COURSE GOALS:
1) A 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 is both eclectic and integrative. It gathers information from other disciplines and treats them as part of a coherent whole that describes and explains the essence or personality of a place. Geography seeks to understand the relationships between the physical phenomena of earth (for example, landforms, surface waters, climate, plants and animals) and the cultural systems that humans have developed (for example, settlement systems, economic systems, political systems.)
Geography seeks patterns and therefore is interested in generalization. The degree of generalization depends upon the scale at which an area or spatial pattern is examined.
Geography employs maps, other graphics, and narrative in order to both analyze and demonstrate spatial patterns.
3) A third goal is to have you hone your skills in regional synthesis, in understanding and expressing how the various elements of physical and cultural geography come together to create the unique place that is Virginia.
Relative Value of Graded Work:
Determination of Grade:
The lowest score received on midterm examinations will be dropped. The final letter grade awarded in the course will be determined according to percentages as follows: 90-100 percent = A; 80-89 percent = B; 70-79 percent = C; 60- 69 percent = D; less than 60 percent = F.
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 win extra credit points; and, at the very end of the semester I may adjust the percent classes somewhat in awarding final letter grades.
ATTENDANCE: Attendance is expected at every class meeting. When you come to class, please be on time. Tardiness is disruptive and discourteous 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 sections. Most people find they take the full time allotted.
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.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES: It is your responsibility to come to class, to read and prepare written 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 if you feel you are not comprehending material or are falling behind. Please come see me either during office hours or at a scheduled appointment.
If you should miss a class, it is your responsibility to get notes from classmates, not from me. Any handouts from that class will be available on the Web or in the Brown House after class. Any graded materials returned to students that you failed to pick up because you were not in class will also be available in the Brown House. I will not be carrying old assignments to class beyond the date they were initially distributed.
DUE DATES OF MAPPING AND WRITING EXERCISES WILL BE ANNOUNCED WHEN EACH IS ASSIGNED. HONOR CODE: By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to understand, support, and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception. Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated in this class. Refer to your Student Handbook for details.