Explore Geography: Spring 2023 Course Syllabus Overview
School
University of Missouri, St. Louis**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
GEOG 1001
Subject
Geography
Date
Dec 11, 2024
Pages
12
Uploaded by jcstraulin
Geography 1001-001 Syllabus, Spring 2023: Introduction to Geography UMSL Geography 1001-001: Introduction to Geography Spring 2023 Syllabus, p. 1 A. Janicke & Co, Our City(1859; orig. in Library of Congress) UMSL Geography 1001-001 (12778), Spring 2023 Introduction to Geography Online: 17 January to 13 May 2023“I am obliged to record the things I am told, but I am certainly not required to believe them …”Herodotus (425 BCE) “Live as if you are to die tomorrow, study as if you were to live forever.”Desiderius Erasmus (1508) “It is universally admitted that a well-instructed people alone can be permanently a free people ...”James Madison (1818) “It is the trained, living human soul, cultivated and strengthened by long study and thought, that breathes the real breath of life into boys and girls and makes them human, whether they be black or white, Greek, Russian or American.”W. E. B. Du Bois (1903) “Buck up; never say die. We’ll get along.”The Tramp (1936) “Do or do not. There is no try.”Yoda (1984) “You will also find that help will always be given at UMSL to those who ask for it.”Dumbledore (1999) “I’m the Doctor. Do everything I tell you, don’task stupid questions, and don’t wander off.”The Eleventh Doctor (2010) Welcome to Geography 1001-001: Introduction to Geography! Welcome to Geography 1001, the introductory geographic survey at the University of Missouri—St. Louis. Over the course of this semester, we will examine the various facets of geography, using the methods and skills to study physical, population, cultural, human interaction, political, economic, urban, natural resource, and environmental geography, all through a social scientific focus. More than six hundred years ago, the world became a much more global and connected place. Revolutionary developments in travel and communications meant that peasants in Poland could dream about a new life in New Spain (Mexico) or Cathay (Japan). However, for most people, those dreams would remain just that: dreams. Most simply did not have the resources necessary to make such journeys possible. Yet these early modern voyagers found a way to understand the world and travel within it while never leaving their humble circumstances. By obtaining and reading (or being read to) travel literature, ordinary people could have extraordinary adventures, if only in the mind and through the experiences of others. We will seek to emulate their actions in this class, undertaking our own metaphysical journeys across the earth, discussing and debating the concepts that define its geography. Using all of our available resources, by the end of the semester you will have achieved a basic level of fluency in subfields of geography and will be ready to undertake a more detailed study if you choose. Our special project focus this semester is the relationship between geography and climate change.
Geography 1001-001 Syllabus, Spring 2023: Introduction to Geography UMSL Geography 1001-001: Introduction to Geography Spring 2023 Syllabus, p. 2 Name: Dr. Ian J Aebel Course Meetings: Online Phone/FaceTime: (314) 546-5044 Email: aebeli@umsl.edu (This is the best way to get in contact) Skype: iaebel Campus Office: Tower 603 (I am only here on very rare occasions) Campus Office Hours: By Appointment Virtual Office Hours: By Appointment, M-F, 8 am to 6 pmBiography.I teach Geography courses for the Department of Economics at UMSL and have been a member of the department since the Spring 2017 semester. Since 2003, I have been traveling around the world teaching, researching, writing, and presenting the geography and history of empire building in the Americas. I earned a Ph.D. in History at the University of New Hampshire, along with an M.A. in History and an M.S.T. in College Teaching. I also earned an M.A. in History at Southern Illinois University—Edwardsville, and a B.A. in History at Blackburn College. This is the beginning of my 20thyear teaching in both classroom and online settings—I have taught at Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville, the University of New Hampshire (Durham and Manchester campuses), Fontbonne University, Granite State College, Moberly Area Community College, Virginia State University, Texas A&M University—Kingsville, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St Louis, Webster University, Harris-Stowe State University, Saint Charles Community College, Southern New Hampshire University, and the University of Missouri—Saint Louis. I've also led courses behind bars at the Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Corrections Center in Vandalia, Missouri. I have taught more than 50 online courses using a variety of Learning Management Systems (including Canvas!), and have completed online certification and training courses at Texas A&M University—Kingsville and the University of Missouri—St. Louis. Outside of the academic world, I am an accountant for an UMSL educated CPA! Teaching Philosophy.My courses are designed to develop academic and professional skills in my students in addition to the knowledge imparted by my class. I teach with active learning in mind, and each class session challenges students to choose their own learning path. At the University of New Hampshire, I received an M.S.T. in College Teaching in conjunction with my Ph.D. My research focus was creating learning environments and facilitating discussion. I continue to stay abreast of the literature of teaching and learning, while working to ensure that my courses bring the most updated information and methodology to my students. I utilize multi-media presentations, thorough discussion, primary source analysis, and formal and informal writing opportunities in my classes. I view each moment in the classroom, physical and virtual, as a learning opportunity, and my courses devise strategies to carry the lessons of the day beyond our allotted time together. I am invested in my students’ success andwork to do everything in my power to help them accomplish their goals. It is my aim in every course to help my students become better readers, thinkers, researchers, writers, and global citizens.Above all, I believe classes should be designed to enhance student learning. Each student learns in different ways, and in order to foster success in the classroom, information is delivered using a multitude of different methods. With careful planning, the same material can be conveyed appealing to many of the students’ senses.Students are not forced to adapt to my methods; on the contrary, I believe I am responsible for student learning and should do everything in my power to facilitate the process. I believe that because teaching is an essential component of being an academic citizen, I must be an active scholar in student learning. I continuously seek out ways to improve, consulting academic literature, student evaluations, and classroom assessment results. My courses are designed with both the students’ needs and the goals for learning in mind, and are not so rigidly formatted that change cannot be accommodated when needed. Students are given every opportunity possible to succeed in a learning environment free from both discrimination and harassment. I teach with both confidence and humility, respecting and listening to the students’ voices in making each semester a success for everyone involved. I am a professor that values my students as much as I value the material I am teaching them.Course Description: Geography 1001. (3)An introduction to geography as a social science. The identification and explanation of order in the human landscape. A survey of the social, political, economic, and psychological factors which influence geographic patterns, along with an introduction to the study of geography through the use of Geography Information System (GIS) software.
Geography 1001-001 Syllabus, Spring 2023: Introduction to Geography UMSL Geography 1001-001: Introduction to Geography Spring 2023 Syllabus, p. 3 Goals of the Course.Over the span of the semester, you will work to achieve the following goals:1.Geographic Memory:Students will define the major framework of geographic knowledge, relating and recalling the facts, terms, concepts, and answers of Geography through readings, quizzes, examination, and discussion. 2.Global Comprehension:Students will demonstrate understanding of the facts and ideas of Geography by organizing, comparing, translating, interpreting, giving descriptions, and stating main ideas in readings, quizzes, examination, and discussion. 3.Cultural Application:Students will solve and confront issues within Geography by applying acquired knowledge, facts, techniques, and rules in various ways in readings, discussion, examinations, and essays. 4.Spatial Analysis:Students will examine and deconstruct world regional issues by identifying local, national, and multinational motives and causes, making inferences and finding evidence to support generalizations in readings, discussion, examination, essays, and GIS analysis. 5.Regional Evaluation: Students will present and defend opinions on geographic issues by making judgments about information, the validity of ideas, and the quality of work based on rubrics in discussion and essays. 6.Project Management & Creation:Students will compile information together using varying methodologies by combining elements in a new pattern or proposing alternative solutions, as well as shepherding a project from start to finish in the essays. The course knowledge basis was created using the following National Standards of Geographic Knowledge: The World in Spatial Terms 1.Students will learn how to use maps and other geographic representations, geospatial technologies, and spatial thinking to understand and communicate information. 2.Students will learn how to use mental maps to organize information about people, places, and environments in a spatial context. 3.Students will learn how to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and environments on Earth's surface. Places & Regions 4.Students will learn about the physical and human characteristics of places. 5.Students will learn that people create regions to interpret Earth's complexity. 6.Students will learn how culture and experience influence people's perceptions of places and regions. Physical Systems 7.Students will learn the physical processes that shape the patterns of Earth's surface. 8.Students will learn about the characteristics and spatial distribution of ecosystems and biomes on Earth's surface. Human Systems 9.Students will learn the characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations on Earth's surface. 10.Students will learn about the characteristics, distribution, and complexity of Earth's cultural mosaics. 11.Students will learn the patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth's surface. 12.Students will learn the processes, patterns, and functions of human settlement. 13.Students will learn how the forces of cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control of Earth's surface.
Geography 1001-001 Syllabus, Spring 2023: Introduction to Geography UMSL Geography 1001-001: Introduction to Geography Spring 2023 Syllabus, p. 4 Environment & Society 14.Students will learn how human actions modify the physical environment. 15.Students will learn how physical systems affect human systems. 16.Students will learn about the changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources. The Uses of Geography 17.Students will learn how to apply geography to interpret the past. 18.Students will learn how to apply geography to interpret the present and plan for the future. Accreditation.The Course Objectives, Goals, & Learning Outcomes utilizes standards set in place by the Geography Education National Implementation Project, founded in 1985 by the American Association of Geographers, American Geographical Society, National Council for Geographic Education, and the National Geographic Society. http://nationalgeographic.org/standards/national-geography-standards/ General Education.This course meets 3 credit hours of the General Education requirement in Social Sciences, focusing on the following general education goals: writing, communication, and information literacy. General Education Goal How GEOG 1001 Meets the Goal How the Goal is Assessed Writing Informal & Formal Writing Assignments Participation, Quizzes, Essays, Examination Communication Discussion Participation, Essays Information Literacy Research Readings, Essays Required Texts. 1.John Rennie Short, Human Geography: A Short Introduction, Second Edition (New York: Oxford University Press, 2018). ISBN: 978-0-190-67983-5. (In schedule as Short) 2.Beth Davies and Nichole Reynolds, eds., The Most Important Comic Book on Earth: Stories to Save the World(New York: DK Publishing, 2021). ISBN: 978-0-744-04282-5. (In schedule as Davies) 3.Dan Hooke, Climate Emergency Atlas(New York: DK Publishing, 2020). ISBN: 978-0-744-02183-7. (In schedule as Hooke) 4.Philippe Squarzoni, Climate Changed: A Personal Journey Through the Science, trans. by Ivanka Hahnenberger (New York: Abrams ComicArts, 2014). ISBN: 978-1-419-71255-5. (In schedule as Squarzoni)Optional Text. 1.Joan He, The Ones We’re Meant to Find(New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2021). ISBN: 978-1-250-25856-4. (In schedule as He)Instructional Technology. You can expect to use Canvas, Google Toolbox, Google Earth and Maps, MS Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat and Flash, an Internet Browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, MindTapfrom Cengage, and the computer you use on a daily basis in this course. You will also progress through an online GIS module this term. Instructional Strategies.Our learning this semester will be facilitated through a series of online class meetings, print readings, individual research, and formal and informal graded assignments. Our modules will take the form of a conversation, where I will present information to you and we will discuss it in conjunction with outside readings on Canvas discussion boards. There will be a variety of supplemental materials available to you on the Canvas course site. You can expect to encounter images, maps, texts, music, and films during most modules. If at any point during the semester you feel as though you might be struggling, I will be available to offer you assistance and direct you towards applicable university resources.
Geography 1001-001 Syllabus, Spring 2023: Introduction to Geography UMSL Geography 1001-001: Introduction to Geography Spring 2023 Syllabus, p. 5 Communication Strategies.You may reach me via email, phone, and Skype over the course of the semester. It is best to contact me by email. Use phone only in emergency situations, and then leave a message and I will contact you as soon as possible. I respond to messages within 24 hours during weekdays, and will typically not respond to email after 6 pm and on weekends. I am available for campus meetings by appointment only.How to Succeed in This Course. In order to earn the best possible grade in Geography 1001, it is important that you login to the course on a daily basis, complete all of the readings, finish all of the assignments on time, and contact me if there are any problems. For a truly exceptional semester, I suggest that you to ask for help when needed, ask me for letters of recommendation, ask questions and share answers, be honest, nice, and stick to a schedule, check your email, login to Canvas every day, explore what you are interested in, find ways to complete your work, get the most out of the class, have a successful term in all of your classes, keep Horcruxes (distractions and stress) manageable, laugh and smile frequently, learn a lot, love to read and write, make friends with your classmates and take notes on your readings, read the syllabus, remember why you are here, respect the class and your classmates, save your work frequently, see me during my office hours when needed, set achievable goals, stay in touch, stay sober and substance free during your class time, suggest improvements, turn in your assignments on time (25% flat penalty for late work), learn how to use Canvas, and utilize every digital tool at your disposal. Geography 1001 Grade Scale Letter Grade Description Percentage Points A Superior Work in the Opinion of the Instructor 100% - 93.5% 2000.00+ –1870.00A- 93.49% - 89.5% 1869.99–1790.00Geography 1001 Assessment Participation •Course Calibration (25 points) •Syllabus Quiz (30 points) •Discussion 00: Getting to Know You (25 points) •Affirmations (120 points) (9 x 15 points each; drop lowest score) 200 points (10%) Discussion •Discussions (600 points) (15 x 50 points each; drop lowest 3 scores) 600 points (30%) Writing & Tools •Travelography (25 points) •GIS Project (75 points) •Reading Response Papers (150 points) (4 x 50 points each; drop your lowest score) •Climate Change Essay (360 points—multi-part assignment) 600 points (30%) Examination •GIS Quiz (40 points) •Map & Textbook Quizzes (360 points) (10 x 40 points each; drop lowest 2 scores—1 map quiz, 1 textbook quiz) •Final Exam (200points) 600 points (30%) Extra Credit •Extra Credit Election (20 points) •Local Geography Project (50 points) •GIS Project (50 points) •Reading Project (50 points) •Discussion Bonus (20 points) •Quiz Bonus (20 points) •Participation Bonus (20 points) •Assignment Bonus (20 points) 250 points extra credit (15%) Total 2000 points (100%)
Geography 1001-001 Syllabus, Spring 2023: Introduction to Geography UMSL Geography 1001-001: Introduction to Geography Spring 2023 Syllabus, p. 6 B+ Good Work in the Opinion of the Instructor 89.49% - 86.5% 1789.99 –1730.00B 86.49% - 83.5% 1729.99 –1670.00 B- 83.49% - 79.5% 1669.99 –1590.00 C+ Satisfactory Work in the Opinion of the Instructor 79.49% - 76.5% 1589.99 –1530.00 C 76.49% - 73.5% 1529.99 –1470.00 C- 73.49% - 69.5% 1469.99 –1390.00 D+ Passing, But Less Than Satisfactory Work in the Opinion of the Instructor. 69.49% - 66.5% 1389.99 –1330.00 D 66.49% - 63.5% 1329.99 –1270.00 D- 63.49% - 59.5% 1269.99 –1190.00 F Unsatisfactory Work in the Opinion of the Instructor; No Credit is Granted. 59.49% - 0% 1189.99 –0.00 I assess work on a weekly basis (typically several times per week following assignment deadlines). I typically will not assess work on the weekends, holidays, or after 6 pm. Late assignments (25% penalty) will usually be assessed no later than 1 week following submission. I do not round up final point totals as they are already rounded up in the calculations above. It is your responsibility to monitor your progress in this class.If you believe you deserve a higher grade than you have been given credit for on an individual assignment, you may challenge your grade and I will reassess your assignment. Please be aware that a reassessed assignment’s grade may be raised, lowered, or stay the same.Grading Scale.The UMSL Grading System is based on a four-point scale. The grade value for each letter grade is as follows: A = 4.0 A-= 3.7 B+ = 3.3 B = 3.0 B- = 2.7 C+ = 2.3 C = 2. 0 C- = 1.7 D+ = 1.3 D = 1.0 D- = 0.7 F = 0 EX = Excused DL = Delayed FN = Failure/Non ParticipationStudents who fail to withdraw but cease attending class with a failing grade will receive an FN (Failure/Non Participation) Grade. Document Submission: All formally submitted written assignments in Geography 1001 must be turn in as a .doc, .docx, or .pdf file (please read the directions carefully for each assignment for details). You will be unable to submit your assignments in any other format, and I will not assess work that is pasted in the comment box on the submission screen. If you use a document editing program that saves your work in a different format, please convert the work to a .pdf format prior to submitting in order to save time and frustration.
Syllabus: Geography 1002-001, Spring 2023--World Regions (Online) UMSL Geography 1002-001: World Regions Spring 2023 Syllabus, p. 7 Course Outline & Schedule The following schedule may change as circumstances warrant at the discretion of the professor. See the assignment page in Canvas for specific deadline dates. Module 0: Introduction to Geography 1001. 17 to 29 January 2023 Start with these assignments to get acquainted with the course. You will be completing Module 0 in concert with portions of Module 1 & Module 2. Readings •De Blij, “Why Geography Matters … More than Ever” (Online)Deadlines •Course Calibration (25 points) •Syllabus Quiz (30 points) •Discussion 0 (25 points) •Travelography (25 points) •Extra Credit Election (20 points extra credit) •Affirmation 0 (15 points) Module 1: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 17 to 22 January 2023 Readings •Squarzoni, pp. 1-136 •Jebur, “Uses and Applications of Geographic Information Systems”•Cunfer, “Scaling the Dust Bowl”•Web Based Readings & Videos Deadlines •Discussion 1 (50 points) •GIS Quiz (40 points) •GIS Project: Mapping Climate Change (75 points) •Affirmation 1 (15 points) Module 2: Context & Population. 23 January to 12 February 2023 Readings •Short, Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 •Squarzoni, pp. 137-382 •Hooke, pp. 1-21 Deadlines •Discussions 2, 3, & 4 (150 points) •Textbook Quiz 1 & Map Quiz 1 (80 points) •Reading Response 1 (40 points) •Affirmation 2 (15 points) Module 3: Economy. 13 to 26 February 2023 Readings •Short, Chapters 7 & 8 •Squarzoni, pp. 383-475 •Davies, pp. 1-113 •Hooke, pp. 22-43 Deadlines •Discussions 5 & 6 (100 points) •Textbook Quiz 2 & Map Quiz 2 (80 points) •Reading Response 2 (40 points) •Affirmation 3 (15 points)
Syllabus: Geography 1002-001, Spring 2023--World Regions (Online) UMSL Geography 1002-001: World Regions Spring 2023 Syllabus, p. 8 Module 4: Culture. 27 February to 19 March 2023 Readings •Short, Chapters 9, 10, & 11 •Davies, pp. 114-352 •Hooke, pp. 44-67 Deadlines •Discussions 7, 8, & 9 (150 points) •Textbook Quiz 3 & Map Quiz 3 (80 points) •Reading Response 3 & 4 (80 points) •Climate Change Essay Proposal (40 points) •Affirmation 4 (15 points) Module 5: Globalization. 20 March to 9 April 2023 Please note that Spring Break is from 25 March @ 5 pm to 3 April @ 8 am. No assignments are scheduled during this period but you are welcome to continue working on the course if you choose. 😊Readings •Short, Chapters 12 & 13 •Hooke, pp. 67 to 98 Deadlines •Discussions 10 & 11 (100 points) •Textbook Quiz 4 & Map Quiz 4 (80 points) •Climate Change Essay Main Body Paragraph 1 & 2 (80 points) •Affirmation 5 (15 points) Module 6: Politics. 10 to 23 April 2023 Readings •Short, Chapters 14 & 15 Deadlines •Discussions 12 & 13 (100 points) •Textbook Quiz 5 (40 points) •Climate Change Essay Main Body Paragraph 3 (40 points) •Affirmation 6 (15 points) Module 7: Cities. 24 April to 6 May 2023 (Important Note: Modules 1 through 7 will expire on 6 May 2023) Readings •Short, Chapters 16, 17, & 18 Deadlines •Discussions 14 & 15 (100 points) •Textbook Quiz 6 (40 points) •Climate Change Essay Rough Draft (75 points) •Extra Credit Projects: Local Geography Project & Reading Project (100 points extra credit) •Affirmation 7 (15 points) Module 8: Finals. 7 to 13 May 2023 Deadlines •Climate Change Essay Final Draft (125 points) •Final Exam (200 points) •Affirmation 8 (15 points)
Syllabus: Geography 1002-001, Spring 2023--World Regions (Online) UMSL Geography 1002-001: World Regions Spring 2023 Syllabus, p. 9 Course Policies & Resources.You will find a variety of UMSL polices and resources below, as well as some of my own. Please make sure to follow these policies, and ask questions if you have any concerns or confusion about them. Academic Honesty Policy (Aebel). Honesty is one of the most important values in society today. Read through the daily news and you'll find numerous instances of trouble caused by dishonesty. Indeed, just a few years ago a politician was forced to resign from Congress because of his dishonesty. The old adage "honesty is the best policy" has never been more true; while dishonesty may carry short-term benefits, the lie is almost always found out and the consequences for the lie are usually severe. Indeed, I believe many of the world's problems would be solved if people were simply honest with each other. Academic honesty is a core value at UMSL, and it is of the utmost importance in my courses. The Internet has raised the temptation level on cheating to unprecedented levels. When you are taking this class, no one will be looking over your shoulder to see whether you are cheating or not while you are completing many of your assignments. It might be easy, for example, to make an online detour to see what the collective wisdom of humanity might say about a subject on a nameless website and requisition that material for your assignment. However, while you might think it is an innocent diversion or something your professor will never find out about, the opposite is nearly always true. If you plagiarize or cheat in this class (including copying material from your classmates and turning it in as your own), regardless of how small the infraction might be, you will receive 0 credit for the assignment, you may fail the course, and a letter will be sent to the academic dean detailing your dishonesty. This may result in your expulsion from UMSL. Plagiarism is the act of stealing ideas from another source and claiming them as your own. This may be something as blatant as copying and pasting words from the Internet or as innocuous as paraphrasing your textbook without a citation. When in doubt, ALWAYS cite your source! I have never marked a student down for having too many footnotes. I define cheating in this class as utilizing outside information (without citation) or support for class assignments. This means that all the work you complete in this class should be your own and not someone else’s.It is okay to study with your classmates; however, using “group think” to complete assignments is not acceptable. Please note that getting UMSL support for your assignments is both approved and recommended, as I always encourage getting as much help as you can with your writing. So how do you avoid plagiarism or cheating? Always cite your source if you have the slightest doubt the idea is uniquely yours. Make sure all of your sources are course related sources. Put quotation marks around material you directly take from another source. If you are paraphrasing, close your source before the paraphrase begins and cite your source at the end. Finally, make sure most of your work is analysis and interpretation rather than a recitation of facts. If you are explaining what YOU think evidence means, you can be certain the ideas are coming from your own mind. Academic Honesty Policy (UMSL).You are responsible for being attentive to and observant of University policies about academic honesty as stated in the University’s Campus Policies and Procedures in the Triton Manual (p. 30). Academic dishonesty is a serious offense that may lead to probation, suspension, or dismissal from the University. One form of academic dishonesty is plagiarism –the use of an author's ideas, statements, or approaches without crediting the source. Academic dishonesty also includes such acts as cheating by using any unauthorized sources of information and providing or receiving unauthorized assistance on any form of academic work or engaging in any behavior specifically prohibited by the faculty member (e.g., copying someone else’s answers on tests and quizzes). Unauthorized possession or distribution of academic materials is another type of academic misconduct. It includes the unauthorized use, selling or purchasing of examinations or other academic work, using or stealing another student’s work, unauthorized entry or use of material in a computer file, and using information from or possessing exams that an instructor did not authorize for release to students. Falsification is any untruth, either verbal or written, in one’s academic work. Facilitation is knowingly assisting another to commit an act of academic misconduct. Plagiarism, cheating, and falsification are not acceptable.All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Academic Affairs who will determine whether you will appear before the Student Conduct Committee for possible administrative sanctions such as dismissal from the university. The instructor will make an academic judgment about the student’s grade on that work in this course. The campus process regarding academic dishonesty is described in the “Policies” section of the Academic Affairs website. Plagiarism is the use of another person’s words or ideas without crediting that person. Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated and may lead to failure on an assignment, in the class, and dismissal from the University, per the UMSL academic dishonesty policy. Students are responsible for being attentive to and observant of campus policies about academic honesty as stated in the University’s Student Conduct Code. To avoid accusations of academic dishonesty, please submit all written work to the Turnitin System before finalizing what you submit for evaluation. Check information about The Writing Center @UMSL that is linked to Canvas Home. Access, Disability and Communication. Your academic success is important. If you have a documented disability that may have an impact upon your work in this class, please contact Disability Access Services (DAS) immediately. Students must provide documentation of their disability to the office of Disability Access Services in order to receive official University services and accommodations. The staff is available to answer questions regarding accommodations or assist you in your pursuit of accommodations. Information about your disability is confidential. Once DAS reviews your medical documentation, they will provide you with the information and steps to inform me about the accommodations to which you are entitled. Your accommodations will begin as soon as we discuss your approved accommodations. 144 Millennium Student Center. Phone: (314) 516-6554.EmailWebsiteAssignments.Submitted work should conform to the associated assignment sheets and grade rubrics. Attendance & participation.Class attendance and participation is essential for success. Presentin class for online courses is determined by participation in an “academically related activity,” i.e. submission of an assignment, assessment or discussion forum posting. The last day of attendance is the last day a student is academically participating in the online course. Documentation that a student has logged into an online class is not sufficient by itself to demonstrate academic attendance. Canvas. If you have problems logging into your online course, or an issue within the course site, please contact the Technology Support Center: Phone: (314) 516-6034. Email Website If you are having difficulty with a technology tool in Canvas, consider visiting the Canvas Student Guides, which has overviews of each tool and tutorials on how to use them. Citation.Feel free to cite your sources using the citation method you are most comfortable with. As long as you cite your sources, I will be happy! Communication. The Internet and text messaging have changed the way we communicate with each other in our classes at UMSL and in our society. Communications have become more informal in our day-to-day lives, and this has transferred to our academic lives as well. My goal in this section is to help you learn how to communicate more effectively with your professor, and by proxy, in the real world. There are a number of different ways to reach me in this class. The best way is via email. UMSL provides me with an email account, aebeli@umsl.edu, and you can use this address to reach me through Canvas or your email program. I will send a variety of emails to you this semester through Canvas and it is your responsibility to make sure you know how to use the system and check it frequently. It is relatively easy to set up your UMSL email on your smartphone, so please make sure to do so as soon as possible. You can also reach me at my personal email address, ijaebel@gmail.com. I will respond to all email messages within 24 hours, except those sent to me on Saturday and Sunday or UMSL holidays; those will receive a reply the following Monday or next business day. You can also reach me by phone at 314-546-5044. I have a voicemail activated on this line so you can leave a message, but pleased be warned that email is the best way to reach me. On a final note, it is important to be courteous and professional when sending your messages and emails. All communications should begin with a salutation, such as “Dear,” and you should address me as “Professor Aebel” or “Dr. Aebel.” You should also conclude your email with a salutation and signature such as “Sincerely, Your Name.” Try to be polite and make sure that you state your point clearly. It is always difficult to discern a person’s intent in an electronic setting, but you should always think about what you write in an electronic setting. A key maxim for the Internet is, “When in doubt, DON’T HIT SEND!” Always think how you might react if you received the same email you are sending. Delayed Grades.UMSL does not have an incomplete grade system. I only grant delayed grades for students who have demonstrated a willingness to excel in the course but due to exceptional circumstances (ie., long-term hospitalization, child birth, legal difficulties, etc.) have been unable to complete the required work to pass the class. Students wishing to be considered for a delayed grade must submit a request explaining why they deserve the opportunity to complete the class in extra
Geography 1001-001 Syllabus, Spring 2023: Introduction to Geography UMSL Geography 1001-001: Introduction to Geography Spring 2023 Syllabus, p. 10 time along with a plan to complete the remainder of the work in a reasonable amount of time (typically, no later than a month after the final exam date).Digital Devices. Computers can be fickle creatures; one day they can work smoothly, and the next day they can refuse to start. It is your responsibility to make sure your computer is in good working order; computer and/or Internet problems are NOT valid excuses for late work. It is highly recommended that you create and save backup files to a CD, flash drive, or other electronic storage device for every piece of work you complete for this class. Saving duplicate copies of your work to an external source will ensure that a computer tragedy will not erase your hard work.Disability Access Services.Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations is requested to speak with me during the first two weeks of class. All discussions will remain confidential. Students with disabilities should also contact Disability Access Services in 144 Millennium Student Center. Emergencies.All members of the UMSL community are encouraged to register their home, cell, and office phone numbers to receive notification of any pending danger on campus. Find instructions here: UMSL Safety Instructions . In the event of an emergency on campus, call Campus Police at 314.516.5155. A call to 911 on a cell phone only, will go to the St. Louis County Police. The St. Louis County Police will notify UMSL Police, but this may cause a delay in response. Campus Police know the best way to escort emergency vehicles to locations on campus. If you do not feel comfortable walking to a parking lot, MetroLink stop, or anywhere else on campus, contact the Campus Police for an escort: 314.516.5155. Feedback. I have designed this class to give you the best possible learning experience while understanding that each of you must balance this course with your other educational and life responsibilities. Thus, my goal is to create a challenging curriculum that does not overwhelm the rest of your life. I always welcome constructive criticism to make this course better. At the end of the semester, you will have the opportunity to give feedback in a formal course evaluation. However, if you have an idea during the semester that would benefit the entire class, I encourage you to discuss it with me if you are comfortable doing so. I am always willing to make changes if they benefit the learning environment in this course. File Formats.For formally submitted written assignments, I only accept .doc, .docx, and .pdf file formats. If you typically save your work in a different format, please convert it to a .pdf format before submitting. I will not assess any work pasted into the comment box on the Canvas submission screen. GOAL Mentors. This course may be assigned a GOAL Mentor who will be able to assist with technology issues and answer non-content questions regarding online courses. GOAL Office. The GOAL was created to provide centralized direction and support to online and reentering adult students seeking degree completion at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). Whether you are returning to school to complete an undergraduate degree started long ago or you desire to earn a Ph.D., we are here to guide you to completion. The GOAL staff will support and guide you, providing access to valuable resources. You may choose to continue your education in an online environment, traditional courses or blended opportunities. We are here to see you achieve academic success. 306 Social Sciences and Business Building (SSB) –Tower. Phone: (314) 516-4211. Email Website Late work.Late work will be penalized at a flat rate of 25%. Quizzes may be completed late up to 1 week late. I do not accept coursework turned in following the conclusion of the semester. The final day to submit late work in this class is Sunday, 6 May 2023. Letters of Recommendation. I am willing to write strong and confidential letters of recommendation for students who earn at least a C or better in my courses for educational or vocational opportunities; I will not write non-confidential letters of recommendation or letters for entrance into social organizations. In order to request a letter, please schedule an appointment during my office hours to discuss the opportunity you are pursuing and the best strategies for success. As a general rule, I need a minimum of two weeks following our appointment to complete the letter and send it on its way. Additionally, I suggest all students who need multiple letters sent set up an account at interfolio.com to manage their letters of recommendation. Make-up tests.Make-up tests must be taken within a week. Arrangements will be made with the Campus Testing Center to administer this test. A make-up test may be offered only if the absence is documented (doctor’s note, evidence of emergency) and only if you contact your instructor prior to the test.Please arrange to take the test as soon as you return to school. Mandatory Reporting. Under Title IX, all UMSL faculty, staff, and administrators (with limited exception) are obligated to report any incidents of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual assault, or gender discrimination to the Student Affairs office and/or other University officials. This ensures that all parties are protected from further abuses and that victim(s) are supported by trained counselors and professionals. Note: There are several offices at UMSL (e.g., Counseling Services, Health Services, Community Psychological Service, Center for Trauma Recovery, and Student Social Services) whose staff are exempt from Title IX mandated reporting, when the information is learned in the course of a confidential communication. Math Academic Center (Math Lab). The Math Academic Center offers free individual assistance on a walk-in basis to students needing help with any mathematics from basic math through calculus or any course involving mathematical skills. 222 Social Sciences and Business Building (SSB). WebsiteMindTap. This class utilizes MindTapfrom Cengage to deliver required course content, such as the textbook and supplemental study materials for the textbook. Netiquette.1) Be self-reflective before you post an emotional response and reread what you have written to be sure it is positive. Think of your comments as printed in the newspaper. Your online comments will be seen, heard and remembered by others in the class. 2) Use effective communication. Avoid the use of all caps or multiple punctuation elements (!!!, ??? etc). Be polite, understate rather than overstate your point, and use positive language. If you are using acronyms, jargon or uncommon terms, be sure to explain them so everyone can understand and participate in the discussion. 3) Ask for clarification to a point if you feel emotional from a classmate’s post. It is likely that you misunderstood his/her point. This strategy will also help you step away from the intensity of the moment to allow for more reflection. 4) Sign your name. It is easier to build a classroom community when you know to whom you are responding. 5) Foster community. Share your great ideas and contribute to ongoing discussions. Consider each comment you make as one that is adding to, or detracting from, a positive learning environment for you and your classmates. Be constructive. You can challenge ideas and the course content, but avoid becoming negative online. When you disagree politely you stimulate and encourage great discussion. You also maintain positive relationships with others with whom you may disagree on a certain point. 6) Keep the conversation on topic by responding to questions, adding thoughtful comments about the topics at hand. Online dialogue is like conversation. If there is a particular dialogue going on, please add to it, but if you have something new to say, please post it in another thread. 7) Define your terms. When using acronyms or terms that are particular to your field (or new to our course), please define them for others.Office of International Students and Scholar Services. If you have difficulty communicating in English with the instructor of this course, contact ISS. 261 Millennium Student Center (MSC). Phone: (314) 516-5229. Email Website Online Discussion Protocol.Participation in the course should maintain a positive work and learning environment, as outlined in the Triton Manual. Postings should be evenly distributed during the discussion week. Postings should be a minimum of three sentences, or one short paragraph, and a maximum of two paragraphs. Responses should be well written with proper punctuation, spelling and grammar. Avoid short one-word postings, for instance, “I agree,” unless accompanied by supporting statements from the readings or prior knowledge (work and life experience). Stay focused on the topic. Ask questions; challenge other postings that lack supporting evidence or present incorrect information. Encourage further discussion by building on current threads. Check your postings for responses from others and respond in kind. Use proper “netiquette”.Participation.It is vitally important that our classroom environment promote the respectful exchange of ideas. This entails being sensitive to the views and beliefs expressed during discussions whether in class or online. Please speak with me before recording any class activity. It is a violation of University of Missouri policy to distribute such recordings without my authorization and the permission of others who are recorded. I will not respond to each post but will be monitoring each discussion on a daily basis. Your success in this course will heavily depend on your ability to communicate, engage and participate in all course activities. Successful completion of this course requires that a student keep up with all assignments, coursework and discussions. Timely participation in online discussions is a very important part of this course and participation in these discussions, and other
Geography 1001-001 Syllabus, Spring 2023: Introduction to Geography UMSL Geography 1001-001: Introduction to Geography Spring 2023 Syllabus, p. 11 activities as assigned, is not optional. You are expected to prepare and post to discussions in a timely manner consistent with the requirements contained within the course syllabus and discussion rubric. If you are unable to participate in the scheduled class activity or discussions you must notify the instructor within the week of that class module or discussion. An unexcused failure to engage or participate with the class will be counted as an absence; unexcused absences may result in failure. The instructor reserves the right to make judgment to accept and/or make–up assignments missed because of failed participation in the course activities. Respect.Any successful learning experience requires mutual respect on behalf of the student and the instructor. The instructor, as well as the fellow students, should not be subjected to any student's behavior that is in any way disruptive, rude, or challenging to the instructor's authority in the classroom. A student should not feel intimidated or demeaned by his/her instructor and students must remember that the instructor has primary responsibility for control over classroom behavior and maintenance of academic integrity. The instructor can order the temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any student engaged in disruptive conduct or conduct violating the general rules and regulations of the institution. Safety.The University of Missouri –St. Louis is committed to creating and maintaining a safe environment for all members of the campus community (faculty, staff, students and visitors). Please familiarize yourself with campus emergency procedures by reviewing the UMSL Police Department web pages at: UMSL Safety Instructions. These pages highlight possible safety concerns and alert you to procedures to follow should there be an emergency on campus. The site also includes a link to the campus plan for disaster preparedness. It is important to review this information and be prepared to take action in the event of an emergency. If a person’s safety is ever at risk, call the Campus Police at 314-516-5155 immediately.Student Code.Students should read and be familiar with the student code of conduct at UM-St. Louis (UMSL Code of Conduct) and, in particular, the sections concerning cheating and plagiarism. Students who violate the university guidelines involving academic dishonesty will fail the assignment and may receive additional sanctions from the Office of Academic Affairs. If you have any question about what is or is not plagiarism, it is your responsibility to ask the Professor BEFORE submitting an assignment. Please do your own work and earn your own grade. Student Retention Services. SRS provides comprehensive support and intervention strategies that support your road to graduation! 225 Millennium Student Center (MSC). Phone: (314) 516-5300.Email WebsiteTechnical Support. UM-System provides students with a variety of technology support on campus and virtually. The information listed below connects you with the most commonly sought supports. Academic technologies(Canvas, VoiceThread, SmarterProctoring, Zoom, etc.) email Phone: (855) 675-0755website; Login and network issues(SSOID, email, campus wifi, password changes, etc.)email Phone: (314) 516-6034website;Electronic textbooks(AutoAccess, Cengage, McGrawHill Connect, etc.)email Phone: (314) 516-5763websiteThe Online Writing Center. At the OWC Canvas site, students can send their papers to our tutors, who will read them and send them back with suggestions. Students can also access Turnitin, which identifies quoted material in their essays. 222 Social Sciences and Business Building (SSB). Website Visit the OWC page on Canvas to submit drafts online. The OWC usually responds within 48 hours. Please allow ample time. Triggers.This course may involve topics and/or media that may be emotionally disturbing, graphic, or otherwise sensitive in nature including global cultural practices that may seem strange to Americans. I will try to provide specific warnings before each instance. I believe these topics (or materials) are important to the course because we are learning about cultures in regions around the world. If you believe this may be a barrier to your learning environment, please contact me to discuss. Tutoring.When students’ work conveys that theyrequire additional help in Geography, students will be referred to the Mathematics and Writing Academic Center, Net Tutor, Supplemental Instruction tutors, Student Retention Services, or other campus supports. I also plan to use MyConnect, the Academic Alert system, when I believe that academic support will help you succeed this semester. UMSL Cares About Your Success. Important information is available to you through MyConnect. Throughout the term, you may receive emails regarding your course grades or academic performance. Please pay attention to these emails and consider taking the recommended actions. They are sent to help you be successful! MyConnect allows me to (1) request that you schedule an appointment by going to MyConnect, (2) share information regarding your course progress with your assigned academic advisor, Student Retention Services or other support offices, and (3) recommend that you contact a specific campus resource, such as tutoring or counseling. You may also be contacted directly by one of these services. Your success in this course is important to me. When I believe that the programs offered by Student Retention Services (SRS) will help you academically, I will send a referral via MyConnect, the campusAcademic Alert System. The SRS offers assistance tailored to specific instructional needs. Learn about the MyConnect system in the online Student Planner, website . University or Religion Related Absences.If you expect to miss class to participate in a university-sanctioned activity, be sure to submit a Student Absence Form early in the semester so that we can discuss your responsibilities and make plans to fulfill the requirements of the classes you will miss. If you expect to miss class due to a religious observance, early in the semester submit a Request for Accommodations for Religious Observance so that we can discuss your responsibilities and plan so that you meet course obligations and requirements. VoiceThread. Website When Life Gets in the Way.Problems? An unexpected emergency? Struggling with health or family issues? Such situations may affect your performance in this class. I understand this and will work with you to minimize their impact on your learning and your grade. I can only do this, however, if I know that there is a problem. If you come to me at the end of the semester (or afterthe semester is over) to explain why you failed the first exam, there is nothing I can do. Please come to me as early as possibleand beforethe exam or due date to tell me what is going on so that I can try to help. Please know that I hold these conversations in confidence.
Geography 1001-001 Syllabus, Spring 2023: Introduction to Geography UMSL Geography 1001-001: Introduction to Geography Spring 2023 Syllabus, p. 12 Discussion Rubric Each discussion is worth 50 points total, divided between your initial post (Tier 1: 25 points), your 2 (at least) responses to classmates (Tier 2: 15 points), and your responses to those who respond to you (Tier 3: 10 points). Exceptionally thorough discussions will receive a 5-point bonus. I use the following rubric to assess your work during the discussion. (Discussions may be completed late with a 25% penalty; late discussions are not eligible for Tier 3 points.) Criteria Novice Developing Competent Exceeds Expectations Promptness and Initiative During the Discussion D-F CreditDoes not respond to most postings; rarely participates freely C CreditResponds to most postings several days after initial discussion; limited initiative B CreditResponds to most postings within a 24-hr period; requires occasional prompting to post A CreditConsistently responds to postings in less than 24 hours; demonstrates good self-initiative Delivery of Postings D-F CreditPoor spelling and grammar in most posts; posts seem hasty C CreditErrors in spelling and grammar evidenced in several posts B CreditFew grammatical or spelling errors are noted in posts A CreditConsistently uses grammatically correct posts with rare misspellings Relevance of Discussion D-F CreditPosts topics which do not relate to the discussion content; makes short or irrelevant remarks C CreditOccasionally posts off topic; most posts are short in length and offer no further insight into the topic B CreditFrequently posts topics that are related to the discussion content; prompts further discussion of topic A CreditConsistently posts topics related to discussion topic; cites additional references related to topic Expression During the Discussion D-F CreditDoes not express opinions or ideas clearly, no connection to topic C CreditUnclear connection to topic evidenced in minimal expression of opinions or ideas B CreditOpinions and ideas are stated clearly with occasional lack of connection to topic A CreditExpresses opinions and ideas in a clear and concise manner with obvious connection to topic Contribution to Learning Community and Teamwork D-F CreditDoes not make effort to participate in learning community as it develops, seems indifferent C CreditOccasionally makes meaningful reflection on group's efforts; marginal effort to become involved with the group B CreditFrequently attempts to direct the discussion and to present relevant viewpoints for consideration by group; interacts freely A CreditAware of needs of community; frequently attempts to motivate the group discussion; presents creative approaches to topic