Geography Program

GEOG 280 Introduction to Map Reading and Analysis – Room TA 229

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. John B. Richards, Ph.D
CONTACT INFO: Office: TA119; Phone: 541-552-6281; E-mail: richards@sou.edu
OFFICE HOURS: Daily, 9:00 to 9:50, & T—R 4:00 -- 5:00, or by appointment.

COURSE CONTENTand OBJECTIVES: to develop an understanding of maps and map-related products by applying commonly used geographic techniques of reading, interpreting, and analyzing maps and map data. The course introduces the art and science of map reading, lays a foundation for sophisticated map use, and provides a basic introduction to map compilation and Geographic Information Systems (or Science) (GIS). Emphasis will be placed on the various map elements that facilitate geographical understanding. Knowledge and skills will be developed in coordinate systems, scale computations, contour reading, map projections and datums, landscape interpretation, computer-based mapping, map data sources, and some other map-based graphics. Weekly map exercises and a map drawing project will allow you to learn by applying the material presented in the class.

REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS:
Map Use and Analysis (Third edition) by John Campbell, WCB McGraw-Hill, 1998.
Aavailable at the bookstore. The book also has a web site that contains many valuable links to help understand the material and can be found at: http://www.mhhe.com/earthsci/geography/campbell/

You also are required to have the following: 1) U.S. Geological Survey maps of Yreka, CA 1:100,000 (30 x 60) and Ashland, OR 1:24,000 (7.5 provisional), and 2) the booklet: Topographic Map Symbols from the U.S.G.S. These items are available in the bookstore for a nominal cost. Other maps will be provided by the Geography Department and are to be used only in the classroom.

Other miscellaneous items you will need in the class: a C-thru #B-65 ruler and protractor, a calculator (preferably with trigonometric functions), a good mechanical pencil, and a soft eraser, each of which can also be purchased in the bookstore. Other items, such as French curves or graph paper, might be needed as you proceed in the class and work on your projects.

You are also invited to use the blackboard site for this class.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance is very important, as you will discover should you miss. (IF YOU MISS CLASS, the best strategy is to get notes for that lecture from at least two of your classmates, copy them, make notes of any confusing material, and see me with any questions that arise. I do not have class notes worthy of photocopying.)

ASSIGNMENTS, EXAMS, AND GRADES:
There will be two examinations, an in-class exam during the term and a cumulative final exam. Weekly exercises, a map interpretation quiz, and a map drawing project (details to be given later) will also be graded. The grading breakdown and scheduled dates of the exams follow:

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:

E-MAIL AND THE BLACKBOARD PAGE:

Email, richards@sou.edu, while no substitute for office visits, is a great way to contact me if you have simple questions about the course or anything else. I will also occasionally be sending studying hints, cool website links, information about exams, or (very rarely ;-)) corrections to mistakes I make in lecture. Please check your email on a regular basis for important announcements.

I have set up a blackboard site, to provide us with basic information about the class and links to map and geography-related web sites, many of which we'll be accessing throughout the semester. Please explore this site and don't hesitate to ask questions about what you find there.

READING ASSIGNMENTS & TOPICS: The recommended reading assignments are listed below. Reading assignments will not be made in class, so you will be expected to keep up with the readings on your own. The book is the best way to augment the lectures. Due dates are in bold.

SPECIAL NOTES:

1. If you are in need of support because of a documented disability (whether it be learning, mobility, psychiatric, health-related, or sensory) you may be eligible for academic or other accommodations through Disability Services for Students.

Contact Margaret Dibb, Director, DSS, at dibbm@sou.edu; or by calling 541-552-6213; or schedule an appointment in person at the ACCESS Center, Stevenson Union, lower-level.

For Detailed Information: http://www.sou.edu/access/dss/

2. I welcome questions during (and after) my lectures. For everyone who asks a question, there are three others silently thanking them.

3. I’m here to help. Do not put things off.  The best thing you can do to excel in this course, aside from perfect attendance (mind and body), is to regularly review your notes, keep up with your reading and exercises on a daily basis and don’t get behind. Particularly, do not delay coming to see me with questions, criticisms, or for advice.

4. One of the beauties of this course is how it builds on previous knowledge. Loose ends are continuously tied along the way. But beware: if you don't really understand map projections or scales, problems will arise later. It's very important that you keep up with the lectures.

5. Discrimination or Harassment: You are encouraged to speak up and out. Should I or a classmate make an offensive remark inadvertently or otherwise, call it immediately; the University offers further channels of complaint, (Dean of Student Affairs, 552-6221) but it is best if we can work together directly to see through our differences to the best in each of us.

6. Academic Honesty:  The University does not tolerate a student's claim to work not his or her own. If you need to know how to cite other people's work, see me.  If you suspect another student of cheating, take it up with the student or with me; if caught early enough such an event can be remedied as an educational experience with a minimum of embarrassment or disciplinary action. If necessary, the University has additional procedures for protection and punishment of students in such cases.

7. Drugs or Alcohol:  If you or a friend should fear failure (or feel other discomfort) on account of drugs, alcohol, or related pressures, help is available without recrimination and in complete confidence.  See me or the office of student affairs (552-6221).