
World
Regional Geography covers a vast array of topics and places. We will look at the spatial, ecological,
economic, and historical geography of the world’s major regions. Hopefully this course will provide you with
an increased understanding and appreciation for the differences and
commonalities found throughout the world and lay the foundation for further
inquiry into the geography of Africa, Europe, North America, the Pacific
Islands, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. If you have traveled the world this is the
course for you. If you want to travel
the world then this is the course for you. If you are interested in global
places and issues then this is the class for you.
The material
and information we will use in this class comes from 3 primary sources:
1.
Course Text: Globalization
and Diversity 3rd Edition.
2.
Referenced material on the Web.
3.
Classroom presentations and discussions.
Course Objectives
Following
this course the student should be able to:
- Define geography, explain how it differs from other academic disciplines, and discuss why an understanding of geography is essential in today’s world.
- Apply the geographic concepts of “realm” and “region” in considering possible divisions of the earth’s cultural and physiological realms.
- Identify the location of numerous geographic features and entities (including all the countries of the world) and, more importantly, learn about these “countries and kingdoms” that you might be “prepared in all things” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:78-79).
- Apply to global realms and regions a variety of geographic terms, concepts, and ideas.
- Read, discuss, and write about the world beyond personal current experience, with greater insight and awareness resulting from enhanced familiarity with global patterns, processes, and places.
Course Grading Criteria (500pts total)
Unit
Assignments (150pts)
There will
be several assignments given throughout the semester. These assignments will be discussed in
greater detail in class. As this is an
Honors course each student will work more closely with the instructor to design
and carry out the assignments that revolve around a course project.
Map
Quizzes (100pts)
There will
be 5 Map Identification (country lists will be handed out in class) quizzes
given in class throughout the semester. The date for each quiz will be announced in
class a few days in advance. Each quiz
will be worth 25pts and the lowest quiz will be dropped. There will be no make-up quizzes except for
University excused absences and highly unusual circumstance.
Mid-term
Exam: (100pts)
There will
be One Midterm exam during the
semester. The Midterm exam will be taken
in the TESTING CENTER on the dates listed below. The midterm will be a combination of multiple
choice and short answer questions. The
exam will be discussed at greater length during class. The Midterm must be taken on the dates
scheduled so please do not ask to be given the exam another time. If you have a University excused absence or
suffered a major calamity in your life, then by all means please come and talk
with the instructor. However, do not ask
for exceptions due to work, weddings, road-trips, incredible powder days, minor
illness, etc.
Final
Exam (150pts)
There will
be a comprehensive Final Exam. The Final will be given in the Testing Center. Please do not ask to take the Final early as
this violates University policy. You must
take the Final in order to pass the course.
Exam Dates (in Testing Center)
Midterm February 15 (Friday) –February 21 (Thursday)
Final Exam During Finals Week (See the Testing Center for hours and
policies)
Semester
Grade Breakdown
A 94-100% C 69-72%
A- 89-93% C- 63-68%
B+ 85-88% D+ 58-62%
B 81-84% D 54-57%
B- 77-80% D- 50-53%
C+ 73-76% E <50% (or failure to take the
Final Exam)
Course Policies
ACADEMIC HONESTY
While all students sign the
honor code, there are still specific skills most students need to master over
time in order to correctly cite sources, especially in this new age of the
internet; students must also deal with the stress and strain of college life
without resorting to cheating. Please
know that as your professor I will notice instances of cheating on exams or
plagiarizing on papers. See
http://www.byu.edu/honorcode for specific examples of intentional and
inadvertent plagiarism, fabrication, and falsification.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT Title IX
of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any
participant in an educational program or activity that receives federal funds.
The act is intended to eliminate sex discrimination in education. Title IX
covers discrimination in programs, admissions, activities, and
student-to-student sexual harassment. BYU's policy against sexual harassment
extends not only to employees of the university but to students as well. If you
encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender based discrimination, please
talk to your professor; contact the Equal Employment Office at 801-378-5895 or
801-367-5689 (24-hours); or contact the Honor Code Office at 801-378-2847.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning
atmosphere which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities.
If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete a course
successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office
(801-378-2767). Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all
students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated
with the student and instructor by the SSD Office. If you need assistance or if
you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of
disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and
procedures. You should contact the Equal Employment Office at 378-5895, D-282
ASB.
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