Geography 120, BYU Salt Lake Center
Geography and World Affairs

Student Syllabus

Instructor: R. Clayton Brough
Phone: (ABC4-KTVX TV) 801-975-4444
Email: cbrough@graniteschools.org

Meetings: Thursdays, 7:30-10:00 PM
BYU Class Schedules

Overview:
Geography 120 is a survey course of the world, stressing the cultural and political geography of major regions.

Coursework:
A reading assignment will be given prior to each lecture session. You should thoroughly digest this information before class so that you are prepared to effectively discuss the topic. Tests are usually given in class before the evening's presentation. Test questions will come from classroom lectures, assigned readings and the textbook, so it's important that students attend every class and read the materials assigned by the instructor.

Attendance:
Attendance is required. One absence is permitted without the loss of points. All other absences will result in a loss of points--usually up to 5% (off the final grade) per absence. All absences should be explained to the instructor via email. Please do not schedule plane trips, weddings, family reunions or otherwise before the final exam. Final exams are not given early.

Required Text: The World Almanac and Book of Facts (latest edition),
     by the New York Times. Approximate price: $12.

Recommended (but not required) Text: World Regional Geography
     by David L. Clawson, 9th Edition, 2007. Approximate price: $118.

Web Links and Resources:
General Geography Links:
     http://www.graniteschools.org/jr/eisenhower/geography_links.html
CIA World Factbook and Information on World Countries:
     https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
Interactive Maps of World Countries and Areas:
     http://www.yourchildlearns.com/geography.htm

Research Paper:
There will be one research paper. This paper must concentrate on a current cultural, political or religious conflict in a particular region (or country) of the world and strive to determine or propose a plausible solution to the problem. The research paper must be four to five pages long (double-spaced) with APA Style references. (See APA Style examples)

Grading:
Grades will be based on scores from tests, exams and research papers, and on attendance and participation.

Grades will be based on the following percentage of points earned:
A 93-100%
A- 90-92%
B+ 87-89%
B 83-86%
B- 80-82%
C+ 77-79%
C 73-76%
C- 70-72%
D+ 67-69%
D 63-66%
D- 60-62%
F 0-59%

Schedule of Lectures & Tests:
_____ Physical Geography
_____ Cultural Geography
_____ North America (Physical & Cultural Geography Test)
_____ Central America
_____ South America
_____ Europe (North & South America Test)
_____ Russia and Central Asia
_____ Southwest Asia (Europe, Russia & Central Asia Test)
_____ Africa
_____ South Asia (Southwest Asia & Africa Test)
_____ East and Southeast Asia
_____ Australia
_____ Pacific Islands & Antarctica
_____ Research Papers (Asia, Australia & Pacific Test)
_____ Study Week (no class)
_____ Final Exam