GLS 110 Deichmann

Global Studies 110-002:Global Regions

SPRING 2014Meets MTh 12:45-2:00 in LIN 27

Joel I. Deichmann, Ph.D.Associate Professor of GeographyGlobal Studies Department (MOR 208) Campus Phone: 781.891.2745E-mail: jdeichmann@bentley.edu Course web site: http://blackboard.bentley.edu Office Hours: Mondays 8-9.30 AM and by appointment.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONIn this survey course, we examine the worlds major distinct regions as defined by physical and human geography. We adopt a spatial perspective to better understand the contemporary worlds landscapes, people, and events. In other words, we look at the ways in which attributes of location and geography underlie social, economic, and political realities around the world. Our textbook, videos, and class discussions are designed to facilitate this endeavor. For each region, associated themes are discussed. For example, North Africa/Southwest Asia, and especially the Middle East, tends to be associated with Islam and oil, while North America is associated with urbanization and human mobility. Our region-centered discussions are then enriched by country analyses of current events, narrowing the scale of discussion and offering illustrative examples of why geography matters.

LEARNING OBJECTIVESThis course builds a solid fundamental knowledge of the worlds distinct geographic regions. Students will recognize connections between location and the human condition in each global region, helping them understand social, economic, and political circumstances and associated local perspectives. This knowledge will assist students as citizens of our increasingly interconnected world and help them develop skills for a globalized workplace. As a Global Studies survey course, GLS 110 helps provide a foundation for all other courses in our curriculum, in particular, knowledge as a basis for critical thinking in our upper-division courses. In order to achieve these objectives, it is expected that the student will read the entire textbook and attend class. In addition, students are strongly encouraged to earn a fourth credit by participating in Bentleys service learning program (at the final page of this syllabus).

REQUIRED TEXTBradshaw, M. White, G. and Dymond, J, and Chacko. 2012. Contemporary World Regional Geography (4th edition). New York: McGraw-Hill. If you choose to use an older edition, you remain responsible for any material covered in the new edition.

Recommended Supplemental Reading: The Economist (weekly global news magazine).

Additional reading materials will be provided by the professor.

GRADESGrades are based upon the following deliverables:200 points - Two In-class Exams (100 points each)100 points Chapter Key Concepts/Maps (10 points each)100 points Five map quizzes (20 points each), given at any point after maps are due.100 points Country Study/News Journal 100 points Class Participation Grades are earned, not given, and they are not negotiable. Final quality point grades are determined based upon the guidelines on the registrars website. Incomplete grades require a written petition to be filed before the final class meeting of the semester, including a description of how the course requirements will be completed within 60 days.

IMPORTANT POLICIESAttendance and Classroom CourtesyPlease arrive punctually at each meeting and demonstrate your preparedness by participating in every class. The professor is looking for each student to make at least one substantive contribution and/or ask a question at each meeting. Texting and social networking are distractions to everyone and are therefore not permitted in this classroom. If you miss a class, materials should be obtained from your classmates. It is the students responsibility to stay appraised of his or her own grade progress throughout the semester. As a measure of student performance, grades are not negotiable.

Other Items

A. Please let me know at the beginning of the semester if you have any disabilities and need special accommodations.

B. Please refrain from using cell phones and Facebook during our class time. Thank you!

C. Assignments are accepted in hard copy only (not by email)

D. Feel free to ask me if you have any questions about whether a practice (working with other students on homework, etcetera) constitutes acceptable behavior.

E. Keep all graded work until the end of the semester, when I will confirm everyones grades.

IN-CLASS EXAMS AND QUIZZES

1. Each exam features multiple choice questions, and may include other formats (including location or short essay questions) as announced in class. The questions are drawn from class discussions, your textbook, and the companion videos. In order to do well on the exams, you will need to read the entire textbook as assigned, participate in class discussions, and view videos that highlight some of the most important concepts. You will find the textbooks web site useful for resources such as multiple choice questions.

2. Exam Schedule (and coverage) Exam I:24 February (Chapters 1-6)Exam II: 1 May, 9-11am (Chapters 7-13)

3. Map quizzes will be given unannounced on or after the corresponding chapters due date. Therefore, you should learn the countries and capitals and complete the homework as you read each chapter. Excellent interactive quizzes are available on-line, including Interactive Base Maps on the textbooks web site. The quizzes will cover only countries and capital cities in Europe, East and Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia/North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America (@20pts)

HOMEWORK: Chapter Key Concepts/MapsFor each assigned chapter, please submit a one-page typed list of concepts defined in your own words (see Reading Schedule below for due dates), along with an example and/or significance of the term.

To maximize your earned credit, check your work against the following requirements: Use blank maps found at http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/ or http://www.geog.byu.edu/outlinemaps.dhtml; you may wish to enlarge them. Be neat with your maps and use colored pencils (no maps required for Ch 1, 2, and 13) Use the color blue only for water. This is fundamental cartographic convention. Label all countries and their capitals neatly by hand. Include only one single-sided page of termsthe ones that you think are most important. Staple your map to the back of your notes. Submit these at the beginning of class; there is a 10% minimum late penalty (see Reading Schedule for dates).

Grading on returned maps is as follows: + Outstanding (translates to a 10) Good enough (translates to an 8.5)- Not good enough (translates to a 7)

The ten highest grades of the semester will count, representing 1/6 of your course grade. Retain your graded assignments, as they will be helpful in preparing for exams. It would be a good idea for you to photocopy your maps before you turn them in so that you can review for the quizzes. You are responsible for knowing each regions countries and capitals at the time when the maps are due.

COUNTRY STUDY/NEWS JOURNALThe world contains approximately 200 countries (or states), and it would be impossible to discuss them each one in reasonable detail during a single semester. Although your textbook is excellent, it was already outdated the day it came off the printing press. In an effort to learn more about individual countries and how they function within their region and the global economy, before Superbowl Sunday each student will select a single country within the regions of SE Asia, NASA, SS Africa, and Latin America to examine in detail. Students will share their gathered information with the rest of the class during the appropriate meeting (see schedule).

The paper should cover your countrys physical and human geography and explain what you view to be the top three current events. The paper should include a brief geographic overview, then focus on whats in the news. You must include at least five news references (since publication of your textbook), properly cited. In addition, try to link whats going on in your country to its geography, relative location, and interaction with other countries. For example, explain how your countrys location, landscape , and access to water impact its economy, trade, and political relations with neighbors. Only include information such as latitude/longitude, territorial size, trade statistics, and population figures IF you can explain why they matter. Note: Wikipedia.com is not an acceptable information source for academic papers, and if it appears in your paper you will lose points.

Deliverable: Hard copy paper due at the beginning of our final class (12:45 on 4/28).*5-7 pages, plus appendix of illustrations. These length guidelines will be strictly enforcedpapers outside of this range will lose points.

Heres the allocation of 100 possible points50 points: Content20 points: Mechanics (always proof-read carefully)10 points: One hand-sketched map featuring all locations mentioned in the paper10 points: Full citations and bibliography (any standard format)10 points: A copy of your one-page* handout for all members of the class.

Country News Presentation (scheduled with the appropriate region- see below)Each student will make a ten minute* informal presentation to the class highlighting how current events in their country are related to geography. Prepare a one-page handout featuring basic geographic information and your countrys current events over past few months. Include full citations of the news sources and bring a copy for each class member. The preparation and effort you demonstrate will be reflected in your participation grade.

PARTICIPATIONYour participation grade is based upon attendance, punctuality, responses to questions, substantive contributions to discussions, your paper presentation, and any reactions to international films.

INTERNATIONAL FILM SERIESThe following showings are offered to the Bentley community free of charge. If you attend and write a short reaction, you will earn extra points toward your participation grade. Thoughtful one-page reactions are due at the beginning of the class meeting immediately following the film screening.

Spring 2014 Theme: Seeing and Being Seen

Monday, Jan. 27; 6:30pm; Wilder Pavilion, Adamian Academic CenterThe Secret in their Eyes (2009-Argentina/Spain-129 min.) directed by Juan Jos CampanellaIn 1999, retired Argentinian federal justice agent Benjamn Espsito is writing a novel, using an old closed case as the source material. That case is the brutal rape and murder of Liliana Coloto. In addition to seeing the extreme grief of the victim's husband Ricardo Morales, Benjamn, his assistant Pablo Sandoval, and newly hired department chief Irene Menndez-Hastings were personally affected by the case as Benjamn and Pablo tracked the killer, hence the reason why the unsatisfactory ending to the case has always bothered him. Despite the department already having two other suspects, Benjamn and Pablo ultimately were certain that a man named Isidoro Gmez is the real killer. Although he is aware that historical accuracy is not paramount for the novel, the process of revisiting the case is more an issue of closure for him. This film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009.(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1305806/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Wednesday, Feb. 19; 6:30pm; Wilder Pavilion, AACEyes Wide Open (2009Israel/Germany/France91 min.) directed by Haim TabakmanAaron Fleishman (Zohar Shtrauss) is a father of 4 who takes over the family kosher butcher shop following the death of his father. Aarons observant world is turned upside down with the arrival of a young Yeshiva student Ezri (Ran Danker). When Aaron and Ezri begin spending time together, Aaron is quickly ostracized within the Orthodox community. Confronted by Rabbi Vaisben (Tzahi Grad), Aaron declares he was dead before meeting Ezri. We see how quickly social control turns violent and ugly in the Orthodox community when Ezri is forced to leave. Eyes Wide Open is set during a dark and wet winter in Jerusalem. Rain and the darkness of night are used as metaphors for the ritual of cleansing and the omnipresent pressure to conform in the Orthodox community. It has a strong cast and delivers a powerful message in a country divided by debates about the growing influence of the Orthodox Jewish community. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1424327/synopsis?ref_=ttpl_pl_syn)

Tuesday, March 18; 6:30pm; Wilder Pavilion, AACThe Sapphires (2012 Australia 103 min.) directed by Wayne Blair1968 was the year that changed the world. And for four young Aboriginal sisters from a remote mission, this is the year that would change their lives forever. Around the globe, there was protest and revolution in the streets. Indigenous Australians finally secured the right to vote. There were drugs and the shock of a brutal assassination. And there was Vietnam. The sisters, Cynthia, Gail, Julie and Kay are discovered by Dave, a talent scout with a kind heart and very little rhythm but a great knowledge of soul music. Billed as Australia's answer to 'The Supremes', Dave secures the sisters their first true gig, and flies them to Vietnam to sing for the American troops. Based on a true story, The Sapphires is a triumphant celebration of youthful emotion, family and music. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1673697/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Monday, April 7; 6:30pm; Wilder Pavilion, AACBlack Maria Film and Video Festival**reception with food begins at 6:00; meet festival director John Columbus** The Black Maria is one of the most influential touring film festivals of independent film and videos in the U.S. For 32 years, the festival has been fulfilling its mission to advocate, exhibit and reward cutting edge works from independent film and videomakers.

DISCUSSION AND HOMEWORK SCHEDULEThis schedule is subject to change as necessary. DateScheduled Discussion TopicWhat is due today?

Thu 1/23Introduction to the Course; Syllabus/Expectations. Why Geography?

Sat 1/25Questions about important terms and concepts? Global Population Distribution: Where and Why? (Part I)Chapters 1&2 due(one page each)

Mon 1/27Global Population Distribution: Where and Why? (Part II)

Thu 1/30Europes Physical and Human Geography: Compact yet Complex.Chapter 3

Mon 2/3Europe: Competing forces of Supra-nationalism and Devolution. (Power of Place: Strasbourg and Slovakia).

Thu 2/6Russia and its Neighbors: Enormity and Cultural Diversity. A Closer Look at St. Petersburg. *Also label all former Soviet Republics and their capitals, plus St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, Volgograd, Rostov, and Yekaterinburg.Chapter 4*

Mon 2/10What are the preconditions for the East Asian Miracle?; Where and how has it been replicated elsewhere?*Also label Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tianjin, Wuhan, Xian, Huang He, Chang Jiang rivers.Chapter 5*

Thu 2/13Chinas Emergence as Global Player, Power of Place: Shanghai: Head of the Dragon; Guangdong: Globalization on the Pearl River Delta.

Mon 2/17Overview of Southeast Asia and Oceania: Multifaceted FragmentationChapter 6

Thu 2/20Power of Place (Singapore: Gateway to Southeast Asia; Indonesia)

Mon 2/24First Exam Exam I

Thu 2/27Southeast Asia Presentations(presentations)

Mon 3/3Introduction to South Asia, Past and Present. Chapter 7

Thu 3/6Power of Place (Delhi: Bursting at the Seams)

3/10-3/14SPRING BREAK!

Mon 3/17Northern Africa and Southwestern Asia (The Middle East) Chapter 8

Thu 3/20Country Current Events in North Africa/Southwest Asia(presentations)

Mon 3/24Africa South of the Sahara: Stereotypes and RealityChapter 9

Thu 3/27Current Events in Sub-Saharan Africa (presentations)

Mon 3/31Presentation of research findings on the Millennium Development Goals and Foreign Direct Investment in SSA; Bentley Goes to Africa

Thu 4/3Finish up Sub-Saharan Africa (Re-cap, illustrative shorts)

Mon 4/7Discussion on Australia & New Zealand. *OZ and its largest five cities, NZ and its largest three cities.Chapter 10*

Thu 4/10Is Latin America really Latin? Why or why not? Chapter 11

Mon 4/14Country Current Events in Latin America(presentations)

Thu 4/17Latin America: Power of Place (Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Brazil). Latin America- Middle and South: Overcoming Colonization?

Mon 4/21No Class. PATRIOTS DAY!

Thu 4/27North America: Urbanization and Mobility, Urban Geography Models and Migration. *Also label the Canadian provinces and their capitals.Chapter 12*

Mon 4/28Canadians and Americans: Whats the difference? Power of Place (Vancouver and Quebec). Read Chapter 13 (no HW)PAPER DUE!

Thu 5/1Final Exam 9-11 am Scheduled by Bentley University Exam II

About the ProfessorProf. Deichmann was born in Bethlehem, Connecticut in 1969. He grew up in Western New York, holds a BA from Geneseo (1993), an MA from the University of Cincinnati (1995), and a PhD from the University at Buffalo (1999). Prof. Deichmanns research focuses upon international movements of investment and tourism, with special emphasis upon Central and Eastern Europe. His other Bentley courses include GLS 270 Contemporary Europe and GLS 325: Global Tourism. In May 2014, he will lead a group of Bentley students on a two-week intensive travel course to spectacular Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia for his GLS 276 Transition Economies of Europe (see flyer below). Professor Deichmanns wife Karen is a Human Resources Manager at Comcast; and they have three kids: Charlie (16), Isabela (14), and James (12). Interests include studying things international, visiting all 3143 counties in the USA, hiking, enjoying music and films, and running with Tessie the black lab.

Service Learning Opportunity: Earn a fourth credit for GLS 110!The 4th credit option for this section of GLS 110 consists of the following:

1) Working with the Service Learning Center's English as a Second Language (ESL) or another approved program (if you missed the presentation in class, call x2977 for more information).

2) Writing and submitting a reflective journal on your experience. Your first entry should overview the origin country of the tutee, and you can obtain such information in Culture Grams, or Countries and their Cultures in the Reference section of Baker Library (REF GN 307 .C68 2001, v1-4). After this first entry, you are to write one paragraph for each meeting, then summarize the semester with a short discussion. Some possible discussion topics: -What factors caused your students to come to the USA? Difficult conditions in their home country? Opportunities in the USA? Why did they choose the Boston area (as opposed to NYC, LA)? Some questions should be broached sensitively. -How does s/he cope with challenges of adjustment to their new environments? (such as finding housing, employment, transportation, and other services)-What cultural challenges does s/he face and what adjustments are necessary to make?-What did you learn that brings to life something you studied in class?

Turn your journal in to Professor Deichmann before spring break for quick feedback. The final journal (due 28 April), including summary, should be five pages in length.

Other points to remember (all dates set by BSL)1) Registration and other information can be found at: http://www.bentley.edu/service-learning/4th-credit-dates.cfmYou are required to attend three general 4th credit meetings: site orientation in February, and a mid-semester reflection before spring break.2) Your grade for the 4th credit is independent of your GLS 110 grade.3) The completion of three 4th credit options satisfies one unrestricted elective!

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