1. Introduction to Geography, Spring 2012 José Javier Hernández Ayala
University of Akron Classroom: CAS 407
3350:100:013 T & TH 9:15 – 10:30 am Email: javy_8585@hotmail.com
Location: Crouse Office Hours: T & TH 10:30 – 1:30
Course Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the field of geography and
its relationship to other disciplines. This course is focus on understanding how the earth
functions as a system in which physical and cultural processes are related and interconnected to
each other.
Course Objectives: To make you wonder and become more observant of the world around you.
Acquired a variety of factual knowledge to better understand and appreciate the world in which
we live.
Textbook: Getis, Getis and Fellmann, Introduction to Geography 13th edition
Course Policies:
 Academic Dishonesty: Will not be tolerated in any form. Plagiarism you are done. For
info www.uakron.edu/studentlife/sja/docs/acadintegrity.pdf
 Late Homework and Make-Up Exams: A valid excuse (medical, legal, police report,
and/or meeting with the instructor)
 Classroom Etiquette: Electronics and chatting = zero tolerance; you will be ask to get
out of the classroom, eating and drinking ok.
Course Evaluation:
 Performance: Attendance and Participation: 40% of Final Grade
 In Class Quizzes (4): 20% of Final Grade
 Mid Term Exam: 20% of grade
 Final Exam: 20% of grade
Disabilities Statement: If you have a documented disability and require accommodation, please
contact the instructor to make arrangements for necessary classroom adjustments.
Sensitivity and Controversy: During the course we might encounter subjects that are both
sensitive and controversial. I will attempt to provide both sides always fairly. I will express
sometimes my opinion the same way you will end choosing yours. I just ask you to try to have an
open mind and tolerance to different viewpoints and analyze them

2. Lecture Schedule (tentative and subject to change)
January 10 No Meeting
January 12 Introductions and Syllabus Discussion
January 17 Chapter 1 Introduction to Geography
January 19 Chapter 1 Introduction to Geography
January 24 Chapter 1 Introduction to Geography
January 26 Chapter 2 Maps
January 31 Chapter 2 Maps
February 2 Chapter 2 Maps
February 7 Chapter 3 Physical Geography: Landforms (Quiz 1)
February 9 Chapter 3 Physical Geography: Landforms
February 14 Chapter 3 Physical Geography: Landforms
February 16 Chapter 4 Physical Geography: Weather and Climate
February 21 Chapter 4 Physical Geography: Weather and Climate
February 23 Chapter 4 Physical Geography: Weather and Climate
February 28 Chapter 5 The Geography of Natural Resources (Quiz 2)
March 1 Chapter 5 The Geography of Natural Resources
March 6 Chapter 5 The Geography of Natural Resources
March 8 Mid Term Exam
March 20 Chapter 6 Population Geography
March 22 Chapter 6 Population Geography
March 27 Chapter 6 Population Geography
March 29 Chapter 7 Cultural Geography (Quiz 3)
April 3 Chapter 7 Cultural Geography
April 5 Chapter 7 Cultural Geography
April 10 Chapter 9 Political Geography
April 12 Chapter 9 Political Geography
April 17 Chapter 9 Political Geography
April 19 Chapter 10 Economic Geography
April 24 Chapter 10 Economic Geography
April 26 Chapter 10 Economic Geography (Quiz 4)
May Final Exam