The American WestDefining the American West and Big PictureGeography, History and Stories of the WestFall 2010 GEOG 106 CSU ChicoThe American WestSyllabusInstructor: Calli-Jane Burch626 Butte Hall, phone 898-4774, email [email protected] Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 3:30-4:10 PM or by appointmentTimes and Locations: Tuesday and Thursday 2:00-3:15 PM, 103 Butte Course Format: 75 minute lecture and discussion Required Reading: The American West, A new Interpretive History by Robert Hine & John Mack Faracher. Course Description:This course reviews the physical and cultural geography of the American West, emphasizing how various cultural groups have each made a unique imprint on the western landscape. The course also examines the current and future issues facing resource management within this region. The general subtopics discussed in this class fit into the following five themes of geography: location, place, movement, region and human/environment interaction. Course Objectives: 1. Develop a geographic understanding of the American West, including;a. The physical processes that shape the patterns on the earth’s surfaceb. How these physical processes affect human culturesc. How various cultures manage and modify the physical environmentd. The patterns of human migration and settlement throughout the region2. Develop the ability to think, speak, and write criticallyAssignments:- Weekly chapter readings- Quizzes on chapter readings- Homework and brief writing assignments- Cumulative geographic western book project - Final Exam Grading:Grades will be assigned on a straight scale based on the points earned for each assignment (See grade ranges below). This system will enable each student to earn a fair grade based upon the percent of points earned on assignments rather than competing with others in the class for the top grade. - Students will be evaluated on attendance, participation, and written work. Punctual attendance of all class meetings and full participation in activities (including those that involve peer feedback) are required. - One make-up quiz will be given for excused absences only, and must be completed within a week of returning to class. - Late assignments will have 10 % deducted for each day they are late, and no assignments will be accepted more than one week (two class days) after the due date. - All written and other research assignments will be due one week from the date assigned unless otherwise advised. - Spelling, grammar, and composition will be considered part of the grading of major writing assignments.- Incompletes will only be considered if most of the course requirements have been fulfilled.- Written assignments should be based on primary sources, not the internet.Grade Points PercentA+ 210-225 0.935A- 202-209 0.9B+ 195-201 0.87B 187-194 0.835B- 180-186 0.8C+ 173-179 0.77C 165-172 0.735C- 158-164 0.7D+ 151-157 0.67D- 142-150 0.635Activity Points % of GradeParticipation and attendance 25 11%Quizzes on chapter readings 75 33%Cumulative geographic western book project 50 22%Homework/assignments 25 11%Final exam 50 22%Total 225(Note: these values are an approximation of point allocation. Additional points for other assignments may be assigned at instructor’s discretion)Class Rules:Aside from University policies, respect the learning environment and the opinions/contributions of others, learn (and share what you have learned), have fun (laugh a little).Equipment: With possible exceptions, no laptops or hand-held devices should be on during the class. Please turn off cell phones when coming to class. The advantage of having a student occasionally provide information from his or her laptop for the class does not outweigh the distraction of having people using these devices. Academic Honesty: Students are to practice academic integrity and honesty. If there is any evidence of academic dishonesty on the part of a student, I will follow the university’s guidelines for dealing with academic integrity issues.Please become familiar with these guidelines. http://www.csuchico.edu/prs/EMs/EM04/em04_36.htm and pay close attention to class discussions on this topic. Student Learning Center (SLC): The SLC prepares and supports students in their college course work by offering a variety of programs and resources to meet student needs. You can call them at 898-6839 or go to their website: http://www.csuchico.edu/slc/index.shtml Disability Support Services: Please let me know if you have any special needs. Information for Disability Support Services can be attained at 898-5959 or http://www.csuchico.edu/dss/index.shtml. Tentative Activity Schedule/Learning Objectives:2ApproximateTime frameCourse Topic/Theme/Material Assignments& Quizzes24 & 26AugustCourse Overview and IntroductionDefining the American West and Big PictureFive themes of GeographyAssignment: Flash Card About Me Assignment: Read Chapter 1Exercise: Mental Map31 August &2 SeptemberGeography, History and Stories of the WestNo Buddies Girls-FilmTheme: MovementQuiz Chapter 1Assignment: Read Chapter 2Assignment: A western story writing exercise 7 & 9SeptemberGeography of western community resourcesCalifornia State ParksTheme: Human Environment InteractionQuiz Chapter 2Due: A western story writing exerciseAssignment: Read Chapter 3Assignment: Chico Public Library western book14 & 16SeptemberConservation & Resource UtilizationU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service& U.S. Forest ServiceTheme: RegionQuiz Chapter 3Due: Chico Public Library western bookAssignment: Read Chapter 421 & 23SeptemberVegetation Communities (Biomes)CSU Chico Arboretum TourTheme: PlaceQuiz: Chapter 4Assignment: Read Chapter 5Assignment: Western plant page28 & 30SeptemberFundamental Map ElementsCSU Chico Special Collections& Maps TourTheme: LocationQuiz: Chapter 5Due: Western plant pageAssignment: Read Chapter 6Assignment: Location Map 5 & 7OctoberWestern SettlementSettler CulturesLewis & Clark – FilmTheme: MovementQuiz: Chapter 6Due: Location MapAssignment: Read Chapter 7Assignment: Second draft of western story12 & 14OctoberWestern AgricultureFilm The Mercy of Nature – CadillacDesertTheme: Human Environment InteractionQuiz: Chapter 7Due: Second draft of western storyAssignment: Read Chapter 8Assignment: Western recipe & location 19 & 21OctoberWestern SettlementSettler CulturesLewis & Clark - Film IITheme: MovementQuiz: Chapter 8Due: Western recipe & location Assignment: Read Chapter 9Assignment: Region Map26 &