• James M. Rubenstein.   The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human Geography.  Eighth Edition.  Prentice Hall, 2005.
• Goode's World Atlas. Chicago: Rand McNally, 2005.        

II. Course Outline
    A. The Subject is Geography
        1. What is it?
        2. What is its content?
        3. What are the geographer's tools?
        Reading: Chapter 1

    B. Geography of Population
        1. Fundamental Concepts
        2. Population and Transitions
        3. Population and the Environment
        Reading: Chapter 2 (pp. 44-72, 77-81) and 14  

    C. Geography of Life and Death
        1. Food Problems
        2. Health Problems
        Reading: Chapter 10 (pp. 359-364) and Chapter 2 (pp.72-77)

    D. Geography of Movement
        1. Why?
        2. Where?
        3. Who?
        Reading: Chapter 3

Examination One--see Schedule

    E. Geography and Cultures  
        1. Culture as a Geographic Theme
        2. Folk and Popular Cultures
        3. Culture in the Landscape
        Reading: Chapter 4

    F. Geography and Ethnicity
        1. Distribution of Ethnic and Racial Groups in the U.S.
        2. Ethnicity vs. Nationality
        3. Geography of Ethnic Conflicts
        Reading: Chapter 7

    G. Geography of Language
        1. Early Geography of Reading and Writing
        2. Current Geography of World Languages
        3. Language Problem Areas
        Reading: Chapter 5

     H. Geography of Religion
        1. Origins and Distributions of Religions
        2. Religion in the Landscape
        3. Religious Problem Areas
        Reading: Chapter 6

Examination Two--see Schedule
 

    I. Geography and Political Issues
        1. The Nation and the State
        2. Boundary Problems
        3. Multi-nationalism
        4. A New World Order?
        Reading: Chapter 8

    J. Geography of Economic Inequality
        1. Variations in Levels of Development
        2. Geographic Factors in Development
        3. Progress Toward Equality?
        Reading: Chapter 9

    K. Geography and Cities
        1. Origin and Diffusion
        2. Cities and Location
        3. Urban Organization
        4. City Life: East and West
        Reading: Chapter 10 (pp. 333-335), Chapter 12 (pp. 418-422), Chapter 13

Final Examination--May 7     at 11:00 AM

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III. Evaluation Process

    A. Examinations

1. There will be three (3) examinations based on the lectures and the text.
2. The second exam will be non-cumulative.  The third exam will include 25 points worth of questions of a general comprehensive nature.
3. Each examination will include a variety of types of questions.
4. A review session will be scheduled before each exam, if desired

1. A map quiz of locations will be given in accordance with Department of Geography requirements.
2. This event will occur after Exam II so there will be ample time to prepare.
3. The best approach is to learn a specific area each week.
4. I consider these to be virtually "free" points since there is no mystery about the content of the quiz.

1.  Participation in class discussion.
2.  Participation in class activities.  This includes the submission of any written assignments on the due date.  All written  assignments must be printed from word processing software.  Proofread all work.  Documents longer than one page must be stapled to be accepted.

        7. Therefore, to earn an A grade you need to collect 316 points while a B requires 280, a C 244, and a D 208.

    E. Extra Credit Option

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IV. Course Procedure

    A.  Attendance

1. Read the official policy in the Undergraduate Catalog.
2. I take attendance virtually every day because points are awarded for attendance and participation.
3. Please note: Habitual lateness and sleeping in class will be recorded as absences.

1. The specific date for an exam will be announced as far in advance as possible.
2. If you miss an exam, the make-up (if allowed) must be taken during the designated make-up time.  No make-up exam will be given without proper documented evidence of any illness or any other reason for missing an exam.  This same requirement applies to all of the forms of evaluation in this course.

1. As usual, each student is responsible for all the materials discussed in class.
2. Coherent lecture notes will be essential for your success in this course.  Use a system of note taking that will help you organize the information for study.  I will be pleased to provide suggestions on note taking for all those who  desire assistance.
3. You will need to listen carefully in order to learn.  One-half of the responsibility for good communication in this class is yours.  Therefore, do pay close attention to the lecture using active learning strategies.   Do not talk, do not read other materials, and do not create distractions for those around you.  I accept my one-half of the responsibility, and it is to be clear in my statements and to allow you to contribute comments and/or opinions whenever appropriate.  Remember that listening skills are vital for learning and for success in the academic as well as the working world.  Just a friendly reminder - student participation should be in the form of university-level language, not dorm-speak or street-talk.
4. A few other general guidelines for enhancing the learning environment are worth noting.  Cell phones may not be used at any time.  This class is only 50 minutes in length so there is no need for anyone to arrive late or leave early.  Both are disruptions.  It is inappropriate for any one person to disrupt the learning of others.  Accept the responsibility to be prompt.  The class starts at 10:00 so there is no need to eat or drink.  Please have your breakfast before class.  Excessive chattering and gum cracking are also disruptive!  Disruption of any type will not be tolerated.
5. In short, I want to create a learning environment that provides everyone with the opportunity to maximize his or her potential.  I thank you in advance for your cooperation.

1. Location--Boehm 118
2. Hours--MWF 9:00-9:50 AM,: MW 2:00-2:50; others by appointment
3. Telephone--direct: 610-683-4369
4. Email--ziegenfu@kutztown.edu

1. I am prepared to assist each one of you to do your best in this course.  I will answer questions before, during, and after class or during an office hour.  You can even send me an email message if a question comes to mind at 2 AM!    There is plenty of opportunity to have your question answered so feel free to ask.  This suggestion also applies to concerns other than this course.  For example, if you are uncertain about some University requirement, I will be happy to explain how it may affect you.  This is particularly important for those of you who are freshmen and/or transfer students.  A university can seem like a bewildering array of rules and regulations.  Come see me and I will help you separate the important from the trivial.  Let us have a super semester!
2. For those of you who are undecided about a major or not certain that your current major is the right one, please feel free to come chat with me about the many and varied job opportunities for geography majors.  Perhaps some of  you are considering a minor program.  I will be pleased to show you how to complete the necessary paperwork to add an interesting geography minor.