GEOG 201
North America (SS) (GE)
1. Catalog Entry
GEOG 201
North America (SS) (GE)
Credit hours (3)
Presentation of integrated spatial construction of the continent. Study of physical
and human elements in the creation of the present diversity of life.
Note(s): General Education and Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.
2. Detailed Description of Course
This course explores the environment, culture, politics, and economy of North America
(primarily the USA and Canada) using a regional geographic approach. After an overview
of environmental setting, historical settlement, and political economy of North America,
we will investigate sub-regions of the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific
and from the Arctic to the border of Mexico.
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This is a three-hour lecture course. Extensive reading is assigned in the course text
and/or supplementary texts. Although lectures by the instructor provide the basic
format, classroom discussion and student participation is encouraged by the instructor
and stimulated by the use of films and other participatory activities.
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course
Students will:
1) Describe and recall environmental, historical, political, economic, and cultural
characteristics of the regions of North America.
2) Explain the geographic perspective and how it is used to examine environmental,
historical, political, economic, and cultural factors that shape people and
places.
3) Explain and assess the role of historic settlement in North American on the
contemporary environment, culture, and political economy.
4) Explain and assess the role of the environment in North America and how it
has
influenced settlement, culture, and the political economy.
5) Explain and assess the role of politics in shaping of the economy, how we view
the environment, and development of culture.
6) Apply the geographic perspective to contemporary issues in North America.
As part of the Core Curriculum, students will understand how social and cultural forces
(for example, political, historical, economic, environmental, religious, or geographic)
shape the American experience. Students will:
1) Identify diverse influences that have shaped the American experience; and
2) Apply course material to a relevant issue in the United States.
5. Assessment Measures
Assessment measures may include more than one of the following: participation in class,
writing exercises, discussions of readings, presentations, and testing that includes
objective and/or essay questions on examinations. Tests are structured to demonstrate
student mastery of the stated goals and objectives. It may also include quizzes, journals,
portfolios and class participation in discussion. The weight of each assessment item
will be determined by the individual instructor and announced during the first week
of class.
College Core A Goal 10 will be assessed using objective questions and written essays
(graded with a rubric) targeting the achievement of the stated learning objectives.
6. Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
September 2005
March 01, 2021