Geog 366U: Historical Geography of North America
Winter Term, 2008 - Online

Instructor Information | Course Description | Prerequisites | Required Text
Learning Objectives | Topical Outline | Course Format | Evaluation & Grading | WebCT Help
Academic Honesty | Disability Accomodations

top

This course will survey the evolving geography of North America during the past five centuries, viewing the continent as a dynamic and growing geographic formation, a continually changing set of places and regions.  We will consider the nature of the physical environment and its influence on the development of the nation, and will also examine changing social and cultural patterns.   The course will be delivered online, using WebCT as the course management tool. Students will be expected to stay current with assigned reading, to write a series of reflective essays and to participate in online class discussions.

top

• Upper-division standing: It is assumed that students have an understanding of the persons, issues and events that are generally accepted as basic to American history.
• A PSU (ODIN) computer account: For instructions on obtaining an ODIN account, go to http://psuonline.pdx.edu and click on the "How Do I Get A WebCt Account?" link.
• Access to a computer with internet access: If you do not own a personal computer, feel free to visit one of the PSU computer labs. A list of all campus lab locations can be found at http://www.uss.pdx.edu/lab/.

top

McIlwraith, Thomas F. and Muller, Edward K., 2001 (2 nd edition). North America : The Historical Geography of a Changing Continent; Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. Paperback Edition $49.95 ISBN 0-7425-0019-5. This textbook can be found at the Portland State University Bookstore, or you can order it online from one of the major suppliers. However, if you choose to get your book online, please place your order as soon as possible to be sure that it is shipped to you by the first day of the term - you will need to have it for the first week of assignments.

top

After completing this course, you will be able to (among other things):

1. Recognize and discuss the significance of a geographic perspective in the interpretation of American history.
2. Understand and present examples of the influence of the physical environment on geographic change in North America.
3. Understand the historic and geographic background of the cultural and ethnic diversity found in North America today.

top

The course will take a chronological approach, closely following the sequence of topics in the text.   Weekly assignments, found under the Course Lessons link on your homepage, will give you specific information regarding required reading and additional resources.

top

In addition to the lecture materials provided under the "Course Lessons" icon on the course homepage, you will be expected to participate in the following activities:

Discussion Teams

All students will be assigned to a small discussion group; therefore, from your perspective the class is small, friendly, and interactive. Participation in your discussion team will be required at specific intervals during the term; and, of course, you are encouraged to communicate with your team members on a regular basis.

Assignments and Exams

• Weekly Assignments and Quizzes: There will be 10 weekly assignments; each will require that you read a selection from your text and some additional web-based readings. A short, timed, weekly quiz (and, on occasion, a required discussion-board posting) will test your comprehension of the assigned reading.
   
• Essay Writing: During the third week of the term you will write an essay of approximately 750 words, selected from options that I provide for you. These essays will be shared with your team members and you will then write a reflective response to the essays of your team members. This process will be repeated a second time later in the term.
   
• Final Exam / Essay: This assignment will be made early in the term, but will not be due until the end of the term. The nature of the assignment will be revealed to you at the appropriate time.

top

My goal for you is to be engaged in the course material on a weekly basis; that is, to keep up with the assigned reading, to take the quizzes on time, and to submit the essays on time. I can assure you that if you stay with it and keep up, you will do well, and your grade will reflect that. Please be aware that there are penalties for late submissions, in particular with regard to Discussion items. Weekly quizzes cannot be made up after the fact.

top

Once you are logged into your course, there is context-specific help available by clicking on the "Help" link in the menu bar that runs across the top of the page. No matter where you are in the course, you will get specific help for that area when you click on the "Help" link. PSU has also created online video tutorials for each of the tools that your course may use. To view these tutorials, go to http://psuonline.pdx.edu and click on the "Student Tutorials" link.

If you need additional assistance, you may visit the PSU Help Desk in Room 18 of Smith Student Memorial Union on the PSU campus, or call them at (503) 725-HELP. They are also accessible by email at help@pdx.edu.

top

By turning in an assignment or examination, you (the student) certify that the work was produced without plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty. You should carefully review the current PSU Bulletin regarding these issues; ignorance of these rules is not an acceptable excuse for misconduct in this course. Violations of academic honesty standards will result in a class grade of F.

top

The University will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. If you are a student with a documented disability and are registered with the Disability Resource Center (503-725-4155), please contact the instructor as soon as possbile to facilitate the arrangement of academic accomodations.

top