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 introduces basic geographic themes and 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.) These evolving interrelationships are reflected in landscapes and give character or personality to places.
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, handouts, selected readings, and various in-class and out-of-class exercises. The following materials are required for this class:
1. An Atlas of Virginia: 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries. These will be distributed free of charge 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.
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 Virginia's Endangered Species. The first chapter goes into detail on the physical geography of Virginia.
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Writing and Mapping exercises (6) |
40 percent |
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Project |
15 percent |
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Midterm examinations (2) |
30 percent |
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Comprehensive final exam |
15 percent |
The final letter grade awarded in the course will be determined according to a scale of 90-100 percent =A;
80-89 percent =B, and so forth. Final averages less than 60 percent are considered Fs.
I do not scale exam grades or give individual extra credit assignments. On occasion there may be an opportunity for the class as a whole to earn extra credit points.
Nature of examinations: All exams are short answer/essay in format. All exams require you to map features, spatial patterns, or spatial interactions. Short answer or essay questions involve defining, describing, and explaining phenomena, patterns, or processes.
Nature of graded assignments: Graded assignments generally involve either mapping exercises or descriptive writing on Virginia landscapes. Their purpose is to get you to think in terms of spatial patterns and the evolution of Virginia as a place and to gain practice with different mapping techniques. They are of equal weight.
Assignments are due at the beginning of a class unless otherwise indicated. Late assignments will only be accepted within one week of their due date. Any assignment turned in during that week but after the due date will lose one letter grade.
The final project in this class should allow you to use geographic skills introduced in the class. There is considerable choice in the nature of the project. Another handout will provide more details, but basically there are three options (and I am open to suggestions if you have ideas that might be better aligned with your career goals):
a. "Reading a Virginia Landscape": Based on first hand observation in the field, you will identify the natural and cultural/historical aspects of a chosen locale in Virginia. May be presented orally, using PowerPoint, as a web page, or as a written report.
b. "Changing Distribution Patterns of 'X'": A sequential mapping project in which changes in a cultural/economic factor of your choice are traced and analyzed. This will involve the use of census data and library research. May be presented orally, using PowerPoint, or as a written report.
Complete drafts will be due March 31 to allow for suggestions for improvement prior to presentation or submission of final product for a grade.
ATTENDANCE: Attendance is expected at every class meeting. When you come to class, please be on time. Tardiness is disruptive and rude to me and to your fellow classmates.
Attendance is required at every exam. No make up exams will be given without my consent prior to the scheduled exam time. It is especially important to be on time for exams. They will include both essay sections and mapping or diagramming sections. Most people find that they take the full time allotted.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES: It is your responsibility to come to class, to read and prepare assignments on time, and to keep up with the class. If you need clarification on assignments or lecture material, ask me for more information. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL LATE IN THE SEMESTER to come see me if you feel you are not comprehending material. Subjects covered early in the course will be used throughout the semester.
If you should miss a class, it is your responsibility to get notes from classmates, not from me. I will be happy to discuss any questions you have after you have acquired the missed material. Any handouts from that class will be available either at the web site or in the Brown House. Any graded materials returned students that you failed to pick up because you were not in class should be picked up during office hours.
Midterm #1: Thursday February 17, 2000
Midterm #2: Thursday, March 30, 2000
FINAL EXAMINATION: 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 3
DUE DATES FOR ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED WHEN THE EXERCISES ARE DISTRIBUTED. Usually you will have one week to complete a graded assignment.
1. Introduction: What is Geography?
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