California state university, chico
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GEOG 390—Foundations in Geographic Analysis and Writing
Course Handbook
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Department of Geography and Planning
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Professor Jacquelyn Chase
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Spring 2011
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Irazu Volcano, Costa Rica
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome…………………………………………………………………………….2
Syllabus……………………………………………………………………………..3
Course Description
Course Objectives
Required Materials
Evaluation and Other Information
Course Requirements
Course Schedule
Assignments ………………………………………………………………………..7
Themes of Geography Book Review
In-Class, Lab, Library Assignments
Two Research Exercises
Research Paper
Suggested Journals in Geography and Related Disciplines……………….…...20
Formatting Information for Citations using Turabian………………….…..…21
Template for Analyzing Articles……………………………………………...….22
Internet Resources for your Research in Geography……………………...........24
Your Writing Style …………………………………………………………….....26
Revision Checklist for Quoting and Paraphrasing……………………….....….29
Sample Abstracts……………………………………………………………….....30
Grading Rubrics………………………………………………………………......32
Research Presentation Guide……………………………………………………40
Worksheet: Keeping Track of your Grade ……………………………………...42
Your Information…………………………………………………………………43
Welcome!
Dear GEOG 390 Students,
As many of you know, we used to offer our writing classes in two parts: GEOG 309, which was an introductory class that focused on library-based research, followed by the WP course GEOG 490, which focused on a research paper that included primary data collection. In this course you will collect mostly secondary data (some of it from the library), and work on getting what you learn into writing. You will be practicing your writing skills and data collection in other upper division Geography and Planning courses. We hope that this course serves as a basis for you to succeed in these other writing assignments.
In this course you will learn to write in different kinds of projects that are common to geography and to its related discipline, planning. You will develop research questions, and you will learn how to use and document acceptable sources and to perform critical analyses of your findings. You will clearly write about and present your findings. The course culminates with a research paper on a geographic question of your choice.
You must receive a C- or better to pass this class.
Geography is eclectic. It is not surprising that geographers use many approaches to their research. This course requires you to practice your analysis and writing skills for different geographic “problems” or questions. You will not be collecting much primary data from field work although you will have one assignment in which you will practice interviewing techniques. Primary data collection is introduced in GEOG 317 (Field Techniques) and developed in other upper division courses.
The Turabian book (A manuel of style for writers of research papers, theses, and dissertaions) is a classic handbook that was updated in 2007. This book will be useful for you for the rest of your time at Chico State. Make sure you have the 7th Edition. This manual explains the reference style used by geography publications for citations and thus by this department (it’s called “author date” or “parenthetical style”). It also has helpful suggestions about doing research, and guidelines for how to include tables and figures in your papers.
The letter that I am writing now is part of a course handbook that you should use intensely while in this course. In it you will find detailed instructions about assignments, helpful resources, and of course a lengthy syllabus. Please bring the handbook with you to class every day. Please help us improve the material by letting me know when you see anything that doesn’t make sense or that you think is incorrect.
I look forward to having you all in this class.
Jacque Chase
jchase@csuchico.edu
530-898-5587
Syllabus
GEOG 390--Foundations of Geographical Analysis and Writing
Dr. Jacquelyn Chase
Spring 2011
MWF 9-9:50
Butte 503
Faculty Contact Information and Office Hours
Butte 507—898-5587—jchase@csuchico.edu
MW 12-2 or by appointment
Course Description
Geography 390 explores the diversity of geographical perspectives through critical analyses of written sources, independent information gathering, and research writing. The course introduces students to topics and analyses in the geographical tradition; examines and evaluates library and Internet resource materials pertinent to geographical research; and prepares students for independent geographical scholarly research. This course is the Writing Proficiency, WP, course for the major; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency.
Course Objectives
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Learn basic requirement of research design, execution and dissemination (writing and presentation)
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Increase awareness of the diversity of the geographic discipline
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Improve writing skills
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Heighten critical and analytical reading skills
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Increase ability to make efficient and effective use of information sources
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Provide familiarity with the major geographical journals (as well as related disciplines) and the information they provide
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Develop competency in the methods and techniques for conducting and writing geographical research
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Promote critical student discussion of the field of geography and its body of knowledge
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Develop and improve public presentation skills
Required Materials
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Grann, David. 2010. The lost city of Z. 3rd ed. New York: Vintage Books.
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Turabian, Kate L. 2007. A manual for writers of research papers, theses, and dissertations. 7th ed. University of Chicago Press. You should be prepared to keep this book for use in future classes. Make sure you buy the 7th edition.
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Additional materials will be put on Vista, including this course handbook. Print this handbook and bring it to class.
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Package of 3x5 inch lined note cards.
Evaluation and Other Information
Attendance: 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.
Late Work: Unless otherwise noted, assignments are due in class, and you must be in class to turn them in. Late papers will have points removed. Due dates are in the course calendar.
Classroom Environment: The classroom is a safe place where all ideas, as long as they do not include bigotry, intolerance or hatred, can be expressed freely and openly. All comments should be supportive and constructive. Use non-sexist language when speaking and writing.
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.
Academic 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. You may fail the course as a result of academic dishonesty, and I will turn any evidence of dishonesty to Student Judicial Affairs.
We will spend time in class discussing what constitutes plagiarism (you might be surprised!).
You will turn in some of your papers to Turnitin, on our Vista site.
Vista: Make sure you check the course Vista site regularly for announcements and material. It is your responsibility to read your syllabus and check Vista for updates.
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.
Course Requirements
Assignment
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Description
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Points
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Weekly Activities and Class Participation
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The handbook includes a set of activities that students will do in class or in the lab. We may not complete all activities.
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100
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Themes of Geography Book Review
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A 3-5 page description of how major themes of geography are represented in The Lost City of Z
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30
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Two Research Exercises
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1. Learning about local issues and data from interviews and newspapers (50 pts) ; 2. Exploring census data and doing field observations/presenting census data in tables and figures (50 pts)
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100
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RESEARCH PAPER COMPONENT
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Statement of Proposal
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Carefully crafted 2 paragraph statement of your research topic (see rubric for further information)
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20
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Outline of Research Paper
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Draft of outline with at least 5 sources
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20
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Draft of Research Paper/Note Cards
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Complete draft with at least 30 note cards and ten sources
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20
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Final Research Paper
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7-10 page paper on a topic of your choice using at least 10 peer-reviewed of information. It will be graded based on geographical content; spelling, grammar, and composition; format
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200
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Oral Presentation
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Well-prepared but brief presentation of your final research
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10
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Total
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500
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