PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE 
MASTER SYLLABUS
TRAVEL GEOGRAPHY
HSP 2500
 
Class Hours: 3.0   Credit Hours: 3.0  
Laboratory Hours: 0.0   Date Revised: Spring 00  
 NOTE: This course is not designed for transfer credit.
       
Catalog Course Description:    
  This course examines destination geography, including attractions, travel modes, and accommodations. 
Entry Level Standards:    
   Students must be able to read, write, speak and reason at the college level.
Prerequisite:    
   HSP 2200 
Corequisite:    
 HSP 2210
Textbook(s) and Other Reference Materials Basic to the Course:  
  Foster, Dennis L., Destinations: North American and International Geography, Glencoe, Ohio, 1996.
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:    
  Week  Topic
  1 Geography of the Earth, Climate and Environment
  2 The United States and Canada
  3 Exploring the Northeast Region
  4 Exploring the South Region
  5 Exploring the Midwest & Southwest Regions
  6 Exploring the Mountain & the Pacific Region
  7 Exploring the Hawaiian Islands
  8 Exploring Canada
  9 Exploring Latin America & the Caribbean
  10 Exploring the Atlantic Region of Europe
  11 Exploring Northern, Central, & Southern Europe
  12 Exploring Eastern Europe
  13 Exploring the South Pacific Region
  14 Exploring Africa
  15 Exploring the Indo-Asian Region & Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Antarctica
  16 Final Exam
II. Course Objectives*:    
  A. Differentiate between the formal geography and destination geography. I, II, V, VI, VII, VIII
  B. Demonstrate an understanding of geographic skills required of travel professionals. I, II, VI, VII, VIII
  C. Demonstrate and understanding of the relationship between climate and weather. II, III, VII, VIII
  D. Display an understanding of the concept of tourism development and the environment. I,  V, VI, VIII
  E. Exhibit knowledge of the history or culture inherent in states and regions of specific geographic locations. I, II, III, VI, VII, VIII
  F. Demonstrate an ability to design an itinerary to any destination in a specific geographic area. I, II, III, VI, VII, VIII
  G. Exhibit knowledge of major tourism areas, activities and attractions of specific destinations in various geographic locations. I, II, VII, VIII
*Roman numerals after course objectives reference goals of the Business and Computer Technologies department.
III. Instructional Processes*:     
Students will:      
  1. Work in groups to develop an itinerary to a chosen destination in a specific geographic location. Active Learning Strategy, Communication Outcome, Problem Solving and Decision-Making Outcome
  2. Refine reading and informational literacy skills by researching the Internet to become aware of new destination areas and attractions under development.  Information Literacy Outcome, Communication Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome
  3. Develop a workbook of reference material for geographic travel destinations that will include major land forms, history and culture facts, and major tourism areas for each geographic location studied during the semester. Information Literacy Outcome, Transitional Strategy
  4. Critique specific geographic locations as destinations for different demographic markets segments. Cultural Diversity and Social Adaptation Outcome, Problem Solving and Decisional Outcome, Personal Development Outcome
  5. Establish a destination rating system commensurate to specific customer- oriented criteria. Problem Solving and Decision-Making Outcome, Numerical Literacy Outcome
*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference Pellissippi State’s goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.
IV. Expectations for Student Performance*: 
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Identify the skills necessary to recommend specific destinations to various consumers. A, B, C, D, F
2. Explain why different destination appeal to different clientele. A, B, E, G
3. Describe the travel habits of various segments of the general public. 
B, C, D
4. Identify the major ongoing trends in consumer behavior that will affect the travel industry. B, C
5. Describe the destination attributes of various states or regions throughout the world. D, E
6. Understand the relationship between weather and climate with travel. E, G
7. Compare the different modes of travel available in differing states, regions, and countries throughout the world. B, E 
8. Identify the business and industrial centers of differing states, regions, and countries throughout the world. B, E
9. Discuss the history and nature of the cultures of different states, regions, and countries of the world. B, D
10. Design an itinerary from any the nearest airport to any known travel destination. B, D, G
11. Describe the major tourism areas, attractions, and activities commensurate with varied destinations.  A, B, C
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
V. Evaluation:
A. Testing Procedures:
Students are evaluated primarily on the basis of tests. A minimum of three    exams must be given. 
B. Laboratory Expectations:
 None
C. Field Work:
 None
D. Other Evaluation Methods:
Class participation, group work, and homework will also comprise the final grade  
for the course. Each instructor must provide full details the first week of class via a syllabus supplement.
E. Grading Scale:
  92 - 100       A 
   89 -  91       B+ 
   82 - 88        B 
   79 - 81        C+ 
   72 - 78        C 
   65 - 71        D 
   Below 65   F
VI. Policies:
Attendance Policy:
Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities. As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75% of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course.