ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY SYLLABUS
SPRING 2002
INSTRUCTOR: Cecelia Hudelson
PHONE: (209) 575-6104
ONLINE OFFICE HOURS: 12:30 - 2:00pm TR, or by appointment.
E-MAIL ADDRESS: hudelsonputnamc@mail.yosmite.cc.ca.us
WEBSITE: http://virtual.yosemite.cc.ca.us/chudelson
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Geography is the study of the spatial relationships. Economic Geography examines
the environmental factors (such as transport, market demand or business regulation) which
determine the location of economic activities. This course will provide the student
with the ability to describe and demonstrate major areas of economic development, examine
linkages between such locations, predict future regions of economic growth and evaluate
how changes in the global economy may affect cultures, political systems, and social
relationships.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY:
I am passionate about
my job and my discipline. I believe
that ALL students can become outstanding college students if they apply
themselves. I value what YOU think,
and will provide you with strategies that you can utilize throughout your
education. I try to maintain high
academic standards that you will find at the university level so that you will
be successful when you transfer. MJC
is an institution which can create opportunities beyond your dreams!
Ask me!
REQUIRED TEXT:
* Wheeler, Muller, Thrall and Fik, Economic Geography, 3rd edition, 1998.--email me if this book is over $70. Try to purchase it cheaper through Barnes and Noble's website. (www.barnesandnoble.com)
CLASS POLICIES:
* It is the student's responsibility to drop this course.
* All reading assignments should be completed prior to class.
This will allow you the ability to see what I am focusing upon, and lectures
will make much more sense.
* Make-up exams must be discussed with instructor prior to the scheduled date of exam.
* Plagiarism,(article defining term) is not permitted! On the 1st offense, the student will
receive an F on the exam. If a student plagiarizes on the final exam, he/she will receive
an F in the course. Further
Action may be taken by the instructor, if warranted.
"1. incorporating the ideas words, sentences, paragraphs, or parts
of another
person's writings, without
giving appropriate credit, and representing the product as your
own work
2. Representing another's artistic/scholarly works as your own
3. Submitting a paper purchased from a research or term paper
service"
(Foothill College Academic Honor Code, 1994)
GRADING POLICY:
Students must complete a total of three exams, including the final. As noted below, the final is one third of the course grade. Students who improve on the final exam and receive above a C (70 pts) in discussion will receive the improved grade for the course. For example, if a student earns B grades on the first two exams, and obtains an A on the final, he/she will receive an A for the course! If a student performs poorly on the final, the course grade will be based on the total points earned in the course.
1st exam = 100 pts
A = 100-90%
2nd exam = 100 pts
B = 89-80%
papers = 100 pts
C = 79-70%
discussion = 100 pts
D = 69-60%
FINAL = 200 pts
F = 59% and below
--------------------
TOTAL = 600 pts
EXAMS:
Exams all require using an essay format. They consist of three sections.
Part A: GEOGRAPHICAL SIGNIFICANCE (20 pts) In this section, I offer you
four locations or events that are significant to geographical study. You
will find these in the reading material and lectures. Select one of the items,
identify the geographical concept it exemplifies, then explain the process fully
(how it occurs). Try to list other examples of the same process in
conclusion.
For example, if I list a country such as India. I would state that
India is an example of high population growth. Then explain how population
growth occurs. Population growth occurs when birth rates are greater than
death rates. This occurs in areas with a high percentage of the population
in agriculture (ag labor), countries lacking access to contraceptives, and
countries with high infant mortality rates. Other countries experiencing
high population growth are Peru, Afghanistan, Indonesia, and Venezuela (see page
63 text, figure 2.9).
Part B: MAPPING (10 pts) In this section I will offer you a map to describe. I am looking for you to describe the patterns you see. An easy
way to organize this section is to cite areas of highest and lowest incidence of the data shown on the map. Secondly, try to explain the cause
of this pattern.
Part C: ESSAY (70 pts) I will give you four or five essay questions in advance of the exam. You prepare for all of the questions, and complete one
of these five on the exam. You may use outlines prepared ahead of time, but no pre-written essays! This essay needs to be fairly lengthy. The
length should be at least three pages (hand-written) as a minimum length, and refer to maps and examples to prove your ideas.
PAPERS:
Students will complete four short papers (1-2 pages,
single-spaced) which ask you to locate local examples of concepts addressed in
the text and class notes. You will have the chance to select from 2-3
options for each assignment.
Your paper must be typed, and single-spaced. You should try to locate one or two concepts (put these in boldface font) which your study focuses upon. Be sure to define these concepts and then explain how your example demonstrates this concept and debate that may surround this concept. Further clarification will occur in discussion.
DISCUSSION:
All students must participate weekly in discussion sessions. Grading will
be based upon your quality of response as well as your quantity of interaction.
Each student must submit one response to class questions (I will post weekly)
each week. Additional questions to clarify materials covered in the text and
lectures will improve your grade. Responses must occur during the week of
posting.
1 response each week@16 weeks = 16 responses
C grade 70-79 pts = 16 responses
D grade 60-69 pts = 15-12 responses
F grade 59-0 pts = 11 responses or less.
GEOGRAPHY CRITIQUE:
The following items are the criteria I use to grade your exams. To assess the fairness of my grading, allocate 1-10 points for your performance on each item below. Remember, to score a 10 indicates that you performed perfectly on that endeavor. If you have any questions, please ask!
1. Did I answer the question, all of the question, and all that was implied by the question?
2. Did I present a solid thesis, logical progression of ideas and an appropriate conclusion?
3. Did I allocate my time and presentation appropriately, developing all parts of my exam in balance?
4. Did I include the best examples and illustrations to demonstrate the validity of my ideas?
5. Did I use the most effective presentation techniques, especially graphic and cartographic ones?
6. Did I include specific examples from all of the appropriate reading materials?
7. Did I include the most significant and appropriate ideas from the class session?
8. Did I include my own, original ideas?
9. Are there any factual inaccuracies in my presentation?
10. Could or should my essay be used to teach others?