Global Studies 110-002:

Global Regions
SPRING 2014
Meets MTh 12:45-2:00 in LIN 27
Joel I. Deichmann, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Geography
Global Studies Department (MOR 208)
Campus Phone: 781.891.2745
E-mail: jdeichmann@bentley.edu
Course web site: http://blackboard.bentley.edu
Office Hours: Mondays 8-9.30 AM and by appointment.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this survey course, we examine the worlds major distinct regions as defined by
physical and human geography. We adopt a spatial perspective to better understand the
contemporary worlds landscapes, people, and events. In other words, we look at the
ways in which attributes of location and geography underlie social, economic, and
political realities around the world. Our textbook, videos, and class discussions are
designed to facilitate this endeavor. For each region, associated themes are discussed.
For example, North Africa/Southwest Asia, and especially the Middle East, tends to be
associated with Islam and oil, while North America is associated with urbanization and
human mobility. Our region-centered discussions are then enriched by country analyses
of current events, narrowing the scale of discussion and offering illustrative examples of
why geography matters.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This course builds a solid fundamental knowledge of the worlds distinct geographic
regions. Students will recognize connections between location and the human condition

in each global region, helping them understand social, economic, and political
circumstances and associated local perspectives. This knowledge will assist students as
citizens of our increasingly interconnected world and help them develop skills for a
globalized workplace. As a Global Studies survey course, GLS 110 helps provide a
foundation for all other courses in our curriculum, in particular, knowledge as a basis for
critical thinking in our upper-division courses. In order to achieve these objectives, it is
expected that the student will read the entire textbook and attend class. In addition,
students are strongly encouraged to earn a fourth credit by participating in Bentleys
service learning program (at the final page of this syllabus).
REQUIRED TEXT
Bradshaw, M. White, G. and Dymond, J, and Chacko. 2012. Contemporary World Regional
Geography (4th edition). New York: McGraw-Hill. If you choose to use an older edition, you
remain responsible for any material covered in the new edition.
Recommended
magazine).

Supplemental

Reading:

The

Economist

(weekly

global

news

Additional reading materials will be provided by the professor.

GRADES
Grades are based upon the following deliverables:
200 points - Two In-class Exams (100 points each)
100 points Chapter Key Concepts/Maps (10 points each)
100 points Five map quizzes (20 points each), given at any point after maps are
due.
100 points Country Study/News Journal
100 points Class Participation
Grades are earned, not given, and they are not negotiable. Final quality point grades
are determined based upon the guidelines on the registrars website. Incomplete
grades require a written petition to be filed before the final class meeting of the
semester, including a description of how the course requirements will be completed
within 60 days.
IMPORTANT POLICIES
Attendance and Classroom Courtesy
Please arrive punctually at each meeting and demonstrate your preparedness by
participating in every class. The professor is looking for each student to make at least
one substantive contribution and/or ask a question at each meeting. Texting and social
networking are distractions to everyone and are therefore not permitted in
this classroom. If you miss a class, materials should be obtained from your classmates.
It is the students responsibility to stay appraised of his or her own grade progress
throughout the semester. As a measure of student performance, grades are not
negotiable.
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Other Items
A. Please let me know at the beginning of the semester if you have any disabilities
and need special accommodations.
B. Please refrain from using cell phones and Facebook during our class time. Thank
you!
C. Assignments are accepted in hard copy only (not by email)
D. Feel free to ask me if you have any questions about whether a practice (working
with other students on homework, etcetera) constitutes acceptable behavior.
E. Keep all graded work until the end of the semester, when I will confirm
everyones grades.
IN-CLASS EXAMS AND QUIZZES
1. Each exam features multiple choice questions, and may include other formats
(including location or short essay questions) as announced in class. The questions
are drawn from class discussions, your textbook, and the companion videos. In
order to do well on the exams, you will need to read the entire textbook as
assigned, participate in class discussions, and view videos that highlight some of
the most important concepts. You will find the textbooks web site useful for
resources such as multiple choice questions.
2. Exam Schedule (and coverage)
Exam I:
24 February (Chapters 1-6)
Exam II:
1 May, 9-11am (Chapters 7-13)
3. Map quizzes will be given unannounced on or after the corresponding chapters
due date. Therefore, you should learn the countries and capitals and complete the
homework as you read each chapter. Excellent interactive quizzes are available online, including Interactive Base Maps on the textbooks web site. The quizzes will
cover only countries and capital cities in Europe, East and Southeast Asia,
Southwest Asia/North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America (@20pts)
HOMEWORK: Chapter Key Concepts/Maps
For each assigned chapter, please submit a one-page typed list of concepts defined in
your own words (see Reading Schedule below for due dates), along with an example
and/or significance of the term.
To maximize your earned credit, check your work against the following requirements:
Use blank maps found at http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/ or
http://www.geog.byu.edu/outlinemaps.dhtml; you may wish to enlarge them.
Be neat with your maps and use colored pencils (no maps required for Ch 1, 2, and
13)
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 Use the color blue only for water. This is fundamental cartographic
convention.
Label all countries and their capitals neatly by hand.
Include only one single-sided page of termsthe ones that you
think are most important. Staple your map to the back of your notes.
Submit these at the beginning of class; there is a 10% minimum late penalty (see
Reading Schedule for dates).
Grading on returned maps is as follows:
+ Outstanding (translates to a 10)
Good enough (translates to an 8.5)
- Not good enough (translates to a 7)
The ten highest grades of the semester will count, representing 1/6 of your course grade.
Retain your graded assignments, as they will be helpful in preparing for exams. It would
be a good idea for you to photocopy your maps before you turn them in so that you can
review for the quizzes. You are responsible for knowing each regions countries and
capitals at the time when the maps are due.
COUNTRY STUDY/NEWS JOURNAL
The world contains approximately 200 countries (or states), and it would be impossible
to discuss them each one in reasonable detail during a single semester. Although your
textbook is excellent, it was already outdated the day it came off the printing press. In an
effort to learn more about individual countries and how they function within their region
and the global economy, before Superbowl Sunday each student will select a single
country within the regions of SE Asia, NASA, SS Africa, and Latin America to examine in
detail. Students will share their gathered information with the rest of the class during the
appropriate meeting (see schedule).
The paper should cover your countrys physical and human geography and explain what
you view to be the top three current events. The paper should include a brief geographic
overview, then focus on whats in the news. You must include at least five news
references (since publication of your textbook), properly cited. In addition, try to link
whats going on in your country to its geography, relative location, and interaction with
other countries. For example, explain how your countrys location, landscape , and
access to water impact its economy, trade, and political relations with neighbors. Only
include information such as latitude/longitude, territorial size, trade statistics, and
population figures IF you can explain why they matter. Note: Wikipedia.com is not an
acceptable information source for academic papers, and if it appears in your paper you
will lose points.
Deliverable: Hard copy paper due at the beginning of our final class (12:45 on
4/28).
*5-7 pages, plus appendix of illustrations. These length guidelines will be strictly
enforcedpapers outside of this range will lose points.
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Heres the allocation of 100 possible points

50 points: Content
20 points: Mechanics (always proof-read carefully)
10 points: One hand-sketched map featuring all locations mentioned in the paper
10 points: Full citations and bibliography (any standard format)
10 points: A copy of your one-page* handout for all members of the class.
Country News Presentation (scheduled with the appropriate region- see below)
Each student will make a ten minute* informal presentation to the class highlighting how
current events in their country are related to geography. Prepare a one-page handout
featuring basic geographic information and your countrys current events over past few
months. Include full citations of the news sources and bring a copy for each class
member. The preparation and effort you demonstrate will be reflected in your
participation grade.
PARTICIPATION
Your participation grade is based upon attendance, punctuality, responses to questions,
substantive contributions to discussions, your paper presentation, and any reactions to
international films.
INTERNATIONAL FILM SERIES
The following showings are offered to the Bentley community free of charge. If you
attend and write a short reaction, you will earn extra points toward your participation
grade. Thoughtful one-page reactions are due at the beginning of the class meeting
immediately following the film screening.
Spring 2014 Theme: Seeing and Being Seen
Monday, Jan. 27; 6:30pm; Wilder Pavilion, Adamian Academic Center
The Secret in their Eyes (2009-Argentina/Spain-129 min.) directed by Juan Jos Campanella
In 1999, retired Argentinian federal justice agent Benjamn Espsito is writing a novel, using an old closed
case as the source material. That case is the brutal rape and murder of Liliana Coloto. In addition to seeing
the extreme grief of the victim's husband Ricardo Morales, Benjamn, his assistant Pablo Sandoval, and
newly hired department chief Irene Menndez-Hastings were personally affected by the case as Benjamn
and Pablo tracked the killer, hence the reason why the unsatisfactory ending to the case has always
bothered him. Despite the department already having two other suspects, Benjamn and Pablo ultimately
were certain that a man named Isidoro Gmez is the real killer. Although he is aware that historical
accuracy is not paramount for the novel, the process of revisiting the case is more an issue of closure for
him. This film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009.
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1305806/?ref_=nv_sr_1)
Wednesday, Feb. 19; 6:30pm; Wilder Pavilion, AAC
Eyes Wide Open (2009Israel/Germany/France91 min.) directed by Haim Tabakman
Aaron Fleishman (Zohar Shtrauss) is a father of 4 who takes over the family kosher butcher shop following
the death of his father. Aarons observant world is turned upside down with the arrival of a young Yeshiva
student Ezri (Ran Danker). When Aaron and Ezri begin spending time together, Aaron is quickly ostracized
within the Orthodox community. Confronted by Rabbi Vaisben (Tzahi Grad), Aaron declares he was dead
before meeting Ezri. We see how quickly social control turns violent and ugly in the Orthodox community
when Ezri is forced to leave. Eyes Wide Open is set during a dark and wet winter in Jerusalem. Rain and the
darkness of night are used as metaphors for the ritual of cleansing and the omnipresent pressure to
conform in the Orthodox community. It has a strong cast and delivers a powerful message in a country
divided by debates about the growing influence of the Orthodox Jewish community.
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(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1424327/synopsis?ref_=ttpl_pl_syn)
Tuesday, March 18; 6:30pm; Wilder Pavilion, AAC
The Sapphires (2012 Australia 103 min.) directed by Wayne Blair
1968 was the year that changed the world. And for four young Aboriginal sisters from a remote mission,
this is the year that would change their lives forever. Around the globe, there was protest and revolution in
the streets. Indigenous Australians finally secured the right to vote. There were drugs and the shock of a
brutal assassination. And there was Vietnam. The sisters, Cynthia, Gail, Julie and Kay are discovered by
Dave, a talent scout with a kind heart and very little rhythm but a great knowledge of soul music. Billed as
Australia's answer to 'The Supremes', Dave secures the sisters their first true gig, and flies them to
Vietnam to sing for the American troops. Based on a true story, The Sapphires is a triumphant celebration
of youthful emotion, family and music. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1673697/?ref_=nv_sr_1)
Monday, April 7; 6:30pm; Wilder Pavilion, AAC
Black Maria Film and Video Festival
**reception with food begins at 6:00; meet festival director John Columbus**
The Black Maria is one of the most influential touring film festivals of independent film and videos in the
U.S. For 32 years, the festival has been fulfilling its mission to advocate, exhibit and reward cutting edge
works from independent film and videomakers.

DISCUSSION AND HOMEWORK SCHEDULE

This schedule is subject to change as necessary.
Date
Scheduled Discussion Topic
Thu 1/23
Sat 1/25
Mon 1/27
Thu 1/30
Mon 2/3
Thu 2/6

Mon 2/10

Thu 2/13
Mon 2/17
Thu 2/20
Mon 2/24
Thu 2/27
Mon 3/3
Thu 3/6
3/10-3/14
Mon 3/17
Thu 3/20
Mon 3/24
Thu 3/27
Mon 3/31

Introduction to the Course; Syllabus/Expectations.

Why Geography?
Questions about important terms and concepts?
Global Population Distribution: Where and Why?
(Part I)
Global Population Distribution: Where and Why?
(Part II)
Europes Physical and Human Geography:
Compact yet Complex.
Europe: Competing forces of Supra-nationalism
and Devolution. (Power of Place: Strasbourg and
Slovakia).
Russia and its Neighbors: Enormity and Cultural
Diversity. A Closer Look at St. Petersburg. *Also
label all former Soviet Republics and their
capitals, plus St. Petersburg, Vladivostok,
Volgograd, Rostov, and Yekaterinburg.
What are the preconditions for the East Asian
Miracle?; Where and how has it been replicated
elsewhere?
*Also label Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tianjin,
Wuhan, Xian, Huang He, Chang Jiang rivers.
Chinas Emergence as Global Player, Power of
Place: Shanghai: Head of the Dragon; Guangdong:
Globalization on the Pearl River Delta.
Overview of Southeast Asia and Oceania:
Multifaceted Fragmentation
Power of Place (Singapore: Gateway to Southeast
Asia; Indonesia)
First Exam
Southeast Asia Presentations
Introduction to South Asia, Past and Present.
Power of Place (Delhi: Bursting at the Seams)
SPRING BREAK!
Northern Africa and Southwestern Asia (The
Middle East)
Country Current Events in North Africa/Southwest
Asia
Africa South of the Sahara: Stereotypes and
Reality
Current Events in Sub-Saharan Africa
Presentation of research findings on the
Millennium Development Goals and Foreign Direct
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What is due
today?
Chapters 1&2 due
(one page each)

Chapter 3

Chapter 4*

Chapter 5*

Chapter 6

Exam I
(presentations)
Chapter 7

Chapter 8
(presentations)
Chapter 9
(presentations)

Thu 4/3
Mon 4/7
Thu 4/10
Mon 4/14
Thu 4/17
Mon 4/21
Thu 4/27

Mon 4/28
Thu 5/1

Investment in SSA; Bentley Goes to Africa

Finish up Sub-Saharan Africa (Re-cap, illustrative
shorts)
Discussion on Australia & New Zealand. *OZ and
its largest five cities, NZ and its largest
three cities.
Is Latin America really Latin? Why or why not?
Country Current Events in Latin America
Latin America: Power of Place (Mexico, Chile,
Ecuador, Brazil). Latin America- Middle and
South: Overcoming Colonization?
No Class. PATRIOTS DAY!
North America: Urbanization and Mobility, Urban
Geography Models and Migration.
*Also label the Canadian provinces and their
capitals.
Canadians and Americans: Whats the
difference? Power of Place (Vancouver and
Quebec).
Final Exam 9-11 am Scheduled by Bentley
University

Chapter 10*
Chapter 11
(presentations)

Chapter 12*

Read Chapter 13
(no HW)
PAPER DUE!
Exam II

About the Professor

Prof. Deichmann was born in Bethlehem, Connecticut in 1969. He grew up in Western New York, holds a BA
from Geneseo (1993), an MA from the University of Cincinnati (1995), and a PhD from the University at
Buffalo (1999). Prof. Deichmanns research focuses upon international movements of investment and
tourism, with special emphasis upon Central and Eastern Europe. His other Bentley courses include GLS
270 Contemporary Europe and GLS 325: Global Tourism. In May 2014, he will lead a group of Bentley
students on a two-week intensive travel course to spectacular Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia for his GLS 276
Transition Economies of Europe (see flyer below). Professor Deichmanns wife Karen is a Human Resources
Manager at Comcast; and they have three kids: Charlie (16), Isabela (14), and James (12). Interests include
studying things international, visiting all 3143 counties in the USA, hiking, enjoying music and films, and
running with Tessie the black lab.

Service Learning Opportunity: Earn a fourth credit for GLS

110!
The 4th credit option for this section of GLS 110 consists of the following:
1) Working with the Service Learning Center's English as a Second Language (ESL) or
another approved program (if you missed the presentation in class, call x2977 for
more information).
2) Writing and submitting a reflective journal on your experience. Your first entry should
overview the origin country of the tutee, and you can obtain such information in
Culture Grams, or Countries and their Cultures in the Reference section of Baker
Library (REF GN 307 .C68 2001, v1-4). After this first entry, you are to write one
paragraph for each meeting, then summarize the semester with a short discussion.
Some possible discussion topics:
-What factors caused your students to come to the USA? Difficult conditions in
their home country? Opportunities in the USA? Why did they choose the Boston
area (as opposed to NYC, LA)? Some questions should be broached sensitively.
-How does s/he cope with challenges of adjustment to their new environments?
(such as finding housing, employment, transportation, and other services)
-What cultural challenges does s/he face and what adjustments are necessary to
make?
-What did you learn that brings to life something you studied in class?
Turn your journal in to Professor Deichmann before spring break for quick
feedback.
The final journal (due 28 April), including summary, should be five pages in
length.
Other points to remember (all dates set by BSL)
1) Registration and other information can be found at:
http://www.bentley.edu/service-learning/4th-credit-dates.cfm
You are required to attend three general 4th credit meetings: site orientation in
February, and a mid-semester reflection before spring break.
2) Your grade for the 4th credit is independent of your GLS 110 grade.
3) The completion of three 4th credit options satisfies one unrestricted elective!

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