Course Overview


Course Objectives

Following this course the student should be able to:
  • Identify the various countries and major geographic features of Africa.
  • Apply to the realm and sub-regions of Africa a variety of geographic terms, concepts, and ideas.
  • Identify and analyze key global human and biophysical patterns and how Africa fits into, and is impacted by, these patterns.
  • Read and discuss Africa’s current events with greater insight resulting from enhanced familiarity with the realm’s human and biophysical geography.

Course Text
Africa: Diversity and Development by Tony Binns, Alan Dixon, and Etienne Nell.  2012 Routledge Press.

Course Grading (300 points total)
Map Quizzes (50 points)

There will be 6 “map quizzes” given in class and we will only count the highest 5 scores (10 points each).  A list of items to identify on each quiz will be handed out in class.  There will be no makeup quizzes given, however, you get to DROP 1 Quiz.  Quiz dates will be announced in class and it is the responsibility of each student to keep abreast of any information they miss due to absence or arriving late.

Assignments (100 points)

Each student will be assigned several short assignments that revolve around a central theme for the semester.  These assignments and the course theme will be discussed at great length in class and we will dedicate several class periods to these activities. The assignments will have an attendance portion (no make-ups for missed class unless a University excused absence).  Part of your assignments will be the completion of a 3-4 page essay that will take place of the Final Exam.  You must complete this essay in order to pass the class.  SEE THE ASSIGNMENT TABS FOR DETAILED INFORMATION.

Midterm Exams (100 points)
There will be two exams throughout the semester (50 points each).  The dates for these exams are listed below and will be given in the Testing Center (NOT IN CLASS).  There will be a couple of days when we will not have class due to exams and these days are listed in the attached Course Schedule.
            EXAM 1         Wednesday October 2  -  Monday October 7 (last day late fee)
            EXAM 2         Wednesday November 6  -  Monday November 11 (last day late fee)

Semester Grade Breakdown
A         94-100%                                 C         70-73%                                  
A-        90-93%                                   C-        65-69%
B+       86-89%                                   D+       60-64%
B         82-85%                                   D         55-59%
B-        78-81%                                   D-        50-54%
C+       74-77%                                   E          <50% (or failure to complete the Final Project/Essay)

Final Exam (50 pts)
There will be a Final Exam given in the Testing Center during Finals Week.  Details of the exam will be discussed and reviewed extensively in class.

Course Policies
 
ACADEMIC HONESTY
While all students sign the honor code, there are still specific skills most students need to master over time in order to correctly cite sources, especially in this new age of the internet; as well as deal with the stress and strain of college life without resorting to cheating.  Please know that as your professor I will notice instances of cheating on exams or plagiarizing on papers.  See http://www.byu.edu/honorcode for specific examples of intentional, inadvertent plagiarism, and fabrication, falsification.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an educational program or activity that receives federal funds. the act is intended to eliminate sex discrimination in education. Title IX covers discrimination in programs, admissions, activities, and student-to-student sexual harassment. BYU's policy against sexual harassment extends not only to employees of the university but to students as well. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender based discrimination, please talk to your professor; contact the Equal Employment Office at 378-5895 or 367-5689 (24-hours); or contact the Honor Code Office at 378-2847.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete a course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office (378-2767). Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by the SSD Office. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures. You should contact the Equal Employment Office at 378-5895, D-282 ASB.

No comments:

Post a Comment