This course combines independent reading and research, class discussion and special assignments. Students are invited to ask questions at any time in online discussion or via email. 

Success in this course depends on participation. Be prepared to question and discuss the issues at hand. Assigned readings must be completed. Keep good notes - it is your responsibly to be able to argue pro and con on the major discussion points.

To aide you in this, check out the reading reaction questions, the online discussion questions, and the online lectures for each of the course segments. These questions will highlight some of the important aspects of each topic keeping in mind our goal of understanding various ways of knowing about the world.

Tips for Success
Have fun, be creative, do the reading, attend class, keep good notes, do your assignments, turn your work in on time. 

Take time to study and compare maps, figures and tables in each chapter. Pay close attention to the list of terms and concepts in each chapter. Knowing the meaning of these terms and how to apply them will greatly improve your test scores as well as ground you in important geographical concepts.  

At various times during the semester, I may have you write very short position papers  on issues under discussion so you must keep up with your assignments.

In addition, we may work in groups on cooperative learning exercises that involve group problem solving, consensus building and presentations. If so, plan time to work with your partners.

Late assignments, make-ups, retakes, and incomplete
If you have an emergency and cannot complete an assignment on time, discuss your need with the instructor (preferably in advance). In general, no late assignments or make-ups will be allowed. However, there are extenuating circumstances, so explain your situation. You must seek the approval of your instructor in advance for an incomplete, and justify your request with a validated medical emergency or a severe personal crisis. Incompletes are given if the student has completed the majority of the work for the course, has been unable to complete all of it for a valid reason, and will pass the course if they are given an opportunity to complete the required work within a specified time period.

Changing Grades
No one is perfect. Sometimes test questions are ambiguous or wrong. Graders make errors. I encourage you to challenge your grade on any assignment or test if you feel your efforts were graded incorrectly, but you must do so within one week of an assignment's return date.

 Special Needs
If you have a learning or physical need, please let me know about any accommodations you would like me to make after the first class. CCD has support services available to assist you in your academic success.

Follow the course schedule, keep up with the weekly readings, be able to answer the reading questions, mark up a map (to be turned in at the end of the semester), post In the News articles and geographic reports (1 each per week), participate in online discussion (minimum 3 good posts a week), take the midterm and final and turn in a final project.