KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department of Geography and Anthropology
Fall Semester 2009
 
I.          COURSE NUMBER:            Geography 3310/01
             COURSE TITLE:                 Historical Geography
 
II.        INSTRUCTOR:                    Dr. H. R. Trendell  (Dr. T)
            OFFICE:                                Social Science Bldg. - Room 4046    (SO - 4046) 
            OFFICE PHONE:                (770) 423 -6240
            OFFICE HOURS:                TTh 11:00AM-12:00 Noon;  TTh 3:30-4:30 PM 
                                                                   (Other times and days by appointment)    
            E-MAIL ADDRESS:            htrendel@kennesaw.edu  & VISTA e-mail   
            WEB PAGE:                            http://ksuweb.kennesaw.edu/~htrendel/
            DEPARTMENT:                  Geography & Anthropology Office:  SO 4042
                                                            Phone (678) 797-2373
                                                           
III.       CLASS MEETING:                   Time:   Tue/Thur  5:00 AM – 6:15 PM 
                                                               Room:  Social Science 2030  (SO 2030)
 
IV.       TEXTS:                                    Atlas of Exploration (2nd Ediiton). Oxford Univ. Press (2008)
                                                              Women of Discovery.  Polk and Tiegreen.    Random House, Inc.: New York (2001)
                                                              The Mariner’s Museum (free website)
                                                              http://www.mariner.org/exploration/index.php
 
                                   
V.        CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION:  A global approach to the study of the geographic factors affecting historical events associated with the human exploration and settlement of the planet.  The influence of  geography on economic and political changes overtime will be reviewed  for selected historical phenomena.
 
VI.       PURPOSE/RATIONALE: Historical Geography acquaints the student with the spatial aspects of historical events through the application of geographic concepts and cartographic principles to the study of past  human endeavors and undertakings.
            KNOWLEDGE BASE:  The content of this course is based on an analysis of historical events as developed in the text, through the examination of maps, and through individual and group research efforts.
            USE OF TECHNOLOGY:  A multi-media approach will be used throughout the course to reinforce various physical and cultural factors from a geographic perspective.  Students will be required to utilize various mapping techniques in the presentation of their research findings.  Students are required to demonstrate evidence of INTERNET search competency.
            MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION:  A global approach to historical geography will infuse a multicultural understanding of human and ethnic interactions throughout history and on the several continents due to human exploration of the planet.
           
VII.     COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:  This course is designed to:
1.   Assist the student in the use of geographic concepts to analyze historical events.
2. Stimulate student interest in world affairs through the historical knowledge of human interaction and exploration of the earth
3. Familiarize the student with the role of geography in the shaping of historical events.
4. Facilitate understanding of the interplay of political, economics, and geographic factors in world history from a spatial perspective.
5. Present a specific body of knowledge regarding the past human occupance and exploration of this planet.
 
VIII. COURSE REQUIREMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS:
 
1. Essay and identification questions from lectures and the text will be found on the examinations.  Map quizzes will be given periodically throughout the semester, either as take home quiz, or in class quiz which may NOT be made up due to the logistics of scheduling make-up quizzes.
2.  Failure to take required exams or complete the projects will result in a failing or an incomplete grade being submitted depending upon  circumstances.   
3. Students are urged to be present for examinations and presentations, documented medical excuses will be required in the event of absences.
4. Term papers may be individual or group efforts. Individuals will  choose an explorer NOT on the "Reserved for Professor List."  Students will submit an 8-10 page research paper on any topic of their choosing which is related to Historical Geography and of particular interest to them. Groups of 2 or  3 will choose a region of the earth, discuss its physical geography and identify how it was explored, by whom, and how these persons expanded human geographic understanding over time (2 students 11-13 pages; 3 students 14-16 pages). The major emphasis will be presenting a cohesive, well-written statement of the status of your chosen topic without turning it into just a review of the literature.  You should be able to communicate your opinions and perceptions of your topic which have been changed or developed as a result of your research. Also offer a critical evaluation of the phenomenon you studied.  Include a bibliography with your paper of at "least"12 sources (18 for two person or 24 for three person projects).  Each project must have one or more maps included.   SEE the "Term Paper Info" supplement on the VISTA homepage for this course.
5. A  presentation of research findings will be made to the class by both individuals and groups for analysis and open discussion by the class. 
6. Consult with the instructor if you have questions or any problems with your research.
7. Late projects will be downgraded 10% per class meeting.
8. Lectures will not specifically follow the layout of the text, but reading the text will serve to provide the student with a basis for class discussion and participation.
9. Students will make use of INTERNET to complete an information gathering internet interaction assignment based on course concepts.

IX.       ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
Every KSU student is responsible for upholding the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, as published in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs.  Section II of the Student Code of Conduct addresses the University's policy on academic honesty, including provisions regarding plagiarism and cheating, unauthorized access to University materials, misrepresentation/falsification of University records or academic work, malicious removal, retention, or destruction of library materials, malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities and/or services, and misuse of student identification cards.   Incidents of alleged academic misconduct will be handled through the established procedures of the University Judiciary Program, which includes either an "informal" resolution by a faculty member, resulting in a grade adjustment, or a formal hearing procedure, which may subject a student to the Code of Conduct's minimum one semester suspension requirement.
 
X.        SPECIAL NEEDS
Please contact the instructor immediately if you have or think you may have a disability or medical condition which may affect your performance, attendance, or grades in this class Accommodations are arranged on an individualized, as-needed basis through the KSU disAbled Student Support Services.
 
XI.       EVALUATION AND GRADING:
                         
                                    Hour Exam #1                                                             =  15%
                                    Hour Exam #2                                                             =  15%
                                    Map Quizes (three)                                                     =  10%
                                    Internet Research Project                                            =  10%
                                    Attendance/Participation (See Attendance Policy)        =    5%
                                    Term Paper (25% paper + 5% presentation)               =  30%
                                    Final Exam                                                                  =  15%
                                    TOTAL GRADE                                                          100%

 
XII.     ATTENDANCE POLICY:
            The instructor expects promptness and regular class attendance as an courtesy to himself and the other students.  The sharing of “geographic” experiences and viewing the several visual aids presented is critical to the totality of the educational experience in this class.  Attendance will be taken periodically throughout the semester and will be a part of your total grade.  You must be present at the time the roll is taken. Only official medical excuses accepted.
 
 
XIII.    CLASS DISRUPTIONS: 
            Please TURN OFF all laptop computers, cell phones (this includes text messaging), beepers, video games, blue tooth and blackberry paraphernalia and I-pods before class starts.  The use of laptop computers has proven to be a disturbance to students (keyboard  noise) and a distraction (surfing the web during class while other students watched).  Continuous violation of this request will result in the student being barred from attending class. 
 
If you have to leave class for any reason take all your belongings with you and do not return as a courtesy to the class and the instructor. Going and coming while class is in session is unacceptable.

           
XIV.    COURSE OUTLINE:                                                
              
Women of Discovery (WD);  Atlas of Exploration (AE)
            Date                                        Topics                                                             Reading 
            08/18   Introduction & Review of Spatial Concepts                                       -----------
            08/20   Human Population of the Earth                                                   WD 14-30;  AE  8-35
            08/25   History of Map Making                                                             WD 32-42;       
            08/27   Video: Between Heaven and Earth                                        WD 47-65;  AE  36-63
            09/01   Mesopotamia and Egypt                                                              WD 66-78;
            09/03   Ancient Empires of the Fertile Crescent                                        WD 81-92;  AE  64-89
            09/08   Greek & Hellenic Geography (Map Quiz #1)                           WD 99-107;
            09/10   Classical Greek Influence on Geography                                      WD 109-116; AE  90-115
                        * Internet Research Assignment due                                                 ------------
            09/15   Ancient Rome                                                                               WD 121-129;                         
            09/17   Hour Exam #1                                                                                   ------------
            09/22   Geographic Exploration in the Middle Ages                                  WD 132-141; AE 1 16-145
            09/24   No class:  Library Research Day                                                       -------------
            09/29   Muslim Geography and the Crusades                                            WD 145-151; 
            10/01   Renaissance Geography in Europe                                                 WD 153-161; AE  146-171
            10/06   Video:  Secrets of the Sea                                                             WD 165-171
            10/08   Portuguese Exploration                                                                   WD 172-176
            10/13   Spanish Exploration (Map Quiz #2)                                              WD 177-181;             
            10/15   North American Exploration                                                           WD 184-189;  AE 172-197
            10/20   Video:  Staking a Claim                                                                WD 190-194; 
            10/22   Hour Exam #2                                                                                   -------------
            10/27   Pacific Ocean                                                                                  WD 197-205; 
            10/29   Exploration of Australia                                                                   WD 209-216;  AE  198-209
            11/03   Video:  Empire                                                                              WD 220-225; 
            11/05   Exploration of Africa                                                                       WD 229-231;             
            11/10   Polar Exploration North                                                                  WD 233-236   AE  210-231
            11/12   Polar Exploration South  (Map Quiz #3)                                            ------------                    
            11/17   Research Presentations                                                                     ------------
            11/19   Research Presentations (Term Papers Due)                                      ------------
            11/24   Research Presentations                                                                         ------------
            11/26   Fall Break No Class                                                                     ------------
            12/ 01  Research Presentations                                                                          ------------
            12/03   Research Presentations                                                                          ------------                    
                       
            12/10   FINAL EXAM          Thursday at 2:00 PM (two hours)
 
Note:  The instructor reserves the right to alter this outline (except for the final exam) as circumstances of the course and weather dictate.  
 
XV. REFERENCES:
 
            **Egyptology  http://www.civilization.ca/civil/egypt/egypte.html#menu
 
            ***Discovery Website:  http://www.win.tue.nl/cs/fm/engels/discovery/index.html
           
            Atlas of American History. (1984) New York: Scribner.
 
            Baker, Alan R.H. (1972) Progress in Historical Geography. New York: Wiley - Interscience.
 
            Baker, J.V.L. (1967) A History of Geographical Discovery.             New York: Cooper Square Publishers.
 
            Boorstin, Daniel J (1983) The Discoverers: A History of Man's Search to Know His World and Himself. New York: Random House.
 
            Cottler, J. and Jaffe, H. (1937) Map Makers. Boston: Little Brown.
 
            Freeman-Greenville, G.S.P. (1991) The New Atlas of African History. New York: Simon and Schuster.
 
            Leithauser, Joachim G. (1955) Worlds Beyond the Horizon. New York: Alfred A. Knopf
 
            Martin, Geoffrey J. and James, Preston E. (1993) All Possible Worlds: A History of Geographical Ideas. (3rd Edition)
                  New York: John Wiley &  Sons.

 
            Meer, Frederick van der (1960) Atlas of Western Civilization. Princeton, NJ: Van Nostrand.
 
            Morison, Samuel Eliot (1978) The Great Explorers: The European   Discovery of America. New York: Oxford University Press.
 
            Owen, Roderic (1979) Great Explorers. New York: Mayflower Books.
 
            Pounds, Norman J.G. (1990) An Historical Geography of Europe. New York:
            Cambridge University Press.
 
            Rand McNally Atlas of World History. (1992) Chicago: Rand McNally.
 
            Sellman, Richard R. (1970)  An Outline Atlas of World History. London: Edward Arnold.
 
            Terrae Incognitae: The Journal of the History of Discoveries.