FALL 1999
This is a course in regional and historical geography. It presents and analyzes the distribution patterns of the major physical and cultural elements of Virginia, emphasizing how these patterns have developed and changed through time. Because the course is often taken by future primary and secondary grade teachers, the class also serves as an introduction to geographic methodologies.
Course goals:
1. The major goal of the course is to have you learn to think geographically (that is, to look for and understand spatial patterns and spatial interactions) while developing an appreciation of how contemporary Virginia has come into being.
2. A second goal is to introduce you to the nature of geography itself. Geography seeks to identify and understand the spatial relationships between the physical phenomena of earth (for example, landforms, surface waters, climate, vegetation, and animal life) and the cultural systems that human have developed (for example, settlement systems, economic systems, political systems.)
The main questions that geographers ask are: where? and why there?
Geographers seek spatial patterns and therefore are interested in generalization. The degree of generalization depends upon the scale at which an area or pattern is examined.
Geographers typically employ maps and other graphics in addition to narrative to identify, analyze, and demonstrate spatial patterns.
Required materials: No modern textbook currently exists for this course. Thus we will rely heavily on lecture notes, selected readings, and various in-class and out-of-class exercises. The following materials are required for this class:
1. Official Transportation Map of Virginia (free copies will be distributed in class)
2. Outline maps of Virginia and the eastern US. Master copies are attached to this course description. Make photocopies for use in class and in assignments.
3. Six or eight colored pencils, preferably erasable-type. They will be useful in preparing maps for assignments and on examinations.
On reserve in McConnell Library is a copy of an out-of-print but classic text on the geography of Virginia: Virginia in Our Century, by Jean Gottmann. This book is strongly recommended reading. It is arranged in much the same order as this course.
Also on reserve is Roadside Geology of Virginia, by Keith Frye. This may prove helpful in preparing your trip guide for the course's term project.