Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2019 - GEOG 100 D100

Our World: Introducing Human Geography (3)

Class Number: 1442

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 16, 2019
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A geographical introduction to how humans shape our world, with attention also given to how it shapes us. Themes may include: culture, economic activities, environmental change, globalization, politics, population, resources, and urbanization. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description
This course explores how humans shape their world from spatial and environmental perspectives. We will explore how day-to-day lives of people across the world are interconnected by social, economic, political, cultural, ecological and technological interactions. Our emphasis will be on processes that produce the spatial patterns in our world – to “tell the story behind the map” by examining the links between the global and local, the unevenness of political and economic development, interactions between society and its environment(s), and the material impacts of human activities and ideas.

Course Objectives
The overall purpose of this course is to provide you with a background for more advanced course work in geography and other programs in the Faculty of Environment. The course introduces the basic systematic approaches in the study of contemporary human geography including the distribution of population, spatial aspects of economic, cultural and political development, and environmental issues. This course will show you why (human) geography matters in any efforts to understand our contemporary society.

Class Format
The course is mainly in lecture format, although each class will also include interactive activities like work in pairs or answering questions while watching a video. Students are expected to come prepared for each class by doing the assigned reading and to participate in all class activities.

Grading

  • Online Activities 15%
  • Midterm Exam 30%
  • Essay 25%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Knox, P.L., Marston, S.A., & Imort, M. (2019). Human Geography: Places and Regions in Global Context, Updated Fifth Canadian Edition. Pearson. This is an e-text that can be read on a computer, tablet or smart phone. You may buy a looseleaf version of the textbook for an extra $15.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS