GEOG 571 - Intelligence Analysis, Cultural Geography, and Homeland Security
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
GEOG 571 explores the relationships between culture and civil security and the process of geographically analyzing social, political, economic, and demographic information to understand human history, institutions, and behaviors.
Objectives
GEOG 571: Successful students will be able to demonstrate comprehension of the following course materials by logically applying the information learned to the analyses of civil security problems, and by offering lucid presentations and solutions based on clearly reasoned syntheses:
- Critique empirical and theoretical scholarship in cultural and political geography
- Assess cultural landscapes in order to identify potential flashpoints
- Evaluate information from multiple sources regarding complex phenomena
- Critique intelligence relative to the nature of current and potential future threats to civil security using theoretical concepts in cultural geography to inform decision-making processes
- Generate written work that clearly and succinctly synthesizes and communicates existing information, insights into complex phenomena, and recommendations for action
Required Materials
Typically, there are no required materials for this course. If this changes, students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Prerequisites
None
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 12 – 15 hours per week on class work.
Major Assignments
Students earn grades that reflect the extent to which they achieve the learning objectives, listed above. Grades will be based on percentages assigned to each of several components of the course, and opportunities to demonstrate learning include the following:
- Seven weekly discussions: 21% of total course grade
- Three Quizzes: 6% of total course grade
- Four mapping exercises: 20% of total course grade
- Four written assignments: 30% of total course grade
- Research Project: 23% of total course grade
The research project will be completed in four steps: topic selection, project outline and annotated bibliography, rough draft, and final draft.
Course Schedule
| Week | Topic | Assignment |
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| 1 | Lesson 1: Foundations of Cultural Geography |
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| 2 | Lesson 2: Cultural Geography, Intelligence, and Security |
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| 3 | Lesson 3: Identity I: Foundations |
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| 4 | Lesson 4: Identity II: Boundaries and Identity |
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| 5 | Lesson 5: Identity III: Nationalism, Separatism, and Terrorism |
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| 6 | Lesson 6: Cultural Landscapes |
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| 7 | Lesson 7: Mobility I: Access, Movement, and Borders |
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| 8 | Lesson 8: Mobility II: Refugees and Asylum Seekers |
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| 9 | Lesson 9: Home I: Dynamics of Home |
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| 10 | Lesson 10: Home II: Scaling Home |
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