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Course Syllabus—Spring 2006

GE202, Geography of the United States & Canada

Professor:  Tanya Allison                   

Office hours: T: 11:00a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; W: 1:00-3:00 p.m.            

Work phone:  240-567-7614      

E-Mail:  tanya.allison@montgomerycollege.edu                       

Office:  TEC 218A

Main Office:  TEC205 

Texts:       Getis, Getis, and Quastler, The United States and Canada, 2^nd ed., McGraw-Hill Pub., 2001.

Rand McNally, Goode’s World Atlas,, 21^st  ed., Hudson

Pub., Chicago, IL 2005. (optional)

INTRODUCTION:  The geography of the United States and Canada varies considerably from region to region both physically and culturally.  Physically, one can observe changes in the landscape as well as environmental differences such as deserts, plateaus, prairies, mountains, valleys, glacial areas, and more.  Flora and fauna are indicative of an area.  Culturally speaking, languages, religions, ethnic groups, politics, economics, architecture, and life-style in general will depict regional characteristics.  Understanding these variations in latitude and longitude will enable us to better understand the similarities and differences that exist from region to region, state to state, province to province, county to county, city to city, and finally, neighborhood to neighborhood.

            NOTE:  You are important to me, therefore communication is critical.  I encourage all of you to visit me in my office.  I have an open-door policy, i.e. you are welcome to come by my office unannounced *almost any time.  If I am not available, I will schedule an appointment with you to meet as soon as possible.  Otherwise, office hours (above) are times set aside especially to assist you. 

*Please note:  Due to the location of my office, accessibility has become an issue.  If a class is being held in TEC 218, please do not enter until the class is dismissed.  

Reasons for visiting:  clarification of material; prior notice for a necessary absence; problems with class assignments; questions regarding transfer credits; dissatisfaction of a grade; advising for geography majors; information regarding geography as a major;  or ANY good excuse just to talk!  I welcome you all!  I want this semester and your geography course to be a positive experience, therefore I strive to make it productive, educational, and enjoyable!    

OBJECTIVES:  By the end of the semester, students should have a better understanding of regional geography as it pertains to the United States and Canada.  Place names, physical features, cultural phenomena, as well as the similarities and differences between neighboring nations should be enhanced.  Finally, students should learn how to use maps as tools effectively.

COURSE GRADE will be determined as follows:  *500 points total

                        è Exams = 300 pts. @ 100 pts. each

                        è Quizzes = 80 pts. @ 20 pts. each   (Four quizzes)   

                        è Special projects = 100 pts. (50 pts. each)

                        è Participation = 20 pts.

è 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 440 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 will be no more than one or two percentage points.  However, this will be determined on the class final average. 

è There will be three exams worth 100 points each.  None are comprehensive.   A verbal outline of each exam will be given a week prior to that exam.  Do not forget exam dates.  If you miss exam 1 or 2, the final exam will count twice.  There is no make-up for the final.  After exams have been graded, they will be returned to the students for review and discussion.  All tests will then be returned to the professor.  Grades will then be recorded.  If a student fails to return their exam during the review class period, a zero will be recorded for that exam.  Exams include lectures, texts, videos, special handouts, and special projects.   There may be an undetermined amount of possible bonus points.   Cheating will result in a zero and possible 'drop' from class.

è There will be four quizzes.  These will all be over place names.  A written study list and map will be given to the students one week prior to the quiz.  Quizzes are given at the beginning of class. There are no make-ups.  Therefore, it is pertinent that you arrive to class on time.

è There will be two individual projects assigned/required for this course which will include time spent outside the classroom.  In addition there may be minimal fees, e.g. gas money, metro-rail, photocopying, photography, entrance fees, or lunch money, that you will find necessary to complete the assignment. Ample time will be given to complete the project.   At least one class is forfeited. Refer to schedule.   Late projects will be penalized (25% after due date & time with no credit given after the fourth day.)

è Participation is worth 20 points.  This can mean the difference between an entire letter grade. For each absence over one, three points are automatically deducted.   Therefore attendance can help your grade significantly.  Also, attitude, discussion, and quality of work is considered a significant part of participation.  It is at the discretion of the professor to drop a student for multiple absences.  Attendance will be taken each class period.  If you arrive after attendance has been taken (tardy), please notify me immediately after class.  Otherwise the absence remains on your record.  If you are unable to attend a class, I would appreciate an advance notice (in person or via phone) if possible.

NOTES:  All projects (unless otherwise indicated) and exams will be returned to students at the end of the semester if not before.  To receive your final exam, please bring a SASE by the end of the course.  You may give these to me at any time.

P Cell phones should be turned off before class.  Food and drinks are normally not allowed in the classroom.  However, as long as I do not have to clean up after you, you may bring snacks (not meals) to class.

P If you require special accommodations due to disabilities, you must clear this through Disability Support Services (CB122) and bring me written documentation with instructions.  (Refer to student handbook.)

Send mail to karl.reis@montgomerycollege.edu with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: January 26, 2006