Instructor: Carmen P. Brysch, PhD

Email: cbrysch@lamarpa.edu

Office Hours: email me to schedule office hours

This course introduces students to fundamental concepts, skills, and practices of human geography. Place, space, and scale serve as a framework for understanding patterns of human experience. Topics for discussion may include globalization, population and migration, culture, diffusion, political and economic systems, language, religion, gender, and ethnicity.

Human Geography: A Connected Approach

Author: Caitlin Finlayson

Book available online and to download here:

https://viva.pressbooks.pub/connected/front-matter/acknowledgements/

Click next to CONTENTS then click the plus sign next to Chapters to see all chapters.

See the link to the textbook and the downloaded pdf in the content folders in blackboard.

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

NA

A. Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts and processes in human geography.

B. Identify how cultural practices shape the landscape.

C. Demonstrate an understanding of human/environment interactions.

D. Describe and explain the importance and impact of globalization.

A. Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts and processes in human geography.

B. Identify how cultural practices shape the landscape.

C. Demonstrate an understanding of human/environment interactions.

D. Describe and explain the importance and impact of globalization.

The Human Geography Final Paper will be the final exam.

Due: Monday, Dec 7th, 1159pm, blackboard

Assessment throughout the semester will occur in the following categories:

Discussion Board posts 4 x 5 points, 7.3%

For discussion boards, students will engage with course concepts by responding to the assigned prompt and connecting ideas from readings, lectures, or other course materials. Students are expected to post an original response that demonstrates critical thinking and geographical reasoning, and then reply thoughtfully to at least two classmates to further the discussion. Emphasis should be placed on clear explanations, use of evidence, and respectful engagement with differing perspectives.

Current Event Article Analysis 4 x 5 points, 7.3%

Students will locate a recent news article related to course themes and summarize the key points of the issue presented. Students will then analyze the article using relevant geographic concepts, demonstrating how the event connects to topics discussed in class. Emphasis should be placed on critical thinking, real-world application of course material, and proper citation of the source.

Doing Geography Assignments 4 x 15 points, 21.8%

In this assignment, students will apply geographic concepts and tools to analyze real-world issues related to course materials and content. By working with maps, data, or spatial examples, students will practice geographic thinking and demonstrate how place, space, and human–environment interactions shape patterns and processes. The goal is to strengthen skills in geographic analysis and connect theory to practice.

Engagement Activities 4 x 10 points, 14.5%

This assignment is designed to actively involve students in course material through short, interactive activities. Students will engage with key concepts by completing a focused task, reflection, or applied exercise that reinforces learning and encourages participation. The goal is to promote consistent engagement and deepen understanding of course topics.

Application Essays Exams 4 x 25 points, 36.4%

These exams require students to apply course concepts, theories, and terminology to short essay questions. Rather than focusing on memorization, students will demonstrate their ability to analyze scenarios, explain processes, and make connections between geographic ideas and real-world examples.

Human Geography Final Paper 1 x 35 points, 12.7%

For this assignment, students must analyze an issue related to human geography. Students will research the issue using scholarly and academically appropriate sources. These sources can be primary sources, secondary sources, or a combination. Students will evaluate the issue in its proper context and then make relevant observations to the current state of the issue as it exists in the world around them. Students will use appropriate academic writing and formatting skills. The assignment will ask students to evaluate the cultural issue.

Total points, %: 275 points, 100% (not weighted)

The grade you see in the blackboard gradebook is your grade in the course.

Participation, Attendance, and Professionalism

A portion of your grade will be associated with the participation, attendance, and professionalism you demonstrate during the semester. Professionalism will be comprised of class participation, on-time submission of exams and assignments, professional use of technology, and personal ethics and honesty.

Professionalism:

Traits of a professional include a high academic standard, continual renewal of knowledge, personal responsibility for work, service to society, display of self-confidence, and dedication beyond personal considerations.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Students are not allowed to use advanced automated tools (artificial intelligence or machine learning tools such as ChatGPT or Dall-E 2) on assignments in this course. Each student is expected to complete each assignment without substantive assistance from others, including automated tools. Any violation will result with a zero for the assignment and possible failure of the course. 

Homework Make-Up Policy: Students are expected to submit assignments electronically in Blackboard by the due date. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Communication Policy: (also see the Use of Student Email section under Institutional Policies below)

*****Communicating with me, Dr. Brysch (cbrysch@lamarpa.edu) *****

LSCPA email is considered the official means of communication by Lamar State College Port Arthur. Please check your Lamar State College Port Arthur Email account regularly. I will respond to email, telephone, and written messages as quickly as possible during normal business hours; Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Because I anticipate many emails this semester, if you do not hear back from me with 24-48 hours, please resend your email in the event I accidentally miss it.

*****You MUST include the following when emailing me: Course Name/number/section. – If you do not include the course you are in including the number and section, I may not reply to your email. If you do not email from your SJC email, I may not reply. *****

All written communication must use proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. I will not respond to e-mails that use “IM” or text messaging language. Emails should also begin with a proper salutation (e.g., Dear Dr. Brysch) and end with a proper salutation.

Please review the “How to Email a Professor” available at: http://www.wikihow.com/Email-a-Professor

Syllabus Change Policy

This syllabus is a guide for the course and the instructor reserves the right to alter the course schedule as necessary. Changes in topics will be announced and additional and/or other readings and activities may be assigned.

***Assignments and Essay Exam Due dates listed in the Course Calendar will NOT change.***

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.