Geography of Africa
This course focuses on the People and Cultures of Africa, South of the
Sahara and how they have been effected throughout their history by topography,
resources, and other governments.
Student Course Syllabus
GEOGRAPHY OF THE AFRICA (Geography 3470)
Dr. Hari P. GarbharranInstructor:
Class Time: TR/11:00 AM to 12:15 PM
Class Bld.: KOM, Room 324
Office: KOM 322F
Office Hours: TR/ 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Office Phone: 898-5977
Email:
garbharr@mtsu.edu
Text :
Africa, Global Studies, 10th Edition by Jeffress F. Ramsay
COURSE CONTENT
Africa has been the focus of world attention since the 1960s when colonial rule began disappearing in the region. The global studies series text on Africa provides a wealth of information on geographic, cultural, economic, political, historic, artistic and religious aspects in the region. During the course of this semester we are going to be exposed to a series of articles ranging from fundamental background information to world press releases on African issues. Our discussions will be very alive since we will take an in-depth look into this region of the world, debate and predict dynamic happenings, and make comparisons between actualities witnessed and our own insights and perceptions.
The text is structured as follows:
•Regional essays provide explanations for how countries have been grouped in this global studies volume. The author/editor emphasizes that many of the current political divisions are the product of Africa's colonial heritage, and often do not reflect cultural, religious, or historical connections.
•
Forty eight country reports comprising five standard elements including maps, statistics, essays, historical timelines, and graphic indicators
• Fifteen world press articles on the current African issues selected from international periodicals and newspapers.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this course include:
• assuring that students comprehend material provided and integrate it with the basic tenets of geography
• encouraging students to use comprehension of that material as a vehicle for critical thinking, reasoning, and effective argument
• training students to identify and relate similarities and differences among the peoples of African states to their level of progress and development
• exposing students to various peoples and cultures of Africa and examining the human impact on the region as well as on global development
• cultivating geographic skills through understanding, analyzing and interpreting statistics, maps, figures, and graphs depicting Africa
• encouraging students to express ideas clearly and concisely through review of articles and research preparation and presentation
ATTENDANCE
According to the recent
federal government mandate, schools are required to record the last date of
attendance for students who have ceased attending class. In order to comply with
the new guidelines, roll will be taken each time we meet. It is your
responsibility to ensure that you indicate your presence on the roll sheet every
class period. Please let me know if you stop attending my class permanently so
that I can inform the Records Office.
Regular attendance at formal in-class meeting dates is essential since you will
be playing a major role in discussions of issues concerning the world in class.
Your participation in class discussions regarding theoretical and fieldwork
aspects of regional geography issues will enhance your overall performance in
this course.
You are expected to interact online with students and access course components a
minimum of twice per week. Statistics will be retrieved from the course site to
verify your access and input. In order for statistics to be generated for you
individually, you must sign in under your sign on information and password. Any
sign ons as a guest will not be utilized to verify your interactions.
Required Attendance Dates
Group presentations regarding Geography of Africa Regional presentation will take place on the following dates: September 23, October 21, and November 18, at previously advertised class times (11:00-12:15pm). Attendance at these presentations is mandatory.
 | Non-attendance will result in loss of all presentation points. Your knowledge of the material, style, structure, format and conciseness of presentation, preparation, audio-visual aids, and class interaction will determine your grade. |
| All presentations will be limited to 15 minutes. |
| Be prepared to take pop quizzes on assignments covered through WebCT during these mandatory attendance days. |
Please note that attendance is mandatory for dates specified above. If you do
not attend a mandatory session your grade will be reduced.
Course Information
Initial class meeting dates: August 19th & 21st in KOM
324. Important class information will be discussed and initial plans made to
facilitate a successful semester (e.g., presentation information and an
orientation to the computer component of this course). This information will not
be repeated during any other course sessions. If you are unable to attend these
classes you may want to consider selecting another course for this component of
your educational experience.
Class Participation: You will need to interact on the discussion board in order
to receive a grade for your participation. At periodic intervals during the
semester the instructor will post questions with response deadlines concerning a
specific topic on this board and students will be expected to respond to them or
other student’s responses to these questions. Class participation accounts for
15 percent of your grade. For every instance that a student does not respond to
the question concerning a certain topic, participate in the resulting discussion
or does not provide a reasonably intelligent response or comment (as determined
by the instructor), the student will have 5 percentage points deducted from
his/her total participation points.
TESTING AND GRADING
The course grade will be based on cumulative points acquired through the following activities:
v One page assessment of 2 regional essays, any 9 world press articles from the text, quizzes/examinations: 60%
v Research presentation of an African country-- 25%
v Discussion board interaction—15%.
Assignment/Assessment Due
Dates:
Regional Essay on Africa: The Struggle for Development --September 3, 2003 no
later than 11:55PM
Regional Essay on Southern Africa —September 10, 2003 no later than 11:55PM
World Press Article: Your choice 1—September
17, 2003 no later than 11:55PM
World Press Article: Your choice 2—September 24, 2003 no later than 11:55PM World Press Article: Your choice 3—October 1, 2003 no later than 11:55PM World Press Article: Your choice 4— October 8, 2003 no later than 11:55PM World Press Article: Your choice 5— October 15, 2003 no later than 11:55PM World Press Article: Your choice 6— October 22, 2003 no later than 11:55PM World Press Article: Your choice 7— October 29, 2003 no later than 11:55PM World Press Article: Your choice 8—November 5, 2003 no later than 11:55PM World Press Article: Your choice 9—November 12, 2003 no later than 11:55PM
Grade Scale:
|
A = 90-100% |
B = 80-89% |
|
C = 70-79% |
D = 60-69% |
|
F = below 60% |
|
DROP/ADD DATES
· August 18-19: Late registration and drop/add on TRAM (898-2000)
· August 18-21: Drop/Add on TRAM
· September 15: Last day to drop without a grade
WITHDRAWAL INFORMATION
· August 31: 4:30 p.m., 75% refund deadline. Last day for students to withdraw from the University or drop to part-time and receive a 75% refund
· September 16: 4 p.m., 25% refund deadline. Last day for students to withdraw from the University or drop to part-time and receive a 25% refund
· October 14: Last day for RODP students to drop with a grade of “W”
HOLIDAYS/BREAKS
Sept. 1: Labor Day Holiday; Oct. 16-18: Fall Break; Nov. 27-29:Thanksgiving Holidays
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
If you have a disability that may require assistance or accommodation, or you have questions related to any accommodation for testing, note takers, readers, etc., please speak with me as soon as possible. Students may also contact the Office of Disabled Students Services (898-2783) with questions about such services.
GENERAL
Africa, which is almost four times the size of the United States has been, according to archaeologists, as the cradle of human civilization. Events in Africa, especially in the present decade has triggered world attention. It is going to be quite a learning experience for us this Fall 2003 as we focus in on background information and issues affecting Africa. This knowledge is vital as we get ready to respond to the realities of our global age in the twenty-first century. Hope Fall 2003 is going to be a good one for all!