AN 2130 - Global Human Systems (4)

Tuesday,Thursday

08:00 AM - 09:47 AM

Main Campus Campus | South Foundation Hall | Room 276

Global Human Systems or GEO/IS 2000/AN 2130 Online, introduces students to a range of themes and topics that explore and analyze the spatial organization of humans and human activities on the earth’s surface. It emphasizes a study of the distribution, organization, and variation of natural and social processes and their interdependencies. Utilizing concepts, theoretical frameworks, and methodological approaches drawn primarily from the field of Geography, students will become more aware of the importance of spaces and places, learn about complex links and interconnectedness between people and their physical environments, and gain insights into complex social, cultural, economic, political factors, and environmental conditions that characterize our increasingly globalized world.

Consultations: 12 Noon Tuesday or by arrangement

Location: Lecture Room or to be arranged

E-mail: alcampos@oakland.edu 

• describe the similarities as well as uniqueness of environmental/physical, social, economic, cultural, and political systems of different places and regions; 

• explain what it means for the dual relationship between the environment and culture- how the environment affects cultures as well as how cultures and peoples have altered the environment to suit their needs; 

• explain geographic perspective, and spatial concepts; 

• use and interpret maps and other data; and 

• analyze contemporary issues and challenges associated with social and economic globalization 

Knox, P. L., and Marston, S. A. (2015). Human geography: Places and regions in global context. 7thed. Toronto: Pearson Prentice Hall. 

Optional/Recommended: 

If you prefer an eText with Mastering Geography course resources that are accessible online, check this title: Human Geography: Places and Regions in Global Context Plus Mastering Geography with eText – Access Card Package | Edition: 7. ISBN: 9780321984234 

Both are available at the local bookstore on campus (Barnes and Noble) but you only need to purchase one not both formats. 

Additional resources will be posted on Moodle. 

When you register for the class, you will have automatic access to the course’s homepage one week before classes officially start at OU. Simply login with your user ID and password on Moodle and follow the direction to navigate the course’s homepage. Finally, you will need a reliable internet access to stay updated with and complete course requirements. You will navigate through the course site, visit other websites, practice with map quizzes online and conduct internet-based research. You will need to be able to watch videos or download and use Google Earth or other web-based resources. In addition, you must be able to save and upload files. Therefore, plan on accessing a reliable PC on and off-campus. Failure to complete or submit an assignment on time based on computer or internet issues reasoning will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to be proactive in completing your assignments well ahead of due date and time. 

Course Requirements 

Students are expected to complete assigned readings and location knowledge/map quizzes, in-class exercises and assessments, participate in discussions, and attend classes and scheduled exam/s. These requirements are further explained below. 

2-Global Human Systems, Winter 2020 

1. Assigned readings and pre-lecture online quizzes (20%) 

Before class, students are expected to complete the assigned readings and come to class prepared to participate in the discussion. To prepare for class discussions, you will have the opportunity to complete an online quiz based on the topics that are covered in each week. The online quiz will be accessible on Moodle for 24 hours. It will open on Sunday at 8:00 am and close on Tuesday at 8:00 am (morning). It will automatically close after the deadline. Online quizzes comprise 20% of your grade. 

2. Exams (30%) 

You will take two (2) exams. Exam 1 and Exam 2 cover assigned readings, exercises, lectures, discussions, and supplementary materials. These exams will test your understanding and comprehension of concepts, location knowledge and related geographic topics and processes. Each exam is worth 100 points, and each is worth 15% of your final grade. 

3. Class exercises and assignments (30%) 

You will complete exercises and assignments in and out of class. Exercises and assignments are based on concepts, tools and approaches, and other relevant materials from the textbook, class discussions, journal articles, and video documentaries. These are designed to assess students’ understanding of concepts and real-world applications. 

4. Attendance, Participation in Discussions and Location Knowledge/Map quizzes (20%). 

There will be graded and ungraded student-led online discussions of current events, cross-cultural knowledge and exchange, and location knowledge/map quizzes. 

Current events, Cross-cultural Knowledge and Location/Map quizzes. Each week, you will have opportunities to learn about a region of the world and be able to engage in student- led online discussions through the Global Awareness Involving Neighbors (GAIN) Discussion forum. Each will participate in at least five (5) GAIN discussion forums throughout the semester by posting one original entry/response to prompt question/s and at least two (2) responses to any posting/s from other students in a given forum. However, students are encouraged to participate in the discussion forums every week. Specific instruction for online GAIN participation will be discussed in class and posted on GAIN’s forum description. 

Along with the GAIN Discussion forum, there will be location knowledge exercises or simply, map quizzes. Location knowledge questions or map quizzes will develop your skills in “cognitive or mental mapping” and generally enhance your spatial analytic skills. You will complete map quizzes at your convenience and pace through the Lizard Point Geography, which is an open resource that will help develop and strengthen your mental map of places. Your scores will not be monitored but it is expected that you will include your experience in your GAIN Forum postings of the week. Details of the GAIN Discussion and Map Quiz assignment will be posted on Moodle. 

3-Global Human Systems, Winter 2020 

Join your class at s. GlobalHumanSystems 

To play and practice map quizzes, follow a self-intuitive process for creating your account and joining our class at s. GlobalHumanSystems. Be sure to join a class with my name as the instructor. Start by clicking the link here -→ Lizardpoint. You may use any active email other than OU when you create your account but make sure that your Display Name matches exactly with the name you are using at OU or when you registered for the Global Cities class so I can keep track of your completed map quiz exercises. 

There will be some group exercises in this class. If something comes up that prevents you from participating in assignments that you signed up for, please let me know as soon as possible and/or communicate to student/s whom you are planning on collaborating with. If at some point participating, submitting assignments, or attending the class is no longer feasible or has become less of a priority to you, let me or your adviser know as soon as possible to avoid a failing grade. It is also your responsibility to reach out to the Registrar’s Office or any university representative to discuss appropriate action/s related to your need or situation. 

Class attendance. Attendance will be monitored either through in- class activities or attendance card/sheet. It is your responsibility to make sure your name is listed on completed in-class exercises or assignments. 

Summary of Course Requirements 

Graded Work 

Percent% 

Online quizzes 20 

Exam (2) 30 

Class exercises and assignments 30 

Discussion Forums, Location Knowledge/Map quiz, Attendance 20 

Total 100%