Department of Geography and Urban Analysis
Cultural Geography - Geog 155-02
& 04
Spring 2009
Contact Information:
Instructor: Dr. Daniel
Borough
Office: KH C4061
Office phone: (323)343-2222
Dept. phone: (323) 343-2220
Web site: http://www.calstatela.edu/faculty/dboroug/
Email: dboroug@calstatela.edu
Office hours: MW 1:30 – 2:15, T R 11:30 - 12:15, M 5:00- 6:00, and by appointment.
Course Description:
Studies of the sociocultural characteristics of contemporary societies within their manifested spatial structure. Focuses on similarities and differences of various cultures with respect to racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, demographic, and organizational characteristics.
This course is a part of General Education Block D (Social Science) and also meets the “diversity” requirement.
Course Text: Required
Rubenstein, James M. 2008. The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human Geography. 9th edition.
Grading Criteria:
|
Exam / Exercise |
Points |
Percent |
|
Midterm Exam I |
250 |
25% |
|
Final Exam |
250 |
25% |
|
Writing Exercise 1 |
150 |
15% |
|
Writing Exercise 2 |
150 |
15% |
|
Writing Exercise 3 |
200 |
20% |
Total |
1000 |
100% |
Grading Policy:
Grades are based entirely upon performance on exams and writing exercises with the above point system. Plus/minus grading is used in this course. The following criteria are used to determine final grades.
|
Grade |
Percentage |
|
A |
95+ |
|
A- |
90-94 |
|
B+ |
87-89 |
|
B |
83-86 |
|
B- |
80-82 |
|
C+ |
77-79 |
|
C |
73-76 |
|
C- |
70-72 |
|
D+ |
67-69 |
|
D |
63-66 |
|
D- |
60-62 |
|
F |
59- |
Attendance Policy:
Regular attendance is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged. While exam questions are drawn both from lecture and the text, the majority of questions focus on material covered in class. Makeup exams will only be given if written documentation of an excused absence is provided to the instructor or arrangements are made at least one week prior to any exam.
Exam Policy:
The examinations include both objective (multiple choice) and subjective (short answer and definition) components. Each of these sections is weighted equally. The final exam in this course is not cumulative. Also, the final exam will be the same length (minutes) as the midterm exam.
Writing Exercise Policy:
Course exercises are to be completed within two weeks of the assignment date. Late assignments will not be accepted without written documentation of an acceptable excuse. Assignments will not be accepted in electronic formats. All written assignments must be typed using a font that is easy to read, of normal size (10 to 12 point), and double-spaced. Grades on these exercises will be based upon the quality of the material submitted including completeness, readability, spelling, grammar, and understanding. Students who have difficulty writing are strongly encouraged to meet with the instructor early or visit the writing center prior to submitting any assignment.
Electronic device Policy:
Tape recorders and other recording devices are not allowed. Cell phones, electronic organizers, calculators, and all other devices with alphanumeric capabilities are prohibited unless the instructor provides written permission.
Academic Honesty Policy:
Students are expected to behave in a professional manner. Cooperation and corroboration are encouraged but each student is expected to turn in work that is unique and displays their individual perspectives, insights, and capabilities. Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated.
Extra Credit Policy:
Extra credit will not be assigned in this course. Extra credit can be earned through improved performance on exams. Every point of improvement over the preceding exam will earn ¾ point of extra credit. Decreased performance will not negatively affect student’s grades.
Schedule:
|
Week |
Day |
Topic |
|
|
One |
30-Mar |
Basic
topics |
Chapter 1 |
|
31-Mar |
Cesar
Chavez Holiday - Campus closed |
|
|
|
1-Apr |
Diffusion |
|
|
|
2-Apr |
Basic
topics |
Chapter 1 |
|
|
Two |
6-Apr |
Population |
Chapter 2 |
|
7-Apr |
Diffusion |
|
|
|
8-Apr |
Population
cont. Exercise One assigned |
Chapter 2 |
|
|
9-Apr |
Population |
Chapter 2 |
|
|
Three |
13-Apr |
Migration |
Chapter 3 |
|
14-Apr |
Population
cont. Exercise One assigned |
Chapter 2 |
|
|
15-Apr |
Migration
Cont. |
Chapter 3 |
|
|
16-Apr |
Migration |
Chapter 3 |
|
|
Four |
20-Apr |
Ethnicity
- Exercise One due |
Chapter 7 |
|
21-Apr |
Migration
Cont. |
Chapter 3 |
|
|
22-Apr |
Ethnicity
cont. Exercise Two assigned |
Chapter 7 |
|
|
23-Apr |
Ethnicity
- Exercise One due |
Chapter 7 |
|
|
Five |
27-Apr |
Language |
Chapter 5 |
|
28-Apr |
Ethnicity
cont. Exercise Two assigned |
Chapter 7 |
|
|
29-Apr |
Religion |
Chapter 6 |
|
|
30-Apr |
Language |
Chapter 5 |
|
|
Six |
4-May |
Midterm
Exam |
|
|
5-May |
Religion |
Chapter 6 |
|
|
6-May |
Development
- Exercise Two due & Exercise Three Assigned |
Chapter 9 |
|
|
7-May |
Midterm
Exam |
|
|
|
Seven |
11-May |
Urban
Patterns |
Chapter 13 |
|
12-May |
Development
- Exercise Two due & Exercise Three Assigned |
Chapter 9 |
|
|
13-May |
Urban
Patterns cont. |
Chapter 13 |
|
|
14-May |
Urban
Patterns |
Chapter 13 |
|
|
Eight |
18-May |
Agriculture
(JK) |
Chapter 10 |
|
19-May |
Urban
Patterns cont. |
Chapter 13 |
|
|
20-May |
Religion
(JK) |
Chapter 6 |
|
|
21-May |
Agriculture
(JK) |
Chapter 10 |
|
|
Nine |
25-May |
Memorial
Day - campus closed |
|
|
26-May |
Religion
(JK) |
Chapter 6 |
|
|
27-May |
Industry
- Exercise Three due |
Chapter 11 |
|
|
28-May |
Industry
- Exercise Three due |
Chapter 11 |
|
|
Ten |
1-Jun |
Resource Issues |
Chapter 14 |
|
2-Jun |
Resource
Issues |
Chapter 14 |
|
|
3-Jun |
Review |
|
|
|
4-Jun |
Review |
|
|
|
Finals |
10-Jun |
Section
Two final exam 10:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. |
|
|
11-Jun |
Section
Four final exam 8:00 - 10:30 a.m. |
|