GEO102     Introduction to Human Geography

Fall 2005

Dr. Meghan Cope, University at Buffalo (SUNY-Buffalo)

Office: 118 Wilkeson

Email: mcope@buffalo.edu

Phone/Voice mail: 645-2722 ext. 25

Course Meetings: Mon, Wed, Fri 2:00-2:50pm

Course Website: http://www.geog.buffalo.edu/~mcope/courses/geo102

Office Hours: 11:00 - 1:00 Fridays, or by appointment

Click here for the schedule of assignments, readings, and topics

What is this course about?

This course serves as an introduction to 'thinking geographically', that is, looking at the world around us from a critical spatial perspective. Some people call this "the why of where", that is, why do certain things happen in certain places? How do people adapt themselves to place, but at the same time make places? The course also serves as an introduction to the discipline of geography -- this course gives you a platform from which you can explore further issues of cities and urbanization, population, economic development, international relations, geopolitics, and cultural geographies, as well as begin studying the many methods of geography including mapping and GIS, ethnography, and more.

What will we read?

View Larger Cover ImageThe text book is by Paul Knox and Sallie Marston, two excellent geographers. It's called Human Geography: Places and Regions in Global Context. You can find it at the University Bookstore, Greeks and Sneaks, and - of course - on-line. Just make sure you buy the THIRD edition. The text also has a companion website with review questions, quizzes (complete with hints), and study guides. It's at http://wps.prenhall.com/esm_knox_humangeo_3.

We'll also read some web-based material - more info later. I will also show several films in class to give us all a break from regular class and to see some pieces of the world.

How much work is it?

This course has just the right amount of work! Check it out:

4 short on-line quizzes: 10% (total, not each)

4 short essays (3 pages): 30% (I drop your lowest grade and take the average of the best 3)

Mid-term: 20% (combo of multiple choice and essay)

Final exam: 25% (same format as mid-term, but a little longer)

Class Participation: 15% (do not discount this - I really care if you're in class and participating!)

Much of the course is based on lectures, but nearly every day we will have some kind of participatory element -- a short discussion, some small group work on a particular question, or a more structured in-class exercise. People learn in different ways, so I try to incorporate several strategies to help you understand the material.

How can I get an "A"?

Five easy steps:

1. Read the assigned material in an engaged way (that is, pay attention!)

2. Come to class every day and take good notes.

3. Do all your assignments on time and ask for help if you need it.

4. Organize your studying for exams - the course is built around some central themes that will pop up again and again - make sure your notes and studying reflect this.

5. Have fun with it -- we're studying the world here and there are a lot of amazing things going on. If you don't have curiosity about the world, find some.