Vol. 10, No. 2, July 1972 - "The Classroom Use of Scholarly Geographic Research"
THE SENIOR SEMINAR: TEACHING TOOL OR RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY?
(pp. 3 - 6)
Burton O. Witthuhn; Professor and Chairman
Edinboro State College
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Abstract
Built-in obsolescence is one of the strengths of most college curriculums. Course titles sometimes become fixed entities in a curriculum, but in all but a very few cases the course content is under constant revision. New facts, new procedures, new theories, new objectives, new justifications, and even new personnel bring about constant course revitalization. Supervisory and public demands for relevancy, competency, and accountability also cause curriculum change to be a constant concern of each instructor since every professional is charged with the responsibility for a segment of the total curriculum. Geography, or any other discipline, will obtain prominence or fall into disrepute on the basis on its ability to communicate what it is doing.
THE USE OF REGRESSION MODELS IN GEOGRAPHIC RESEARCH: A CLASSROOM METHODOLOGY
(pp. 7 - 14)
Daniel A. Griffith
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, Pennsylvania
Abstract
Geography may be defined as a science of space. As such, the discipline attempts to explain spatial distributions. But, since all the facts about a spatial distribution cannot be presented, geographers search for those variables, and their interrelationships, which identify the relevant dimensions of a phenomenon, and which help to interpret the real world. In doing so, the use of models, or simplified representations of reality, has become a popular analytical technique. One type commonly used is the regression model. This paper shall review that geographic literature which utilizes regression models, and shall derive a classroom methodology from this literature.
SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS IN THE INSTRUCTION OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL GEOGRAPHY
(pp. 15 - 16)
David Winslow
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, Pennsylvania
Abstract
By application of the systems approach, it is possible to provide more structure in the teaching of college courses, such as Advanced Industrial Geography. Harr points out that "the feasibility of applying this approach beyond the national defense and space effort, particularly to problems connected with improving the quality of American life, is challenging and bright with promise." Since the United States Bureau of the Budget has decided to follow systems analysis, it is entering many facets of our lives. Experience under U. S. Air Force Systems Command and the National Science Foundation funded Workshop on Air Transportation in the 1980's at the University of Tennessee Space Institute, Summer, 1971, permitted the writer opportunity to utilize such systems that then were carried out in his graduate class in the Pre-Session last summer.
THE DIFFUSTION APPROACH IN TEACHING REGIONAL AND CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY
(pp. 17 - 22)
Lee C. Hopple
Bloomsburg State College
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Abstract
The contents of this presentation represent but a segment of the information compiled from an extensive examination of the spatial history of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Plain Dutch Community. This community consists of 4 Protestant religious sects: Amish, Dunkard, Mennonite, and Schwenkfelder. The following discussion outlines diffusion of the Mennonites from the time of their religious origin in Europe to their present location in southeastern Pennsylvania.
THE GEOGRAPHER'S ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECOLOGICAL RESPONSIBILITY
(pp. 23 - 28)
Don E. Totten
Abstract
Since the late 1960's, the age of innocence in our lives as happy, thoughtless consumers of technology's bounty has come to an end. We are now witnessing a far-reaching historical transformation which will change the material fundament of our culture with its emphasis on technology, material progress, and economic expansion. The impact of this transformation has been felt in all highly developed nations whose affluence stems from the 19th century's industrial revolution. But it is in America, where the leadership of technological advance was most dramatically demonstrated, where we are now faced with the most drastic negative consequences of progress, and are presented with the highest bill. Scarcity of land and resources and density of population taught Europe and Japan to be more prudent in stretching and husbanding their assets in the middle of industrial growth; yet they have environmental problems too. American history and tradition, on the other hand, have reveled in the exuberance of unlimited opportunity. A generously endowed environment that appeared to extend to ever receding western horizons has shaped our national character, with the highest profits going to the active and aggressive who knew best how to extract the boundless riches.