This course is supplemented by the World Wide Web and other
computerized resources. The class webpage can be accessed by typing the
following address into an internet browser:
https://griots.tripod.com/ccsf/g4sp2001.html
Instructor: Alan Forsberg.
Office hours: After class or by apppointment.
Tel: 415-239-3104 ext._______
e-mail: griots@hotmail.com (be sure to include "geography 4" in the subject line)
Geography is both a natural and a social science which
examines issues of location and process on the earth's surface. This introductory
course will emphasize the social dimension of geography including human
influences on the environment. The main goals this quarter are to help you
to understand your world and how you fit in personally, locally, regionally,
nationally, and globally. You will learn more about the relationships which
exist between people everywhere, how resources are exploited and distributed
across the globe, how the diffusion of phenomena cause distant places and
cultures to influence one another, and how societies shape and are shaped
by the natural environment.
Geography 4 requires substantial reading, writing and data interpretation.
The development of critical thinking skills is also emphasized. This all
means that I don't expect you to agree with, or to memorize and recite the
readings, but rather to read carefully and form your own opinions and perspectives
about the material. The successful student will become more aware of the
dynamics of our 'global' society and learn to see problems and their solutions
more holistically.
What to expect: To complete this course with a satisfactory grade you must
carefully follow directions, complete all assignments on time, be well prepared
for weekly quizzes (keep up on reading and study maps over time), demonstrate
a mastery of geographic concepts and readings, apply geographic concepts,
attend and participate in class. It is my educational philosophy that, since
GEO-GRAPHY by definition is a description of the world, each student is
expected to share their own perspectives, ideas, and experiences through
participation in class discussion and in their approach to the class work.
For all work handed in save a copy. If you hand it in on paper-
please write GEG 4, section number, FORSBERG, your name, and the date. Weekly
quizzes cannot be made up without prior approval or a written medical or
family emergency excuse, but the lowest weekly quiz grade will be dropped.
Make-up assignments and exams should be arranged in advance when possible,
and will probably be all essay. It is very important that you do your best
on all class work and turn it in, because, even the lowest grade is much
better than a zero. For example, if you earned a B+ on the midterm and quizzes
but did no course work, you would earn a low C. Skip the final as well and
you may not pass. Any student who has questions, or who requires extra help
for whatever reason should never hesitate to see me after class, or schedule
an appointment to see me.
If you need reasonable accommodations based on a documented disability, have emergency information to share, or require special arrangements in case of emergency evacuation, please make a confidential appointment with me within the first two weeks of class.
Any student who misses more than 4 classes may be dropped from the course.
*Two Midterms - essay exams, and a non-cumulative *Final Exam | |
12 weekly quizzes/class work (drop your lowest score) | |
Class participation (Daily Attendance Summary Questions) | |
TOTAL (based on a total of 1000 points) |
A = 900-1000 pts. | B = 800-899 pts. | C = 700-799 pts. | D = at least 600 pts. |
Geography 00/01 |
Building Geographic Literacy |
Week & Date | ||
1 - 1/22 | 1. Significance of place, regions | articles # 1, 2 |
2 - 1/29 | 2. Frame of Reference | articles # 19, 27 |
3 - 2/5 | 3. Lands and Seas | articles # 3, 30 |
4 - 2/12 | 4. U.S. and Canada | articles # 8, 28 |
Holiday - 2/19 | ||
5 - 2/26 | Handouts: "Cultural Identity, Sexual Liberation and Urban Structure: the Gay Community in San Francisco" | Handouts |
6 - 3/5 - Midterm #1 | ||
7 - 3/12 | class cancelled | |
8 - 3/19 | 13. Latin America | articles # 18, 40 |
9 - 3/26 | 5 & 6. Europe, Russia & NIS | articles # 4, 21 |
10 - 4/2 | 8. East Asia | articles # 38, 42 |
Spring Break - 4/9 | ||
11 - 4/16 | 9. South Asia | articles # 35, 36 |
12 - 4/23 - Midterm #2 | ||
13 - 4/30 | 11. Sub-Saharan Africa | article # 43 |
14 - 5/7 | 7. & 10. Australia, N.Z, Oceania & S.E. Asia & pp.60-62. | article # 11, 20 |
15 - 5/14 | 12. N. Africa, Middle East | articles # 7, 39 |
16 - 5/21 - Final Exam |