Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - GEOG 100 D200

Our World: Introducing Human Geography (3)

Class Number: 4738

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2022
    Wed, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Surrey

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-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

DELIVERY:           Remote Learning (Asynchronous)

COURSE LINK:    https://canvas.sfu.ca/courses/67758

Course Details
This course provides an introduction to human geography and offers tools and concepts for understanding our dynamic world. We will explore the nature and diversity of human geography and develop an appreciation for the world we live in as well as for the reciprocal relationships that exist between people and places. This course provides insights into contemporary global issues such as economic development and poverty; culture and identity; human-environment interactions; and cities and urbanization. These issues will be explored from a geographical perspective and will allow students to engage with some of ‘big questions’ of the day, such as sustainability and globalization. The goal is to introduce students both to how geographers think, and what they think about. The class welcomes undergraduate students in all fields of study. It is designed to prepare those who will continue in the geography program, while also providing non-geographers with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of geographic thinking.

Course Policies

Communication: Messages sent through the Inbox on Canvas is the best way to reach me.  In most cases, your message will be answered within 24 hours on weekdays and 48 hours on weekends. Please be respectful of my time - carefully review all information in the course outline and emails before sending a question.

Late Assignments: The  due dates are firm.  If you have a legitimate reason for not meeting the  date, such as an illness, you should notify me at least one week before the  date. Otherwise, late assignments will be penalized 5% per 24-hour period. No late assignments will be accepted after 7 days.

Make-up Exams: There is no opportunity to do make-up exams. If you miss an exam for any reason, please talk to the instructor immediately.  Students who miss the mid-term for medical reasons or other approved circumstances will have the weight of the mid-term transferred to the final exam. 

Academic Integrity: 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

How to do well in the course:  

Here are a few things you can do to improve your probability of success in this course.

  1. Allocate 3 hours a week for readings and participating in online quizzes or discussions.
  2. Read the textbook chapters each week.
  3. Watch any video lectures and take notes.
  4. Read instructions for assignments thoroughly and complete on time.
  5. Make notes you do the readings (electronically in the textbook or on your computer, or by hand)
  6. Post questions in the Instructor Office on Canvas about the readings or assignments if anything is unclear.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon completing this course, you should be able to:

  1. discriminate among the various approaches human geographers use to describe and explain human activities from a spatial perspective
  2. explain how human geography fits within the broader discipline of geography
  3. document and explain basic spatial processes and trends related to population, food systems, economic development, political interactions and urbanization
  4. articulate the interconnections between geographical processes at local, regional, national and international scales.

Grading

  • Written Assignment (submit online) 25%
  • Online Discussions (online) 10%
  • Chapter Quizzes 10%
  • Midterm Exam (in-person, synchronous) 25%
  • Final Exam (in-person, synchronous) 30%

NOTES:

GRADE DISTRIBUTION

A+  95 – 100 B             75 – 79 C-            55 – 59
A   90 – 94 B-            70 – 74 D             50 – 54
A-  85 – 89 C+           65 – 69 F              Below 50
B+ 80 – 84 C             60 – 64  

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.  ISBN-10: 013484534X • ISBN-13: 9780134845340

A digital copy is available for purchase online here

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.