Course Syllabus
G130 – World Geography Online – Section 21966
Please read the following course guidelines carefully & completely.
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Course Description
“GEOG-G130 World Geography (3 cr.) Analysis of population, culture, environment, and economies of major world regions. Examination of issues of global importance, including development, demographic change, urbanization and migration, and international conflict.” –from the Indiana University Bulletin
Instructor
My name is Andy Baker. I can be reached via the Canvas Inbox or bakeran@iupui.edu
Technology Requirement
In order to participate in G130 Online, you must understand that the ability to use the technology enabled in this course is your responsibility. I will be of limited help with problems not directly related to course content. Technology problems, whether hardware or software related, are your responsibility. If you use the internet and email on a regular basis without any issues, you should not have a problem in G130 Online.
Required Textbook
There is NO REQUIRED TEXTBOOK. All course content is found via our Canvas website. I could hire a publishing company, write up a book, and then force you to pay for it, but I don’t think that’s a good idea considering most IUPUI students are already financially stressed.
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Course Overview
You will be learning exclusively from our Canvas website which contains readings and video lectures in 12 different chapters. Most of the readings and videos were created by your instructor (Andy). The chapters are found in "Modules" on the left-hand side of our Canvas site. Each Monday morning at 12:01am, a new chapter is opened and then closed a week later on Sunday evening at 11:59pm.** Each chapter is the basis for how the course content is delivered from instructor to student. Contacting me within hours of a quiz or assessment deadline, or well after the fact, about your failure to complete assigned work is not acceptable.
**There are 3 exceptions to the “one new chapter each week” schedule.
1) Chapter 1 at the start of the semester is two weeks long because it contains a lot of material and often there are many students adding/dropping courses during the first two weeks. This means Chapter 2 doesn’t start until Week 3 (Monday, September 4).
2) There is no chapter opened during our Fall Break (October 16 to October 22). We have that week off in this course.
3) There is no chapter opened during our Thanksgiving Break (November 20 to November 26). We have that week off in this course, too.
We will never ever meet on campus.
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Grading and Assessments of Learning
There are 220 total points in this course.
Final Course Grades (Grading Scale)
217 – 220 = A+
206 – 216 = A
198 – 205 = A-
193 – 197 = B+
184 – 192 = B
176 – 183 = B-
166 – 175 = C+
157 – 165 = C
149 – 156 = C-
140 – 148 = D
0 – 139 = F
The 220 total points are based on the following assessments:
12 Chapter Quizzes, 10 points each = 120 total points (54% of total points)
6 Chapter Discussions, 5 points each = 30 total points (14% of total points)
3 Activities, 10 points each = 30 total points (14% of total points)
1 Country Profile Assignment = 40 total points (18% of total points)
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Chapter Quizzes (10 points each, 120 total points):
There are 12 chapters. Each chapter concludes with a 10 point quiz that focuses on the material only from that chapter, so there are a total of 12 quizzes in the course worth 120 total points.
The 12 quizzes will be taken and submitted online via “Quizzes” on our Canvas page. A chapter quiz will open at 12:01am on a Monday and will close at 11:59pm the following Sunday. Once they close, they close for the rest of the semester. If you are in the middle of taking a quiz when it closes after the due date, you will receive a zero, so plan accordingly. Also, you only get one attempt for each chapter quiz.
Quizzes include multiple-choice questions. Once you start a quiz, you will have 20 minutes to complete 10 questions. Most questions are automatically scored after you take the quiz and are available after quiz completion in “Grades” in Canvas. However, the correct answers for the quizzes will be revealed and available to you after all students have completed each quiz. During the third week of the semester, more information about Gradebook procedures will be announced.
Computer Problems During Quiz: In World Geography Online, you only have a limited amount of time to take and submit a quiz (20 minutes). Any problem that causes your quiz to close, submit with an error, or shut-off/disappear must be immediately reported to me. Otherwise, your actions can constitute academic dishonesty.
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Discussions (5 points each, 30 total points):
There are six Discussions spaced out approximately 2-3 weeks apart (see open/close dates for each Discussion below). All of these Discussions can be found by clicking "Discussions" on the left-side of this page. Each of the six Discussions are worth 5 points and are discussed in greater detail in the instructions for each Discussion. The Discussion topics relate to two chapters and often connects with a current events topic.
Discussion 1 (5 points): Relates to Chapters 1 & 2; Opens August 28 - Closes September 10
Discussion 2 (5 points): Relates to Chapters 3 & 4; Opens September 11 - Closes September 24
Discussion 3 (5 points): Relates to Chapters 5 & 6; Opens September 25 - Closes October 8
Discussion 4 (5 points): Relates to Chapters 7 & 8; Opens October 9 - Closes October 29
Discussion 5 (5 points): Relates to Chapters 9 & 10; Opens October 30 - Closes November 12
Discussion 6 (5 points): Relates to Chapters 11 & 12; Opens November 13 - Closes December 3
Key to earning full-credit for each Chapter Discussion is submitting a well-reasoned, thoughtful, and original post. Let me be clear: Copying and pasting another student’s (or person’s) thoughts and claiming them as your own is plagiarism and will result in an automatic zero (0). This also includes copying, pasting, and re-wording. I want to learn about YOUR thoughts… I want to know what YOU think about a topic, so simply speak your mind! You will not be graded on grammar, sentence structure, and spelling, but try to add as much depth/breadth to your writing. I actually read your posts, so make sure you fully and clearly explain yourself.
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Activities (10 points each, 30 total points):
There are three batches of “Activities” spread throughout the course, of which you will complete all three. You can find the Activities in “Assignments” in our Canvas site. More specific information regarding each of the three Activities is found below but also in the instructions for each activity in Canvas.
I have designed the Activities as another way for you to showcase to me your understanding of G130 Online concepts besides taking quizzes. In other words, if you do the work, you should earn all 10 points for each activity and boost your grade even higher. These are supposed to be somewhat fun and will hopefully show-off some of your skills, creativity, and of course, understanding of World Geography.
Activity #1 (10 points): Becomes available Monday, August 21 and is due Sunday, September 10 before 11:59pm.
Activity #2 (10 points): Becomes available Monday, September 18 and is due Sunday, October 29 before 11:59pm. This activity pertains only to content found in Chapters 3-7.
Activity #3 (10 points): Becomes available Monday, October 30 and is due Sunday, December 3 before 11:59pm. This activity pertains only to content found in Chapters 8-12.
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Country Profile Assignment (40 total points):
The purpose of the Country Profile Assignment is to showcase to me your understanding and application of key concepts discussed in this course. It is essential that you realize the purpose of the Country Profile Assignment is not a recitation of encyclopedic facts about some countries.
The Country Profile Assignment instructions will be available in Canvas via “Assignments”. It will open October 30 and is due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, December 6. This is the ONLY assessment completed this semester that is not due on a Sunday. That means you will have about 40 days to complete the assignment, which should be plenty of time.
Finally, no plagiarizing. It is easy to identify and will result in a 0 for the assignment and submission of an Academic Misconduct Report to the School and the Dean of your academic department. You cannot copy and paste text from internet sources in my courses. As mentioned above, you have to apply concepts discussed in this course for this assessment.
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Course Schedule
There are a few different places to find the course schedule. First, below is a simple, week-by-week list. Also, your “Calendar” in Canvas should have the same information. Finally, click HERE to view a table that previous students have used as a weekly "assessments checklist" to help stay on task.
Week 1: Chapter 1 opens Monday, August 21 at 12:01am
Topic: Introduction to World Geography and Our Earth
Assessments due Sunday, August 27 before 11:59pm: None
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Week 2: Chapter 1 closes Sunday, September 3 at 11:59pm
Topic: Chapter 1 continued (it is the only chapter that is more than one week long)
Assessments due Sunday, September 3 before 11:59pm: Chapter 1 Quiz
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Week 3: Chapter 2 opens Monday, September 4 at 12:01am
Topic: Human Geography of Our World
Assessments due Sunday, September 10 before 11:59pm: Chapter 2 Quiz, Discussion 1, and Activity #1
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Week 4: Chapter 3 opens Monday, September 11 at 12:01am
Topic: Northern America
Assessments due Sunday, September 17 before 11:59pm: Chapter 3 Quiz
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Week 5: Chapter 4 opens Monday, September 18 at 12:01am
Topic: Sub-Saharan Africa
Assessments due Sunday, September 24 before 11:59pm: Chapter 4 Quiz and Discussion 2
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Week 6: Chapter 5 opens Monday, September 25 at 12:01am
Topic: North Africa & Middle East
Assessments due Sunday, October 1 before 11:59pm: Chapter 5 Quiz
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Week 7: Chapter 6 opens Monday, October 2 at 12:01am
Topic: Central Asia
Assessments due Sunday, October 8 before 11:59pm: Chapter 6 Quiz and Discussion 3
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Week 8: Chapter 7 opens Monday, October 9 at 12:01am
Topic: South Asia
Assessments due Sunday, October 15 before 11:59pm: Chapter 7 Quiz
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Week 9: Fall Break from Monday, October 16 - Sunday, October 22
Topic: Relaxation
Assessments due Sunday, October 22: None
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Week 10: Chapter 8 opens Monday, October 23 at 12:01am
Topic: Southeast Asia
Assessments due Sunday, October 29 before 11:59pm: Chapter 8 Quiz, Discussion 4, Activity #2
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Week 11: Chapter 9 opens Monday, October 30 at 12:01am
Topic: East Asia
Assessments due Sunday, November 5 before 11:59pm: Chapter 9 Quiz
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Week 12: Chapter 10 opens Monday, November 6 at 12:01am
Topic: Oceania
Assessments due Sunday, November 12 before 11:59pm: Chapter 10 Quiz and Discussion 5
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Week 13: Chapter 11 opens Monday, November 13 at 12:01am
Topic: Europe
Assessments due Sunday, November 19 before 11:59pm: Chapter 11 Quiz
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Week 14: Thanksgiving Break from Monday, November 20 – Sunday, November 26
Topic: Friends & Family
Assessments due Sunday, November 26: None
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Week 15: Chapter 12 opens Monday, November 27 at 12:01am
Topic: Middle and South America
Assessments due Sunday, December 3 before 11:59pm: Chapter 12 Quiz, Discussion 6, and Activity #3
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Week 16: No new chapters. The Country Profile Assignment is due before 11:59pm on Wednesday, December 6.
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Student Resources Available on Campus & Other Course Information
University Information Technology Support:
Please contact the UITS Support Center (317-274-HELP) if you have a computer, network, or technical problem. They are very helpful. I have called them many times and in every instance they provided information to correct my problem. You will have to provide your user-id to speak with one of the consultants employed there. This is a free service to IUPUI students, faculty, and staff.
Adaptive Education Services (AES):
Students needing accommodations because of a disability will need to register with Adaptive Educational Services (AES) and complete the appropriate forms issued by AES before accommodations will be given. The AES office is located in Taylor Hall, UC 100. You can also reach the office by calling 274-3241. Visit http://aes.iupui.edu/ for more information.
Dean of Students/Student Advocate:
You should be aware that the campus Student Advocate Office can help you overcome obstacles towards your academic goals. The Advocate will answer your questions, direct you to the appropriate departments and people, familiarize you with university policies and procedures, and give you guidance as you look at ways to solve problems and make choices. The Student Advocate Office is located in UC002 and can be contacted by phone at 278-7594 or email at stuadvoc@iupui.edu.
FLAGS:
This semester, I will be using IU’s FLAGS System to provide real-time feedback on your performance in this course. Periodically throughout the semester, I will be entering data on factors such as your class participation and success with coursework, among other things. This information will provide feedback on how you are faring in the course and offer you suggestions on how you might be able to improve your performance.
Withdrawals and incompletes:
You may withdraw with an automatic “W” through the stated date in the Academic Calendar. Withdrawals after that date will be assigned a grade of “F”. Incompletes will not be given except in cases of documented medical emergencies or illness.
Administrative Withdrawal:
A basic requirement of this course is that you will participate in all class activities and assessments and conscientiously complete all required course activities and/or assignments. Keep in touch with me if you q1are unable to attend, participate, or complete an assignment on time. If you miss more than half of the required activities within the first 25% of the course without contacting me, you may be administratively withdrawn from this course. Administrative withdrawal may have academic, financial, and financial aid implications. Administrative withdrawal will take place after the full refund period, and if you are administratively withdrawn from the course you will not be eligible for a tuition refund. If you have questions about the administrative withdrawal policy at any point during the semester, please contact me.
Academic Integrity and Misconduct:
Please read Sections 1 through 6 of Part G in the Academic Responsibilities & Misconduct of the IUPUI Student Code of Conduct carefully by clicking HERE. I assume that you have read and agree with all terms of the Code and will grade your submitted assessments & evaluate your communications accordingly. The consequences of academic dishonesty range from a warning, penalty, or removal from university, depending on severity of your fraud.
What is cheating? Any one of the following situations involves cheating:
- copying the answers from a quiz obtained from another person in the class or from a previous term
- having the aid of another person, electronically or physically, to assist you in selecting an answer on a quiz
- having another person take a quiz or for you
- altering the quiz time length or submission techniques
- attempting or completing any method that bypasses the security features of the course e-textbook
- printing or copying any question on a quiz
If I detect suspicious activity concerning submission times I will contact you via Canvas Inbox or email. You might have to come into my office to take a substitute quiz that might include essay questions.
IUPUI Principles of Undergraduate Learning:
G130 Online also includes connections to IUPUI’s “Principles of Undergraduate Learning.” In particular, PUL #5 “Understanding Society and Culture” which is described as follows by the Division of Undergraduate Education:
“Understanding Society and Culture: The ability of students to recognize their own cultural traditions and to understand and appreciate the diversity of the human experience. Understanding society and culture is demonstrated by the student's ability to:
1) compare and contrast the range of diversity and universality in human history, societies, and ways of life;
2) analyze and understand the interconnections of our global and local communities; and
3) operate with civility in a complex world.
That said, this course addresses to some degree all of the principles, particularly critical thinking, the integration and application of knowledge, and the understanding of society and culture. Core communication and quantitative skills will also be utilize as students will be expected to solve some basic problems that are quantitative in nature; analyze and make informed decisions regarding complex issues; synthesize information; use knowledge to explore new questions; apply knowledge to enhance their personal lives; and demonstrate substantial knowledge and understanding of the field of geography. Further, organized class discussion will encourage students to actively participate in their learning.
Course Summary:
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