Geography 5700, University of Utah
Teaching Methods in Geography

Student Syllabus

Instructor: R. Clayton Brough
Phone: (ABC4-KTVX TV) 801-975-4444
Email: cbrough@graniteschools.org
Student contact is welcomed at any time by email or phone

Meetings: Thursday, 4:35-7:00 PM, Murray Campus.

Overview: Geography 5700 acquaints secondary and elementary teachers of geography with national and regional curriculum materials and instructional strategies. This course is an inquiry-oriented course, with practical applications and participatory expectations. Also, students will learn how to use geographic techniques and tools to interpret the past, understand the present and predict future patterns and occurrences. (In-service teachers are welcome.)

Coursework: Readings and investigative work will be assigned prior to each class session. You should thoroughly digest this information before class so that you are prepared to effectively discuss the topics. Tests will be given in class and questions will come from classroom discussions, lectures, readings and investigative work assignments.

Attendance & Participation: 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: Teaching Methods and Resources in Geography (Brough, 2008). This material contains up-to-date information and resources related to the teaching of geography. This material is distributed free-of-charge to all students.

Web Links and Resources:
Geography Links for Teachers: http://www.broughfamily.org/geography_links_for_5700.html
Geography Links for Students: http://www.graniteschools.org/jr/eisenhower/geography_links.html

Research Paper: There will most likely be one required Research Paper. This research paper must concentrate on a current problem facing elementary or secondary geography teachers in the United States and propose a plausible solution to the problem. The research paper must be four to six pages long (double-spaced) with attached APA Style references. (See APA Style examples)

Oral Report: There will most likely be one oral report prepared for and given in class. Reports must contain relavent facts, figures and graphics--via overhead projectors, computers, posters or handouts--that support your analysis and conclusions.

Classroom Observation Reports: There will most likely be one teaching observation. This teaching observation will require that you visit a public school in your area and document, analyze and report (later in class) on the curriculum and teaching techniques of a geography teacher and the response of his or her students to what was being taught.

Grading: Grades will be based on assignments, tests, observations, papers and reports. 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%

Lecture Schedule:
1)__________Educational Pedagogy and Effective Techniques for Teaching Geography.
2)__________National and State Geography Standards and Curriculums. 
3)__________Evaluating Teachers and Teaching Methods in Geographic Tools and Themes.
4)__________Instructional Materials and Teaching Methods in Physical Geography.
5)__________Instructional Materials and Teaching Methods in Environmental Geography.
6)__________Instructional Materials and Teaching Methods in Cultural Geography.
7)__________Instructional Materials and Teaching Methods in Political Geography.
8)__________In-Class Mid-Semester Exam given. Reports on Classroom Observations.
9)__________Instructional Materials and Techniques in Teaching Weather.
10)_________Instructional Materials and Techniques in Teaching Climates.
11)_________Instructional Materials and Techniques in Travel and Tourism.
12)_________Planning and Implementing Effective Geography Field Trips.
13)_________Research Papers and Oral Reports.
14)_________Exam Preparation Day (no class)
15)_________In-Class Final Semester Exam. Evaluations.

The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations. All written information in this course can be made available in alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services.