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SAMPLE SYLLABUS:

Geog 1101
Geog 4404/6604
Geog 4764/6764
Geog 4780/6780
Geog 8010

Spring 1999

Instructor: Dr. Susan Walcott

Class Schedule: T&Th 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Telephone: 404/651-1825 Email: gegsmw@panther.gsu.edu

Office hour: Tu 9:30 a.m. - 10:30, and by appointment; Room 349B Sparks Hall

Required text: Clawson, D. and J. Fisher. 1998. World Regional Geography:

The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the basic concepts and methodology of human geography. The approach is through examination of selected world regions. Videos, slides, and other visual media will be used, as well as lectures. Careful note taking from information presented on the board as well as lecture notes is necessary for success in this course. Students should bring their textbook to class each meeting period as a reference for occasional in-class exercises.

Students are strongly encouraged to ask questions, during class and during office hour time, and to pursue understanding through varied reading material, discussion and reflection. The textbook provides one basic approach, but does not define the field or limit explorations of geographic knowledge on the regions covered. Students are encouraged to consult other information sources in addition, and to refer frequently to different kinds of maps and charts.

Schedule (subject to adjustment by instructor)

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Dr. Susan Walcott (email: swalcott@gsu.edu) Office: Sparks 349B

Telephone: (404)651-1825 Hours: TTh 3-3:30, or as arranged

Course Goal: To increase understanding of contemporary events in East Asia by utilizing geography's spatial approach to regional studies. Areas of concentration include both physical and human geographic components such as utilization of resources and environmental degradation, agricultural modernization and rural industry, regional differences in the organization of production, population migration and impacts on the urban built environment, methods of human and physical resource utilization to support population growth. Remaking traditional patterns to achieve modernization, Asia's "two dragons" and "four tigers" affect Americans deeply and daily, from a tradition that is quite different and about which Americans are dangerously unfamiliar. Areas of particularly geographic interest provide useful insights into a region re-shaping its own landscape and culture, with ramifications for the global environment, economy, and political stability.

Collinwood, Dean. 1999. Global Studies 8^th Edition: Japan and the Pacific Rim.

Guilford: Dushkin.

Ogden, Suzanne. 1999. Global Studies8th Edition: China. Guilford, CN: Dushkin Press.

Additional readings will be assigned. Note Web pages inside front covers.

Course Requirements:

3. The research paper will explore a hypothesis about East Asian development in one or more countries of the Pacific Rim. Creativity, critical thinking, use of geographic/spatial perspective, and research skills will be displayed. Possible topics include: What is the human and environmental impact of giant construction projects? Prioritizing coastal over interior area development? Effect of transnational corporations? Why was Japan more successful at modernization than China? Is environmental degradation a necessary byproduct of modernization? Is there an Asian (vs. Western) model of development due to differences in resources as well as tradition? Do human-environmental interactions drive development (population pressure on resources)? What are the political or cultural inputs to modernization?

Exams: Two exams should demonstrate mastery of underlying concepts, familiarity with key terms, and appropriate application to contemporary events. The final exam will be comprehensive. Questions will be assigned in advance for your preparation, and responses written without notes during the regularly scheduled in-class examination time. Cheating in any form will be dealt with as detailed in the Student Code of Ethics on academic misconduct.

Grade Scale: Based on total points at the end of the semester:

A = 100-90; B = 89-80; C = 79-70; D = 69-60; F = less than 60.

Midterm=30%; Final=30%; Paper and presentation=20%/10%; Class participation=10%.

(Adjustments may be necessary at the discretion of instructor)

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Geography 4764/6764: Urban Geography

Fall 1999

Instructor: Dr. Susan Walcott

Class Schedule: TTh 4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Classroom: 303 General Classroom

Telephone: 404-651-1825 Email: swalcott@gsu.edu

Office hour: Tu 2:00-3:00 p.m., and by appointment; Room 349B Sparks Hall

Required text: Hartshorn, T. 1992. Interpreting the City: An Urban Geography

Course Description

This course will explore topics in urban geography from classic models to current restructuring patterns. By focusing on the processes, outcomes, and spatial patterns of urban forces, the student will better understand the ways that urban areas have changed and are changing. Atlanta will be the local laboratory and case study for our study of how cities are the cauldron and product of economic, social and political change.

In order to maximize the learning experience, it is expected that students will read assignments in advance of class meetings, attend regularly, and participate frequently.

All written work will be formatted at 12 cpi, and double-spaced. The attached syllabus provides a general plan for the course. Electronic devices must be turned off during class.

Grading: The midterm examination and the final are 30 points each. A student paper is 25 points, in-class exercise 5 points. Attendance and discussion participation is expected, and quality is evaluated at 10 points. Infractions will be dealt with as covered in the GSU General Catalog. Range: 100-90 = A; 89-80 = B; 79-70 = C; 69-60 = D; Less = F

Paper and Presentation: Students are strongly encouraged to use GIS (computer cartography) as part of their research design and analysis. Students present their work in a 15-minute Association of American Geographers-type conference setting. Details on requirements will be distributed. Papers are due when presented.

Summer 1999

Instructor: Dr. Susan Walcott

Class Schedule: M&W 5:30 p.m.-8:15 p.m.

Telephone: 404/651-1825 Email: gegsmw@panther.gsu.edu

Office hour: Wed 3 ñ 4 p.m., and by appointment; Room 349B Sparks Hall

Required text: Ogden, Suzanne. 1997. Global Studies: China.

No food or pagers are permitted. A short break will be given during each class.

Tests must be made up within two class periods after they were first given.

Course Goal: To increase students' ability to understand contemporary events in China by utilizing geography's spatial approach to regional studies. Areas of concentration include both physical and human geographic components such as utilization of resources and environmental degradation, agricultural modernization and rural industry, regional differences in the organization of production, population migration and impacts on the urban built environment, methods of human and physical resource utilization to support population growth. Remaking traditional patterns to achieve modernization, China is re-shaping its own landscape and culture, with ramifications for the global environment, economy, and political stability.

Course Requirements:

3. The research paper will explore a hypothesis about Chinaís development. Creativity, critical thinking, use of geographic/spatial perspective, and research skills will be displayed. Possible topics include: What is the human and environmental impact of giant dam projects, conversion to chemical fertilization, prioritizing coastal over interior area development? Is environmental degradation a necessary byproduct of modernization? Is there an Asian (vs. Western) model of development due to differences in resources and topography as well as tradition? Do human-environmental interactions drive development (population pressure on resources)?

Exams: Two exams, to demonstrate mastery of underlying concepts, familiarity with key terms, and appropriate application to contemporary events. The final will not be comprehensive. Questions will be assigned in advance for your preparation, and responses written without notes during the regularly scheduled in-class examination time.

Grade Scale: Based on total points at the end of the semester:

A = 100-90; B = 89-80; C = 79-70; D = 69-60; F = less than 60.

1^st test 30%; 2^nd Test 30%; Paper 20 %; Presentation 10%; Class participation 10%.

Students are strongly encouraged to ask questions, during class and office hour, and to pursue understanding through reading, discussion and reflection. Written selections provide one approach, but does not define the field or limit explorations of geographic knowledge on the region covered. Students are encouraged to consult other information sources in addition, and to refer to different kinds of maps and charts.

Schedule (subject to adjustment by instructor)

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Geography 8010: Seminar in Urban-Economic Geography

Spring 1998

Instructor: Dr. Susan Walcott

Class Schedule: TTh 5:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Telephone: 651-1825 Email: gegsmw@panther.gsu.edu

Office hour: Tu 9:30 a.m. - 10:30, and by appointment; Room 349B Sparks Hall

Required text: Harrington, J.W. and B. Warf.1995. Industrial Location:

Principles, Practice, & Policy

Course Description

This course will explore topics in urban-economic geography from neo-classical models to current restructuring patterns of investment as they impact business configurations and the urban built environment. In order to maximize the learning experience, it is expected that students will read assignments in advance of class meetings, attend regularly, and participate frequently. All written work will be formatted at 12 cpi, and double-spaced. The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary.

Grading: One midterm examination, 35 points. Contribution to the class project is also 35 points. Three short discussion papers over assigned reading are 10 points each. Attendance and discussion participation is expected. Infractions will be dealt with as covered in the university catalog.

Range: 100-90 = A; 89-80 = B; 79-70 = C; 69-60 = D; Less = F

Reading Assignment Summary: One student each class will be given the particular responsibility of preparing a @3 page summary of the readings assigned for the next class, noting major points of each author and posing discussion questions for the class to pursue for further exploration of the topic. These notes will be duplicated and distributed to each class participant. They are NOT to be used as a substitute for your own reading of the material, but as a discussion guide.

Paper and Presentation: Students are strongly encouraged to use GIS as part of their research design and analysis. Examples include plotting the location and movement over time of financial institutions in a particular city; downstream and upstream suppliers for a business or associated group; rent surfaces of urban neighborhoods; demographic data base in spatial array, etc. Contribution to the class project will be assessed based on time involved, complexity and quality of outcome. Students will present their work in a 15-minute AAG conference-type setting during the last two class days.

Class 1: Basic Location Theories

Outline of requirements and subjects; "List of Location Factors"

Class 2: Geography of Location

Beyers, B., Christopherson, S, Erickson, R., Gibson, L., Hewings, G., Malecki, E., McConnell, J., and J. Rees. 1989. "Industrial Geography," in Geography in America, eds. Gaile, G. and C. Wilmott. Columbus, OH: Merrill Publishing Company, pp. 290-315

Class 3: Models: gravity, spatial diffusion, comparative advantage

Smith, D. 1981. "Approaches to theory: spatial economic analysis" in D. Smith,

Industrial Location: an economic geographical analysis. New York: John Wiley

& Sons, Inc: 68-107.

Class 4: Magnets and Glue

Markusen, A. 199. "Sticky places in slippery space: a typology of industrial districts."

Economic Geography 293-310.

Chapter 3

Class 5:

Rees, J. 1978. "Manufacturing headquarters in a post-industrial urban context." Economic

Geography 54:337-354.

Wheeler, J. and C. Brown. 1985. The metropolitan corporate hierarchy in the U.S. South,

1960-80. Economic Geography 61:66-78.

Class 7: Regional Impact

Scott, A. and Storper, M. 1987. High technology industry and regional development: a theoretical critique and reconstruction, International Social Science Journal 112:215-32.

Class 8: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

Thrall, G.1997. GIS and business geography: Retail market area analysis, Geo Info

Donelan, D. 1997. Trade area analysis and the site selection process. Business

Geographics :16-21.

Class 9: MIDTERM

Class 10: How Companies Make the Location Decision

Glasmeier, A. 1988. "Factors governing the development of high tech industry

agglomerations: a tale of three cities. Regional Studies22(4):287-301.

Class 11: SPEAKER: Projects Director, Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

Malecki, E. 1985. Industrial location and corporate organization in high technology

industries. Economic Geography 61(4):345-369.

Class 12: Role of Governments

Porter, M. 1998. The Adam Smith Address: Location, clusters, and the "new"

microeconomics of competition.

Class 13: Labor Markets

Angel, D. 1989. The labor market for engineers in the U.S. semiconductor industry.

Economic Geography 65(2):99-111.

Class 14: The Biomedical Complex

Kenney, M. 1986. Biotechnology: The University-Industrial Complex. New Haven: Yale University Press. pp.132-175.

Hartshorn, T. and K. Ihlanfeldt. 1996. The dynamics of change in Atlanta. Research

Atlanta.

Storper, M. and Walker. 1989. The Capitalist Imperative. London: Basil Blackwell. pp.36-69.

Class 17: GIS database uploading and manipulation: applying analysis to the tool.

Kolzow, D. and E. McCallum. 1996. The need for speed. Expansion Management:8-14.

Dicken, P. and N. Thrift. 1992. The organization of production and the production of organization: why business enterprises matter in the study of geographical industrialization. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers 17:279-291.

Presentations and Summing Up: Models and Realities

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