Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for GEO 215 archive revision 201502

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Effective Term:
Spring 2015 through Summer 2017

Course Number:
GEO 215
Course Title:
Geography of Latin America
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Explores the physical, cultural, and economic forces that have contributed to the creation of Latin America as a distinctive region. Analyzes the impact of large scale issues such as global trade, environmental degradation, and the debt crisis on the changing landscapes and lifestyles of the people of the region. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon successful completion students should be able to:

  • Analyze and articulate geographic concepts related to the geography of Latin America, its physical environment, peoples, cultures, and history.
  • Analyze changing political and economic relationships between the United States and countries in Latin America in order to be a more informed and engaged global citizen.
  • Interpret maps, graphs, and visuals as tools for analyzing the distribution patterns of phenomena and understanding their importance.

  • Evaluate how changing cultural, social, political, and economic characteristics of Latin American countries influence internal strife and external intervention.

  • Understand the complexities that contribute to the social inequality, political conflict, and environmental concerns prevalent in some Latin American countries and discuss possible solutions. 

Social Inquiry and Analysis

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to apply methods of inquiry and analysis to examine social contexts and the diversity of human thought and experience.

Course Activities and Design

Class will include lectures, article reviews, student-led discussions, documentary films, exams, and in-depth student projects including presentations.  

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Student learning will be assessed primarily through in-class assignments and discussion, multiple-choice and short-answer exams, and a research project.

  • Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
  • Written and oral responses to in-class exercises
  • Review of books, articles, and newspapers
  • Interpretation of visuals, such as maps, graphs, and photographs

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes:

  • Maps and geographic concepts
  • Human-environment interaction
  • Political ecology
  • Development and inequality

Concepts:

  • Regional concepts
  • Physical and cultural landscapes
  • Geopolitics
  • Political economy
  • Population mobility

Issues:

  • Environmental resources and degradation
  • Structural Adjustment Programs and development
  • Social inequality and poverty
  • Migration, particularly current and historical to the U.S. 
  • Drug trade and conflict
  • Rapid urbanization and slum formation

Competencies and Skills:

  • Develop critical thinking skills and broaden perspectives of diversity issues.
  • Improve interpersonal skills and multicultural understanding.
  • Develop a sense of civic responsibility and leadership.
  • Facilitate co-learning and empowerment process.
  • Apply geographic knowledge and skills to respond meaningfully to real world issues.