COURSE REQUIREMENTS - Spring 2008

Geog-3130 - LATIN AMERICA (3HRS)     

Dr. Cyrus Dawsey  - 0316S Haley Center

dawsecb@auburn.edu

 

    TEXT:   Clawson, David L ‑ Latin America and the Caribbean  3rd edition

 

            Geog-3130 is an introduction to the regional geography of Latin America.  The objective of the course is to help you gain familiarity with the great diversity in cultures, landscapes, economies of the nations in that region.  Following an overview of the basic physical landscapes and human background, specific geographical aspects of the most important countries are examined.  Systematic information related to various topics such as population, land tenure, etc. is presented within this regional context. 

 

    Tests, Projects, and Grades:

Your final grade will be based on the following:

   1)      Major tests.  Two major tests will be given during the semester.  Each test is worth 20% of your final grade.  The tests will be objective and will cover material presented in the class lectures. 

   2)      Bi-weekly short quizzes on the reading assignments. A total of six short quizzes will be given during the class period on the indicated Tuesdays during the semester.  Each of these quizzes will test you on the contents of two (three for the final quiz) chapters from the Clawson text.  The average for all of the quizzes will constitute 20% of your final course grade. 

   3)      Final exam.  At the time scheduled for the final exam a test over the last portion of the course will be administered.  The exam will be similar in format and length to the previous major tests and will comprise 20% of your final grade.

   4)      Research Report.  You will write a research report (term paper) on a topic determined by the instructor.  In addition to turning in the written report at the end of the semester, you will be required to orally present the report in class.  Further instructions will be provided during the first weeks of class.  The combined grade on the oral presentation and the written report will comprise 20% of your final grade.

   5)      Class participation.  Attendance and participation in class may be used for slight grade adjustments at the end of the term in borderline situations.

 

   Schedule of tests and quizzes (Spring Semester, 2008).  Note: All quizzes and tests on Tuesday except Test 2.

January   29.      Quiz 1.  Read chapters 1 and 2 in Clawson.

February 12.      Quiz 2.  Read chapters 3 and 4 in Clawson.

February 19.      Test 1.  Material presented in class from the beginning of the course.

February 26.      Quiz 3.  Read chapters 5 and 6 in Clawson.

March     11.     Quiz 4.  Read chapters 7 and 8 in Clawson.

March     27 (Thursday).    Test 2.  Material presented in class since the previous test.

March 17 - March 22 - Spring break.

April         8.      Quiz 5.  Read chapters 9 and 10 in Clawson.

April       22.      Quiz 6.  Read chapters 11, 12 and 13 in Clawson.

Final exam as scheduled.

 

    Class Attendance:

Class attendance is not absolutely required, but much of the test material for which you will be responsible is not covered in the textbook.   Unexcused absence on test or quiz days will result in a grade of zero (0) for that quiz or test.  Tests for which absences are excused will be made up after the final exam. Attendance may also be used for slight borderline grade adjustments (see above).

 

    Office Hours:

I will be available most mornings after 7:00 a.m. except during my class meeting time/s. I will be glad to meet with you any time, and you may contact me via email to set an appointment.

 

    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.