Prof. Eric Pallant
Fall 2007-Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30-10:45
Quigley 201

COURSE OBJECTIVES

It’s the truth…Americans are notoriously terrible at geography. A study showed that the majority of young Americans couldn’t locate Iraq on a map, even despite our country being in a war there for the past four years. But there’s more to geography than knowing where something is on a map; on a broader scale, it is also the knowledge of the people and the environment in a location. This course is an examination of the physical and human forces that shape governments, economies, and culture, with topics that include geology, soils, climate, agriculture, industry, politics, religion, history, and the arts. We will investigate how these factors shape human interactions with the environment and influence people's interactions with one another in various regions and countries, using Israel and Palestine, Ghana, and Meadville as case studies. Through studying these three regions, the class will learn about social and regional principles that could likewise be used to consider and better understand every other location on the earth. Perhaps we can reflect on and break some stereotypes and look with greater awareness upon our own homes.

Israel and Palestine: Mandate Palestine as determined by British colonists after WWI included all of Israel, Jordan and the regions now under the Palestinian Authority. Since Israel’s creation in 1948, this area has witnessed constant terrorism and at least a war per decade, fueled by religious and political motives, fluctuating ideas of national identity, and one of the most disputed territories in the world. With the US now deeply entrenched in an international battle of values, we start with this microcosm of the Middle East Crisis.

Ghana: Of all continents, Africa seems so misunderstood and stereotyped by the US and media that Pres. Bush even once referred to this diverse landmass as a nation. In reality, Africa is composed of a multitude of nations only recently independent of colonization, of which Ghana is the earliest. The former Gold Coast is also an example of environmental and human misfortune, as many of its people suffer some of the world’s worst living conditions. A thinly veiled prelude to next summer’s EL term, we study this culture so seemingly different from our own.

Meadville: Can you locate the spot where George Washington traveled through Meadville in 1753? What species of fish live in French Creek? Despite being fairly well integrated within Meadville, Allegheny College has created geographic distinctiveness for itself, as evidenced by the separation of “students” and “townies.” How much do we know of our own backyard? Like any other place in the world, Meadville has its own history, identity, resources and natural processes of which even those who have stuck around for years may still be ignorant.

This is an experimental course, attempting to use a combination of printed texts and online resources. As learned knowledge determines how well we comprehend current events, as events relevant to our areas of study arise, expect class discussions and prepare accordingly by consistently reading the New York Times or Meadville Tribune. Some other resources may be referred to in class; these will be available on the course webpage. The course plan is not static, and will be subject to change. There may even be an opportunity for a field trip towards the end of the semester.

Readings & Assignments

The 28 class days will be broken up roughly into thirds for each unit. There will be a project due at the close of each unit. You are to do the course readings for a particular class in advance of the class meeting on that day. For example, the readings for September 20 on Israel's economy should be completed before you come to class on that day, otherwise there is a good chance that you won’t know what’s going on and you’ll be forced to look out the windows, pick your nose, fight off sleep (and maybe lose), or nod your head up and down like you know what we’re saying even though it’s obvious that you don’t. When you click on the readings for a particular day you will be instructed on what to read and you’ll usually be provided with some questions to consider while doing the readings. The web page will also have links to homework assignments and other class handouts. With the exception of the larger projects on the calendar according to their hand-out dates, readings and homework should be completed by the date they are assigned. Other assignments will be arranged in class with rubrics either posted online or handed out. Because of the relatively adaptable, non-lecture nature of the course, class participation is expected.

Participation

Please note that a significant portion of your grade is determined by your regular attendance and your contribution to class discussions. You will be evaluated on the following criteria:
 A for class participation is awarded when students regularly initiate discussion. This means coming to class thoroughly familiar with the assigned readings and prepared to raise questions, open discussion, and actively engage other students in discussion. This does not mean monopolizing a discussion, shutting other comments or ideas out or talking for its own sake rather than making a point on the topic. Students who are self-starters and do not rely on the instructors questions to set the agenda for discussion will be awarded a grade of A for participation as opposed to a B.
 B for class participation is awarded to students who participate regularly and productively in class discussion, who are prepared, and who are willing to engage.
 C for class participation is awarded to those who participate on a regular but less frequent basis than the B student. C discussants will be prepared for class, but their contributions will indicate that less thought has been given to the assigned materials.
 D for class participation is given to those who contribute infrequently to the discussion and whose contributions do not appear to arise from thoughtful consideration of the assignments.
 F for non-participation. Of course, participation is impossible if you don't attend class. Frequent absences mandate an F grade.

Honor Code

The honor code is strictly enforced in this class. If you have questions regarding honor code policies, please see me. Anyone suspected of plagiarism, the most common form of academic dishonesty, will be reported to the Honor Code Committee. A clear statement of what constitutes plagiarism can be found here.