MONTGOMERY COLLEGE- DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES

GEOGRAPHY 101: INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY

FALL 2006

PROFESSOR: SAL DIMARIA

OFFICE: TECHNICAL CENTER 209

TELEPHONE: 240-567-7596

E-MAIL: sal.dimaria@montgomerycollege.edu

OFFICE HOURS: M & W,1:00-2:30; and by appointment

TEXTS: REQUIRED- (1) Getis, et al., Introduction to Geography, 10th edition

       REQUIRED- (2) Rand McNally’s Goode’s World Atlas, 21st edition

       RECOMMENDED- any good, basic dictionary

Welcome to Introduction to Geography! During this semester we will be investigating the major areas of geography, including map skills; physical geography topics such as landforms, weather, and climate; and human geography themes such as populations, cultures, and political geography. We will look at how physical and cultural processes operate, interact, and are distributed over the Earth. For this task there is an excellent textbook, the 10th edition of McGraw-Hill’s Introduction to Geography. There will also be lectures, discussions, and visuals (especially maps) to supplement information in the text.

To help us examine and understand these different subject areas we will also be using a unique atlas, Goode’s World Atlas, published by Rand McNally. More than just a collection of general maps of the world, this atlas contains numerous thematic maps, which give detailed information on world and regional distributions of people, resources, physical environments, and other aspects of global geography. We will learn how to use this atlas, and how to interpret its thematic and other maps early on in the course.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

While we all have individual goals and intentions when we enroll in a class, there are four definite objectives which this course aims to meet:

(1) A basic knowledge of the major geographical processes of the Earth,

(2) Familiarity with the locations of key physical and cultural features,

(3) Skills in atlas use, including locating map features and interpreting thematic and other maps, and

(4) Skills in interpreting, organizing, and presenting, in a written format, mapped information about a particular area of the world.

CLASS PREPARATION

In class, we will only be able to cover each textbook chapter briefly, touching on only a few topics. The textbook covers each topic in greater depth, introducing many new terms and concepts. Even though we may not touch on these topics specifically in class, you are responsible for learning these terms and concepts. Consequently, You should schedule enough time for carefully reading the text. The text has a glossary and you may also find a basic dictionary useful. There is also an Online Learning Center available from the textbook publisher at www.mhhe.com/getis10e (see the textbook Preface).

Please be aware that, in a semester which may be full of classes, work, family obligations, and other tasks, you CANNOT afford to fall behind in your reading. You MUST keep up with it every week. The class schedule attached to this syllabus notes the textbook chapters to be read as the class progresses. You will need to read the chapter before the respective topic is covered in class. This will give you the background to what is being covered each day and prepare you for class discussions and lectures.

We will be examining maps, charts, and other graphics from the atlas during our discussions, so please bring the atlas to class each day. You will NOT need to bring the textbook. Lectures, Powerpoint presentations, films, and other teaching methods will be used in class. Thus, good note-taking skills are essential. If you wish, you may use a tape-recorder in class.

While there is no specific course prerequisite for Geography 101, an assessment level equivalent to English 101 is required. If reading and writing English is difficult for you, you may find that you require extra time for reading, studying and writing each week. At any time, if you feel that some of the material is confusing or that you are falling behind, PLEASE SEE ME so we can discuss it.

CLASS ATTENDANCE

Daily attendance is crucial, especially in a class where the nature of the information is new and concepts and terms are unfamiliar to you. Attendance means coming on time and staying for the entire class period. Class time is NOT the time to make medical or other appointments. Book studying or note borrowing cannot substitute for your presence. Being in class is the ONLY way you can fully comprehend the material because you need to hear the presentations, view the visual material, and take your own notes.

I strongly encourage you to ask questions during class!  If you don't understand something, please ask, or, at the very least, see me after class (office hours).

LATENESS AND RELATED POLICIES

I start my classes on time and expect everyone to be in class at the scheduled time for class to begin. Though lateness sometimes cannot be helped, repeated lateness is disrupting to the class and is unacceptable.

During class I request your attention and expect that you do not try to carry on a conversation with a classmate. As a courtesy to everyone, the following additional policies will be in effect in this class:

1. Cell phones must be turned off completely. Please see me before class if you have a pending emergency and MUST have it on “vibrate.”

2. No electronic devices in use, including dictionaries, computers, or other devices. 

3. No food in the classroom. Beverages, in CLOSED containers, are OK.

WITHDRAWALS AND DROPS

If you wish to withdraw from the class, you must do so officially, through the Office of Admissions, Records, and Registration. If you do not, and simply stop coming to class, you will receive an “F.” Note that the deadline to withdraw with a “W” is Wednesday, November 22.

STUDYING AND TIME MANAGEMENT

Each of you has different methods of studying for exams, and, in general, you know what works best for you.  However, keep the following in mind:

(1) In studying for an exam, give more weight to your class notes, but don’t ignore the text. The exams will include questions from both. Use the sample questions to help review for exams.

(2) Schedule some time each day for studying; it works a lot better than cramming. You should read each chapter before we discuss it in class.

(3) Concentrate on key concepts and on how processes work.      

ASSISTANCE FOR STUDENTS

Montgomery College offers a variety of counseling and academic assistance for any student who feels a need for some help. Some of the offices and facilities available for students include:

∙ Counseling- this includes personal, academic, career, transfer counseling, and help for international students. Contact the Counseling Center at (240)567-5063. You can also visit the Counseling Center in Room CB215. 

∙ Learning Centers- The Reading and Writing Tutoring Center is designed for students who may need extra support, services, or tutoring in such areas as reading, writing, and language.  Located in Humanities 21. Phone: (240)567-7401.

∙ Library- The MC Library, located in the Campus Tower building, has help available for students who are doing research or needing more information about a topic. See the Reference Librarian for help.

SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS

If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please see me. A letter from Disability Support Services authorizing your accommodations will be needed. If you will need assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation, please inform the Disability Support Services at the beginning of the semester if you have not already done so. The Disability Support Services is located in the Counseling and Advising Building (CAB), Room 122. Telephone is 240-567-5058. The email is: dss@montgomerycollege.edu.

USING MYMC FOR THIS CLASS

This syllabus, class handouts, and other material for this class will be posted periodically on MYMC, accessible through “My Courses.” Click on the blue “My Consolidated Courses” link (on the far right of the screen) on the “My Courses” Home Page.  Then click on the “Intro to Geography” link for your class to directly access the class information. Announcements will display directly. Other messages will be in “News.” Any handouts will be in the “files” link. Photos will be in the “photos” link.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING

There will be a total of 1000 points for the course, divided as follows (see the schedule for due dates on these):

(1) Three subject exams worth 150 points each. The exams will cover the lectures, films, reading material, and map features as noted in the schedule.

(2) A final exam worth 250 points.  In addition to lectures, films, and reading material, the final exam will also consist of Atlas questions so you will need to bring your Atlas to the final exam.

MAKEUP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN ONLY FOR VALID REASONS (MEDICAL, OTHER EMERGENCY).

(3) An Atlas Paper, worth 150 points. This is a description of a journey along one of four routes using only information available in the Goode’s World Atlas.

The paper MUST be turned in by Monday, November 27. IT will NOT be accepted after that date.

(4) Three take-home Atlas Assignments, worth 50 points each. Atlas Assignments may be turned in early but will not be accepted after their due date.

Since the exams and assignments are worth 1000 points, the final grade will be based on the following scale:

900-1000 points (90-100%)= A

800-899 points (80-89%)  = B

700-799 points (70-79%)  = C

600-699 points (60-69%)  = D

under 600 points (< 60%) = F

Send mail to karl.reis@montgomerycollege.edu with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: September 21, 2006