Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - GEOG 327 D100

Geography of Tourism (4)

Class Number: 3629

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    At least 45 units, including GEOG 100 or REM 100.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Factors underlying the changing geography of tourism. Issues of demand, supply and impact are examined.

COURSE DETAILS:

An introduction to tourism and its connection to key geographical concepts including mobility, globalization, production and consumption, relevance to space and place, impact on environment and sustainability, and post-industrial change, cultural constructions and invented places. 

Students will be guided in a process of self-discovery of this complex subject, with opportunity for each student to focus on dimensions of tourism of personal interest.  Lecture time will introduce subjects and guide readings and self-discovery as well as allowing for guest lectures to share insights and experiences from industry and scholarship. Tutorials will facilitate independent and group assignments as well as evaluate learning progression.

Assignments will include 1) a major guided term paper, 2) a small team (n=3) teaching project preparing and delivering learning modules covering themes within tourism negotiated between the instructor and the teams, 3) preparation and presentation of a personal tourism observation/experience vignette, and 4) tutorial assignments. 

Time:             Class             Thursday 2:30 – 4:20 WMS 2220   

                      Tutorials       tentatively Th 4:30 – 6:20 PM, Fr 10:30 – 12:20 and / or FR 12:30 – 2:20 (subject to budget and enrolments)

There will not be a final examination

Grading

  • Personal Tourism Vignette 15%
  • Team Lecture Module 20%
  • Tutorial Assignments 25%
  • Term Paper Proposal 10%
  • Term Paper 30%

NOTES:

The course will use SFU’s standard grading system introduced at https://www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2021/fall/fees-and-regulations/grading-policy/grading-systems-and-policies.html#standard-grade

Satisfactory performance assumes a grasp of fundamental concepts, basic completion of all assignments and regular class participation.

A good performance assumes satisfactory performance as well as demonstrated capacity critically to engage with the literature and materials presented in class as well as completion of independent work reflecting curiosity and reasoned engagement with the subject matter.

Truly excellent performance assumes good performance and brings expectation of critical engagement with lectures, readings and delivery of independent and team work that not only demonstrates a thorough comprehension of the subject matter and associated literature, but also ability to connect tourism into key geographical concepts and contemporary thinking in the discipline.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Tourism Geographies: Critical Understandings of Place, Space and Experience, 3rd Edition.  By Stephen Williams and Alan A. Lew, 2015.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.