SYLLABUS

Tulsa Community College, Metro Campus

Spring Semester, 2014

Course – Cultural Geography Geo 1043

Days and Times: online Start and end dates: Oct 13, 2014 – Dec 14, 2014

Course Delivery Method: onlineCourse format: 8 Week

Professor: Emily WhitneyOffice Hours:

Students email me to set up

an appointment time to meet with me if desired.

Office hours can be done in person or via a

virtual environment.Appointments can be arranged by sending me an email.

Mail Correspondence To:

Tulsa Community College, Metro Campus

Science and Mathematics DivisionOffice Email:

909 South Boston Ave.

Tulsa, Ok 74119-2095

TO CONTACT THE DIVISION OFFICE:

Division: Science & Math
Associate Dean: Dr. Connie Hebert
Office: MC 620
Phone: 918-595-7334 / TO CONTACT ACADEMIC & CAMPUS SERVICES:

Director: George Black

Office: MC1008

Phone: 918-595-7154

TO CONTACT DISTANCE LEARNING

Dean: Randy Dominguez, Dean
Office: MP200E
Phone: 918-595-7143

CATALOG DESCRIPTION OF CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY 1043: An introduction to the basic concepts associated with people and their relationships to their physical and cultural environments, with an emphasis on social, economic, and political organization.

COURSE PREREQUISITE: No previous coursework is required for enrollment in this course. However, students must possess adequate computer and Internet skills. STUDENTS MUST BE PROFICIENT IN BLACKBOARD. The professor who teaches this course will not offer technical assistance. Technical requirements and skills are posted on the Tulsa Community College website on the Distance Learning page ( Also, students may call the Distance Learning Office for technical assistance.

NEXT COURSE(S) IN SEQUENCE:Students who wish to continue their education in geography should consider GEO 1014 Physical Geography, GEO 1023 World Geography, GEO 2013 Meterology, GEO 2033 World Regional Geography, GEO 2113 Introduction to Oceanography, GEO 2155 Human Ecology and GEO/GIS 2344 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems.

TEXTBOOK, SOFTWARE, & OTHER RESOURCES:

Required materials:

  1. Title:Human Geography People, Place, and CultureEdition: 10TH

Author: Fouberg, E. H., Murphy, A. B., and deBlij, H. JPublisher: Wiley Publishing

  1. WileyPlus Registration Code: This can be purchased with a new textbook at the bookstore. You can also purchase a code directly from Wiley at

Textbooks and supplies may be purchased:

  1. At the TCC Northeast Campus Bookstore.
  2. On-line through the campus bookstore (
  3. Purchased directly from the publisher or secondary book vender such as Amazon. Some venders have electronic versions of the textbook. Note: the WileyPlus code gives you access to an electronic version of the text. If you don’t want a physical book you can just purchase the WileyPlus access code and read the electronic text through the WileyPlus system.
  4. Used textbooks can be found at . Just remember that you will need a WileyPlus code which may not be available with a used book. Note: buying a used book and a new WileyPlus code may cost you more money than just buying a new book with a WileyPlus code.
  5. Textbooks can be rented. For example, Amazon has this text for rent as an electronic version. Remember that you will need a WileyPlus code which may not be available with an electronic book purchased from a rental site. Note: buying a used book and a new WileyPlus code may cost you more money than just buying a new book with a WileyPlus code.

Required Software: You will need to have an appropriate word processing program for this class. You need to use Microsoft Word 97 or above. Microsoft Works will NOT work. If you do not have Word, please check the Student Resources tab once you have logged into BlackBoard. You can find information on downloading Office 2007 at that site. Note: You can also use Open Office for this class. ( It is free.

Part of this class may involve you viewing streaming video over the Internet. To do this, I recommend that you have the latest version of your browser of choice, a high speed Internet connection (the videos are streamed at 768kbps so your connection should be faster than this.), the latest version of Windows Media Player, and Windows XP or a later version of Windows.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to

  • Describe the characteristics of human population on the Earth’s surface.
  • Explain the distribution and migration of human populations on Earth's surface.
  • Explain the process, patterns, and functions of human settlement.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth’s surface.
  • Appreciate and respect various cultures.
  • Compare the characteristics, distributions, and complexity of Earth’s cultural mosaics.
  • Illustrate through examples how forces of cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control of Earth’s surface.
  • Distinguish between the major religions of the Earth.
  • Describe the major theories of economic development including the Von Thunen model.

TEACHING METHODS: This is an on-line course and materials will be delivered via the Internet. Communication will occur via the student’s TCC email account, BlackBoard Announcements and the Discussion Board.

Please note, an advantage of an on-line internet course is that the course is largely self-paced with the hard deadlines being the due dates for assignments and the final dates to take exams. Relevant material and work must be covered and submitted on time; however, the pace and methods of operation offer great latitude. Consequently, students must exercise immense self-discipline and keep a schedule that does not allow material to “pile up” and produce a situation that overwhelms. Each student is responsible for her/his pace.

WHAT YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND ABOUT INTERNET CLASSES:

  1. Be realistic about the amount of time required to do the coursework
  2. Plan to spend 3 to 5 clock hours per week for every credit hour
  3. Schedule class time just as if you were attending class on-campus
  4. Turn in your work ON TIME. I do not accept late work.
  5. On-line is NOT easier!
  6. Participate actively in the class. This means posting to the discussion board in time for others to read and respond to your thoughts. Take the time to read other people’s postings and respond.
  7. Use e-mail and the discussion boards to communicate often with your instructor and other classmates
  8. Log onto the class at least 3 times a week (every day is best)
  9. Do NOT fall behind in your assignments
  10. ASK for help when you need help

TECHNICAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS: At the very least, students should be comfortable with the following:

  • Using a word processor (changing font, spell check)
  • Using email for communication
  • Sending an email attachment
  • Navigating the Internet and using an Internet search engine

COURSE ORIENTATION:No on-campus orientation is offered for Cultural Geography. An orientation to internet course expectations and procedures is posted on the Distance Learning web site,

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING: This syllabus constitutes the procedures and rules of the course. By remaining enrolled in this course, the student is tacitly agreeing to accept the procedures and rules outlined in this document. If any of these procedures and rules are not acceptable to the student, the student is responsible for withdrawing from the course.

EVALUATION TECHNIQUES: The grading scale for the course and for the exams is

A = 90 – 100

B = 80 – 89

C = 70 – 79

D = 60 – 69

F = 0 – 59

The course is divided into four Modules.

Module 1: Introduction to Geography, Patterns of Population & Migration

Module 2: Patterns of Diversity and Unity

Module 3: Functional Landscapes

Module 4: The Economic Landscape

Each module has its own exam andassignments or quizzes. Grades will be based upon the completion of assignments, exams, quizzes, and discussion board participation. See the Tentative Course Calendar and Due Dates section below for details on specific assignments and exams.

The total number of points a student may earn in this course is 839.

To determine your score, take the total points you have earned, divide by the total possible points and multiply that answer by 100.

NOTE: I generally do not assign extra credit assignments or points. If you feel like you are not earning the grade that you desire I suggest that you make an appointment to see me in my office as soon as possible.

TESTING: All exams are to be administered electronically via BlackBoard at the Metro, Northeast, or West TCC Campus Testing Centers in a proctored environment!Tests will not be administered at the Southeast Testing Center at TCC! This means that you will need to travel to an approved testing facility. If traveling to a proctored location causes you hardship you should withdraw from the course. Students will be asked to present their TCC ID card.

Students who do not live in the Tulsa area and cannot test on campus MUST TAKE THEIR TEST AT A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY WITH A DESIGNATED TESTING CENTER. The testing center of choice MUST BE PROVIDED TO THE INSTRUCTOR DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF THE SEMESTER. TESTING CENTER APPROVAL OR REJECTION IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE PROFESSOR. You can find an approved testing center at

TCC Testing Center hours can be found online at Please note that the different TCC Testing Centers have different operating hours.

Students must be certain to arrive at the testing center early enough to allow enough time to complete their exams before the Testing Center closes. Students who are still working on their exams, at the Testing Center closing time, will be asked to surrender their exams regardless of whether the exams are completed or not.

Each exam must be taken during its scheduled days.

All students have the opportunity to make up 1 missed exam except the final exam. You will just need to email me the day you plan to take the exam and which campus you will be taking it at. You need to provide 1 week notice of what day and campus you plan to take an exam you missed. The make up of the missed exam needs to be completed before December 6th. Remember the final is not allowed to be made up. You will need to call and double check on times each testing center is open.

EXAM SCHEDULE: Exams will be given during the following times and cover the following material:

EXAM 1: 10/20 – 10/25– Chapters 1 through 3

EXAM 2: 11/3 – 11/8 - Chapters 4, 5 & 7

EXAM 3: 11/17 – 11/22– Chapters 8, 9 & 14

EXAM 4: 12/8 – 12/13 – Chapters 10, 11 & 12

ASSIGNMENTS:Each module has a variety of assignments associated with it. Instructions for each of the assignments are given within the appropriate module. Some of these assignments will require you to make use of WileyPlus. See the section on WileyPlus below for more information on it.

Assignments must be completed and submitted to the instructor on time. No late assignments will be accepted unless arrangements are made with the professor. Submit the assignments to the Assignment Link found in the associated module. You will know that your assignment has been submitted when you see the ! symbol in the Gradebook. If you do not see that symbol you have not turned in your assignment. It is the student’s responsibility for knowing whether or not his/her assignments have been turned in on time.

DO NOT SUBMIT ASSIGMENTS TO THE PROFESSOR’S E-MAIL. DO NOT SUMIT HARD COPIES OF THE ASSIGNMENTS. Assignments submitted to my email or as hard copies will be graded as a zero (0).

SHORT ESSAY ASSIGNMENTS--Answers to the short essay questions should be at least 300 words. To receive full credit for the short essays, proper grammar and correct spelling are required. There are a variety of resources (see the Learning Support Services section below) that students can take advantage of BEFORE they turn in their essays.

A grading rubric for the short essay can be located under the COURSE DOCUMENTS section of BlackBoard. It is recommended that you view this document before writing your essay.

DISCUSSION BOARD QUESTIONS: These questions appear under the DISCUSSION BOARD section of BlackBoard. Interactions with other course members will depend on students keeping abreast of the discussions.

Each student is expected to regularly read and respond to other student’s postings. Points will be taken off when posts are minimal in content and timing. Because the discussion board is meant to be interactive, those students who submit only one response to a discussion board will only be able to earn a fraction of the possible points at the most. In addition, students submitting multiple postings to the discussion board made within the last few days before the deadline can also lose a significant number of points.The discussion board grade is based on having posted a response, evidence of having read material, and application of thought. For full credit discussion board posts must be made throughout the posting period. Students will not receive full credit for posts made all at one time (i.e., all on one day).

A grading rubric for the discussion boards can be located under the COURSE DOCUMENTS section of BlackBoard. It is recommended that you view this document during the first week of class.

Please note that while I read each and every discussion board, I, for the most part, do not actively participate in the discussion board. The primary reason for this is because I do not want students to think there is a ‘right’ answer when posting to the discussion board. I will make a post if I think that it will add some value to the discussion or spur additional discussions.

WILEYPLUS: Some of your assignments require you to use WileyPlus.WileyPLUS is an online teaching and learning environment provided by the publisher. In WileyPlus you can access…

+ The complete online textbook!+ Instant Feedback!

+ Extra study aids!+ Track your own progress!

+ 24/7 accessibility!+ Much, much, more…

You will need a registration code to access WileyPLUS. New, printed textbooks should contain a WileyPlus access code. DO NOT THROW THE CODE AWAY! Once you purchase your WileyPLUS registration code, you will need to register for WileyPLUS:

  1. COPY AND PASTE the specific Class Section URL listed below into your browser.

Class Section Name / Class Section URL
Cultural Geography Section 192 / Check back for the URL
  1. Copy and paste the specific Class Section URL listed below into your browser.
  2. Check that the section matches the section you are enrolled in.
  3. Click the REGISTER button to start.
  4. Need help registering?

WileyPLUS Help

LOGIN:

LIVE CHAT! Technical Support:

Additional Resources:

LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND MAKE-UP WORK: No late work will be accepted unless arrangements are made with the professor prior to the deadline. Submissions to the discussion board after the deadline will not be considered when grading.

Students are given multiple days to take each exam. Exams are to be taken during the scheduled time. If a SERIOUS problem arises to prevent an exam being taken at the scheduled time, the professor will consider whether or not to allow a make-up exam. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL MORE THAN ONE MAKE-UP EXAM BE ALLOWED DURING THE SEMESTER. Students are responsible for contacting the professor to receive permission to take a make-up exam, and it must be done within the 7 days following the first date of the scheduled exam period. A student who fails to notify the instructor within the 7 day period will not be allowed to make up the missed exam. No make-up is allowed for the final (last exam) unless special arrangements have been made prior to the final testing period.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance (regular participation in the online classroom) is essential for maintaining the best learning environment. Learning occurs in relationship not only between student and course materials, but, just as importantly, peer to peer, professor to student, and student to professor. Attendance is determined by completed work.

As a student in an online course, you may gain access to this course as frequently as you want and at any time. You are expected to log on to the course site 2-3 times per week.

Part of your grade is determined from your participation in a discussion board. A topic will be given and it is expected that each student post his/her thoughts on the topic. In addition, each student is expected to regularly read and respond to other student’s postings. Points will be taken off when posts are minimal in content and timing. A grading rubric for discussion board postings can be found under Course Documents in BlackBoard. Student’s should review this document prior to positing to the discussion board.For full credit discussion board posts must be made throughout the posting period. Students will not receive full credit for posts made all at one time (i.e., all on one day).

COURSE WITHDRAWAL:The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the duration of any class. Contact the Counseling Office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal from a course ('W' grade) or to change from Credit to Audit. Check the TCC Academic Calendar for the deadline that applies to the course(s). Begin the process with a discussion with the faculty member assigned to the course. Contact the Advisement Office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal from a course ('W' grade) or to change from Credit to Audit. Withdrawal and/or change to an audit from a course after the drop/add period can alter the financial aid award for the current and future semesters. Students may receive an outstanding bill from TCC if the recalculation leaves a balance due to TCC. Students who stop participating in the course and fail to withdraw may receive a course grade of “F,” which may have financial aid consequences for the student.