Geography 201

GEOG 201
North America (SS) (GE)

1. Catalog Entry

GEOG 201
North America (SS) (GE)

Credit hours (3)

Presentation of integrated spatial construction of the continent. Study of physical and human elements in the creation of the present diversity of life.

Note(s): General Education and Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course. 


2. Detailed Description of Course

This course explores the environment, culture, politics, and economy of North America (primarily the USA and Canada) using a regional geographic approach.  After an overview of environmental setting, historical settlement, and political economy of North America, we will investigate sub-regions of the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the Arctic to the border of Mexico.

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This is a three-hour lecture course. Extensive reading is assigned in the course text and/or supplementary texts. Although lectures by the instructor provide the basic format, classroom discussion and student participation is encouraged by the instructor and stimulated by the use of films and other participatory activities.
 
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

Students will:
    1) Describe and recall environmental, historical, political, economic, and cultural
       characteristics of the regions of North America.
    2) Explain the geographic perspective and how it is used to examine environmental,
       historical, political, economic, and cultural factors that shape people and
       places.
    3) Explain and assess the role of historic settlement in North American on the
       contemporary environment, culture, and political economy.
    4) Explain and assess the role of the environment in North America and how it has
       influenced settlement, culture, and the political economy.
    5) Explain and assess the role of politics in shaping of the economy, how we view
       the environment, and development of culture.
    6) Apply the geographic perspective to contemporary issues in North America.

As part of the Core Curriculum, students will understand how social and cultural forces (for example, political, historical, economic, environmental, religious, or geographic) shape the American experience.  Students will:
    1) Identify diverse influences that have shaped the American experience; and
    2) Apply course material to a relevant issue in the United States.


5. Assessment Measures

Assessment measures may include more than one of the following: participation in class, writing exercises, discussions of readings, presentations, and testing that includes objective and/or essay questions on examinations. Tests are structured to demonstrate student mastery of the stated goals and objectives. It may also include quizzes, journals, portfolios and class participation in discussion. The weight of each assessment item will be determined by the individual instructor and announced during the first week of class.

College Core A Goal 10 will be assessed using objective questions and written essays (graded with a rubric) targeting the achievement of the stated learning objectives.


6. Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

September 2005

March 01, 2021