| GEOG 341 URBAN GEOGRAPHY
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This course will (1) describe to you the
evolution of human settlements into cities, or relatively large spatial
arrangements of human activity, (2) guide you through the development of
the American city in the 19th and 20th centuries, and (3) discuss together
some of the concerns of the modern "city" we live in today.
The first two sections give you the foundations of urban development
through history and the evolution of the American urban system.
During the latter part of the semester, we will look in-depth at many of
the major social, cultural and economic issues facing our urbanized
regions today. These urban regions differ from the traditional
idea of "city", where vast metropolitan populations are spread across
the landscape, and, increasingly, more people live in the "suburbs" than
in our major central cities.
Text
(required):
Exploring the Urban
Community, Greene and Pick ...
NOTE:
Make sure that the book you purchase, new or used, has the CD with it!
Grading:
BASED ON 100 TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS...
1) Two in-class tests, the Midterm Test and the Final Test - 20 points
each (40 points)
2)
7 hand-in assignments from the book's GIS activities - 5 points each (35
points)
3)
Attendance - 12.5 points total
4) Participation - 12.5 points total
5)
NO
EXTRA CREDIT.
Tests:
The Midterm Test will consist of several short answer
questions, to be answered in one of the infamous "blue books" (which I
will supply) during the class period indicated on the syllabus.
The Final Test will consist of several short answer questions, and one longer essay
question. Grading is based on your ability to explain key terms,
the relationship of these terms each other and to the models, and - in
the long essay - your discussion of the "big picture" - How
do the pieces fit together? Why do these things matter?
Assignments: There will be seven assignments to be completed
and handed in based on the exercises at the end of each chapter.
You will need the CD included with the book and a copy of ArcView (which
I will give you). question that is asked. Understanding the question is
one of the keys to writing a successful essay answer. The
Assignments are due the next class day following the end of that section
as noted in the syllabus. For example, we will finish up with
Chapter 5 (Systems of Cities) on September 25, so the assignment is to
be handed in on the 27th. Late papers handed by the beginning of
next class after the due date will receive no more than half credit.
No papers will be accepted for credit after that, although I will still
check them for you.
Attendance and Participation: You are expected to attend
every class, and to participate in every class. Attendance means
that you are physically with us... participation means that you are also
here in spirit and mind! For making to the classroom - on time -
you will get
1/2
point each class. Asking questions (and note...
ANY QUESTION YOU HAVE ABOUT SOMETHING YOU DO NOT KNOW OR ARE NOT SURE
YOU UNDERSTAND IS NEVER, EVER A "STUPID QUESTION"!!!),
adding to the class discussions (How does this relate to something you
saw in the paper on one the news, or to somewhere you lived or
visited?), and even helping each other with the assignments...
Participation also earns you another
1/2
point each class.
Grade scale: A = 90+ points, B = 80-89 points, C = 70-79
points, D = 60-69 points, F
if below 60 points.
Academic Integrity:
Please read the college’s
policy on academic dishonesty
http://www.bridgew.edu/Handbook/PoliciesProcedures/academicintegrity.htm
In this class, cheating on an
test will result in an automatic "0" for that test, and it
will be reported to the college's academic review panel. If a
second instance of cheating occurs, it is an automatic F for the course,
and you may face other disciplinary actions.
Schedule: Any changes will be posted here
as soon as possible. In the event of the cancellation of classes due
to inclement weather, we will adjust as necessary. See the
SYLLABUS.
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