(1)Geography 03/04, Eighteenth Edition by Gerald R. Pitzl (Editor), Annual Editions, March 2003 (2) Nystrom Atlas

We are going to examine the geographical aspects of various regions of the world during the course of this semester.  Our discussion will include an introduction of regional geography including topics embracing land-human relationships; the importance of the region; and population, resources, and socioeconomic development

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 your Regional Geography Unit will take place on the following dates: September 23, October 21, and November 18, at previously advertised class times (9:30-10:45pm). Attendance at these presentations is mandatory.

Please note that attendance is mandatory for dates specified above.  If you do not attend a mandatory session your grade will be reduced.

Initial class meeting dates: August 19^th & 21^st in KOM 326. 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.

Communications: It is imperative that you maintain contact with the instructor regarding course components. This is your responsibility. You can email your instructor at: garbharr@mtsu.edu., telephone and voice mail (615) 898-5977.

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.

The course grade will be based on cumulative points acquired through the following activities:

1. Unit assessments, quizzes/exams – 60%
2. Research presentation --25%.
3. Discussion board interaction – 15%.

Due Dates:
Unit 1 --September 3, 2003 no later than 11:55PM
Unit 2 —September 20, 2003 no later than 11:55PM
Unit 3 —October 4, 2003 no later than 11:55PM

Unit 4 —October 24, 2003 no later than 11:55PM

Unit 5 —November 8, 2003 no later than 11:55PM

Grade Scale:

·        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

·        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.

Introduction to Geography is dynamic and exciting and should be a pre-requisite for all disciplines.  You will be exposed to a range of cultures, peoples, traditions, statistics and reading assignments.  Join this class to share a unique learning experience and get involved in class research and discussions - Enjoy your travels around the world with me this Fall 2003.