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Introduction to Geography  

Summer Session 2000

This is an introductory course in the complex field of geography. Though most people seem to feel that geography is only knowing state names and capitals along with rivers and perhaps mountain ranges, this course is that, plus much more. Geography is not simple, but is perhaps one of the more complex disciplines, not in its mathematical equations, but in its understanding of humanity and the place we call home.

Albert Einstein said: "As a young man, my fondest dream was to become a geographer. However, while working in the customs office I thought deeply about the matter and concluded it was too difficult a subject. With some reluctance I then turned to physics as a substitute."

The purpose of this course is to bring light to why he might have said this.

This course is intended for freshmen and sophomores who have had little or no previous experience in geographic study.

The objective of this course is to make you aware of a geographic way of seeing the world. Hopefully, within your college career you will acquire many different tools and perspectives to both make sense of the world and find your own path within it.  Major topics associated with geographic sub fields will be introduced while exploring the impacts of environment, culture and location on the human condition.  

Further objectives are covered in the National Geography Standards.

The stats for this course:

Geography 107
Credit: 3 hours
Dates of course: June 26-August 17
Meeting time: M, T, Th 10-11:50A
Meeting in Strong 200

Instructor: Prof. Chris Mayda
Office: Strong Hall 217
Phone: 734.487.7856
FAX: 734.487.6979

Email: cmayda@online.emich.edu

Office hours are: T, Th 12-1 or by appt.

Class materials, meetings and tests

Required material

Bergman & Renwick, Introduction to Geography, 1999, Prentice Hall, New Jersey

Class Meetings

As this is a short term each class will be an intensive look at a specific topic.  This allows for a time to focus on the topic critically and allowing varied activities within the period.  So, it is important to have regular attendance. As a general rule each meeting will consist of a presentation lecture, discussion period and exercises that integrate the learning for the day. 

Discussion

Please be prepared to discuss the topic of the day within class (which requires you to read the material BEFORE class).  This requires not only reading the chapter but thinking about what you have read so that you have either come to a conclusion or have further points to discuss. Some of the classroom discussions will be during class, some in discussion groups. As it is recognized that some people feel uncomfortable speaking up in class there is the opportunity to do so online within web caucus. The daily questions will be on web caucus for debate and discussion each day. There are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers for these questions, only thinking......

Daily Questions    

At the beginning of each day's class there will be two to three questions based on the previous session's lecture. They will be handed out at the beginning of class and the first 10 minutes given to answering these questions.  On exam day the questions will not be given in lieu of the exam. The daily questions will cumulatively add up to 15% of your grade.

Tests

Examinations and Grades: Grades will be based upon the average of your scores on four (4) examinations and a final. Each exam will be worth 15% of your grade, daily short questions will be worth 15%  (about 1% per day) with the final worth 25%. Classroom participation in discussion will allow for extra bonus points.  Each test will cover material from the last exam.  The final will be comprehensive with an emphasis on material covered at the end of the course.  Some questions will cover material that is not  found in the textbook, further indicating the importance of regular attendance. Exams will be given at the beginning of class and last 30 minutes. Exams will be on Scantrons which will be provided. All students need bring are #2 pencils. Questions will be of a variety of types, but multiple-choice questions will predominate.  Please note now that makeup examinations will not  be given. If a test is missed its value will be added into the final exam grade. If more than one test is missed 10% will be subtracted from the final grade.  No drops will be allowed after the second exam.

           First Exam -- 10 AM. Tuesday, July 11, 2000
           Second Exam -- 10AM. Tuesday, July 18, 2000
           Third Exam -- 10AM. Tuesday, July 25, 2000
           Fourth Exam -- 10 AM. Monday, August 7, 2000
           Final -- 10AM, Thursday, August 17, 2000  

At the end of the semester, your course grade will be posted with the results of the final. Grades will not be "discussed" at the end of the semester -- do not call or come to the office for that reason.

Academic dishonesty will be rewarded with an automatic fail. DO NOT attempt to copy from the internet web as this is plagiarism and not acceptable academic standards which will be reprimanded with a fail.

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This document is maintained by: Prof. Mayda
Last updated: 6/22/00