How To Understand And Understand The Geography Of Russia

Transcription

1 Center for Russian and East European Studies University of Michigan 2009 Post-Secondary Curriculum Development Program in Russian Spring 2010, 3 hrs 235 Harris Hall Harris Hall 235, Mon 4:00-6:20 Geography 412/512: Geography of Russia Dr. Joshua Hagen Department of Geography Marshall University Harris Hall 207 Office Hours: Mon 11-11:50, 1-3:50; Wed 11-11:50, 1-2:50; Fri 11-11:50; or by appointment please use the Mail Tool in the Blackboard course website (or hagenj@marshall.edu) Phone: Course Credits: Students who successfully complete this course will receive three credit hours toward the Multicultural/International General Education Requirement. University Mission Statement: Marshall University will educate a citizenry capable of living and working effectively in a global environment. Student Learning Objectives: Students will be able to describe, discuss, and analyze the key geographical features, characteristics, and patterns of Russia and its neighbors, including Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, the Caucasus Region, Central Asia, and Mongolia. Students will be able to describe, discuss, and analyze a wide range of historical and contemporary patterns, trends, and processes that are shaping Russia and its neighbors, including the spatial aspects of region s natural landscape, environmental issues, economic development, cultural features, domestic politics, demographic trends, international relations, and everyday life. Although students may be familiar with some of the course s content from other classes, this course will be approaching these diverse topics from the spatial perspective of human geography by emphasizing the varied relationships between people, society, and place around the globe. Readings: Goldman, Russia, the Eurasian Republics, and Central/Eastern Europe, 11 th ed. Shaw, Russia in the Modern World: A New Geography. Supplemental readings will be posted in Blackboard. The exact readings will be assigned in class for the following week. Students are expected to have completed all the assigned readings before they come to class.

2 Computer Requirements: Students must be able to log on to the Marshall University campus computer system and Blackboard at MU Online. The course syllabus, supplemental readings, assignments, tests, test scores, and any announcements will all be available though Blackboard course website. Student Grades: Assessment of student performance in this course will be based on a summative sequence of active learning assignments, including a syllabus quiz, three exams, and three essays. These assignments will assess students ability to recognize, analyze, and interpret introductory level concepts, features, processes, and trends in human geography with a focus on placing and understanding this material within a global context. Syllabus Quiz: This short quiz will requires students to acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to abide by the course policies outlined on the course syllabus. Students will not have access to the other course materials until they successfully complete the syllabus quiz. The exams will be identical to the syllabus quiz in appearance and functionality. If students have no prior experience taking exams in Blackboard, they can use the syllabus quiz to familiarize themselves with the test taking functions in Blackboard. Exams: The exams will be in a multiple choice format and taken online in Blackboard. For each exam, students will have 50 questions to answer in 50 minutes. Each question is worth one point, so each exam is worth 50 points for a total of 150 points for all three exams. Only one attempt per exam is allowed. Time will be scheduled in class to review the course material and answer specific questions about taking exams in Blackboard before the first exam. Essays: There will also be three essays assignments. Each essay will be based on one of the supplemental readings posted in Blackboard. The exact questions and other instructions for each essay will be posted in Blackboard. Student submissions will be graded on their ability to demonstrate that they have read and thought critically about the article and how it relates to topics covered in the lectures and textbook. Each short essay is worth 50 points, for a total of 150 points. Only one attempt is allowed. There will be NO other extra credit assignments. Final grades are determined by the following scale: A = points (100-90%) B = points (89-80%) C = points (79-70%) D = points (69-60%)

3 F = 179 points or less (59% or less)

4 Attendance: Attendance will be taken periodically. Late arrivals may be counted as absent. More than 2 unexcused absences will result in one letter grade reduction. If unavoidable circumstances arise, such as illness or family emergency, you are expected to contact me before missing class. Even if excused ahead of time, you are still responsible for the material covered during your absence. For inclement weather, see the MU policies in the Undergraduate Catalog. Late Assignments: Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a zero. Late assignments will only be accepted if the student provides a university-approved excuse. Make-Up Exams: Exams must be taken at the scheduled time. Make-up exams will only be allowed if the student provides a university-approved excuse. Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class. All assignments are to be completed individually, meaning you may not be assisted by another person regardless of whether that person is enrolled in the class or not. Plagiarize on the essay assignments, whether one phrase, sentence, paragraph, or the entire assignment, is a form of academic dishonesty and will not be tolerated. Students who plagiarize or receive any form of assistance while completing any assignments will receive a final course grade of F and referral to the Office of Academic Affairs, without exception. The Academic Dishonesty Report Form that I will use to report any and all cases of plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty is posted on the course homepage. See the definitions and policies for academic honesty and dishonesty in the MU Undergraduate Catalog. Policy for Students with Disabilities: Marshall University is committed to equal opportunity in education for all students, including those with physical, learning and psychological disabilities. University policy states that it is the responsibility of students with disabilities to contact the Office of Disabled Student Services (DSS) in Prichard Hall 117, phone to provide documentation of their disability. Following this, the DSS Coordinator will send a letter to each of the student s instructors outlining the academic accommodation he/she will need to ensure equality in classroom experiences, outside assignment, testing and grading. The instructor and student will meet to discuss how the accommodation(s) requested will be provided. For more information, please visit or contact Disabled Student Services Office at Prichard Hall 11, phone

5 Tentative Schedule Week 1 Intro to Course and Blackboard Course Website We will review the syllabus, course policies, and the course website in Blackboard. We will also discuss the course s learning objectives and assessments. Week 2 The Physical Environment We will describe the major natural features of the region, including variations in climate, landforms, waterways, natural resources, plant, and animal life. We will discuss and analyze the implications these natural features may have on human activity across the region. Week 3 From Czarist Empire to Soviet Union We will discuss the major historical events and trends in the region with an emphasis on the Soviet period. We will discuss and analyze the implications these events and trends for the region in the early twenty-first century. Week 4 Russian and its Neighbors Today We will discuss the major characteristics, patterns, and trends in the region today, including basic data concerning demographic trends, culture diversity, economic development, etc. Week 5 Test 1 and Essay 1 Week 6 Population and Demography We will describe the region s contemporary demographic patterns and trends, including population size, fertility, mortality, life expectancy, and migration. We will discuss and analyze the reasons for these differences and their implications for the future of the region. Week 7 The Economy and Everyday Life We will describe the region s contemporary economic patterns and trends, including the distribution of agriculture, resource extraction, industry, services, corruption, and overall standards of living. We will discuss and analyze the legacy of communism on the region s economy today, as well as its connections with the broader global economy. Week 8 Environmental (Mis)-Management We will describe the region s major environmental patterns and trends, including air and water quality, sustainability of natural resources, and nuclear contamination. We will discuss and analyze the legacy of the Soviet economic policy on the region s environment, as well as contemporary government policies and public attitudes toward environmental challenges. Week 9 Urbanization and Architecture

6 We will describe the historical evolution of urban form and function, with an emphasis on official governmental policies. We will discuss and analyze the future of the region s urban areas in light of the demographic, economic, and environment issues previously discussed. Week 10 Test 2 and Essay 2 Week 11 Government and Political Life We will describe the basic structure of the Russian constitution and federal system since We will discuss and analyze the implications of Putin s presidency on the role government in the economy, media, and public political discourse. We will discuss and analyze the status of democracy within Russia and among neighbors. Week 12 Nations, Nationalism, and States I We will describe the process of national identification among Russians and other ethnic groups beginning in the nineteenth century. We will discuss and analyze the Soviet Union s policies toward ethnic minority groups with an emphasis on the role of nationalism in the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Week 13 Nations, Nationalism, and States II We will discuss and analyze relations between ethnic groups within the Russian Federation since We will discuss and analyze the significance of ethnic Russian populations outside the Russian Federation. We will discuss and analyze governmental policies and public opinion toward minority groups throughout the region. Week 14 Russia s and the Rest of the World We will describe, discuss, and analyze the main patterns, trends, and objectives in Russian foreign policy since We will discuss and analyze the legacy of Soviet policies on contemporary international relations. We will discuss and analyze current international events from the perspective of the Russian government, as well as neighboring countries. Week 15 Test 3 and Essay 3