INTRODUCTION:  We learn very early that geography is a spatial concept which describes all aspects of the earth's surface including both cultural and physical features and how they interrelate.   In order to truly gain an appreciation for the earth and its spatial diversity, one must study through observations.   Travel is the most powerful form of observation.   We often draw our conclusions based on other people's research simply because it is impossible to observe the entire world.  However, our perceptions may be somewhat distorted based on what we hear or read rather than what we see.   This is not to say that we should discredit what we learn in the classroom.  We just need to be aware that observation enhances what already may be familiar to us.  Thus, we can build on what we know by expanding our knowledge of places.  For example, someone living in Bucksnort, TN or Toadsuck, AR (yes….these really ARE a place names!) that has never been further than the county line might learn of D.C.'s dense population, high crime rate, high risk of AIDS, political controversies, congestion, and urban sprawl.  In comparison to what?  ...Bucksnort or Toadsuck?  If they were able to visit D.C., they would observe history depicted through memorials, museums, archives, and libraries.  They would find attractive greenways, parks, fountains, and gardens.   They could enjoy the arts.  They could experience the many festivals that are indicative of cultural diversity, historical events, special recognitions, and holidays.   Even the best maps are severely distorted in the sense that they generalize the earth's surface, depicting only a fraction of reality.  Nonetheless, maps become the geographer's primary tool for study, investigation, and travel.   We depend on accuracy, truth, and detail as we apply our maps to reality.  We would certainly be lost without them!

OBJECTIVES:   By the end of the semester, students will have learned about the topographic diversity of Maryland's physical environment, how these landforms were created, and the environmental impacts.  Also, cultural influence will be clearly defined as we observe urban growth, agriculture, increasing population, and the impact they have had and are having on the natural environment.  Students will learn through travel and observation, as well as on-site lectures, which should expand their perceptions and knowledge of places.  Maps will be used for orientation and identification purposes.  Therefore, map interpretation will be enhanced.  Finally, students will have visited government and/or private agencies and/or special map exhibits to gain an appreciation for cartography as it applies to history, thought, process, publication, and public access. 

As discussed previously, you must attend all field trips and fulfill the additional requirements to receive an 'A' in this course.  There are no make-ups.  The following is a description of course regulations:

Additional requirements include completing the assignments/projects which consist of questionnaires, a written two to four page paper over each field trip, a collection of materials, and class discussions.

Guidelines:  You will need to purchase a 2 - 3 inch, 3-ring binder.  You should include a cover page (indicate the course number and name, your name, semester, etc.) at the beginning of your binder.  After each field trip, you are to write a two to four page paper summarizing what you have learned about the areas visited.  Papers should be typewritten and double-spaced.  Be sure to proof your work.  You will collect a variety of materials along the way (within reason) and include them (neatly displayed and arranged) in this binder.  They will accompany each article.  Please include dividers to separate each trip.  Projects are due by noon, Friday, December 15. 

We will have five field trips during the semester.  (Dates are listed in the schedule.)  Three will be three on Saturdays, two will be on a Friday.  A van will be provided for all Saturday field trips with an official driver.  It is mandatory that you ride in the van.  This will allow me to handle maps and speak with you along the way.  (If you are prone to car sickness, this is probably not an appropriate class for you to take.)   Remember --each field trip is worth a grade.  Therefore, with each missed trip, you reduce your letter grade by one.

There will be a one-time $5.00 non-refundable fee required for this class.  This will help absorb additional costs such as entrance fees, donations, additional transportation, etc.  Tara Wallace, professor and van driver, will collect the fee and issue you a receipt at the time of payment.  She will accept cash only.   Please  be prepared to pay on Saturday, September 23 (the first field trip).

Estimated cost per field trip should be minimal.  The only cost to you will be for food and any souvenirs that you care to purchase along the way.  Remember, most visitor centers include gift shops which have items available for purchase.  All gift shops are noted below in the schedule.  You have limited time, approximately 20 minutes as shops are considered part of break time.   We will be stopping for lunch and convenience stops along the way.  You may want to bring light snacks.  You may also bring your lunch or you can take advantage of the designated restaurants that are listed in the schedule.  I will have restroom stops designated in the itinerary.

I will give each of you a detailed itinerary the day of the field trip.  Until then, I have listed a tentative schedule below.  Dates will remain as is unless we have EXTREMEMLY bad weather.  (Basically, this implies blizzard conditions, extreme ice, or tornadoes.)  Otherwise we will go, rain or shine.   If for some reason any field trip is postponed (other than the Friday), the make-up date will be December 2.  (I don't anticipate this happening more than once -- and most likely, not at all.) 

Departure time is indicated by each Saturday field trip.  You MUST be here on time, preferably a few minutes early.  We will board the van in front of the Technical Center (main entrance) in the faculty parking lot.  We will be leaving on time.  We often make prior arrangements and/or have guest speakers at some stops and we cannot afford to be late.  If you are not here, we will leave without you.  Therefore, you have missed the trip.  Bring only yourself because seating is limited and/or I have given the number in attendance to guest speakers.   We will be riding in an 8-capacity van.  You must use the van that is provided.  Friends and family are not permitted to follow along in a caravan.  Each trip will last 10-14 hours on average and is approximately 350 miles round-trip.  If you get bored easily, this is probably not an appropriate class for you to take.  We can not be hurried.  However, we will do our best to stay on schedule.

For those of you requiring an interpreter, arrangements should be made by you in advance.  Most lectures will be on-site.  However, I will point out and discuss some features along the way, while in transit.  If you provide the tape recorder, I will be glad to record anything of interest so that it can be interpreted at each stop.

 Please wear comfortable clothing.  Dress warm (or cool), perhaps in layers.  While it will be cozy on the van, it may be cold (or hot--depending on the season) at some of the stops, especially near water and in higher elevations.  We will be hiking short distances.  If you do not enjoy hikes, this is probably not an appropriate class for you to take.  None should be more than a mile or two.  Comfortable shoes are suggested.  Hopefully, the autumnal equinox will be kind to us by bringing beautiful fall weather! 

Please bring a backpack or bag as you will be collecting materials at some of the stops.  (Specific items pertaining to each field trip may be noted below.)  Also, you will need a pen, paper, and clipboard for note taking.  (I want to see you taking notes at every stop and with discussions!) You may also want to bring a camera.  I would like to suggest bringing a flashlight on field trip #1.  Headphones are acceptable on the van only but should be removed when I am speaking to you as a group.

Finally, final projects should be turned in no later than Friday noon, December 15.  I welcome any feedback that you may have about this course.   As you may already know, this is the ninth year that we have offered this class in the Honors Program as a Science course (which counts as geography credit).  There is always room for improvement and positive criticism.  By the same token, I would like to have positive feedback from you as well.  I value your opinion greatly!  After all, it was originally designed at students' request, to offset traditional-type classes, to accomodate unusual schedules, and in the students' best interest.  You will encounter no problems with substituting this course for a required course in our geography curriculum.