GEOG 2640 - Human Geography
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 40091,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Dawna Cerney
Email: dlcerney@ysu.edu
Course Description
This undergraduate Human Geography course examines how people, cultures, economies, and political systems shape—and are shaped by—space and place across the world. The course draws on established geographic theories, evidence, and analytical frameworks commonly used within the discipline. The instructor does not seek to challenge personal beliefs or alternative ways of understanding the world, nor to present academic perspectives as the only valid interpretations.2
The (Geography) Degree helps develop a whole range of employability skills including numeracy, teamwork through regular field trips, analytical skills in the lag and a certain technical savviness through using various specialist computing applications. Also, the subject area in itself cultivates sensitivity. Those all potentially help a geographer to stand out in the labor market.” (White 2010)
“Moreover, a national 2018 survey of employers found that only around 40 percent say that recent college graduates exhibit professionalism, a good work ethic, and have decent oral and written communication, and only 33 percent say that recent graduates possess leadership skills. This is particularly concerning given that soft skills and their combination with technical skills are becoming more important than ever.” (Christos Makridis, 2020”
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition | James Rubenstein | 9780134746227 |
Contemporary Human Geography, 13th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein Edition: N-13: 9780134746227
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein Chapter 1 | This is Geography | Syllabus Quiz 8/31, 11:59pm |
| 8/31 | Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein Chapter 2 | Population and Health | Syllabus Quiz 8/31, 11:59pm Chapter 2 Summary Due – 9/4, 11.59.60 pm |
| 9/7 | Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein Chapter 3 | Migration | Chapter 3 Summary Due – 9/11, 11.59.60 pm Assignment 1 Due 9/11, 11:59pm |
| 9/14 | Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein. Chapter 4 | Folk and Popular Culture | Chapter 4 Summary Due – 9/18, 11.59.60 pm |
| 9/21 | Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein Chapter 5 | Languages | Chapter 5 Summary Due – 9/25, 11.59.60 pm |
| 9/28 | Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein. Chapter 6 | Religions | Chapter 6 Summary Due – 10/2, 11.59.60 pm Assignment 2 Due 10/2, 11:59pm |
| 10/5 | Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein Chapter 7 | Ethnicities | Chapter 7 Summary Due – 10/9, 11.59.60 pm |
| 10/12 | Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein Chapter 8 | Political Geography | Chapter 8 Summary Due – 10/16, 11.59.60 pm Test 1 - Opens 10/15 - Due 10/17, 11:59pm |
| 10/19 | Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein Chapter 9 | Development | Chapter 9 Summary Due – 10/23, 11.59.60 pm |
| 10/26 | Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein. Chapter 10 | Food and Agriculture | Chapter 10 Summary Due – 10/30, 11.59.60 pm Assignment 3 Due 10/30, 11:59pm |
| 11/2 | Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein. Chapter 11 | Industry | Chapter 11 Summary Due – 11/6, 11.59.60 pm |
| 11/9 | Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein. Chapter 12 | Services and Settlements | Chapter 12 Summary Due – 11/13, 11.59.60 pm |
| 11/16 | Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein Chapter 13 | Urban Patterns | Chapter 13 Summary Due – 11/27, 11.59.60 pm Assignment 4 Due 11/20, 11:59pm |
| 11/23 | Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein Chapter 13 | Urban Patterns | Chapter 13 Summary Due – 11/27, 11.59.60 pm |
| 11/30 | Contemporary Human Geography, 4th Edition, Pearson By: James Rubenstein Chapter 14 | Resource Issues | Chapter 14 Summary Due – 12/4, 11.59.60 pm |
| 12/7 | Final Exam Week | Test 2 | Test 2 - Open 12/3 - Due 12/5, 11:59pm |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.