GEOG 390—Foundations in Geographic Analysis and Writing
Course Handbook
Department of Geography and Planning
Professor Jacquelyn Chase
Spring 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome……………………………………………………………………………. 2
Syllabus……………………………………………………………………………... 3
Course Description
Course Objectives
Required Materials
Evaluation and Other Information
Course Requirements
Course Schedule
What is “Good” Writing?...... 8
Assignments ………………………………………………………………………. 10
Themes of Geography Book Review ...... 10
In-Class, Lab, Library Activities...... 10
Two Research Exercises...... 13 Research Paper...... 18
Suggested Journals in Geography and Related Disciplines……………….…... 22
Internet Resources for your Research in Geography……………………...... 23
Template for Analyzing Articles……………………………………………...…. 25
Formatting Information for Citations using Turabian………………….…..….27
Your Writing Style ……………………………………………………………...... 28
Guides to Markings on your Drafts...... 31
Why and How to Create a Useful Outline or Concept Map...... 32
Revision Checklist for Quoting and Paraphrasing………………...……...... ….36
Sample Abstracts……………………………………………………..…….…...... 37
Grading Rubrics……………………………………………………...………...... 39
Research Presentation Guide/Rubric……………………………………………47
Your Information…………………………………………………………....……. 49
Welcome!
Dear GEOG 390 Students,
This course serves as a basis for you to succeed in your other writing assignments.
You will learn to write in different kinds of projects that are common to geography and to its related discipline, planning. You will develop research questions, and you will learn how to use and document acceptable sources and to perform critical analyses of your findings. You will clearly write about and present your findings. The course culminates with a research paper on a geographic question of your choice.
Because this is a WP course, you must receive at least a C- to pass it.
This is not an English class! However, good writing is a requirement of all disciplines and therefore I will do my job and let you know what you can do to improve your writing, even if this means pointing out grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. I will not “line edit” your writing, though. If I find certain “pattern errors,” I will point these out and ask you to work on improving them on your own or with help from the Student Learning Center. I will ask you to evaluate my feedback on your drafts. Most likely you will need most practice in developing the structure of your argument(s) and in using sources.
Geography is eclectic. It is not surprising that geographers use many approaches to their research. You will practice your analysis and writing skills for different geographic “problems” or questions. You will not be collecting much primary data from field work although you will do field observations. Primary data collection is introduced in GEOG 317 (Field Techniques) and developed in other upper division courses.
The Turabian book (A manuel of style for writers of research papers, theses, and dissertaions) is a classic handbook that was last updated in 2007. This book will be useful for you for the rest of your time in the department. Make sure you have the 7th Edition. This manual explains the reference style used by most geography publications for citations and thus by this department (it’s called “author date” or “parenthetical style”). It also has helpful suggestions about doing research, and guidelines for how to include tables and figures in your papers. Some of the work on figures and tables will have been introduced in GEOG 219.
You should use this course handbook intensely during the semester. In it you will find detailed instructions about assignments, helpful resources, and a lengthy syllabus. Please bring the handbook with you to class every day. You will be asked to pull out the rubrics to hand in with assignments.
Help us improve the material by letting me know when you see anything that doesn’t make sense or that you think is incorrect.
I look forward to having you all in this class.
Jacque Chase
530-898-5587
Syllabus
GEOG 390--Foundations of Geographical Analysis and Writing
Dr. Jacquelyn Chase
Spring 2012
MWF 9-9:50
Butte 503 and 501
Faculty Contact Information and Office Hours
Butte 507—898-5587— or through Vista
M/W 12-3 TH 12-3 or by appointment
Course Description
Geography 390 explores the diversity of geographical perspectives through critical analyses of written sources, independent information gathering, and research writing. The course introduces students to topics and analyses in the geographical tradition; examines and evaluates library and Internet resource materials pertinent to geographical research; and prepares students for independent geographical scholarly research. This course is the Writing Proficiency(WP) course for the major; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency.
Course Objectives
· Increase awareness of the diversity of the geographic discipline
· Improve writing skills
· Learn basic requirement of research design, execution and dissemination (writing and presentation)
· Heighten critical and analytical reading skills
· Increase ability to make efficient and effective use of information sources
· Provide familiarity with the major geographical journals (as well as related disciplines) and the information they provide
· Develop competency in the methods and techniques for conducting and writing geographical research
· Promote critical student discussion of the field of geography and its body of knowledge
· Develop and improve public presentation skills
Required Materials
· Eggers, Dave. 2007. Zeitoun. New York: Vintage.
· Turabian, Kate L. 2007. A manual for writers of research papers, theses, and dissertations. 7th ed. University of Chicago Press. You should be prepared to keep this book for use in future classes. Make sure you buy the 7th edition.
· Additional materials will be put on Vista, including this course handbook. Print this handbook and bring it to class.
· Package of 3x5 inch lined note cards.
· Access to a digital camera.
· Access to computers and printers in Butte 501.
Evaluation and Other Information
Attendance: Punctual attendance of all class meetings and full participation in activities (including those that involve peer feedback) are expected. For every day you are late without a documented excuse (medical, court, family emergency), you will receive 1/3 a point off of your final grade—for example, from a B to a B-. Coming late and leaving early are equivalent to missing class.
Late Work: Unless otherwise noted, assignments are due in class, and you must be in class to turn them in. DO NOT EMAIL ME PAPERS. However, some will be required to be sent to Turn It in. Late papers will lose points. Talk to me when you are having trouble getting a paper in on time. Due dates are in the syllabus.
Classroom Environment: The classroom is a safe place where all ideas, as long as they do not include bigotry, intolerance or hatred, can be expressed freely and openly. All comments should be supportive and constructive. Use non-sexist language when speaking and writing. Do not use the term “man-made,” and use “him,” “his,” “he” when you mean a male individual.
Equipment: With possible exceptions, no laptops or hand-held devices should be on during the class. Please turn off cell phones when coming to class. The benefit you might get from using the equipment do not offset the distractions it causes.
Academic Honesty: If there is any evidence of academic dishonesty on the part of a student, I will follow the university’s guidelines for dealing with academic integrity issues. Please become familiar with these guidelines at http://www.csuchico.edu/prs/EMs/EM04/em04_36.htm and pay close attention to class discussions on this topic. You may fail the course as a result of academic dishonesty, and I will turn any evidence of dishonesty to Student Judicial Affairs.
We will spend time in class discussing what constitutes plagiarism (you might be surprised!).
Vista: We will be using Vista, NOT Blackboard Learn. Make sure you check the course Vista site regularly for announcements and material. It is your responsibility to read your syllabus and check Vista for updates. It is not an excuse to not know that something was changed because you did not hear the announcement.
Student Learning Center (SLC): The SLC prepares and supports students in their college course work by offering a variety of programs and resources to meet student needs. You can call them at 898-6839 or go to their website: http://www.csuchico.edu/slc/index.shtml
Americans with Disabilities Act: If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability or chronic illness, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Please also contact Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) as they are the designated department responsible for approving and coordinating reasonable accommodations and services for students with disabilities. ARC will help you understand your rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide you further assistance with requesting and arranging accommodations. Their phone number is 898-5959 and email is . They are located at SSC 170.
Course Requirements
Assignment / Description / PointsActivities and Class Participation / The handbook includes a set of short writing practices and activities. Students will do some of these activities in class. Instructor will announce when others are due. We will not complete all activities that are listed in the handbook and new activities may be added to this list as we go along. Some involve writing about readings we are doing, so keep up with ALL reading. Attendance and engagement will also count towards these points. / 100
Themes of Geography Book Review / A 3-5 page analysis of how themes of geography are represented in Zeitoun / 30
Two Research Exercises / 1. Learning about local issuesthrough the news; making a poster (50 pts) ; 2. Exploring census data and doing field observations/presenting census data in tables and figures (50 pts) / 100
RESEARCH PAPER COMPONENT
Statement of Proposal / Carefully crafted statement of your research topic, including a question (see rubric for further information) / 20
Outline or Concept Map of Research Paper / Draft with at least 5 sources (complete references) / 20
Draft of Research Paper/Note Cards / Complete draft with at least 30 well-documented note cards and ten sources / 20
Final Research Paper / 7-10 page paper on a topic of your choice using at least ten peer-reviewed of information. It will be graded based on geographical content; effective use of relevant literature; spelling, grammar, and composition; format. You may not change your topic without consultation and only rarely will this be allowed after your statement of proposal has been graded. / 200
Oral Presentation / Well-prepared but brief presentation of your final research / 10
Total / 500
Please note that your instructor may require rewrites of assignments. I am always happy to read revisions of papers you want to rewrite. I am committed to getting work back to you as soon as possible, usually no longer than one week after you hand it in. Please keep all of your graded work.
Grading Scale Based on Percentage of Total. You must receive at least a C- to pass this WP course.
100-95 A 83-80 B-
94-90 A- 79-78 C+
89-88 B+ 77-74 C
87-84 B 73-70 C-
Course Schedule
Week / Topic / Assignments or Activities / Reading(s) and WebsitesWeek 1
Jan. 23, 25, 27 / The Geographical Approach:
· Place
· Location
· Visualization
· Scale
· Observation / Exercises 1 and 2 from handbook in class
Wednesday: “Your Information” Sheet due (see Handbook)
Friday: critique Wood, NRC report / Read National Research Council Report in Readings on Vista
Read chapter from Denis Wood in Readings on Vista
Start reading Zeitoun
Week 2
Jan. 30, Feb. 1, 3 / The Geographical Approach, continued:
· Region
· Environment / Discuss Zeitoun
Exercise 8 from handbook in class: AAG Specialty Groups
Friday work remotely: quick draft of Zeitoun—turn in to professor for review on Vista / Finish Zeitoun
AAG Specialty Groups: http://www.aag.org/cs/membership/specialty_groups
Read King in Readings on Vista
Read Hankins in Readings on Vista
Week 3
Feb. 6, 8, 10 / The Geographical Approach, continued:
· Movement
· Pattern
· Diversity / Monday: Professor turns back draft of Zeitoun paper; discuss
Geography Themes Book Report due Friday. Also submit to Turn It In.
Ex. 10 from handbook in class /
Read Ford in Readings on Vista
Read Helzer in Readings on Vista
Week 4
Feb. 13, 15, 17 / Foundations of research resources
Local data
Making Posters
Using the Internet as a Research Tool / Monday work remotely: Ex. 12 from handbook; submit to Vista (based on Brady reading)
MEET IN LIBRARY on 2/15 and 2/17—locations TBA
Introduction to Online Resources Special Collections and Periodicals
Introduction to posters / Turabian part 13.3, Posters
Turabian Ch. 3,Finding useful sources
Read Brady in Readings on Vista
Week 5
Feb. 20, 22, 24 / Posters
Ethics and research: Human Subjects / Monday: Human subjects discussion
Research Exercise I: A Local Issue (due Friday)
Poster presentations on Wednesday, Friday / View first two Youtube videos on human subjects in research: http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/education/
Consult Turabian Ch. 18, 19 for referencing format
Week 6
Feb. 27, 29, Mar. 1 / Data: Census and other government data / 2010 census
Using census data: Introduction
Critique Allen, others
Friday—work remotely; send draft to Vista / Read Allen in Readings on Vista
Week 7
Mar. 5, 7, 9 / Applying your knowledge
Use of tables and graphs / Monday: Feedback on drafts
Wednesday—work remotely: Post tables and graphs to Vista for online peer review
Friday: Research Exercise II due: Exploring the Census; volunteers for critique / Turabian Ch. 8, Presenting evidence in tables and figures and Ch.26, Tables and figures
Week 8
Mar. 12, 14, 16 / What is a research paper?
Starting your research
Asking a question, taking notes / Statement of Research Proposal due Wednesday, including a question. Post to Vista
Friday: online discussion of proposals / Turabian Ch. 1,What research is, how to think about it; asking questions
Week 9
Spring Break / Professor will send comments on papers to you online over break
Week 10
Mar. 26, 28 (Friday Cesar Chávez Day) / Prewriting /Outlining
Avoiding plagiarism / Monday: Ex. 14 from handbook
Wednesday Ex. 15 from handbook
Note: BOTH these exercises must be done in advance. They are to be handed in on each day noted. Discussion in class. / Turabian Ch. 5, Planning your argument; page 330 for example of outline format See examples of outlines in the handbook
Read the U of Arizona’s document on plagiarism: http://www.library.arizona.edu/help/tutorials/plagiarism/index.html#How
Week 11
April 2, 4, 6 / Collecting and documenting your research
Using note cards
Paraphrasing / Submit outline and 5 sources on Monday
Friday work remotely: Ex. 18 from handbook on paraphrasing / Turabian Ch. 4, Engaging sources
Week 12
April 9, 11, 13 / Format and Documentation / Monday: Ex. 22 in handbook on references
Note: This exercise must be prepared in advance and brought to class / Turabian Ch. 18, 19, Parenthetical citations and references
Be familiar with Turabian Chapters20 and 21 and Appendix: Paper Format and Submissions Turabian
Week 13
April 16, 18, 20 / Writing abstracts
Style / Monday: Ex. 16 from handbook on style, in class
Ex. 21 from handbook, abstracts, in class
Wednesday: Ex. 19 from handbook, freewrite draft in class
Friday—meet individually with students to discuss drafts. Submit complete draft Friday with 30 note cards and ten sources by 5 p.m. / Turabian Ch. 6 and 7, writing a draft
See handbook section on Your Writing Style
See sample abstracts in handbook
Week 14
April 23, 25, 27 /
Exploring internships and careers in geography and planning
/ No class MondayWednesday: Drafts handed back/Discuss feedback
Guest speaker Friday / Careers in Geography AAG website: http://communicate.aag.org/eseries/scriptcontent/custom/giwis/cguide/
Week 15
April 30
May 2, 4 / Doing oral presentations / Ex. 24 from handbook to prepare for your presentation, in class
Volunteer Presentations—for critiques, 2 each day ; guaranteed 10 points: Wednesday, Friday / Turabian Ch. 13.1, 13.2
Week 16
May 7, 9, 11 / Presentations Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Finals Week
Monday, May 14
10-11:50 / Finish presentations
Paper (hard copy) due Wednesday, by 5 p.m.—send digital to Turn It In as well.
What is “Good” Writing?