Geography Program

This is to give you a general idea of the course content, outline and procedures; All specifics including but not limited to instructor, text, exercises, exam weights etc. can vary with term offered.

GEOG 330: Geography Of Latin America and the Caribbean

MEETING PLACE AND TIMES:

INSTRUCTOR:  Dr. John B. Richards, Ph.D.
OFFICE:  TAYLOR 119: HOURS: 
E-mail: richards@sou.edu; please use this & the phone freely.  Ph: 552-6281 (Includes voicemail.)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: A general exploration of the regions, cultures and contemporary geographic problems of Middle and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

REQUIRED TEXT:

Clawson, David L. Latin America and the Caribbean: Lands and Peoples (3^rd edition). New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004.

OPTIONAL TEXT:

Kattan-Ibarra, Juan. Perspectivas Culturales de Hispanoamerica, 2d Ed. Chicago: National Textbook, 1995.

GRADING PROCEEDURES:

Grades will be based on (1) Attendance and participation, (2) Test scores, (3) a Presentation, (4) una comida, and (5) a Paper, in the following weights:

ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION: 10

TESTS:      (mdtrm = 10 + Final = 25) 35

PRESENTATION: 20

COMIDAS de las NACIONES: 10

PAPER: 25

TOTAL: 100%

POLICY FOR SPANISH LANGUAGE STUDENTS:

You will be expected to take the same exams as all the other students. However, if you so choose, you may read the Spanish-language text in addition to the regular text, answering the chapter cuestionarios in Spanish, as homework. You will receive back your cuestionarios with occasional comments. For each completed cuestionario, you will receive up to 5% bonus on your course score, depending on the quality of your work.

ATTENDANCE and PARTICIPATION: There will be no artificial consequence if you miss up to two hours of class (one class session). Each additional session missed without medical excuse will cost 1/2 of your possible 10% for participation, quickly landing you a full grade below your academic performance as otherwise demonstrated.

TESTS: There will be a 70- minute midterm and a 2-hour comprehensive final exam. Each test will consist of an objective part (such as map work, multiple choice, and short-answer questions) and a short essay, the two parts weighted equally. Essay topics will be available in advance.

PRESENTATIONS: We will define presentation topics during the first two weeks of the term. Students will then submit a proposal, which counts for 5% of the class grade (1/5 of paper grade). The instructor will review your proposal and return it to you with comments and a score. Scores of three and above represent acceptance and a go-ahead for the topic. Other proposals must be re-worked and re-submitted. Presentations must be no longer than 10 minutes long, and will be interrupted at that length, as at professional meetings, for questions and comments. Presentations schedule will be determined during third week of term. Presentation material will appear on the final exam.

COMIDAS de las NACIONES: Each student will research a recipe, explain its origin and discuss its preparation, ingredients and conditions of use in cultural, historical and regional contexts, and prepare the dish. We will share recipes and enjoy the dishes in a class meal and learn from each other while we eat. (If this presents you with a financial burden, please see me.) You may invite one guest each to the meal.

PAPERS: One week before the end of the term, students will turn in a written report of 8-15 pages (including works cited and bibliography) on their presentation topic, in which they present their main points, evidence, argumentation and documentation in standard APA or MLA format.

GENERAL NOTES:

1. Discrimination or Harassment: It is the policy of Southern Oregon University that discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status or disability shall be prohibited. Neither will the University tolerate sexual misconduct or sexual harassment by students faculty or staff. For more information or assistance, contact me, the department Chair (Dr. Susan Reynolds 2-6279), the Associate Provost’s office in Churchill Hall or Disability Services in the ACCESS Center.
2. Schedule: The quarter is only nine weeks long.  Do not put things off. Particularly, do not delay coming to see me with questions, criticisms, or for advice; I take the advising part of my job seriously.
3. Study time and schedule conflicts: The normal expectation is that you will spend 2-3 hours outside of the classroom for each hour in the classroom. If you have trouble completing assignments in that amount of time, or have trouble finding that much time to spend on the work from this class I should hear from you. I may be able to help you study more efficiently, manage your time, or organize your priorities.
4. Academic Honesty: Don’t cheat. See the Student Handbook and your Colloquium handbooks on plagiarism. If you suspect another student of cheating, take it up with the student or with me; and I will attempt a quiet resolution. The College also has procedures for protection and punishment of students in such cases. I consider honesty the most valuable personal characteristic and assume you do, too.
5. Drugs or Alcohol: Help is available without recrimination and in complete confidence.  See me or the office of student affairs.

6.    SOU ACADEMIC SUPPORT STATEMENT:

If you are in need of academic support because of a documented disability (whether it is  psychiatric, learning, mobility, health related, or sensory), you may be eligible for academic accommodations through disability services for students.  Contact Disability Services for Students; Teresa Lowrie, Director, DSS, at 552-6213 or lowriet@sou.edu ; or schedule an appointment in person at the ACCESS Center, Stevenson Union, Lower Level.