N D S U

World Geography

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Lectures:  LEC (2:00 – 2:50) MWF in LADD 107

Text (Required):

1. Essentials of World Regional Geography – Hobbs / Salter  (2006)

Texts for reference (Not Required):

1. Diversity Amid Globalization – Rowntree et al.  (2006)
2. Human Geography – Fellmann / Getis (2005)
3. Introduction to Physical Geography – Wallen (1992)
4. World Regions – Marston et al (2002)

 Description:  GEOG 161 – World Regional Geography [Lect 3.0] Application of

the principles of Geography to develop an understanding of the relationships between

people, places, and environments over time -  that is, of Earth as it was, is, and might be. 

Prerequisites: None.

Attendance and Performance Policy:  Attendance is expected at all lectures . Proper

learning of the course material can only be achieved through regular course

attendance and an abundance of time spent completing all of the assigned homework and

practicing the skills introduced in this course. You may be dropped from a course by the

instructor because of excessive absences or unsatisfactory work.

Homework, Quizzes, and Class Participation:  Mini exercises, corresponding to the

assigned readings, may be assigned at the beginning of all (non-exam) lecture periods. These

exercises will require PRS units to effectively complete. The instructor may collect one or all of these

problems for grading. Late homework will NOT be accepted, except under extraordinary

circumstances. 

Short quizzes may also be given at the instructor's discretion at certain times during the

semester.  As a means of encouraging interactive learning in the course, the instructor may

base part of your grade on your willingness to participate in class discussions and assignments.

Exams:  Four in-class exams will be given throughout the semester. All exams will be cumulative

and will primarily consist of geographic regions studied. Make-up exams will generally NOT be

given. However, exceptions will be made in the case of genuine emergencies (the instructor will

define "genuine" and "emergency" at his discretion).  Vacations or lack of preparation are not

valid reasons.

Grades:  Your grade for this course will be determined on the following basis, and the

standard university grading policy will be followed. However, the instructor reserves the right

to curve grades as he deems necessary.

Academic Dishonesty

Teamwork is encouraged for studying course topics, but giving aid to another student during

an exam or quiz or taking information from another student's exam or quiz papers constitutes

academic dishonesty.  Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be handled

according to code of academic responsibility and conduct.

Disclaimer

The course schedule, content, and assignments are subject to modification when circumstances

dictate and as the course progresses and matures.  If changes are made, you will be given due

notice.

General Information (Current and Future Trends): 

The World in Spatial Terms

Geography studies the relationships between people, places, and environments by mapping

information about them into a spatial context.

Places and Regions

The identities and lives of individuals and peoples are rooted in particular places and in those

human constructs called regions.

Physical Systems

Physical process shape Earth's surface and interact with plant and animal life to create, sustain,

and modify ecosystems.

Human Systems

People are central to geography; human activities, settlements, and structures help shape Earth's

surface, and humans compete for control of Earth's surface.

Environment and Society

The physical environment is influenced by the ways in which human societies value and use

Earth's physical features and processes.

General Education Program (GEP) Intended Student Outcomes

1. Communicate effectively in a variety of contexts and formats.
2. Locate and use information for making appropriate personal and professional decisions.
3. Comprehend the concepts and perspectives needed to function in national and international societies.
4. Comprehend intrapersonal and interpersonal dynamics.
5. Comprehend concepts and methods of inquiry in science and technology, and their applications for                                                 society.
6. Integrate knowledge and ideas in a coherent and meaningful manner.
7. Comprehend the need for lifelong learning.

This course has been approved for the Social and Behavioral Sciences category in general education

because it "systematically explores cultural and intellectual forces shaping events, individual expression,

and social values."

In this course, you should attain the following goals and/or objectives by the end of the

semester. You should be able to: -

• Define or describe various terms, symbols, etc., as given in the notes, and/or                                                                      supplementary materials (GEP Outcome 6).
• Learn the fundamental properties of map projections (GEP Outcome 5).
• Apply the basics of cartography, geodesy, and geography (GEP Outcome 2).
• Make connections between different kinds of information as a means of                                                                               understanding the world (GEP Outcomes 3 and 7).
• Determine important human geographic problems and their potential                                                                                           solutions (GEP Outcome 4).
• Develop methods for interpreting geographical locales and evaluating landscapes                                                                               (GEP Outcome 2).
• Apply the fundamental principles, generalizations, and theories of geography to                                                                              typical problems in the areas studied (GEP Outcome 3).
• Develop skills necessary to improve rational-thinking, problem-solving, and                                                                                       decision-making (GEP Outcome 1).
• Enhance a sense of personal responsibility as evidenced by self-reliance and                                                                                     self-discipline in the completion of tasks assigned (GEP Outcome 6).