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MONTGOMERY COLLEGE Department of Applied TechnologY Applied Geography, Cartography & G.I.S. And Geographic Education
Syllabus--Fall 2006 GE101, Intro. to Geography
Professor: Tanya Allison Office hours: TR: 11:00a.m.-12:30 p.m. Work phone: 240-567-7614 E-Mail: tanya.allison@montgomerycollege.edu Office: TEC 218A Main Office: TEC205
Texts: Getis, Getis, and Fellmann, Introduction to Geography, 10th ed., WCB/McGraw-Hill Pub. Co., 2004.
Rand McNally, Goode’s World Atlas,, 21st ed., Hudson Pub., Chicago, IL 2005.
INTRODUCTION: Geography is often referred to as the parent of all disciplines. This is to say that geography has long been intertwined with the physical and cultural environment (e.g. archaeology, anthropology, economics, politics, literature, philosophy, psychology, sociology, geology, astronomy, biology, botany, medicine, conservation and resource management, parks and recreation, hydrology, mathematics, statistics, soil science, zoology… to name a few) as well as the technical subjects such as cartography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, and surveying. When one studies from a spatial perspective, it becomes geographical in content. Furthermore, the more geographically literate, the more educated, tolerant, and open-minded we become of the world around us. We begin to compare similarities and differences (e. g. religions, languages, politics, economies, or perhaps weather, climate, topography, wildlife, ecosystems) whether it be between countries, states, counties, cities, or neighborhoods. Students are expected to be motivated, punctual, and eager to learn. Communication is important. I encourage you to take advantage of my office hours. My open-door policy allows you to come by at any available time. Please NOTE: due to the location of my office (located through classroom 218), I ask that you do not enter when a class is in session. If the door is shut, please knock. If someone is in, they will answer the door. This will not interfere with office hours which are times set aside especially to assist you. If I am unavailable to speak with you right away, I will schedule an appointment with you to meet as soon as possible. I welcome you all! I want this semester and your geography course to be a positive experience, therefore I strive to make it productive, enjoyable, and most of all, educational! OBJECTIVES: By the end of the semester, students should have a clear understanding of cultural and physical attributes of geography and gain an appreciation for the geographical environment. Knowledge of place names, perceptions of places, and the tools used by geographers to study geographic phenomena, including statistics, should be enhanced. Finally, students should learn to interpret maps and atlases effectively and articulate the spatial concepts of geography. COURSE GRADE will be determined as follows: *575 points total Exams = 350 pts. Worksheets = 80 pts. @ 20 pts. each Special projects = 100 pts. Quizzes = 30 points @ 10 pts. each Participation = 15 pts. *Final grade will be determined on the following scale: 90-100% = A 80-89% = B 70-79% = C 60-69% = D 59% and below = F EX: If you have a total of 506 points at the end of the semester, you will have an 88% which is a 'B' for the course. IF a curve is administered, it is usually no more than one or two percentage points. However, this will be determined on the class final average. You will have three exams. None are comprehensive. Exams I and II are worth 110 pts. each. The final exam (130 pts.) has two parts (part 1 = 110 pts. & part 2 = 20 pts.). A verbal outline of each exam will be given prior to each exam. DO NOT forget exam dates. There are no make-ups. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you miss exam I or II the final exam (part 1) will count twice. If you miss both you should consider dropping ASAP. After the exams have been graded, they will be returned for review and discussion. All tests will then be returned to the professor so that grades can be recorded. If a student fails to return their exam during the review class period, a zero will be recorded for that exam. The exams will not be returned to students. However, you are always welcome to look at it in my office. Exams will include videos, worksheets, text, lectures, projects, & special handouts. There may be an undetermined amount of possible bonus points. Cheating will result in a zero and possible 'drop' from class. (Refer to Student Code of Conduct @ http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/verified/.) Four worksheets will be administered during the semester to enhance learning material. These worksheets are completed using the Goode’s World Atlas. If you choose to work with a friend or group, make sure you understand the assignments, i.e. don't let someone else do all the work and you take credit. On the other hand, don't let someone else depend on you for all the answers. Worksheet material may be included on exams, therefore it is pertinent that you understand the assignments. Due date is included in the syllabus as well as on the worksheet. Ample time is given to complete each worksheet which is always due at the beginning of class therefore late papers are not accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS. However, you may always turn your worksheets in early. If you are absent the day the worksheet is distributed in class, it is your responsibility to come by my office and get one. If you are absent the day it’s due, it is still your responsibility to turn in on time at the BEGINNING of class. There will be two special projects assigned/required for this course which includes time spent outside the classroom. In addition there may be minimal fees, e.g. gas money, metro-rail, photocopying, photography, or lunch money, that you will find necessary to complete the assignments. Ample time will be given to complete each project. One class period is waived to compensate for additional time needed (refer to schedule). Late projects are reduced 25% per day beginning immediately after due date and time. Because all written assignments are required to be typed, I encourage you to take advantage of the writing center which you have paid student fees to use. It is free. Plagiarism is not tolerated and will result in a zero and possible drop from the class. (Refer to Student Code of Conduct.) There will be three quizzes covering place names throughout the world. These are given at the beginning of class (refer to schedule). If you are absent, you will miss the quiz. There are no makeups. If you are tardy but arrive before the last person finishes the quiz, you will be allowed to take it. Participation is worth 15 points. This can mean the difference between an entire letter grade. For each absence over two (day classes) and one (night class) (including excused absences), three points are automatically deducted for each additional absence. The professor maintains the right to drop a student for multiple absences (refer to Student Code of Conduct). Therefore attendance can help your grade significantly. Also, attitude, discussion, and quality of work is considered a significant part of participation. Excellent conduct is expected (refer to Student Code of Conduct). Note: Attendance will be taken each class period. If you arrive after attendance has been taken (tardy), it is your responsibility to notify me of your attendance immediately after class so that it does not remain on your record. However, your record will still indicate tardy. Tardiness is sometimes unavoidable, e.g. lack of parking spaces, flat tire, etc. However, repeated tardiness is not excusable and will be dealt with appropriately. If your tardiness is habitual, it will be counted as an absence after the third notation. I encourage you to attend class regularly. If you are unable to attend a class, I would appreciate an advance notice (in person or via phone) if possible. *There will be an undetermined amount of possible bonus points offered throughout the semester. It is up to the student to take advantage of these points when they are offered. These points can compensate for any missed points or be used as insurance to increase your total point accumulation. Please do not approach me the last week of class to request “make up” points. NOTE: Cell phones must be turned off completely (not silent, buzz, or vibrate) before class and put away (out of sight). Snacks/drinks (not five course meals) are allowed as long as you clean up and throw trash away. Suggestions (although not required): Globe for home use. Also, good note taking is extremely important. Tape recorders are perfectly acceptable as long as they do not disturb the class. No electronic devices are allowed during exam time. DISABILITIES: Any student needing accommodations may make an appointment with the Disability Support Services (DSS) @ 240-567-5058, CB122. An authorized letter is required from DSS. ASSESSMENT LEVEL: EN101/101A, MA100, RD110 Students are expected to and held responsible for meeting these requirements.
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