GEOG 101
EUROPE AND THE AMERICAS [WORLD GEOGRAPHY] (GE)
Catalog Entry
GEOG 101 Europe and the Americas [World Geography]. (GE)
Three hours lecture (3).
Recommended for students preparing to teach. Comprehensive review of physical and cultural features of Europe, the former Soviet Union, the Americas and Australia.
Note(s): General Education and Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.
Detailed Description of Content of the Course
The major topics of this course--regional physical elements, cultural values, population composition, employment structure, urbanization and economic integration--are presented in order that students may formulate an understanding of those parts of the world comprising the European culture sphere. To achieve this, the topics mentioned are first discussed from a global perspective. This introductory part is followed by overviews of each world region with particular reference to patterns of population and land use. The underlying historic factors which have led to these patterns are emphasized. Selected territories (nation states of Europe, independent nations that emerged in the wake of the breakup of the former USSR, regions of the USA and Canada) are characterized in the context of current events.
Detailed Description of Conduct of the Course
This is primarily a lecture course but with a reasonable time assigned for discussions. The topics of discussions are global issues (e.g. development gap in the world) and current processes within the regions in question (e.g. post-communist transformations).
Students are encouraged to formulate an understanding of global interaction in all its multivariate and controversial complexity. Several reference maps are assigned before discussions of the corresponding regions to ensure that mental associations with the geographical space are developed.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Goals specific to course.
The major goal of this course is that students gain an understanding of the physical and historical processes, which have created the present landscapes of Europe and the Americas. Objectives toward this end are:
Goals specific to General Education Program.
Goals for Area 5. International and Intercultural Studies.
Goals specific to Area 8. Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Assessment Measures
Four midterm examinations are given during the semester. All examinations are multiple choice, but also have a mapping component. In addition there are 4 graded assignments in essay format to assess development of competencies in summarizing geographical data.
To assess the attainment of the broad general educational goals, essay-type responses to questions on homework assignments require synthesis of a variety of information related to the geography of this European culture region. Information is retrieved from tables, graphs, printed matter, and oral presentations of guest speakers.
To assess the attainment of specific Area 5 goals, students are asked in homework assignments and on examinations to express a regional culture’s characteristics in terms of spatial patterns and the interactions that form(ed) the area’s unique environmental and historical milieu.
To assess the attainment of specific Area 8 goals, students will be challenged in assignments and exams to demonstrate their skills in working with geographic data to interpret the ways human relations are structured across space, time and cultures.
Other Course Information
NONE.
APPROVAL AND SUBSEQUENT REVIEWS
Date Action and Action Approved By
September 2005 Bernd H. Kuennecke, Chair
March 01, 2021