MBCI 2015-2016
Geographic Issues of the 21st Century 20F: Course Outline
Teacher: Mr. Marc Neufeld
Email:
Web: www.mbci.mb.ca/staff/marc-neufeld/
Room: 5100
Phone: 667-8210, ext. 5100
Course Overview
The main purpose of this course is for you to gain some insight into the connection between people and the places in which they live. Through this course we will investigate environment and give thought to good stewardship of this planet. I hope you gain ability to assess how local and global events change this planet, and furthermore, which of these changes are more helpful, useful, and sustainable on our planet.
Curriculum Clusters
Emphasis on, and order of the different themes of the course will vary. The following is intended as a general guideline of what to expect in terms of course content.
Theme 1 - Geographic Literacy
· What is Geography? How can geographic knowledge and understanding inform decision-making?
· Elements of physical and human geography.
· Major physical, political, regional features of North America. Sketch Maps
· Topography / rivers
· Investigate major population clusters and their relationship to global environmental types.
· Stewardship in the preservation of the Earth's complex environment.
· Learn about various types of maps, and map projections
Theme 2 - Natural Resources
· Describe sustainability issues related to natural resource extraction and consumption.
· Identify Aboriginal perspectives and rights regarding natural resources and their use. Examples: land claims, fishing and hunting rights, mineral rights...
· Consider the Salmon resource, over-fishing, fish farms, and effects of hydro dams.
· Identify sources of major natural resources in North America. Include: water, forestry, fossil fuels, metallic and non-metallic minerals.
· Examine economic, social, and political impacts of resource extraction.
· Consider diverse views regarding the use of natural resources.
Theme 3 - Food from the Land
· Identify human factors affecting the production and use of various types of food. Examples: cultural, economic, political, marketing...
· Identify the major food production areas, as well as physical conditions required to produce major food crops. Examples: topography, soil, climate, water...
· Explain ways in which natural and human caused phenomena affect food production.
· Examine the impact of various agricultural practices on the physical environment. Examples: soil erosion, water quality, soil fertility...
· History of farming. Play the farming Game.
· Investigate issues related to irrigation and sustainability.
· Identify issues related to genetic modification of plants and animals.
Theme 4 - Industry and Trade
· Identify Canada's major trading partners and major products traded.
· Where do we find manufacturing regions in North America?
· Explore the concept of globalization and identify related social issues.
· Explore the various types and levels of industry. Give examples of primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary industries.
· Identify factors that determine the location of industry. Examples: energy, raw material, transportation, labour, markets, government policies...
· Describe advantages and disadvantages of locating a manufacturing industry in a particular area.
· Identify current issues related to industry and trade. Include: sustainable development, balance of trade.
· Consider the social and environmental impacts of our consumer choices.
Theme 5 - Urban Places
· Analyze urban social issues.
· Use examples to distinguish among rural, urban, and remote places.
· Locate major urban centres on a map of the world and on a map of North America.
· Identify factors that influence the location of urban centres, as well as some urban environmental and economic issues.
· What is urban planning? Let’s build a City!
· Consider the functions of certain cities. Examples: administration, service, tourism, transportation...
· Identify issues related to urban growth and decline. (Urban Sprawl, Water and other utilities, as well as public transit.)
Additionally we will learn:
· The names of many places in North America.
· What GIS Software is and how/why it is used.
· What GPS is and how it is useful.
· What it feels like to farm during the Great Depression!
Assignment Expectations
It is your responsibility to keep a good set of “up to date” notes in this course. I require the use of loose-leaf paper and a binder for this course; this allows me to take an assignment in without inconveniencing you by taking in all of your work for a period of time. Please do not use a notebook for this course. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to catch up on any notes, worksheets, and films, as these all make up test material. Note-taking is more than just a way of getting information - it is a skill in itself, which we will hone.
You will need a binder (filled with loose leaf) and a writing utensil, and your textbook everyday unless otherwise notified! If you forget a pen/pencil talk to me right at the beginning of class, I will lend you a pen for the period. Be aware that I like collateral – it helps me to keep my pens for more students like you, who occasionally find they may be in need.
Most assignments can be submitted electronically as a school-compatible file attached to an email to my teacher email, or can be submitted as a hard copy to the appropriate inbox in the classroom. Some will be required in one way or the other but I will let you know.
You may hand in assignments without incurring late marks until I have marked the others and handed them back to the rest of the class. At that point, the best mark you can get on the assignment is 70% of the assignment’s original total value.
Testing
Quizzes focus on factual information. You will generally have a day's notice of any upcoming quizzes. Obviously, it is encouraged that you study for any kind of test, and this is no exception. But know that, If you have been paying attention in class, a quiz should not cause a great deal of panic; look over your notes, quiz the content with a partner for 15 minutes, and you should be well prepared.
When it comes to tests, if a legitimate reason for your absence on a test date already exists, then it your responsibility to let me know as soon as possible, so an alternative test date can be set. An unexcused absence on a test (without grounds) may result in a zero on that particular test. If you are ill on a test day, be sure to have a parent or guardian notify the school so that I know about your absence in advance of the test. Any missed tests or quizzes will always be written the next time you are in class in the LAR. I will always give you at least a week’s notice of an upcoming Unit Test.
Academic Expectations
• Attend all classes and be on time.
• If you have any issues or concerns or confusion, the sooner you let me know, the better.
• Bring what you need for the class.
• Be respectful of yourself, your classmates, and your teacher - we are all in this together!
• Plagiarism and cheating are a big deal, and will be treated as such.
• Challenge yourself in your learning! You're not mediocre, so I won't accept work that is.
Tech-xpectations
Laptops and iPad/tablet devices may be permitted in class for taking notes, recording due dates, online research, or composing assignments during designated work time. This is a privilege and not a right, so abuse of this by accessing social media, gaming, or surfing the web will result in a loss of this privilege.
As per MBCI policy, phones are not allowed in class. I have a bin at the front of the room where you will put your phone at the beginning of each class and collect it at the end. If I see you with your phone during class I will take it and smash it. Just kidding. But it will go into my desk for the rest of the class, and to the office if it happens again. Your Insta, Snapchat, and Twitter can survive for 75 minutes without you.
Text-pectations
The textbook for this class is an excellent resource very closely linked with Manitoba curriculum. Each student will be assigned a textbook for personal use, which must have your name written in it. I will keep a record of your name, book number, and what condition the book is in. If textbook use in class is required and you don’t have it, please get it from your locker.
When you return the textbook at the end of the year, I will not check off your name unless you actually present, in-person, the correct book with your name written inside. Do not just drop it off. If I do not know you are returning the correct book I cannot check off your name.
Food/Drink Expectations
You can have a bottle of water and/or a cup of tea/coffee in my classroom. That’s it. No snacks, meals, or any kind of food is welcome in the room. It distracts the others and attracts the mice. If you show up late for my class with Starbs or Timmies (or Caf breakfast) you will be asked to leave until you finish it. If you have intramurals or co-curriculars during lunch, it’s your responsibility to make sure you find time to eat. My room is not the Caf. The Caf is the Caf. That’s why it’s called the Caf.
Break-xpectations
If you need to use the restroom, first ask me and then write your name and the time you are leaving the room on the whiteboard in the designated space. This is so if there is a fire drill or lockdown I know where everyone is. Only two at a time, and anything more than five minutes tells me you went to your locker or the cafeteria or are lingering in the halls.
Teacher Webpage and Email
My teacher website (address above) is your primary source of information about the course. On it you will find what we will cover each week, assignment information, links to resources, and a quick link to my teacher email. If you miss a day or just forget something I said, this should be your first stop.
My email address is the best way you or your parent(s)/guardian(s) can contact me outside of class time. I will do my best to respond within the day, even on weekends, but don't expect a quick response over holidays.
Evaluation
· Term 1 – 20%
· Term 2 – 30%
· Term 3 – 30%
· Final Exam – 20%
Office Hours
I will be in the school from 8:00-3:30. I am available in my classroom during my prep time. I have a schedule posted at the front of the room. You may not visit my room while other classes are going on, and you may not visit while you have a class going on.