Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for GEO 250 archive revision 201501

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Effective Term:
Winter 2015 through Summer 2017

Course Number:
GEO 250
Course Title:
Geography of Africa
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Introduces the various historical, social, economic, physical, and geographic factors that have contributed to the modern African landscape. Includes the study of spatial dimensions and the distribution patterns of phenomena such as population mobility, urbanization, poverty, and slum formation. Explores why Africa has become a place of such deep contrasts between crisis and hope. Focuses on breaking down the stereotypes of one Africa and deepening knowledge of this multi-faceted continent in both a historical and current context. 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 Africa, its physical environment, peoples, cultures, and history.
  • Analyze changing political and economic relationships between the United States and countries in Africa in order to be a more informed and engaged American citizen.
  • Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills through student-led class discussions.
  • Interpret maps, graphs, and visuals as tools for analyzing the distribution patterns of phenomena.

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

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 and discussions, documentary films, student project presentations, interaction with African immigrants and refugees, and possible guest speakers.  

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Student learning will be assessed primarily through in-class assignments and discussion, written essays, fieldwork observation, and a service-learning project.

  • Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
  • Written and oral responses to in-class exercises
  • Review 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
  • Feminist political ecology

Concepts:

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

Issues:

  • Sociocultural perception of the continent
  • Ethnic conflicts and refugees
  • Human trafficking
  • 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.