CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH

World Regional Geography

Geography 100, Spring 2003, LH-150, TR 9:30-10:45

Dr. J.R. Curtis; Office:  LA4-206D; Office Hours: TR 10:45-11:45; Office Phone Number:  562-985-4978; E-mail: jrcurtis@csulb.edu; webpage: www.csulb.edu/~jrcurtis

Course Objectives:

As a survey of the world's major culture regions, this course introduces you to the rich diversity of people and places worldwide.  Upon completion of this course, the knowledge you will have gained about cultural, historical, economic, political, and environmental issues will enable you to better understand, evaluate, and reach critical decisions about current global events and contemporary world problems.  In addition to learning the location and distinguishing characteristics of major world regions, you will come to appreciate the value of the regional approach in geographical study and analysis.

Examinations:

There will be three examinations, including the final.  Examinations will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions.  The final is not comprehensive; it will cover only the last third of the semester.  Typically, about 70 percent of the exam questions are based on material presented in lectures, and 30 percent from the reading assignments.  (Note: Lectures do not duplicate the text!)  Scantron Form # ES-882 and Number 2 pencils are required for examinations. 

Grading Policy:  

A total of 300 points is attainable in the course.  The final point scores, relative to the rest of the class, will be used to determine a letter grade distribution; grades will be based on a "curve."

Attendance:

Although attendance will not be taken, because of the focus on lecture material, and the extensive use of graphics to illustrate lectures, attendance at each and every lecture--for its entire duration--is highly recommended!

Required Text:

Salter, Hobbs, Essentials of World Regional Geography, 4th. edition, 2002.

LECTURE TOPICS, READING ASSIGNMENTS, AND EXAMINATION DATES

Topic Reading Assignment   

Introduction                                          Chap. 17           

Africa South of the Sahara                   

The Middle East                                   Chap. 8                                   

South Asia                                            Chap. 11                     

FIRST EXAMINATION                  Thursday, February 27

China                                                   Chap. 13                                             

Southeast Asia                                      Chap. 12         

Middle America                                    Chap. 20                     

South America                                      Chap. 21

SECOND EXAMINATION             Thursday, April 3

Japan                                                   Chap. 14

Europe                                                 Chap. 3

Russia                                                  Chap. 6

Australia & New Zealand                     N/A

FINAL                                                Tuesday, May 20, 10:15-12:15