GEOGRAPHY 1

PLACES AND LANDSCAPES IN A CHANGING WORLD

COURSE SYLLABUS for Section WFQ, Second Semester, AY 2015-2016
Instructor: Johnson C. Damian | Department of Geography, University of the Philippines Diliman
Room 406, East Palma Faculty Center | Consultation hours: T-F 10am to 12nn
jcdamian@up.edu.ph, 09158477734
GEOG 1 is an overview of the diversity of interconnections of people and places in a
changing and globalizing world as mediated by the physical environment, cultures, political
relationships and history. At the end of the term, the student is expected to understand the
interconnections of people, places and landscapes in a globalizing world, develop critical
perspectives on global, geographic issues affecting the Philippines and the rest of the world;
and appreciate the relevance and application of geographic knowledge in academic
discourse and, most importantly, in our everyday lives.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Day

Topic

Introduction to the Course

Geography as a Discipline

Core Concepts in Geography

Core Concepts continued

Interpreting Landscapes,
Semiotics
Map Elements, Projections and
Types

GIS Lab 1st Half, Spatial Science

GIS Lab 2nd Half

Physical Geography 1

9
10
11
12
13

GPS Basics and Android GPS

Essentials
Physical Geography 2
Physical Geography Synthesis:
Human-Environment
Interactions and Impacts
Human Geography 1; Film
viewing The Gods Must Be
Crazy
Exam 1

Activities

Reading
Assignment/Recommended
Preparations

Drawing,
Syllabus
Four Traditions (Pattison) ;
Geographer as Voyeur (Zelinsky)
Team
Formation; UPD

Signs Quiz
Map Elements
Quiz
Hands-on
exercises
Base Map
Creation

Outdoor
Activity

Reaction Paper

Installation of Android software

The Concept of Landscape (Carl

Sauer)
How to Lie with Maps
(Monmonier)
Basic Operations in Google Earth
Basic Operations in Google Earth
and Quantum GIS
Introducing Physical Geography
(Strahler)

Android Device, GPS Essentials

Installation
(Start of Map Quiz Series)

How do deserts form (Strahler;

any source)

14
15
16
17

Human Geography 2 The

Concept of Culture + Gendered
Spaces
Culture, Identity and Place +
Nature, Society and Technology
Perspectives toward Nature, The
Context of Time in Geography
Folk and Pop Culture

18

Population Geography
Accessibility in a New Context the Geography of Cyberspace
and Games

19

Movement and Transport

Geography Problems and
Technologies

20

23

Geography of Disasters
Medical Geography; Infectious
Diseases
Development Geography
Growth and Globalization
Synthesis: Eyes on a Changing
World

24

Exam 2, END

21
22

Free Debate
Exploring
Cultural
Stereotypes
Discussion
using
Pictionary
Map Overlay
Analysis,
Facilitation

Facilitation
Facilitation

Yi-Fu Tuan Humanistic

Geographies

Transport Plans in Metro Manila

United Nations World Risk Report
(2012)

Facilitation
Facilitation

Note that the sessions may deviate from the syllabus due to unforeseen events such as class suspensions,
and/or depending on the pace that the class is covering the topics.

REFERENCES:

(1)Human Geography: Places and Regions in a Global Context (1998 or later editions)
by Knox and Marston - Main Reference Material; (2) Introducing Physical Geography 3rd Edition
by Strahler and Strahler; (3) Additional readings to be assigned by the instructor; and (4) any
Geography book

Requirements and Basis for Evaluation

Grade Transmutation
Long Exams
Class Activities and Participation
Short Quizzes, Plates and Exercises
Paper/s
Group Presentation and Facilitation
Attendance
Bonus Instances
TOTAL

Raw

Score

to

UP

50%
15%
10%
5%
15%
5%
(5% max)
100%

POLICIES: The student is expected to read the assigned articles and come prepared for the class.
Short quizzes based on last meetings lesson or on the assigned topic for the meeting/week may be
given announced or unannounced. In case of a missed long exam, the student will be given a
special exam provided that he/she submits an excuse letter with pertinent documents to the
instructor. A missed exam for no valid reason will be given a grade of zero.

You are allowed a maximum of six (6) excused/unexcused absences. If possible, kindly inform me if
you know you will miss a class beforehand. Come to class on time (not later than 15 minutes after
the start of the period). Missed quizzes due to tardiness or absence will be given a grade of zero.
Keep your cell phones in silent mode and in your pockets or elsewhere during class hours. You are
not allowed to do tasks irrelevant to the course while in the class. Remember to exercise courtesy
to your instructor and classmates.
Regarding academic honesty, practice Honor and Excellence. University rules apply to cases of
cheating and plagiarism. You are strongly encouraged to email or meet the instructor during
consultation hours or after classes if you have any other concerns regarding the course.