PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE 
MASTER SYLLABUS
INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 1000
Class Hours: 3.0   Credit Hours: 3.0  
Laboratory Hours: 0.0   Date Revised: Fall 02  
 This course is designed to transfer to LMU in the education program.
       
Catalog Course Description:    
  This course provides an introduction to geography with emphasis on place-name countries, bodies of water, cities, and development of a geographical vocabulary.
Entry Level Standards:    
  Must be able to read and write at the college level.
Prerequisite:    
  None
Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:  
  De Blij  & Muller, Geography: Realms Regions and  Concepts,  10th edition. New York: Wiley Books. 2001. 
Hames & Muller, Study Guide to Accompany Regions, 10th edition. New York: Wiley Books. 2001.
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:    
  Week  Topic
  1 Introduction to Geography
  2 Chapter  1 & Map Work
  3 Chapter  2 & Map Work
  4 Chapter  3 & Map Work
  5 EXAM  # 1
  6 Chapter  4  & Map Work
  7 Chapter  5 & Map Work
  8 Chapter  6 & Map Work
  9 Chapter  7 & Map Work
  10 EXAM  #  2 
  11 Chapter  8 & Map Work
  12 Chapter  9 & Map Work
  13 Chapter  10 & Map Work
  14 Chapter  11 & 12 & Map Work
  15 Review for Final Exam
  16 FINAL EXAM
II. Course Objectives*:    
  A. Discuss how mankind and his culture are spatially structured, organized, related, interrelated and operate to characterize the different major areas of the world by understanding the physical features (physical geography, climate, weather, soils, etc.) of the different major areas of the world. III.2, IV, VII
  B. Discuss how mankind and his culture are spatially structured, organized, related, interrelated and operate to characterize the different major areas of the world by understanding the cultural features (language, religion, economics, settlements, communications, trade) of the different major areas of the word. III.2, IV, VII
*Roman numerals after course objectives reference goals of the university parallel program.
III. Instructional Processes*:     
Students will:      
  1. Use critical thinking skills to interpret, evaluate, and make informed judgments about research related to geography. Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome, Numerical Literacy Outcome, Active Learning Strategy
  2. Use spatial elements, measurements, locations and references to develop graphic and numerical awareness of the real world.  Understand how information in the form of maps and numbers connect to the physical world.  Numerical Literacy Outcome, Information Literacy Outcome
  3. Participate in open discussions regarding the strengths and weaknesses of geographic information procedures and what improvements might be made.  Active Learning Strategies, Communication Outcome, Transitional Strategy
  4. Use the Internet and related tools to gather information and communicate effectively between the instructor and other students.  Technological Literacy Outcome, Information Litearacy Outcome
  5. Learn elements of the work ethic, such as punctuality, professionalism, 
dependability, cooperation and contribution. Personal Development Outcome,
Cultural Diversity and Social Adaptation Outcome, Transitional Strategy
  6. Collaborate in teams to analyze geographic issues. Communication
Outcome, Active Learning Strategy, Problem Solving and Decision Making
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. Discuss how the discipline of geography affects and influences daily lives. A, B
2. Understand the many differences that exist in the broad field of man and land relationships that comprise geography. A, B
3. Use geography to explain the relationship of historical events and the geographic patterns of human development. A, B
4. Explain how the physical environment influences human settlement. A, B
5. Identify and map the twelve major geographic realms and their interrelated parts that constitute the earth’s physical environment. A, B
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
V. Evaluation:
A. Testing Procedures: 80% of grade
The main evaluation for the course will be the (3) main lecture test scores. However, map work will be assigned during the semester (see field work section).
B. Laboratory Expectations:
N/A
C. Field Work: 10% of grade
Bonus points will be awarded for extra map work and bonus questions. Do the map work legibly and neatly. Map work that lacks neatness may not be accepted. Every effort will be used to create an understanding for the importance of map work. 
D. Other Evaluation Methods: 10% of grade
Class attendance and particpation
E. Grading Scale:
A=  90 - 100 
B = 80 - 89 
C = 70 - 79 
D = 60 - 69 
F =  60  or below 
VI. Policies:
A. 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 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course.
B. Academic Dishonesty:
In keeping with college-wide policies, the student is expected to adhere to the general rule and regulations relevant to academic and classroom misconduct as outlined in the catalog.