GEOG-2800 (GEOGRAPHIC METHODS AND TECHNIQUES)

Dr. Cyrus Dawsey - 0316S Haley Center

dawsecb@auburn.edu

Fall Semester, 2007

Course Materials: Reading assignments will be distributed in class

Geog-2800 covers technical and methodological material that is important for geography majors. In addition to presenting materials related to the purpose and scope of the discipline, the course introduces the student to some of the tools and techniques used by professional geographers to analyze spatial data. This is a very demanding course that will involve the application of map reading, basic math and statistical techniques, and computer skills. You should expect to spend a significant amount of time doing the work for this course. Hopefully, however, you will find the subject matter interesting as well as challenging.

Class Attendance:

Attendance is very important because knowledge gained during one section of the course will be used in subsequent sections. More than FOUR (4) unexcused absences will result in a reduction of the your final letter grade. If you are required to miss class unexpectedly, bring written documentation explaining the reason for your absence. If you anticipate being away for any class period, it is important to discuss the reason for you absence before you are away. Attendance is a measure of your interest and involvement in the course, and it will be used to help determine grades in borderline situations. An unexcused absence on test or quiz days will result in a grade of 0 (zero). You (the student) are responsible for securing notes, catching up, and completing all exercises for any missed days, regardless of the reason for the absence.

Office Hours and contact:

I will usually be available in the morning after 7:30A.M. on Tuesday and Thursday and after 10:00A.M. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If I am not in the office, check with the departmental secretary about my schedule. I will be glad to meet with you by appointment. The easiest method for contacting me is via e-mail, which I access frequently.

Tests and Grades:

An evaluation of your work will be based on: readings quizzes (given on Mondays), laboratory exercises (usually collected on Wednesdays), three major tests, and a final exam. Exercises, quizzes and attendance will count for 20% of your final grade; each of the tests will count for 20% of your final grade; and the final exam will count for 20% of your final grade. Test dates are listed below. A number grade will be assigned for the exercises and tests, and letter grades will only be assigned at the end of the term. The course grade will be based on a 10 point scale, to be established at the end of the semester. As mentioned above your final grade will reflect attendance and participation in addition to performance on the tests and quizzes.

Laboratory work:

This is a laboratory course, so outside work will be required. You may use the scheduled laboratory period (Monday afternoon) to complete the work, or you may choose to work at other times. Note that rooms in Haley Center and Petrie Hall, including the library and computer lab, may be locked after classes and on weekend. You should not schedule other classes or activities during the lab period because some of the lecture sessions may be scheduled during that time.

Students with Disabilities Act:

If you require special accommodations under the Students With Disabilities Act, you should register with the Office of Programs for Students With Disabilities (1244 Haley Center) and communicate your needs to me.

Schedule of Major Tests:

September 10; October 8; November 7; Final Exam as scheduled.

Schedule of Quizzes:

August 27; September 5; September 24; September 30; October 22; November 12.

Lab Due Dates:

August 29; September 5; September 26; October 15; October 24; November 14.

Chronological Schedule:

August 27: Quiz 1.

August 29: Lab 1.

September 5: Quiz 2.

September 5: Lab 2.

September 10: Test 1.

September 24: Quiz 3.

September 26: Lab 3.

September 30: Quiz 4.

October 8: Test 2.

October 15: Lab 4.

October 22: Quiz 5.

October 24: Lab 5.

November 7: Test 3.

November 12: Quiz 6.

November 14: Lab 14.

(Final exam as scheduled)