Common Course Outline

Catalog Description

Course Description

This course is a survey of world regional geography which examines human diversity across environmental locations. Spatial sensibility, cross-cultural inquiry, economic systems analysis, and geographic features will be evaluated. College level reading and writing recommended.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2026

Outline of Major Content Areas

1. Environment
   1. Climate, Topography, and Landscape
   2. Migration, settlement, Rural vs. Urban
2. Culture
   1. Cultural Relativism vs. Ethnocentrism
   2. Syncretism, Assimilation, Acculturation, Multiculturalism
3. Social Geography/Society
   1. Religion
   2. Language
   3. Community, Stratification and Lifestyle
   4. Centripetal vs. Centrifugal Forces
4. Economic Geography
   1. Distribution of economies
   2. Resources
   3. Finance, Transportation and Communication
5. Political Geography
   1. Governance, Types of Government
   2. Geopolitical issues, NGOs, International Affairs
   3. Globalization vs. Isolation

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

1. Discern among cultural, social, economic, and political factors to better understand global diversity.
2. Demonstrate the impact of the environment and topographical landscape on human populations.
3. Create informational presentations depicting regional culture, economy and politics in specific areas across the globe.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

The student will be able to:

1. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
2. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
3. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Goal 8/Global Perspectives

The student will be able to:

1. Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements, which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
3. Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution
4. Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

• Formative assessment and summative assessment in the form of objective and essay tests
• Research projects
• Formal and informal written assignments
• Class Discussion

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking

Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Global Awareness and Diversity

Students will demonstrate an understanding of and respect for human diversity through their words and actions.

Special Information (if any)

None