Geography - World Regional

Course Details

Course Number: GEOG 3003 Section Number: X10 & X11

Fall 2012

Location: Online

Days & Times:

Online Daily (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday), 24 hours a day, August 24 - December 8

Course Attachments

Textbooks

MSU Faculty Member

Chris Gore
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Course Expectations

Eleven quizzes are scheduled to keep students on task. Three major exams will be administered. Tests must be taken during the allotted testing period. There are no make-ups for missed quizzes or exams. Students should begin reading the textbook immediately.

Submission Format Policy

All course related submissions and activity takes place within the Blackboard module.

All exams will be administered through Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to log on the Blackboard site at the appropriate time. Test results should be posted within three day. On testing dates, I recommend you use a reliable computer and Internet service provider. Select a quiet testing area, free of distractions.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection 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 Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance Policy (Internet Class):

There are specific times throughout the semester when the instructor is required to record student attendance. Through WebCT, I can monitor the dates and times you have logged into this class module. I can also monitor the general discussion area postings and whether you have opened specific coursework areas, assigned readings, tests, and discussion postings. This is interpreted as class attendance/participation since you are working within the online module. MSU policy allows the instructor to “drop a student any time during the semester for excessive absences, for consistently failing to meet class assignments, for an indifferent attitude, or for disruptive conduct.” Students should be informed that I do not drop for excessive absences or non-participation. The grade of “F” may result if a student ceases to participate (take tests and complete other assignments) without completely processing a course drop or withdrawal from the University. This is an upper level undergraduate course. You are the responsible party.

Other Policies

Student Conduct during Testing Periods:

Comments related to tests posted in the Blackboard discussion area during testing periods is the equivalent to talking during the test. This is unacceptable. Any student posting comments regarding the test or test related material will automatically fail that test. Furthermore, documentation of such behavior will be provided to the MSU Dean of Students for the appropriate disciplinary action. Should you have questions, email me privately through our Blackboard email. I will be happy to address your questions or concerns privately during the testing time or in the open discussion area once the test has closed.

Internet Etiquette (Netiquette):

In our society, we have rules of conduct that govern our face-to-face interactions with one another. Such rules also exist in the virtual community to govern our electronic interactions. The instructor and students will be attentive to tone of voice and language use in our virtual classroom. The convenience and comfort of electronic communication can also lead to miscommunication. We will also attempt to avoid e-colloquialisms (btw = by the way, brb = be right back, etc.). Complete sentences, appropriate vocabulary, proper grammar, correct spelling and punctuation are necessary elements in any class.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

Midwestern State University does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's disability and complies with Section 504 and Public Law 101-336 (Americans with Disabilities Act) in its admissions, accessibility, treatment and employment of individuals in its programs and activities. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any disabling condition that will require modifications. The MSU Office of Counseling and Disability Services assists students with regard to information, accommodations, and providing access (940-397-4618).

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.