GEOG 280. SOUTH AMERICA
Department of Geography Radford University FALL 2002

Here's a good web site on environmental change in and around Santiago, Chile. May give you some ideas for a paper, including types of maps and illustrations that are appropriate.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course examines the land and peoples of the South American continent and those islands under the jurisdiction of South American states from the perspectives of regional geography. We strive to understand natural and cultural dynamics which shape distinctly South American landscapes and which help define the modern roles of the South American countries on the continent and in the world.

Regional geography requires a synthetic, interdisciplinary approach. This means that we must look at the parts (location, physical geography, culture, history, economies, and geopolitics) only so as to understand the whole. The parts are not functionally isolated pieces but are linked together and build upon each other. Thus the course stresses cumulative knowledge in a variety of topics dealing with South America as a whole or by regions within the continent defined by common characteristics. It is not an encyclopedic description, country by country, of the modern states of South America.

As a social science, regional geography seeks an understanding of the ways human relations have been and are structured across space. Therefore, the course requires the use and construction of maps in order to learn and understand spatial patterns and interrelationships.

Students successfully completing this course will know the basic spatial patterns of the physical geography (landforms, hydrology, climate, vegetation) of South America and should be able to explain the development of modern cultural landscapes, economic geographies, and geopolitical situations on the continent.

TEXTBOOK: Latin America and the Caribbean: Lands and Peoples (2nd edition) by David Clausen. 2000.
                            McGraw-Hill.        
                        Additional readings may be posted on WebCT when relevant to the discussion

WebCT: This course has a WebCT site on which you will be able to access maps, assignments readings, and your grades. This is a password protected site that only students enrolled this semester can use. In addition, there is a regular Web homepage with open access. Announcements, links to other sites, and the course description are available on the homepage.

COURSE FORMAT. A lecture format prevails and is supplemented by outside readings, homework assignments, and discussion. Assignments emphasize description and explanation of spatial patterns and often involve the use or construction of maps in order to understand the ways human activities are structured across the space known as South America.

Final grade in course will be determined according to the percentage of possible points earned during the semester: 90-100% = A; 80-89%= B; 70-79% = C; 60-69% = D; less than 60 percent = F. No individual extra credit work will be given.

Examination format: All examinations will consist of short answer and essay questions and maps or diagrams. You will be expected to describe and explain various factors of South American geography and the interrelationships among these factors.

Place name quiz format: You will receive an outline map of South America and be asked to plot accurately particular features on it. These features will include country names, major cities, major rivers, and natural regions.

Exam schedule:

Term Paper: An 8-10 page term paper is optional . The paper must deal with a contemporary issue in South America. The scale at which you focus may be local, regional, national, or multinational. Potential topics include eco- or other tourism, creation of extractive reserves, creation of national parks, social justice, culture survival, the informal economy, public health, urban environments, agrarian reform, nontraditional agricultural exports, etc., etc. Although a more complete description of requirements is available on WebCT, a few major requirements are listed here:

1. A spatial perspective must be demonstrated.
2. At least one reference map and one thematic map must be incorporated into the paper.
3. A proposal which includes a bibliography must be submitted by Oct 14.
4. A complete draft will be due Nov 21. There will be an opportunity for revisions and improvement of grade by up to10 percent.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance is expected at every class meeting; this is considered a primary responsibility of the student. If you miss a class, you should first get notes from your fellow students and then see the instructor if you have questions. Check the web sites for announcements you might have missed.

LATE ASSIGNMENT POLICY: No assignment will be accepted after the due date without prior permission from the instructor or a note from a doctor, Dean, or other relevant official.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILTIES: Other than coming to class, it is your responsibility to stay current in reading and to come to class prepared. If you have questions on course content or procedures, seek the instructor's assistance ASAP. Don't fall behind.

Students with Disabilities: If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americana with Disabilities Act, you are required to register with the Disability Resource Office (DRO). The DRO is located in Rm. 32, Tyler Hall. Phone is 831-6450. To receive academic accommodations for this class, please obtain the proper DRO forms and meet with me at the beginning of the semester.

Department of Geography     Radford University

Created January 10, 1999 by Susan Woodward. Last updated 08-28-02 by slw.