BRAZOSPORT COLLEGE LAKE JACKSON, TEXAS SYLLABUS GEOG 1303 WORLD GEOGRAPHY

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1 BRAZOSPORT COLLEGE LAKE JACKSON, TEXAS SYLLABUS GEOG 1303 WORLD GEOGRAPHY CATALOG DESCRIPTION: GEOG 1303 World Geography. CIP A study of geographic conditions, including major types of land surface, climatic regions with associated vegetation and resources, and distribution of world population. (3 SCH, 3 lecture, 0 lab) Prerequisite: None Required skill level code: Reading, A; Writing, A. Textbook: World Regional Geography: People, Places and Globalization Berglee 1 Flat world Knowledge Douglas Jones Wayne Pryor, Division Chair

2 March 2009 I. GENERAL OBJECTIVES A. Students will acquire an understanding of the basic aspects of world geography and the great influence that geography has on the life of man. B. To impart geographical knowledge to the student in an effort to produce enlightened citizenship and cultural literacy. C. Students will be able to intelligently participate in the present because of a greater understanding of the past. D. Students will acquire knowledge that will result in an enlightened citizenship and cultural literacy. CORE CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES AND ASSESSMENTS As part of the Brazosport College Core Curriculum, this course provides students the opportunity to achieve the following core curriculum objectives: 1. Critical Thinking: Including innovation, creative thinking, inquiry and analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information 2. Communication Skills: Including effective development, interpretation, and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication. 3. Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Including the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions. 4. Social Responsibility: Including intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities. Objectives will be assessed according to the Brazosport College Core Assessment Plan through the sampling and evaluation of student work. II. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND COURSE CONTENT A. Specific Objectives 1. To understand the process of globalization. 2. To recognize commonalities amid diverse cultures. 3. To expand each student s mental map of the world in order to foster greater understanding of global relationships. 4. To acquire knowledge of contemporary world events. Geog 1303, World Geography 2

3 B. Course Content 1. Europe a. Locate Europe's major countries, mountains, rivers, plains, seas and peninsulas. b. Europe's historical background and influence upon other world regions. c. Understand the concepts of devolution and supranationalism and their importance in Europe. 2. Russia (and the former Soviet Union) a. Identify and locate the countries formerly comprising the Soviet Union. b. The people, republics, natural environment, and historical background. c. Major issues confronting the region in the aftermath of the collapse of the communist system. 3. North Africa/Southwest Asia. a. Identify the countries and significant water bodies of the region. b. Understand the common characteristics and the diversity of the region. c. Historical background, mineral resources, and geopolitical importance of the region. 4. Sub-Saharan Africa a. Location, topography, background, climates, mineral resources, peoples, problems, and potentialities. b. Lingering legacy of colonialism upon the continent. c. Population growth and health issues. 5. South Asia. a. Countries, topography, environments, resources, cultures, and peoples. b. Regional conflicts with emphasis on the dispute over Kashmir between Pakistan and India. c. Globalization and India s changing role. 6. East Asia a. Countries, topography, environments, resources, cultures, and peoples. b. Historical background and economic transformation of China. c. The Meiji Restoration and Japan s rise to world economic power. d. The Korean peninsula past, present, and future possibilities. 7. Southeast Asia a. Locate the countries, mountains, rivers, major cities, and seas. b. Agricultural and mineral resources of SE Asia. c. NICs Newly Industrializing Countries. Geog 1303, World Geography 3

4 d. Economic reform in Vietnam. 8. Pacific Oceania a. Location, environments, resources, and peoples. b. Particular emphasis on Australia and New Zealand. 9. Latin America a. Locate the countries, mountains, plains, rivers, and major cities. b. Common characteristics and cultural diversity within the region. c. Agricultural and mineral resources. d. Latin American urban development. 10. North America a. Identify and locate the landforms, rivers, major cities, and the states and provinces of the United States and Canada. b. Historical settlement patterns and cultural diversity of the population. c. Agricultural/mineral resources and industrial development. d. The United States as economic and military (and cultural) superpower. III. STUDENT EVALUATION A. The instructor will inform students of the requirements of the course and give each student guidelines on the formula that the instructor will use in determining the student's grade for the class. The course grade will be determined from the following: Major Exams 20-40% Paper(s) 10-30% Final Exam 10-40% Quizzes, map exams, etc % B. Each instructor will announce the exact percentage to be used at the beginning of the course. IV. COURSE EVALUATION A. Students are encouraged to submit course and/or instructor criticisms and comments in written form to the instructor throughout the semester. Prior to final exams all students will be encouraged to complete a course evaluation form (anonymously) and these will be read by the instructor after course grades have been turned in. B. Instructors encourage feedback from students at any time during the semester. Geog 1303, World Geography 4

5 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES BC is committed to providing equal education opportunities to every student. BC offers services for individuals with special needs and capabilities including counseling, tutoring, equipment, and software to assist students with special needs. Please contact Phil Robertson, Special Populations Counselor, for further information. ACADEMIC HONESTY BC assumes that students eligible to perform on the college level are familiar with the ordinary rules governing proper conduct including academic honesty. The principle of academic honesty is that all work presented by you is yours alone. Academic dishonesty including, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, and collusion shall be treated appropriately. Please refer to the BC Student Guide for more information, this is available online at click on the link found on the left side of the homepage. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Students are expected to fully participate in the course. The following criteria are intended to assist you in being successful in this course. a. Time Management b. Understanding the Syllabus Requirements c. Utilizing Online Components (such as Blackboard) d. Communicating with the Instructor e. Completing Course Work OTHER STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION This list is provided to assist students in locating available services. Information about the BC Library is available at or by calling Tutoring for Math, Reading, Writing, Biology, Chemistry, and other subjects is available in the LAC, To contact the Communications & Fine Arts Division call The Student Services area provides the following services: Counseling and Advising, ; Financial Aid, ; and Student Activities, Geog 1303, World Geography 5