GEOG 2N - Apocalyptic Geographies
This is a sample syllabus.
This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Overview
This course explores various visions of the apocalypse and their relevance for addressing major contemporary social, ecological, and economic issues. These issues include global climate change, nuclear war, the growing refugee crisis, the breakdown of democratic governance, economic recession and forms of everyday violence and social fracture. Students will develop and employ critical and analytical thinking skills to engage a diversity of texts from the humanities and contemporary popular culture in order to situate these apocalyptic visions in particular historical, cultural, and political contexts. Students will utilize integrative thinking skills and an interdisciplinary geographic approach to connect these visions with contemporary social issues in order to consider how we might address these complex problems while imagining and actualizing alternative futures. Students will practice global learning, drawing on course material that engages U.S. and cross-cultural perspectives in recognition of the global reach of the interconnected social, economic, political, and cultural systems that shape humanity's shared fate.
GEOG 2N can be applied toward Penn State's General Education "Social and Behavioral Sciences" (GS), "Natural Sciences" (GN), "United States Cultures," or "International Cultures" (IL) requirements.
Objectives
Students who excel in this course are able to:
- Interpret, discuss and compare texts and arguments in the social sciences and humanities, as evidenced through well-organized and clearly articulated verbal and written arguments;
- Analyze different cultural contexts, in the U.S. and abroad in a variety of textual materials, such as academic readings, film, novels, newspaper articles and art;
- Evaluate specific contemporary social issues, their causes, effects, and possible outcomes.
Required Materials
The materials listed here represent those that may be included in this course. Students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
There are no materials to purchase for this course. All readings and materials are provided within the course.
Prerequisites
This is an introductory course with no prerequisites.
Expectations
We have worked hard to make this the most effective and convenient educational experience possible. How much and how well you learn is dependent on your attitude, diligence, and willingness to ask for clarifications or help when you need them. We are here to help you succeed. Please keep up with the class schedule and take advantage of opportunities to communicate with us and with your fellow students. You can expect to spend an average of 8 - 12 hours per week on classwork.
Major Assignments
- News Media Reflection Journals (40%). Throughout the semester, you will track and analyze contemporary “apocalyptic” events by engaging with current events reported in major news outlets. Using The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal as your primary sources, you will choose eight articles over the course of the semester that reflect a different kind of unfolding crisis or rupture somewhere in the world. You will post your written reflection to a small group discussion and engage with the posts of your peers. Your 8 submissions will total 40% of your grade.
- Weekly Reading Quizzes (40%) Online, multiple choice, and worth 40% of your grade. There are 13 quizzes, but only your 10 highest scores will be kept. This means that the 3 lowest quiz grades will be dropped.
- Final Exams (20%) The online essay exam is worth 20% of your grade and allows you to practice your mastery of the concepts presented in the course readings and supporting materal.
Course Schedule
| Week | Lesson | Topic | Assignment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Introduction to Apocalyptic Geographies |
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| 2 | 1 | Introduction to Apocalyptic Geographies, Cont'd. |
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| 3 | 2 | Environmental Crisis |
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| 4 | 3 | Eco-challenges - Mass Extinction |
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| 5 | 4 | Militarism, the Military-Industrial Complex, and Climate Change: A Human Geography Perspective |
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| 6 | 5 | Economic Crisis |
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| 7 | 6 | Shelter in Crisis: Housing Inflation and the Apocalyptic Geographies of Neoliberal Capitalism |
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| 8 | 7 | Political Crisis |
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| 9 | 8 | Political Crisis and Gerrymandering |
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| 10 | 9 | Crisis of War and Violence |
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| 11 | 10 | Crisis of War and Violence: What is Peace Geography? |
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| 12 | 11 | Geography Against the Apocalypse: How Human Geography Can Help Prevent the End of the World |
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| 13 | 11 | Geography Against the Apocalypse: How Human Geography Can Help Prevent the End of the World, Cont'd. |
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| 14 | 12 | New Content |
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| 15 | 12 | No New Content |
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| Finals Week | Complete the final exam |