GEOG328B (possible new code: 421):Geographyof China
Spring 2015
Instructor:Dr. Feng ZHAO; Dr. Tao He; Dr. Laixiang Sun
Email:
Office:1117 LeFrak Hall, Department of Geographical Sciences
Office hours: 4:30-5:30 pm on Thursday and by appointment
Prerequisites: GEOG201 and GEOG202 and one of the following: GEOG332, GEOG333, GEOG335; or permission by the Department;
ELMS site for the course:
Textbook:
China's Geography: Globalization and the Dynamics of Political, Economic, and Social Change (Changing Regions in a Global Context: New Perspectives in Regional Geography), 2nd Edition, by Gregory Veeck, Clifton W. Pannell, Christopher J. Smith, and Youqin Huang. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. (June 17, 2011). ISBN-10: 0742567834 | ISBN-13: 978-0742567832.
Course Description:
Since thelaunch ofthe reformand open-door policy in the late 1970s, China has achieved tremendous socioeconomic success. China's rapid growth is now a driving force of the global economic growth and China’s record in poverty reduction is also unprecedented. On the other hand, China has been facing ongoing and emerging challenges accompanying its rapid growth – growing income inequality, increasing regional disparity, unsustainable resource exploitation, challenges related to growing regional and global economic integration, and issues related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Moreover, the growth is also seriously damaging the natural resource base and generating major environmental liabilities. The country's environmental problems include land degradation, water quality deterioration, rising water scarcity, severe air pollution, and declining natural forest cover.
This course will cover physical geography, history, and economic and political systems of the world's most populous country. Major focus will be on geographical issues in China's contemporary development: agriculture, population, urbanization, resource and energy, and environment.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate knowledge on the fundamental concepts and ideas of Geography relating to physical and human foundations surrounding China.
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking in history, and economic and political systems of the world's most populous country.
- Students will understand Major geographical issues in China's contemporary development: agriculture, population, urbanization, resource and energy, and environment.
Requirements and Grading:
The major course requirements include: four quizzes, group presentations on a controversial topic, a final research paper, and class participation:
Total scores (100) = Quiz1 (10) + Quiz2 (10) + Quiz3 (10)
+ Debate (20) + Paper (20) + Lecture (20) + Class Participation(10)
Each student will be given the opportunity working as a group to deliver a lecture together. In the first class of this semester, every 2-3 students will sign up a lecture topic. The instructor will provide the ppt slides one week earlier to the group and students in each group decide which part of the lecture will be covered by each student. Students are encouraged to research the topic and improve the slides as needed. The grade of the Lecture is based on research/knowledge on the topic, improvement of the slides and the oral presentation.
Students will be encouraged to develop their own research topics for the final paper.The final paper needs to have at least 10 pages (double space, 12pt). The title should be sent to the instructor no later than April10 and the paper is due on May 8.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. You are expected to take an active part in all class exercises. For the purposes of this course, attendance means arrive to discussion at the proper time, participate when asked, and not leave until class is dismissed. The philosophy of this course is based on learning by doing, so be prepared to participate, learn, and think.
However, in the event that a class must be missed due to an illness, the policy in this class is as follows:
- For every medically necessary absence from class, a reasonable effort should be made to notify me in advance of the class. When returning to class, students must bring a note identifying the date of and reason for the absence, and acknowledging that the information in the note is accurate.
- If a student is absent more than 1 time, he/she isrequired to bring documentation signed by a health care professional.
- If a student is absent on days when tests are scheduled he/she is required to notify me in advance, and upon returning to class, bring documentation of the illness, signed by a health care professional.
For more information on the UMD attendance policies, see
Students who are absent due to religious observances are responsible for notifying me of projected absences within the first two weeks of the semester.
Notification of Disability
Any student with a documented disability (physical or cognitive) who requires academic accommodations should contact the Disability Resource Center as soon as possible to request an official letter outlining authorized accommodations. Students should then present said letter to the instructor NO LATER than Feb 5, 2015.
Sexual and Racial Harassment
It is the policy of the University of the Maryland that sexual harassment and racial harassment of students, staff and applicants for admission to the University are prohibited. For further details see the UMD student handbook.
Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty is a serious offence that can result in suspension or expulsion from the University of Maryland. Please refer to the following website to determine how the University of Maryland defines plagiarism and academic dishonesty --
All assignments must be cited properly, especially when using direct quotations, paraphrasing, or using ideas that are not your own and come from another author (Including websites!!!!).
Disruptive Students
Students are expected to treat each other with respect. Disruptive behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Students who are unable to show civility with one another, the teaching assistants, or myself will be subject to being referred to the Office of Student Conduct or to Campus Police. You are expected to adhere to the Code of Student Conduct.
Guidelines for the written project assignment: You have a research project assignment for this course. Specific expectations and materials for the assignment will be discussed in class. However, these are the guidelines to follow:
• Submit the project paper electronically using ELMS.
• The assignment has to be submitted at the specified day and time. A 5 % penalty will be given for each day that the assignment is late.
• A cover sheet for each assignment should be included which contains your name, date, assignment and title.
• Follow the guidelines for the assignment’s word length.
• This project paper will be graded on the following criteria: content, presentation, organization, clarity, and grammar.
• Must include proper and consistent citation.
Scheduled lecture topics and readings
Week of / Topic / Readings / Quiz1/19 / Overview – video: China Revealed / Chapter 1
1/26 / Location & territory
Video: territory disputes with Japan, Indian, and Southern China Sea; China geopolitics; / Chapters 2 and 4
2/2 / Climate / Chapter 2
2/09 / Water sources and hydrological cycle
Video: Shangri-La (or Tides of change) / Chapters 2
2/16 / Topography and geomorphology
Video: Tibet / Chapter 2 / Quiz 1
2/23 / Land cover and land use
Video:Born under the red flag (introduction, boom starts, black cat/white cat) / Chapter 2
Additional readings
3/02 / Population & human resources
Video: one child policy (born under the red flag); Women of the country / Chapter 5
Additional readings
3/09 / Urbanization / Chapter 10
Additional readings
3/16 / Natural resources
Video: Food is heaven / Chapter 8
Additional readings / Quiz 2
3/30 / Political/Cultural geography
Video:Power and the People / Chapters 4, 6
Additional readings
4/06 / Economic geography / Chapter 7
Additional readings
4/13 / Debate 1
4/20 / Land degradation and pollution
Video:Shifting Nature / Supporting materials
4/27 / Regional and sustainable development / Supporting materials / Quiz 3
5/04 / Debate 2; Final paper due
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