Syllabus

GEOG 5, V01, Spring 2013World Regional GeographyClass Meeting and Time - 11:00 – 12:15 MW 1826Instructor: Dr. Thomas M. OrfOffice: 2411LOffice Hours: 12:30 - 1:30 MW9:30 - 11:00 TROffice Phone: 925-424-1304E-mail: torf@laspositascollege.eduText:Johnson et al (2010) World Regional Geography, 10 th edition, Upper Saddle River,NJ: Prentice Hall, Publishers.Course Regions of the world and the way humans live within those regions. IncludesDescription: physical cultural characteristics of world regions, how they are similar and how theyare different, economic patterns, agriculture, industrial development and populationdynamics. Emphasis on today’s world and major issues that impact on everydaylife. 3 hours.Course Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to perform the followingObjectives tasks:and 1) Discuss the general concepts of Geography from the physical and culturalExpected perspectives.Outcomes:2) Demonstrate an awareness of the major regions of the world and significantplaces within those regions, where they are and what they are like by identifyingthem on a map and describing them in written exercises.3) Locate and label on a printed map the important countries, cities, rivers, andlandforms for the given world regions discussed in the course.4) show knowledge of the major geographic issues of the world todayMy overall goal for you is to develop an appreciation and some knowledge of ourcontemporary world.SLO:70 percent of students will be able to accurately locate 70 percent of specifiedcountries located on a map by the end of the course.

Grading: Evaluation will consist of the following:First Exam100 ptsSecond Exam 100 ptsFinal Exam100 ptsWorld Assign. 100 ptsGoogle Earth Assign. 100 pts.Grades will be distributed in the following manner:A = 450-500B = 400-449C = 350-399D = 300-349F = 0-299Examinations will be objective mainly multiple choice, computer graded. The finalwill not be comprehensive.Course Structure: lecture, class participation, slide presentation, assessment throughtests and assignments.Policies: 1 . Students must turn in all assignments and take exams on the date assigned. Nomake-ups will be given unless ill and verified by a physician or for an emergency.Late assignments will be accepted at a 20 point deduction per day (Monday –Friday)2. It is assumed that students will attend the course. Attendance will be taken andfailure to attend class will affect the final grade. Three unexcused absences will beallowed, no questions asked. One letter grade will be deducted from the student’sfinal grade for every 3 unexcused absences beyond the original three free absences.In addition students can be dropped from the course for 4 consecutive or 6cumulative absences from class.3. Extra credit will not be given during the term.4. Cheating will not be tolerated. Such action will result in a zero on that particularassignment or exam and possible further disciplinary action.5. If you are having trouble with a concept or class procedure, please make every effortto see me during my office hours. If these hours are inconvenient for you, pleasesee me so that we can arrange a mutually acceptable time. Also, please let meknow of any special accommodations that may be required.

6. It is your responsibility to come to class regularly, read the text, do the assignments,and ask questions if you need more information. Also, please be considerate ofothers when you are in class. Cell Phones must be turned off.DATE TOPIC TEXT READINGJan. 23 Syllabus, Intro to Geography Chapter 1Jan. 28 – Feb. 11 Europe Chapter 4Feb. 13, 20 Australia and New Zealand Chapter 12Feb. 25Feb. 27Slides of Australia and EuropeExam 1 (Europe and Australia)March 4 - April 1 Latin America Chapter 3April 8April 10Slides of Latin AmericaExam 2 (Latin America)April 15 – May 20 North Africa, Middle East, South Asia Chapters 6, 7. 9May 22Slides of South AsiaFinal Exam week Exam 3 (North Africa, Middle East, South Asia)This exam will be given on Friday, May 24 from 9:30 – 11:20The remaining chapters will be reviewed in the forms of assignments. The World Assignmentwill be given during the Europe unit and the Google Earth Assignment will be given during theLatin American Unit. Due dates will be announced in class. The assignments will come fromthe textbook as well as Google earth.Exam dates are subject to change with at least one-week notice.Other supplemental reading assignments may be given periodically.