Introduction & Course Outline

Fall 2013 Dr. Michael Mercier

 Introductions Course

Overview Course Outline and Details

Course Description Contact Information & Instruction Time Instruction & Reading (incl. class schedule) Grading & Evaluation Housekeeping Issues

Introduction Final

to World Regional Geography

Notes

 Michael

Ph.D. Geography (McMaster)

Mercier

Teaching

Core Geography (introductory human geography, research methods, field methods, etc.) Regional Geography (US, Brazil, Ireland, Europe) Urban Geography (social issues) Geographies of Health & Population

and Research Interests:

Personal

Info.?

1. Physical geography: the study of the physical environment, i.e. patterns and processes of the physical earth e.g. mountains, rocks, rivers, weather & climate, vegetation, etc. 2. Human geography: the study of the human environment, i.e. patterns and processes of human activity e.g. population, cities & settlement, economic activity, culture, etc.

Geography: the study of patterns and processes on the earths surface Two branches of geography

Areas of the earths surface which are relatively homogenous (uniform), with respect to particular characteristics, are referred to as regions
e.g. the prairies flat topography, agricultural economy, etc.

While each region displays a certain degree of uniformity, each region is distinct from its neighbours

e.g. the prairies are distinct from the Rockies, the North and central Canada Regional Geography

The study of the world using this perspective:

 An

introduction to regional geography and global issues

Study of human and physical patterns Emphasis on regional diversity (the uniqueness of places) and the issues that connect regions together

Local

(unique) circumstances and global interconnections

What happens in one part of the world has implications for other parts To understand the complexity of issues, we need to understand both the local circumstances and the knockon effects in other areas

Two themes: regionalization and globalization Two learning objectives: 1. Acquire knowledge about world regions and their distinctive landscapes (physical and human), cultural and economic practices, sociocultural attributes, etc. all those elements that make each region unique Regionalization 2. Conceptualize ways that all regions, despite their uniqueness, are interconnected with one another Globalization

Organization of Learning: 1. Introduction 2. Key concepts in regional geography 3. Systematic study of the worlds regions Social, economic, political, historical, physical geographic characteristics/patterns Issues: urbanization, migration, economic change, inequality, resource scarcity, geographies of indulgence, natural disasters, emerging regions, etc. The regional mosaic

 Instructor:

Office: GSB 220 Phone: 905-525-9140 ext. 27597 Email: mercieme@mcmaster.ca Hours: GSB - 220 Mondays & Wednesdays 12:30 PM - 2:20 PM Hours: BSB 147 Mondays & Thursdays 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM Tuesdays 4:30 PM - 5:20 PM

Office

Class

Mixed teaching modalities, based on current pedagogical research on student learning Each week: three one-hour classes
Lectures: overview of region Discussions: a mix of small and large group discussions Issue-based discussions requires advance preparation Testing: September 24, October 22, November 19 Independent, self-directed learning: textbook reading, videos, reading of current events, etc.

Classes (lectures & discussions) not designed for passive learning

Students expected to come to class prepared to discuss and comment on readings and course materials

Content-intensive course: requires the absorption and recall of a large volume of material
Reading is essential to success in the course Expect: one chapter (or more) each week (~3 hours) Textbook digital companion website: E-version of text, chapter quizzes, videos, MapMaster, practice maps, links to websites and news sources, etc. Class attendance and attention are critical Note-taking is very important

Lecture Notes:

Required Text:

VERY basic (skeletal) lecture slides on A2L Insufficient information to pass the course designed to supplement your notes

A2L:

Marston, S., et al, 2014. World Regions in Global Context: Peoples, Places and Environments. (5th Edition) No used copies available Bound and binder-ready versions are available Course outline, skeletal lecture notes, announcements, grades, and a discussion board

Evaluation:
Test 1 (10%) Test 2 (10%) Test 3 (10%) Term Assignment (15%) Small Assignments (15%) Approx. 5 (3% each) Final Exam (40%) September 24 October 22 November 19 November 4 Various Dates December Exam Period

Tests: Drop grade of lowest of the three tests, and make the second-best test worth 20%
No make-up tests for those that miss a test due to illness, etc. With an MSAF I will make your lowest test worth 20%.

Tests/exams: mix of multiple choice & written responses

Material drawn equally from class notes & readings

Assignments:
1. A relatively short (3-6 pages) written report 2. A series of very short (1 page) written exercises or reflections

Students with disabilities

SAS: MUSC (Level 1) Instructor during office hours (not after class) Your responsibility to know what constitutes academic dishonesty Visit the McMaster Academic Integrity policy Avenue to Learn Dropbox Turnitin.com

Academic Integrity

Electronic submission and Turnitin.com

Instructor and University reserve the right to change any aspect of this course at any time

E-mail Communication:
Please include GEOG 2RW3 as the subject of all emails Do NOT use A2L email I will respond as quickly as possible keep in mind I am teaching about 1500 students this semester No texting or MSN use appropriate social conventions Appropriate use of A2L discussion forum

A2L:

 Using

a global perspective, how many regions are there? Can you identify any of them?

This should be a fun course a break from some of your others This does NOT mean that this is a bird course you will have to do the work to get a good grade But, it should be fun and interesting and should help you to gain a better understanding of what (some) geographers do and what makes the world such an interesting and complex place Next Class: