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Instructor: Val John Halford Contact: E-mail: [email protected]
or Work Phone: (801) 363-4230, ext. 1108 (24-hour voice messaging)
Location: Building 73 (Former Law College Building) Room 107 Day
And Time: Monday, 4:35 PM to 7:35 PM
“BOUNDARY, n: In political geography, an imaginary line between
two nations,
separating the imaginary rights of one from the imaginary rights
of the other.” Ambrose Bierce
Course Overview: Political geography is a subdivision of human
geography and is generally concerned with the relationship between
different regions and countries and their political systems. This
discipline extends the scope of traditional political science by
incorporating elements of social, cultural, and economic geography.
In particular, political geography examines how and why modern
states are formally organized, their historic connection with each
other, the dynamic relationship between a government and its
people, international policies, trade, and treaties, political
power on a global scale, and the study of election results. Class
Expectations: Students enrolled in this course are expected to
spend a substantial amount of time outside of the classroom in
order to successfully complete the assigned readings, a term
research paper and classroom presentation, and in preparation for
four examinations. Your most important learning experience will
take place when you seek relevant information on your own while
applying pertinent material discussed or reviewed in class. To be
successful in this course of study, please read the assigned
chapter(s) in the textbook and become familiar with the concepts
presented. During class, please ask questions concerning any area
of confusion or terms which need clarification. You are expected to
prepare for class in advance by: (1) reading the chapter(s)
assigned in the textbook, along with a number of supplemental
readings that will be provided during the course; and (2) come to
class willing to participate in discussions. A written summary of
the weekly supplement readings is required and tracked for grading
purposes. Each class lecture will focus on specific chapter(s) in
the textbook, along with overviews of specific countries to
illustrate various concepts important to political geography. The
lectures and presentations are designed to help explain and enrich
the reading material. Regular class attendance is strongly
encouraged. I do not take attendance, but please keep in mind that
this course moves at a fast pace and missing a single session will
put you an entire week behind. As I do not have an on-campus
office, nor maintain regular visiting hours, I encourage you to
call me with any questions that you might have or remain after
class for personal consultation or assistance. The study of
political geography invites examination and discussion of
potentially charged subject matters and classroom discussions can
become emotional as differing viewpoints are expressed. Differences
of opinion and strong disagreements may result. Please respect the
rights of other students to expressive their views and feelings.
Help keep discussions civil and courteous by refraining from any
attempts to personalize your argument. I will make every attempt to
treat those subject matters that are considered controversial with
the sensitivity they deserve. However, at any time during the
course if you feel I have misrepresented a particular topic or
viewpoint, please extend the courtesy of bringing the matter to my
attention either before or after class. I invite you to openly
express your concerns and welcome the opportunity to discuss any
issue you wish.
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POLITICAL GEOGRAPHYPOLITICAL GEOGRAPHYPOLITICAL
GEOGRAPHYPOLITICAL GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 3420-001
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Course Goals And Objectives: The overriding course goal is to
provide you with the opportunity to expand your awareness,
understanding, and appreciation of our multifaceted world - its
global political divisions, organization, and systems. This course
will attempt to integrate a classroom learning experience with your
ability to develop, analyze, and present original work based upon
assigned readings, class discussions, individual research, and
critical thinking. Upon completion of your studies in Political
Geography 3420, you should be able to: Explain the principles,
elements, and concepts of political geography.
• Value the historic role that politics have played in the
division of the world into governed territories.
• Understand the various historic concepts and theories
concerning states and nations.
• Identify the various geopolitical factors that influence our
social, economic, and environmental quality.
• Distinguish national voting patterns and how such reveal
national political trends and culture.
• Be aware of and appreciate potential “flash points” or world
regions where future conflicts might take place.
• Know the political implications caused by different world
religions, languages, races, and ethnic diversities.
• Analyze the impacts of increased globalization and
international trade on different regions.
• Recognize the importance of international relations within the
context of an ever changing world situation.
• Comprehend the general nature of modern warfare and its marked
shift toward smaller, more intense conflicts.
Required Text: The majority of the assigned reading for the
course will be found in Political Geography (Third Edition), by
Martin Glassner and Chuck Fahrer. This textbook, which is
available at the University Book Store or online, is divided
into nine sections: (1) Introduction to Political Geography; (2)
The State; (3) Political Geography With The State; (4) Imperialism,
Colonialism, and Decolonization; (5) Geopolitics; (6) Contemporary
International Relations; (7) Our Last Frontiers; (8) The Political
Geography of Everyday Life; and (9) Looking Ahead. Periodic
handouts will be provided during the semester to augment specific
topics found in the textbook. These handouts are required readings
and the course examinations will test on their content. Research
Paper and Presentation: Students are required to select, research,
and write on a modern-day or historic event that has geopolitical
implications or controversy, such as a cultural, economic,
political, geographic, ethnic, or religious conflict that is
currently taking place in a particular region or country. Your
paper should identify or propose a plausible solution to the
problem. Research papers are due on April 2nd. In addition to a
written paper, each student is also required to prepare and deliver
an 8-minute oral presentation during scheduled class time that
highlights his or her selected research paper topic. Your classroom
presentation is due on April 23rd. The required length for the
course research paper is 8-10 pages, type-written, double spaced,
11 point font size, with 1-inch margins. Make sure to include
proper footnotes and cite all sources used. Feel free to insert any
relevant maps, charts, graphs, and figures into your text, however,
including such graphic material does not count toward the required
length. I will provide to those who need such a list of suggested
topics that you may wish to select from. Oral classroom
presentations are to be prepared in MS PowerPoint, or similar
program, and should be no longer than 8-minutes in length. This
time limit will be strictly enforced. Your presentation should be
e-mailed to my address no
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later than the date highlighted above. Student names will be
drawn randomly on the evenings of April 23rd and April 30th to
determine the order of the presentations, so come prepared. I would
encourage you to discuss with me possible research paper topics. I
am also available and wiling to review research paper and
presentations outlines. Your research paper is worth 140 points
toward your final grade and your 8-minute classroom presentation is
worth 60 points. The 200 possible point total represents 50% of
your final grade. Late work will be accepted but penalized in
accordance with the length of time beyond the deadline.
Examinations: Course examinations, each consisting of a total of 50
questions worth 1 point each, will cover only that textbook
material and readings found in the chapters listed next to each of
the sections below. For example, the “First Section” examination
will test your knowledge and comprehension of Chapters 1 through 11
only. In addition to testing your understanding of assigned
textbook readings, exam questions will also be drawn from other
assigned readings, handouts, and the lectures. An in-class review
session prior to each exam will provide you with an oral study
guide. First Section Chapters 1 through 11 February 26 Second
Section Chapters 12 through 19 March 26 Third Section Chapters 20
through 30 April 9 Fourth Section Chapters 31 through 39 April
30
If you cannot attend class on any date examinations are
scheduled, (See “Course Calendar” on Page 5), it is your
responsibility to inform me of such well in advance so other
arrangements can be made. Failure to do so may forfeit your
opportunity to take a make-up examination. There will be no extra
credit work. The combination of the four non-comprehensive
examinations, worth 50 points each, or 200 points total, equates to
50% of your final grade. Course Material And Handouts: Class
attendance is important, not only for the educational enrichment of
yourself and your fellow students, but for the overall success of
the course. Printed copies of each MS PowerPoint slide presentation
covering the evening’s lecture will be provided at the beginning of
each class to those in attendance. Students who elect not to attend
will not receive these presentation handouts. Other course
materials, such as required readings and periodic handouts
that supplement the assigned reading in the textbook, will be
provided to those individuals who miss a lecture. The volume of
course material and handouts is such that students are encouraged
to purchase a three-ring binder or similar organizer to collect and
keep this information in good order. Accommodation Statement: 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 (CDS), 162 Olpin
Union Building, 581-5020. The CDS will work with you and me 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. Special
arrangements can also be made for taking course exams.
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Academic Misconduct Statement: The Geography Department has
requested that the following information from the University of
Utah’s Student Code be provided to students enrolled in this
course. If you have any questions concerning the following, please
see me.
• Academic misconduct will not be tolerated. Penalties may
include failure of an assignment, the entire course, and/or the
filing of formal charges with appropriate University
authorities.
• Cheating involves the personal unauthorized possession or use
of information in an academic exercise, including
• Misrepresenting one’s work includes, but is not limited to
representing material prepared by another as one’s own work or
submitting the same work in more than one course without prior
permission of all instructors.
• Plagiarism means the intentional unacknowledged use or
incorporation of any other person’s work as one’s own work offered
for academic consideration or public presentation.
Electronic Devices: Cellular phones, pagers, and other personal
electronic devices are to be turned off during class. The exception
to this requirement is personal computers or tablets which should
be used for note-taking and course-related purposes only. Computers
are not to be used during class for working on other tasks, such as
answering e-mail, Facebook, etc. Student may not record or publish
information from the class without written authorization from the
instructor. If used without authorization, you have violated
privacy rights.
Course Grading: Final grades will be based on the quality of
your research paper and classroom presentation, along with scores
from your examinations. As stated previously, the course research
paper and presentation are worth a total of 200 points or 50% of
your final grade. The four examinations, each with 50 questions
worth a single point, equals to an additional 200 points. Thus, a
total of 400 points are possible for the semester and course letter
grades will be assigned as per the following breakdown:
A 378 – 400 points 95% - 100% A- 358 – 377 points 90% - 94% B+
338 – 357 points 85% - 89% B 318 – 337 points 80% - 84% B- 298 –
317 points 75% - 79% C+ 278 – 297 points 70% - 74% C 258 – 277
points 65% - 69% C- 238 – 257 points 60% - 64% D+ 218 – 237 points
55% - 59% D 198 – 217 points 50% - 54% D- 178 – 197 points 45% -
49% E 0 – 177 points 0% - 44%
Course Calendar: Class will be held on the dates indicated on
the “Course Calendar,” located on the following page, and the
chapter(s) listed by each date will be the focus of classroom
lectures and discussions. Examination dates and research paper and
presentation deadlines are also provided. Although not anticipated,
any deviation from the course calendar dates indicated, or any
needed changes in the lecture sequence or material to be covered,
will be announced during regularly scheduled class time. Please
maintain a degree of flexibility as the semester unfolds.
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Course Calendar
POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY 3420
Date
Section
Assigned Reading And / Or Activity
Presentation And Lecture
Assigned Discussion Topic
January 8
Section 1
Chapters 1 and 2
Introduction to Political Geography
What To Do About Illegal Immigration
January 15
Martin L. King Jr. Day - No Class
January 22
Section 1
Chapters 3 through 5
State, Nation, and Nation-States
Nuclear Proliferation and Rouge States
January 29
Section 1
Chapters 6 through 9
Frontiers and Boundaries
Nation Building And The War in Afghanistan
February 5
Section 1
Chapters 10 through 11
First Section Examination Review
Federal, Regional, and
Anomalous Political States
Nation Building And The War in Afghanistan
February 12
Section 2
Chapters 12 First Section Examination Review
Political Geography
Within the State
How to Deal With The New China
February 19 President’s Day – No Class February 26
Section 2
Exam On Section 1 (Chapters 1 through 11)
NA
The New World Order
March 5
Section 2
Chapters 13 through 16
Civil And Electoral Divisions
The Fate of the World Trade Organization
March 12
Section 2
Chapters 17 through 19 Second Section Examination Review
The Rise And Fall of
Colonial Empires
Women in the Middle East
March 19
Spring Break - No Class
March 26
Section 3
Exam On Section 2 (Chapters 12 through 19) Chapters 20 through
23
History And Theory of
Geopolitics
Emerging Multipolarity
April 2
Section 3
Research Papers Due Chapters 24 through 30 Third Section
Examination Review
International Law, Trade, and Economic Integration
The Coming Anarchy
April 9
Section 4
Exam On Section 3 (Chapters 20 through 30) Chapters 31 through
34
Governmental Organizational Land
Locked State, and Terrorism
The Debt Crisis and the Fate of the Euro
April 16
Section 4
Chapters 35 through 36
The Political Geography of the World’s Oceans
The World’s Water Challenge
April 23
Section 4
Classroom Presentations Due Chapters 37 through 39 Course
Summarization Fourth Section Examination Review
Politics of Religion, Language Ethnic Diversity, Population,
Migration, and Food. The Future of Political Geography
Climate Countdown – Grappling with
Global Warming
April 30
NA
Exam On Section 4 (Chapters 31 through 39) Student Classroom
Presentations
NA
NA
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