INTRODUCTION
World regional geography explores the role of culture (a people's way of life), history, and environment in current world affairs. You examine the world's places in the context of globalization, the economic and cultural connections between the rich nations and poor nations. The course stimulates thinking about the world's places with concepts that should survive long after facts become outdated.
METHODS
The classes are lecture-discussion using PowerPoint slides, maps, and video. You complete the Web enhanced component of this course on your own time and on your own computer or you may use the computers in the open lab, Room 324, at Berkeley City College.
You receive a Study Guide for each World Region with specific learning objectives, reading assignments, and map assignments. You must complete each week's reading assignments, map work, and quizzes on time.
TEXTBOOK
The World Today - Concepts and Regions in Geography, Third Edition
by H.J. deBlij and Peter O. Muller, Publisher: Wiley Publishing,
ISBN-13 978-0-470-04681-4, ISBN -10 0-470-04681-3
COURSE OBJECTIVES
After completing this world regional geography course you will be able to:
- Define world regions based upon such environmental and cultural criteria as climate, location, topography, language, religion, ethnicity, politics, economics, and natural resources
- Identify the basic cartographic features of world regions and selected countries and describe their major physical, economic, and cultural traits
- Interpret places in terms of the interaction between culture, technology, and the physical environment, and their links with other places
- Discuss the sustainability of countries based upon their physical geography and economics
- Explain the evolution of the modern world system and the interconnectedness of regions
- Describe the environmental changes and human impacts associated with increasing industrialization, globalization, and global warming
- Think critically about the information , current events, and ideas that you read, hear, and see in newspapers, on television, and the Web
- Visualize places because you have "mental maps" of the location you study
- Analyze maps showing cultural and other related phenomena and develop skills in reading and interpreting the patterns shown
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COURSE EVALUATION AND GRADES
- MINI QUIZZES (100 Points)
You have frequent in-class mini quizzes to encourage you to keep
up with your reading and to enable you to measure your progress. Questions will include multiple-choice, modified true-false, open-ended questions, and maps. You should know the locations of places and features discussed in class. Some questions will involve the analysis of maps, diagrams, or statistics.
- MIDTERMS AND FINAL (300 Points)
There are three examinations. A handout provides you with a clear idea of the most important material to review. The examination format includes modified true-false, matching, and short answer questions, essays and maps. You need Scantron 882 Forms for these examinations. Please come prepared with a Scantron and #2 pencil.
- ASSIGNMENTS (150 Points)
You have several assignments during the semester. These assignments require research and thoughtful analysis of topics in world regional geography. You receive a handout with guidelines for these assignments.
Total Course Points = 550
Three exams worth 100 points each (300 points)
Attendance and Mini Quizzes - 100 points (Approximately)
Class Assignments - 150 points (Approximately)
The total number of points that you accumulate during
the semester will determine your final course grade. Final grades
are based on the following percentages of total points:
A - Regular attendance and at least 90% of total points
B - Regular attendance and at least 80% of total points
C - Regular attendance and at least 70% of total points
D - Regular attendance and at least 50% of total points
Note: I do not give grades nor negotiate
them,
you earn them.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
On-time class attendance is required in the lecture class. Please do not come into class late. It is disruptive to your fellow students
and unnerving to your instructor. You may be dropped if you are absent more than three classes or miss two or more quizzes. However, it is your responsibility to contact the college Registrar if you decide to drop the class.
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BASIC CLASS RULES
- Do not disturb other students by talking during lecture classes. Private conversations should take place outside class time. However, I encourage you to participate in class discusssion on lecture topics.
- During quizzes and examinations, do not look at other student's papers or copy other student's answers. Students who cheat or assist other students in cheating during examinations will receive an F grade.
- Please turn OFF cell phones when entering the classroom.
- No electronic devices of any kind are allowed during examinations.
- Do not bring food or beverages into the classroom. Who wants sticky tables and happy ants?
OFFICE HOURS - Rita D. Haberlin, Instructor
Berkeley City College
05:30 p.m.-06:00 p.m., Wednesday, and 09:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m., Tuesday and Thursday,
Room 559, Voicemail is (510) 981-5029
The e-mail address is rhaberlin@aol.com
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COURSE TOPICS
Introduction to World Regional Geography
- Themes in World Regional Geography
- Globalization
World Patterns
- Population and Natural Environment
- Rich Nations and Poor Nations
Urban, Industrial,
Developed Nations
The European Realm: Global Impact
- Physical, Economic, and Cultural Change
- Supranationalism and Devolution - European Union
Japan
- East Asian Superpower
- The Geographic Dynamism of the Pacific Rim
Russia and the Former Republics
-
Facing Ethnic Diversity and Environmental Challenges
North America
- Postindustrial Economies - Canada and United States
- Population Patterns and Urbanization
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Developing Nations
Africa South of the Sahara
- Environmental Challenges of Sub-Saharan Africa
- People and Traditions in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Legacy of Colonialism
- Post-Apartheid South Africa
Cultural Geography of the North Africa and Southwest
Asia
- Regional Identity
- Religious Conflict and the Impact of Oil Development
India
- Cultural Diversity of India
- Urban and Rural Contrasts
- The Population Explosion
China
- Cultural Background
- The Communist Revolution
- Modernization in China's Booming Southern Coast
- China's Population Policy
Latin America
- The Human Sequence
- Urbanization
Brazil
- Emerging South American Giant
- Environmental Problems
