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Geography Department of Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut, USA.

COURSE SYLLABUS

GEOGRAPHY 110:    INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY:    SUMMER 2004      

Instructor :     Dr. Peter A. Kyem                   Office:    Diloreto Room. 208-011   

Telephone :    832-2801:                                E-mail: Kyemp@mail.ccsu.edu           

Meeting Times: Monday – Thursday 10.15 am – 12.15 p.m.      Lecture room  FD 309

Description of Course:

Geography comprises a lot more than what we often know as the study of locations of cities, towns and other man-made features. Geographers attempt to understand the patterns of the distribution of things on the earth's surface. They seek to explain the interrelationships between people and their environments. They also try to understand how people influence phenomena on the earth's surface and how such features and phenomena in turn influence people and their activities. This course will introduce you to geographic concepts ranging from economy, politics, plants, rocks, culture, and landforms to industry, population, and agriculture. You will also learn many new Geographic concepts and work with new tools including maps. The location of countries, regions, and physical features encountered in the study will form an important aspect of the course and subsequent examinations. It is expected that at the end of the course, you will:

·        Develop an understanding of your environment including your home, ·        Be able to explain simple geographic phenomena such as weather, rocks and soil formation,  erosion, global warming and human impacts on the environment. ·        Work with maps, find directions and locate important places and events on maps. ·        Describe natural and cultural processes that occur in places where you live or travel, and ·        Write about simple geographic events, important events in your life, and events on campus. 

Class Format

The Lecture/Discussion method will be the main technique of delivery through Power Point slides. All new concepts will be explained and occasionally slides, video, and overheads will be used to further illustrate points. You will be given handouts from time to time. Try and safeguard those sheets for they will be helpful in your revision for exams. Take notes on the slides, overheads, and films for you will be examined on all materials presented in class.

About Your Professor:

During the course of the meetings and class discussions you will get to know me just as I will about you. As an introduction, I am originally from Ghana, in West Africa. Ghana was a former British colony so English is the official language and the educational system is fashioned after that of the United Kingdom. I completed my BA Degree in Geography and obtained a Teacher’s Certificate from University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, in Ghana. I also studied Cartography and Geomorphology for a year in the Netherlands and then taught Geography at the University of Cape Coast for two years. I have a master’s degree in Geography from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, and a Ph.D. in Geography from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. I teach the Introduction to Geography Course, Physical Geography as well as advanced courses in Environmental Studies, Regional Geography of Sub-Saharan Africa, Geography of Resources, Air Photo Interpretation, Remote Sensing and Map Reading and GIS applications in Natural Resources.

Course Requirements and Grading:

LABS:  You will be assigned some questions to answer from time to time. In addition, there will be quizzes on materials we learn in class. The assignments and quizzes form an integral part of the course grade and you may not obtain a good grade if you ignore them. Assignments turned in late will be downgraded in proportion to the number of days the lab will take to reach the instructor. You will receive a grade of zero for labs turned in 2 days or more after the due date without prior authorization.

TESTS:  There will be four tests (non-cumulative) after each section of the syllabus. Your final grade is based on your performance in the four non-cumulative tests, assignments and quizzes. If you must be absent from an exam because of illness, injury or an emergency, let me know at least SIX hours before hand so we can arrange a make-up test. You will receive a grade of zero for missing a test without a notification. You may report such emergencies to me (by e-mail or telephone), the secretary of the department or I must receive a notification from the Student Affairs.

GRADING SCALE: The grading scale for the class is shown below. You are strongly encouraged to set up an appointment to discuss your grades during the course of the Semester.

A   =  93 - 100%      B  = 83 - 86.9%        C    = 73 - 76.9%        D   = 63 - 66.9%

A   =  90 - 92.9%    B- = 80 - 82.9%        C-   = 70 - 72.9%        D  = 60 - 62.9%

B+ = 87 - 89.9%     C+= 77 - 79.9%        D+  = 67 - 69.9%        F   = Less than 60%  

GRADE DISTRIBUTION:

1.   Four one hour tests   =  80%            2.   Labs and Quizzes  =  15%    3.   Attendance and class participation = 5%                 

Class Attendance and Related Matters   

Attendance at class is the student's responsibility. You stand the chance of loosing the marks awarded for class participation and attendance if you miss more than 2 classes without any acceptable reason. Attendance will be taken in class and perpetual absentees may find it difficult to obtain good grades in exams. Giggling and talking with friends and the use of mobile phones while lecture is in progress will NOT be tolerated. 

Any student who may need course adaptation or accommodation because of a disability, or a student who has an emergency medical condition that I must be aware of, including those who may require special arrangements should the building be evacuated should make an appointment with me as soon as possible. Except for documented disabled students, transmission or taping of lectures by any electronic means is NOT allowed. Any form of academic misconduct will not be entertained. Such misconduct, are explained in the University's Student Handbook, page 71, Item A1.

Required Textbooks

1.  Getis, A., Getis, Judith., and Fellman J.D. (2000) Introduction to Geography: Boston,      Massachusetts, WCB McGraw-Hill.

2.  The Nystrom Desk Atlas, Chicago, Nystrom

To get a Good Grade in this class:

§         Come to class regularly, promptly, and come prepared for each day's class

§         Participate actively in class discussions, ask and answer questions in class

§         Turn in assignments that are neat, that have been proof read, typed, and which are ON TIME

§         Listens respectfully to other students' opinions, and attentively to lectures

§         Review each week's lectures over the weekend and prepares for tests to the best of your ability.

These may NOT get you perfect grades, but they will get you the respect of your professors and your peers.

TENTATIVE COURSE  SCHEDULE:

Course Schedule Disclaimer:

The Course schedule will be followed as closely as possible. However, slow progress in mastering the materials taught in class or a rapid progress in catching up to the instructor may cause changes in the original schedule. Although topics discussed on a given day may vary, the test dates will not. You must therefore plan accordingly.

 TOPICS & LECTURES     

First Week ending June 1st - 3rd 2004                                    CHAPTER IN TEXTBOOK (Getis & Getis)

Basic Geographic Concepts  Lecture1a    Lecture1b          Lab_Assignment_1            Chapter 1          

Projections, Remote Sensing & GIS , Grid    Lecture2a    -    -    -    - - - - - -  - - - - - - - -  -Chapter 1  

Map Interpretation and Contours,     Lecture2b       Lecture2c   -- - - - -  -  -  -  -  -  - - - -Chapter 2

Second Week ending June 7th - 10, 2004

Test 1: Monday June 7th 2004

Latitudes, Longitudes and Time,                                                  Lecture3A  Lecture3B --  -Chapter 2    

Earth movements and Features,      PlateTectonic    Volcano    Earthquake    Rocks   -    -    -    -Chapter 3