Please Note: This Course Syllabus is an important step in updating the format of our distance courses. If for any reason the Course
Syllabus does not match the print Course Guide or online course information, the Course Syllabus shall be taken as correct.
COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE TITLE:
Regional Geography of Canada
COURSE CODE:
GEOG 202.3
TERM:
Winter 2013
COURSE CREDITS:
3
DELIVERY:
Online
COURSE SECTION:
W02-W99
START DATE:
January 3, 2013
Course Description
Presents an analysis of the evolution of Canada and describes the physical, historical, economic
and cultural bases of the various regions of Canada.
Prerequisite(s): 24 credit units of university course work.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Describe the major geographic regions of Canada and be able to compare them to each
other.
2. Understand and be able to describe the major biophysical characteristics of the nation and
the geographic regions.
3. Describe the major population characteristics of Canada.
4. Understand and describe the major historic characteristics of the nation and regions and
explain how those characteristics have shaped and influenced the development of the
nation and its regions.
5. Compare and contrast the settlement characteristics of each major region in Canada.
6. Compare and contrast the major resource activities of each major region and explain how
those have been important to the economic and political development of each region.
7. Discuss the recent trends (population, resource development, population change) in
Canada and its regions.
8. Discuss, using examples, the dynamic nature of Canada and its regions by using a regional
approach (core/periphery, heartland/hinterland).
9. Understand the “faultlines” that are characteristic of Canada.
Revised Nov. 22, 2012 cb pg kn pk
Course Overview
Our study of Canada focuses on several regions and begins with an examination of the core, or
heartland, and continues through a study of the various other regions, or hinterlands, which
comprise the nation. For our purposes, the regions we examine are as follows:
•
the Atlantic provinces: the Maritimes and Newfoundland and Labrador
•
the West – Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta
•
the Cordillera – British Columbia and the western mountains
•
the Territorial North
•
the Heartland
Your Instructor
Your instructor for this course is Peter Goode.
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Blackboard Messages: As this is an online course students are to contact me using the Blackboard
System’s Messaging service during the term. The email above is only to be used prior to the
course beginning. Once you gain access to the course, use the “mail” within the course to contact
me. NOTE: The mail system within Blackboard is internal. I can’t send to your PAWS email
through Blackboard, so make sure you regularly check the internal course email. I use that to
communicate with students.
Profile
Peter Goode has been teaching the Regional Geography of Canada for several years, both oncampus and through Extension Credit Studies. He is also interested in northern Canada and
teaches a course on northern development.
In addition to teaching, Peter is a consultant with Stantec Consulting Ltd. He specializes in
environmental impact assessment, environmental planning, and related studies.
When not teaching or consulting, Peter runs...a lot. Peter has been the president of the Saskatoon
Road Runners Association and has helped organize many races (marathons, 10k races) in
Saskatoon over the past 15 years. If you ever have trouble contacting him, it is because he is
probably out running.
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Required Resources
Readings/Textbooks
1. Bone, Robert M. (2011). The Regional Geography of Canada. 5th Edition. Oxford
University Press. ISBN: 978-0-19-543373-9
Textbooks are available from the University of Saskatchewan Bookstore:
http://www.usask.ca/consumer_services/bookstore/textbooks
Supplementary Resources
Access to the Internet is recommended. You will find some Internet resources at the end of each
module. All of the addresses were current at the time of printing. However, URLs do change. If you
find one that doesn’t work, please let your instructor know.
Other resource materials, should you wish to explore topics in greater depth, may be obtained
from your local library, through inter-library loans, or via other means. As discussed in the Student
Information Handbook, you also have access to the University Library system.
Do not ignore newspapers and current events magazines. Making use of current events in your
answers to study questions and assignments can enhance your learning experience. Additionally,
sketch maps are often appropriate in helping complete an answer. Basic maps of Canada are
supplied in an appendix to the course guide. Also, if you have access to the internet, you will find
additional maps at the Atlas of Canada website. The URL for the Atlas of Canada is
http://atlas.gc.ca/site/index.html.
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Course Schedule
GEOG 202: Regional Geography of Canada is divided into 5 modules. Module 2 Northern
Perceptions and Module 7: Climate Change, each span two weeks, while the other modules are
one week each. The Assignment Due dates for will be posted in both the “Announcements”
folder and the “Discussions” folder, and on the Course Calendar within Blackboard.
Week
Module
Readings
(approx.)
1
(begins
Sept
10)
Module 1 –
Biophysical and
Historical
Overview
3
Module 2 –
Canada’s
Population and
Quebec,
Ontario, and the
Heartland
6
Module 3 – The
Atlantic Region
9
Module 4 –
Western
Canada
12
Module 5 –
British Columbia
and the
Territorial North
14
FINAL EXAM
Bone, R.M. (2011). The Regional Geography of
Canada. Chapters 1 to 3.
Harris, Cole. (1987). “Presidential address: The
pattern of early Canada.” The Canadian
Geographer 31(4), 290–298.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.15410064.1987.tb01654.x/pdf
Bone, R.M. (2011). The Regional Geography of
Canada. Chapters 4, 5, and 6.
A Profile of the Canadian Population: Where we
Live.
http://geodepot.statcan.ca/Diss/Highlights/Highlig
hts_e.cfm?lang=E
Bone, R.M. (2011). The Regional Geography of
Canada, Chapter 9.
Wynne, G. (1987). “A province too much
dependent on New England,” The Canadian
Geographer, 31(2), 98–113.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.15410064.1987.tb01631.x/pdf
Wynne, G. (1987). “A region of scattered
settlements and bounded possibilities:
northeastern America 1775–1800,” The Canadian
Geographer, 31(4), 319–338.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.15410064.1987.tb01657.x/pdf
Bone, R.M. (2011). The Regional Geography of
Canada, Chapter 8.
Bone, R.M. (2011). The Regional Geography of
Canada, Chapters 7, 10, and 11.
Evalutation
Due Date
Refer to
Calendar on
course website
for due dates
Refer to
Calendar on
course website
for due dates
Refer to
Calendar on
course website
for due dates
Refer to
Calendar on
course website
for due dates
Refer to
Calendar on
course website
for due dates
April 13, 2013
Note: If for any reason the Course Syllabus Reading List does not match the Module Reading List,
the Course Syllabus shall be taken as correct.
Page 4 of 9
Grading Scheme
Assignments
45%
Discussion Group Participation
10%
Final Exam
45%
Total
100%
Information on literal descriptors for grading at the University of Saskatchewan can be found at:
http://students.usask.ca/current/academics/grades/grading-system.php
Please note: There are different literal descriptors for undergraduate and graduate students.
More information on the Academic Courses Policy on course delivery, examinations and
assessment of student learning can be found
at: http://www.usask.ca/university_secretary/council/academiccourses.php
The University of Saskatchewan Learning Charter is intended to define aspirations about the
learning experience that the University aims to provide, and the roles to be played in realizing
these aspirations by students, instructors, and the institution. A copy of the Learning Charter can
be found at: http://www.usask.ca/university_secretary/LearningCharter.pdf
Evaluation Components
In this course you'll be evaluated on your assignments, your participation in the online discussions
and a final exam. You must participate in all requirements to pass the course.
GEOG 202.3 (W Section) Submitted Assignments: Required for Modules 1 to 5
Value: 45% of final grade
Due Date: Refer to the “Calendar” on the course website
Purpose: Each module will have a question related to the module readings.
Description: The module question will focus on a topic relevant to the region or subject material
within the assigned module reading assignment. The answer will be submitted by the due date
and should include a well-written answer that uses maps, figures and tables, where appropriate.
Internet sources are permitted.
**Assignments are due on the date posted in the course calendar. Late assignments are subject
to a late penalty of 2% per day, unless you have received permission from the instructor. NOTE:
No penalty will be given, nor permission required if you are only one day late.
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GEOG 202.3 (W Section) Discussion Assignments:
Value: 10% of final grade
Due Date: Refer to the “Calendar” on the course website
Purpose: To examine topics relevant to the course material, in a discussion format.
Description: Two discussion topics will be posted in the discussion forum. Once the topic is
posted students will have 3 weeks to visit the forum, add their discussion, and participate in an
exchange of information with other students. NOTE: you are not required to “attend” this at a
particular time, but are required to add your comments within the three-week period. Topics will be
relevant to the regional geography of Canada and may include a discussion of current events. An
email will be sent to all students with further details.
GEOG 202.3 (W Section) Final Examination:
Value: 45% of final grade
Date: April 13, 2013
Purpose: A comprehensive examination on all of the material covered in all five modules.
Description: An invigilated, closed-book, three-hour examination. You are not allowed any aids
for the final examination and no electronic devices are allowed such as cellphones, iPods, or
Blackberrys.
An email will be sent to all students a few weeks prior to the exam, describing the format. The
usual exam format is a combination of multiple choice and essay-type questions. The course
textbook is the primary source of information for the exam.
Students taking this course must register with the CCDE to write the final examination by
completing and submitting an Application Form for Final Examination. This application is part
of your course materials package. Consult the Examination Regulations in your Registration
Handbook for further details on examinations.
Additional Information
Assignment Guidelines
You are required to complete and submit assignments as the course progresses.
All of the assignments can be done with internet sources. The assignments will be described in the
weekly tasks throughout the course located in the content area of this website. Consult the
schedule to find out the exact due dates for the assignments.
Be sure that you read the weighting and grading of requirements and guidelines for submitting
assignments before preparing your assignments and final paper.
Carefully read the instructions below so that you know what we expect in each assignment.
Each assignment must be written in the format specified in the assignment.
1. Assignments must be typed and double-spaced. Use a standard citation method (e.g., Chicago
or APA style) and be consistent with its use throughout your paper. Your assignments must
be submitted electronically using the 'submit assignment' function. This is found within
the “Assignments” folder.
2. Follow the instructions for each assignment very carefully to ensure that you have included
everything that is expected of you. Check to see that you have the required number of pages
or words as set out in the instructions.
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3. Proofread your assignments to ensure proper mechanics and that you have included
everything that is expected of you.
4. Plagiarism is a serious offense. If you use resources (books, discussions with others, etc.),
cite your sources. Failure to do so is plagiarism. You are expected to have read and
understood the University of Saskatchewan's Guidelines for Academic Conduct.
5. If you think that your assignment will be late, contact your instructor well in advance of the
assignment due date. Instructors will deduct marks for late assignments if you have not made
alternative arrangements.
6. You are responsible for seeing that your assignments are submitted as instructed. Do not rely
on others to submit your assignments for you. Keep a copy your assignments in case it gets
misplaced.
Submission Guidelines
Computer & Software
1. Use Microsoft Word 6.0 or Word 97 OR save your file in a rich text format (rtf).
2. Submit one file only. Any parts of the assignment produced through another program (e.g.
Excel) must be incorporated into the document.
3. It is recommended that you do not insert tables or charts as pictures in your document as this
format cannot be edited for feedback.
Title Page
Include a title page as the first page of your assignment that contains:
•
Name
•
Student I.D. number
•
E-mail address
•
Assignment name
•
Total number of pages in your assignment
•
Date
Page Header
Include a page header that consists of:
•
Your name
•
Your student I.D. number
•
The page number
Assignment Submission
1. Send your assignment using the Assignment Dropbox.
2. Filename: The name of your file should be the number of the assignment and your initials. For
example: Assignment1PG.doc. Do NOT use spaces in your filenames.
Acknowledgement & Marking
1. After I receive your assignment, I will send you an automated acknowledgement of receipt
within one business day.
2. Please do not wait until the last minute to submit your assignment. We will not be responsible
for any failure to receive your assignment by its due date.
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Integrity Defined
“Integrity is expected of all students in their academic work – class participation, examinations,
assignments, research, practica – and in their non-academic interactions and activities as well.”
(Office of the University Secretary)
It is your responsibility to be familiar with the University of Saskatchewan Guidelines for Academic
Conduct. More information is available at
www.usask.ca/university_secretary/pdf/dishonesty_info_sheet.pdf
Module Objectives
Module 1: Biophysical and Historical Overview
1.
2.
3.
4.
Describe the large-scale biophysical characteristics of Canada.
Describe Canada’s early history.
Discuss the concept of faultlines with respect to Canada's history and development.
Identify and discuss Canada’s role within the world political situation.
Module 2: Canada’s Population and Quebec, Ontario, and the Heartland
1. Describe the major population characteristics of the nation.
2. Delineate Canada’s Heartland region and describe its biophysical, historical, and socioeconomic characteristics.
3. Identify and discuss the role of Canada’s Heartland.
4. Explain the heartland/hinterland dichotomy in Ontario and Quebec.
5. Define and discuss the pluralistic society of Canada.
6. Identify and discuss the faultlines of significance to Ontario and Quebec.
Module 3: The Atlantic Region
1. Describe the early settlement of Atlantic Canada and be able to discuss the spatial patterns
apparent today.
2. Identify and discuss the factors (physical, cultural, economic, locational) that have
influenced the development of Atlantic Canada.
3. Understand the population and employment characteristics of the region and how they
compare to the rest of Canada.
4. Describe some of the influences the federal government has had on the region (e.g.,
National Policy, transfer payments, training programs, regional development incentives).
Module 4: Western Canada
1. Discuss the history of the region and understand the roles of the fur trade, the railroad, and
immigration policies in its settlement and development.
2. Identify the resources important to the region’s economy and discuss how the region is
becoming more diversified.
3. Describe the unique settlement characteristics of the region.
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4. Identify changes (land use, population) that are taking place and what these might mean to
this hinterland’s future role in Canada.
Module 5: British Columbia and the Territorial North
1. Discuss the history of the region(s) and identify the major events that have influenced
settlement and development.
2. Identify the resources and understand their importance for each region’s growth and
economy.
3. Discuss the changing character of the North as it enters a new era with the creation of
Nunavut.
4. Discuss how these hinterland regions relate to the Heartland and to the other hinterlands of
the nation.
Acknowledgements
Course Author
SME: Peter Goode
Instructional Design and Course Development
Instructional Designers:
Margareth Peterson (Print Version)
Sharon Porterfield (Online Version)
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