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GEO 435: RESEARCH METHODS
IN GEOGRAPHY
1:25-2:15pm (M W F), LSCB 18
Off. Hrs: 8:30-9:00am; 11:00-11:30am,
1:00-1:20pm or by appointment
A. PURPOSE: The purpose of this course is
to introduce you to the scientific
research aspects and quantitative
methods of geography.
B. TEXTS/SUPPLIES:
a. Haring, L., J. Lounsbury,
and J. Frazier (1992). Introduction to Scientific
Geographic Research.
4th. ed., Dubuque, IA: Brown.
b. Small, J. And M. Witherick (1995).
A
Modern Dictionary of Geography.
3rd. ed.,
NY: Wiley.
c. Reserve room readings (*).
d. Supplies: STAPLER
and calculator
C. GRADE: Your grade will be determined by:
a. Homework
25%
b. Exam One
25%
c. Exam Two
25%
d. Exam Three
25% Dec 10 (F) 1:00-3:00pm
D. GRADING SCALE: The grading scale is:
90-99 = A, 80-89 = B,
70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, less than 60 = F
E. EXAMS: The first two exams will consist
of multiple choice, true/false, fill in
the blank, and essay questions.
The third or final exam will focus on solving
quantitative problems. NO
MAKE-UP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN
WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT OF THE INSTRUCTOR.
Make-ups
for
Exams one and two will consist entirely
of essay questions, and must take
place within one week of the missed
exam.
F. HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS: Homework assignments are
designed to
expand upon ideas presented in class.
All assignments are due on the date
specified; each late assignment will
be penalized 50 points. Assignments more
than one working day will not be accepted
(e.g. Tuesday for Monday
assignments and Thursday for Wednesday
assignments). Unless directed, all
homework assignments will:
a. be typed
b. have a cover page stapled to the
assignment
c. have the following information
on the cover page: your name, the date, and
the assignment number.
G. BRIEF COURSE OUTLINE:
| I. |
Nature of Scientific Research |
| II. |
Defining Geographic Problems |
| III. |
Hypothesis |
| IV. |
Formulation of the Research Design-----Exam One |
|
|
| V. |
Measurement |
| VI. |
Acquisition of Data |
| VII. |
Data Presentation------------------------------Exam Two |
|
|
| VIII. |
Describing Point Patterns |
| IX. |
Describing Line Patterns and Shapes |
| X. |
Hypothesis Testing----------------------------Exam Three |
H. ATTENDANCE: Attendance is mandatory. You
are responsible for obtaining
handouts, attending exams when they
are scheduled, and handing homework
in on time. You will lose one
point off your numberical grade for every class
that you miss beyond a two class limit.
I. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: The
University of South Alabama
provides reasonable accommodations
to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Please see me the first day of class
if you have special needs, and please make
sure that the Office of Student Services
sends me an official notification of
your disability.
NB: This syllabus is tentative and could be changed
with a 24 hour written notice.
SPECIAL DATES:
*Aug 23 (M)........................................................................Classes
Begin
*Aug 25 (W)........................................................................Drop/Add
Day
*Sept 6 (M)..........................................................................No
Classes - Labor Day
*Oct 8 (F).............................................................................Last
Day to Drop
*Nov 8-19 ...........................................................................Advising
for Spring Semester
*Nov 24-28..........................................................................No
Classes - Thanksgiving
*Dec 7 (T)...........................................................................Classes
End |
