HGP 100
CULTURES, LANDSCAPES & GEOGRAPHIC SPACE:
AN INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN GEOGRAPHY & PLANNING
Instructor:
Leith Deacon
E-mail: [email protected]
Office:
Tory 3-117
Phone: 780-258-5761
Class Location: TL B-1
Class Time: M-W-F 12:00-12:50 pm
Website:
See eClass
Office Hours:
Mondays & Wednesdays 1pm- 2pm (following class)
or by appointment
TA:
TBA
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). Introduction to geographical techniques and the spatial organization
of human landscapes and the significance of the distribution of human activity. *Not open to
students with credit in EAS 192.
DETAILED COURSE DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the study of Human Geography and Planning.
Students will explore the main sub-fields of Geography and Planning to develop an understanding
of the key concepts: landscape, spatial analysis, and location. Because geography is one of the few
disciplines that combines both physical and human components, we will examine how humans
interact with both their physical and social environments.
Human Geography and Planning asks “what is where, why there, and why care?” (Gritzner, 2002)
and Planning is concerned with the efficient allocation of available resources. Together the two
focus on the multivariate human world in which peoples’ behavior constructs landscapes, and how
those constructed landscapes then constrain or enable particular social activity.
BLENDED-LEARNING COMPONENT
Starting in fall 2014, HGP 100 introduced a blended-learning component. Blended learning is an
instructional approach where there is a fusion between traditional face-to-face instructional time
and online learning (Owston, York, & Murtha, 2013). It is the hope that this style of instruction will
increase student engagement by creating an environment where students can experience critical
and discovery-based learning.
More information will be provided in the introductory lecture and throughout the semester leading
up to this unit.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
Norton, William. 2013. Human Geography 8th Edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 978-0-19544855-9. New & used copies available at UofA Bookstore and via online booksellers.
HGP 100 – Winter 2015 – Page 1 of 6
CONTENT, ORGANIZATION & UNIT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The course is divided into 6 main sections (or modules):
1: Spatial Representations & Knowledge
Objectives:
 Identify and explain the main subfields of Human Geography & Planning
 Explain the importance of maps as spatial representations
2: Economic Space
Objectives:
 Identify the importance of global markets and how globalization ties financial markets
together
 Understand ongoing process(es) of urbanization and the central functioning of cities
3: People & Migration
Objectives:
 Identify key spatial population challenges and resulting inequalities
4: Geographies of Culture
Objectives:
 Understand the role of space and place in culture, identity, difference and politics
5: The Environment
Objectives:
 Identify and discuss the relationship between humans and the environment in
globalization
6: Planning
Objectives:
 Explain settlement development and its evolution into today’s urban forms
 Understand the role of planning in today’s cities
COURSE EVALUATION
Student grades will be determined using the following breakdown:
Online Tests (10% each) ................................................... 30%
Online tests will be open for one week for students to complete
Annotated bibliography .................................................... 10%
Unit three
Building new schools (instructor) ....................5%
Building new schools (peer) ...............................5%
Immigration discussion (instructor) ...............5%
Ecological footprint (instructor) .......................5%
Final Exam .............................................................................. 40% Tentative: April 16th
GRADE EVALUATION
All assignments and examinations in this course will be given a numerical score. A cumulative
course mark will be calculated from those scores, weighted as tabulated above. A final letter grade
will be assigned based upon your cumulative mark and my analysis of the class’s cumulative mark
distribution. Where possible, natural breaks in the cumulative mark distribution will be used in
assigning grades, but no pre-determined distribution of grades will be imposed on the class. Your
grade will reflect a combination of your absolute achievement and relative standing in the class.
HGP 100 – Winter 2015 – Page 2 of 6
The mean grade this year will be based on my judgment of the overall calibre of this class relative to
past cohorts.
DESCRIPTION OF ASSESSMENTS
Online Tests (30%) – There will be three (3) online tests: one for every two sections of the course.
They will be completed online and each student will have two (2) attempts at the quiz.
Questions on the online tests will include materials from both the text and the lectures. Simplified
lecture slides will be made available prior to class, however many questions on the test will cover
material only discussed in class. Therefore to do well on the online tests you must plan to read the
text and both attend the lectures and take notes about what is discussed.
Tests will open at the following times:
Test #1: Open February 1st @ 1pm – close February 6th @ 11:59pm
Test #2: Open March 6th @ 1pm – close March 13th @ 11:59pm
Test #3: Open April 1st @ 1pm – close April 8th @ 11:59pm
Complete description of the seminar activities will be provided at a later date.
Final Exam (40%) – The final exam may include multiple choice, fill-in-the blank, matching, and
short answer questions. The final exam will cover all materials covered in the course.
MISSED ONLINE TESTS
Each student is required to complete three (3) online quizzes. Each quiz will cover two (2) units.
[For example, quiz #1 is scheduled to ‘open up’ on February 1st and will cover units one and two.]
The quiz will remain open for one week (7 days) at which time the link will close. Each student has
two attempts to complete the quiz and the best score will be kept. If a student does not complete
the quiz within the given one-week time period, a mark of zero (0) will be assigned.
Tests will open at the following times:
Test #1: Open February 1st @ 1pm – close February 6th @ 11:59pm
Test #2: Open March 6th @ 1pm – close March 13th @ 11:59pm
Test #3: Open April 1st @ 1pm – close April 8th @ 11:59pm
If a student does not complete the online test but the 11:59pm deadline, a mark of zero (0) will be
assigned.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
Late assignments will not be accepted online and a hard copy will need to be submitted. Late
assignments will lose 10 marks per day after the deadline. For example, an assignment submitted
on time will be marked out of 100 points. If the assignment is submitted after 3pm on the due date,
it will be marked out of 90 points. If the assignment is handed in two days after the due date it will
be marked out of 80 points. Weekends count as two days (20%) and assignments not submitted
within seven (7) days will not be accepted.
DEFERRED FINAL EXAMINATION
A student who cannot write the final examination due to incapacitating illness, severe domestic
affliction or other compelling reasons can apply for a deferred final examination. Such an
application must be made to the student’s Faculty office within 48 hours of the missed examination
and must be supported by a Statutory Declaration (in lieu of a medical statement form) or other
appropriate documentation (Calendar Section 23.5.6). Deferred examinations are a privilege and
HGP 100 – Winter 2015 – Page 3 of 6
not a right; there is no guarantee that a deferred examination will be granted. Misrepresentation of
Facts to gain a deferred examination is a serious breach of the Code of Student Behaviour.
Deferred Final Exams will take place Friday January 16th from 9am – 12 noon (location TBA).
PAST EVALUATIVE MATERIAL
Study guides for the course textbook (including sample multiple choice and true/false questions)
are available via e-class for each chapter. These are useful examples for the online tests.
Sample final exam materials will be made available via e-class prior to the end of the course.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Academic Integrity: “The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic
integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding
academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are
particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour
(online at
http://www.governance.ualberta.ca/en/CodesofConductandResidenceCommunityStandards/Code
ofStudentBehaviour.aspx ) and avoid any behaviour that could potentially result in suspicions of
cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic
dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.”
Learning and working environment: “The Faculty of Arts is committed to ensuring that all
students, faculty and staff are able to work and study in an environment that is safe and free from
discrimination and harassment. It does not tolerate behaviour that undermines that environment.
The department urges anyone who feels that this policy is being violated to:
• Discuss the matter with the person whose behaviour is causing concern; or
• If that discussion is unsatisfactory, or there is concern that direct discussion is
inappropriate or threatening, discuss it with the Chair of the Department.
For additional advice or assistance regarding this policy you may contact the student
ombudservice: (http://www.ombudservice.ualberta.ca/ ). Information about the University of
Alberta Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Procedures can be found in the GFC Policy
Manual, section 44 available at http://gfcpolicymanual.ualberta.ca/ .”
Plagiarism and Cheating: “All students should consult the “Truth-In-Education” handbook or
Website ( http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/TIE/ ) regarding the definitions of plagiarism and its
consequences when detected. Students involved in language courses and translation courses should
be aware that on-line “translation engines” produce very dubious and unreliable “translations.”
Students in language courses should be aware that, while seeking the advice of native or expert
speakers is often helpful, excessive editorial and creative help in assignments is considered a form
of “cheating” that violates the code of student conduct with dire consequences. An instructor or
coordinator who is convinced that a student has handed in work that he or she could not possibly
reproduce without outside assistance is obliged, out of consideration of fairness to other students,
to report the case to the Associate Dean of the Faculty. Before unpleasantness occurs consult
http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/TIE/; also discuss this matter with any tutor(s) and with your
instructor.”
Recording of Lectures: “Audio or video recording of lectures, labs, seminars or any other teaching
environment by students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as a
part of an approved accommodation plan. Recorded material is to be used solely for personal study,
HGP 100 – Winter 2015 – Page 4 of 6
and is not to be used or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the
instructor.”
Exams: Your student photo I.D. is required at exams to verify your identity. Students will not be
allowed to begin an examination after it has been in progress for 30 minutes. Students must remain
in the exam room until at least 30 minutes has elapsed. Electronic equipment cannot be brought
into examination rooms.
Cell Phones & Communication devices: Cell phones are to be turned off during lectures, labs and
seminars. Cell phones are not to be brought to exams. Laptop computers may be used in student group
work and for note-taking during lectures.
Specialized Support & Disability Services: If you have special needs that could affect your
performance in this class, please let me know during the first week of the term so that appropriate
arrangements can be made. If you are not already registered with Specialized Support & Disability
Services, contact their office immediately ( 2-800 SUB; Email [email protected]; Email; phone
780-492-3381; WEB www.ssds.ualberta.ca ).
Academic Support Centre: Students who require additional help in developing strategies for
better time management, study skills or examination skills should contact the Academic Support
Centre (2-703 Students’ Union Building).
HGP 100 – Winter 2015 – Page 5 of 6
PROFESSIONAL PLANNING ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS
The Canadian Institute of Planners, CIP, stipulates specific criteria required for an accredited
Planning degree in Canada. The Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI) is a professional
regulated organization of private and public sector planners practicing in Alberta, the Northwest
Territories and Nunavut. Together, the CIP and the APPI mandate specific academic and
professional requirements for both an accredited Planning degree and for provisional and
professional membership in the provincial and national Planning organisations.
The curriculum plan for this course satisfies the following professional planning degree
accreditation requirements as set out by the CIP and which are therefore requirements towards
obtaining the accredited Planning degrees offered by the Planning Program at the University of
Alberta:
Structure and Function of Human Settlements
study of human settlement and its evolution and history, geography, economy, urban form,
political and social structure
 understanding of the broad principles that guide the design and operation of infrastructure
and services

History and Principles of Community Planning
 an examination of planning as a decision making process within a political environment
Environmental and Ecological Aspects of Planning
 understanding of the concepts of sustainable development
Written, Oral and Graphic Communication Skills
 demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written form
ADDITIONAL NOTES
“Policy about course outlines can be found in section 23.4(2) of the University Calendar”
Disclaimer: Any typographical errors in this Course Outline are subject to change and will be
announced in class. The date of the final examination is set by the Registrar and takes precedence
over the final examination date reported in this syllabus. Students should verify this date on Bear
Tracks when the Final Exam Schedule is posted.
Copyright: Dr. Leith Deacon, Human Geography & Planning, Department of Earth & Atmospheric
Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta (2015).
HGP 100 – Winter 2015 – Page 6 of 6
Schedule ~ Winter, 2015
WK
Date
Unit
Topic
Student work
1
Jan 5
Unit 1: Spatial
representation &
knowledge
Thinking like a geographer
Read Ch. 1
Spatial processes & Maps
Read Ch. 2
Spatial economic models
Read Ch. 11
Jan 7
Jan 9
2
Jan 12
Jan 14
Jan 16
3
Jan 19
Unit 2: Economic space
Read pg. 388-397
Jan 21
Jan 23
4
Jan26
Growth and development
Read Ch. 3
Demographics
Read Ch. 5
Mobilities
Read Ch. 8
Jan 28
Jan 30
5
Feb 2
Feb 4
Unit 3: People and
migration
Feb 6
6
Feb 9
Feb 11
Feb 13
7
Feb 16
Feb 18
NO CLASS – READING WEEK
Feb 20
8
Feb 23
Feb 25
Unit 4: Cultures and
landscapes
Culture and space
HGP 100 – Winter 2015 – Page 7 of 6
Read Ch. 7
Feb 27
9
Landscapes
Mar 2
Read Ch. 9
NO CLASS - Elections
Mar 4
Mar 6
10
Mar 9
Mar 11
Unit 5: The
environment
Environmental perceptions
Mar 13
11
Read Ch. 4
NO CLASS – individual work period
Mar 16
Mar 18
Sustainability
Read Ch. 6
Systems and structures
Read Ch. 12
Social processes in the city
Read Ch. 13
Mar 20
12
Mar 23
Mar 25
Unit 6: Planning
Mar 27
13
Mar 30
Apr 1
Apr 3
14
NO CLASS – GOOD FRIDAY & EASTER MONDAY
Apr 6
Apr 8
Guest lecture – Trina Lamanes
Apr 10
Exam review
Areas highlighted indicate the three terms tests
Test #1:
Opens Jan 30
Closes Feb 6
Test #2:
Opens Mar 6
Closes Mar 13
Test #3:
Opens Apr 1
Closes Apr 8
HGP 100 – Winter 2015 – Page 8 of 6