RYERSON UNIVERSITY

CHANG SCHOOL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION & DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY

CGEO 106 GEOGRAPHIES OF EVERYDAY LIFE SECTION 210
FALL, 2015

Instructor: Dr Abednego Aryee

Phone: 416-979-5000
E-mail: aaryee@ryerson.ca
Office hours: By appointment
Lecture times: TUE 6:30-9:30 PM
This is a Lower Level Liberal studies course. It is not available to students
in the Geographic Analysis program. Students admitted in Fall 2010 to
programs in Criminal Justice, Politics and Governance, Psychology,
Sociology or Undeclared-Arts may not take this course for Lower Level
Liberal Studies credit.
Students are required to use their Ryerson email address for
communication with the instructor. It is the responsibility of students to
check their Ryerson email and the course website regularly.
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
This course examines environmental and spatial aspects of human life, primarily at the
scale of the individual, the neighbourhood and the community. Specific topics to be
considered include sense of place, mental maps, territoriality, community dynamics, and
human impacts on the landscape. Three hours of lectures weekly.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This course explores the ways in which people and space interact to create environments
of varying complexity and subtlety. These environments, in turn, comprise the structure of
the neighbourhoods, communities and urban areas in which we live. The course is
arranged to emphasize the different scales at which a person's life is organized and at
which geographical investigation is carried out. It seeks to give students an understanding
of how geographic principles impact their day-to-day lives.
REQUIRED TEXT BOOK:
Carlson E. and Coppack P.M. (2010) Geographies of Everyday Life. Toronto: McGraw Hill.
EVALUATION:
Format
Term Test 1
Essay
Term Test 2
Final Exam

Value
20%
40%

Due Date
Oct 20, 2015
20%
Nov 10, 2015
20%
Nov 17, 2015
December 15, 2015

The term tests will be based on the topics from the previous four weeks; they will be
graded and returned within two weeks. The final examination will be in the exam period
assigned by Ryerson.

COURSE SHEDULE
Below is the tentative schedule. Any changes to it will be posted on the instructors
websites.

LECTU
RES
1

DATE

Sept 22

Sept 29

Oct 6

Oct 13
Oct 20

Sept 15

Oct 27

TOPIC
Introduction to the Course
- course overview
Spatial Concepts and Spatial Dynamics
- geographic concepts; distance, direction,
location,
place, scale
- space, time, and space-time
- proxemics
Environment and Perception
- defining environments
- perception and cognitive filtering
- decision making
- the ordering of experience
Mental Maps and Mental Images
- definitions and nature
- Lynchs model: nodes, landmarks, districts,
paths, edges
- development sequence of mental maps
- designative and appraisive perceptions
Reading Week No Class
TERM TEST 1
Place and Placelessness
- sense of place and placelessness
- topophilia and topophobia, safety of place
- soundscapes and smellscapes
- amenity environments, vernacular
landscapes, selling
places
Territory and Territoriality
- personalization, defence and home
- neighbourhood
- examples of territoriality
2

READING
S
Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Nov 3

Nov 10

Nov 17
9

Nov 24

10

Dec 1

11

Dec 8

Time, Space, and Time-Space

- the organisation of time
- time-space totality, prisms, paths,
convergence
- constraints cognitive, capability, coupling,
control (authority)
Spatial Interaction
- definitions and roles
- activity space and journey to work
- residential search behaviour
- distance decay and gravity models in
retailing
- marketing geography
TERM TEST 2

Chapter 6

Urbanization
- defining urban
- urban growth and urbanization
- urbanization processes: economic,
demographic and social
Form and Structure in the City
- bid rent theory
- the role of transportation technology in city
form
- models of internal structure: concentric
ring, sector,
multiple nuclei
Groups of People in Cities
- urban ecology
- social area analysis, factorial ecology
- spatial patterns of social dimensions

Chapter 9

Quality of Life
- definitions
- indicators and patterns
Dec 15

Chapter 7

KHE 127

Chapter
10

Chapter
11

Chapter
12

FINAL EXAM

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, you should be able to:
(1) define and give an example of each of the following concepts:
distance, direction, scale, location, proxemics, environment
spatial perception, relative frames of reference, spatial behaviour
mental maps, imageability

gravity

place, behavioural setting, placelessness

territoriality, personalization, defence, at-homeness
residential filtering: downward, upward
time-space paths and prisms, activity system, daily life space, arrow of time
spatial interaction, transferability, complementary, intervening opportunity,
model,
neighbourhood unit, geoprofiling
bid rent, urban land rent model
urban ecology
quality of life

(2) compare any of the following sets of concepts giving examples:

personal environment, contextual environment, phenomenal environment
node, landmark, path, edge, district
designative and appraisive images
topophilia, topophobia
attributes of place: real, perceived and contrived
landscapes of security and stress, stimulus and ennui, status and stigma
microterritory, mesoterritory and macroterritory
time-space constraints (cognitive, capability, coupling, control)
marketing geography models: Thiessen polygon, Breakpoint, Huff
adaptive and integrative environments
sociopetality, sociofugality
natural surveillance, natural access control, territorial reinforcement
urban growth, urbanization
urban core, daily urban space, urban shadow, urban field
eras of urban morphology: pedestrian, streetcar, automobile
urban land use models: concentric ring, sector and multiple nuclei
centrifugal forces, centripetal forces
social economic status, family status, ethnic status
QOL: traditional vs creative class approaches
(3) experience geographic exploration of your own life and the lives of others
(4) discuss those experiences (i.e. #3) in terms of the course concepts by thinking
about
how you and others act in space and by giving examples of your own spatial
behaviours
COURSE POLICIES:
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
In consideration for all others in the room, everyone is asked to turn off cell phones and
other personal electronic devices during class time. Computer laptops can be used for
note-taking only, but these too will be prohibited if their use is disruptive. It is expected
that everyone adheres to Ryerson's Non-Academic Code of Conduct
(http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/pol61.pdf) in order to create a respectful classroom
environment. Students are encouraged to offer their ideas in class discussions.

COURSE MATERIALS AND THE USE OF THE COURSE WEBSITE

Weekly lecture outlines, specific textbook readings and additional sources will normally be
posted on the course website before the lecture to help students prepare for class.
Complete power point slides of the lecture material will not be posted due to copyright
issues. Students are encouraged to check the course website regularly for
announcements.

E-MAIL CORRESPONDENCE
As per Ryerson's policy, students must use their Ryerson email for any correspondence. All
efforts will be made to reply promptly, normally within 42 hours Monday to Friday. If more
than a simple response is required, students are encouraged to use the posted office hours
as needed.
MISSED TERM WORK OR EXAMINATION
Students are expected to complete all assignments, tests, and exams within the time
frames and by the dates indicated in this outline. Exemption or deferral of an assignment,
term test, or final examination is only permitted for a medical or personal emergency or
due to religious observance. The instructor must be notified by e-mail prior to the due
date or test/exam date, and the appropriate documentation must be submitted. For
absence on medical grounds, an official student medical certificate, downloaded from the
Ryerson website at http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/forms/medical.pdf or picked up from The
Chang School at Heaslip House, 297 Victoria St., Main Floor, must be provided. For
absence due to religious observance, visit
http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/forms/relobservforminstr.pdf to obtain and submit the
required form.
ABSENCE FROM MID-TERM EXAMINATION OR TESTS
Instructor must be notified by e-mail before the test.
Documentation must be presented at the next class.
Depending on course policy, the instructor may arrange a makeup exam or re-weigh
the course requirements.
ABSENCE FROM FINAL EXAM
Instructor must be notified by e-mail before the examination.
Documentation must be presented at The Chang School at Heaslip House, Main Floor,
within three working days.
Student must make arrangements with their instructor to write a makeup exam during
one of the pre-scheduled makeup exam dates as published by The Chang School.
INCOMPLETE (INC) GRADE
On written petition by a student, an incomplete (INC) grade may be assigned for
incomplete coursework or a missed final examination due to documented medical or
compassionate grounds.

If the majority of the course work has been completed with a passing performance, and
if the documentation is acceptable, an INC grade will be entered by the instructor. An
INC grade will not be granted if term work was missed or failed.
The outstanding work or final examination must be written within four months after
the submission of the incomplete grade. Failure to do this will result in an F
grade.
It is the students responsibility to contact The Chang School office to arrange to write a
makeup final exam.

PLAGIARISM
The Ryerson Student Code of Academic Conduct defines plagiarism and the sanctions
against student who plagiarize. The minimum penalty for plagiarism at Ryerson is a 0
on the work, and a Disciplinary Notice put on the students record. Please see the Ryerson
Student Code of Conduct http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/pol60.pdf
RYERSON ACADEMIC POLICIES
All of Ryersons academic policies can be found at the Senate website:
http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/
Course Management Policy No. 145
Student Code of Academic Conduct No. 60
Examination Policy No. 135
Policy on Grading, Promotion, and Academic Standing Policy No. 46
Undergraduate Academic Consideration and Appeals Policy No. 134
Accommodation of Student Religious Observance Obligations Policy No. 150
CHANG SCHOOL GUIDELINES/PROCEDURES FOR MISSED TERM TEST or FINAL
EXAM:
You must inform your instructor of any situation which arises during the semester which
has an adverse effect on your academic performance and you must request any necessary
considerations or accommodations.
A doctors certificate is required to substantiate illness. See
http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/forms/medical.pdf for the required Ryerson medical
form.
Religious Observance requests are to be made formally within the first two
weeks of class. See to http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/forms/relobservforminstr.pdf
If you miss a term test you must do the following:
Inform your instructor by e-mail prior to the test.
Present the completed official Ryerson medical certificate to your instructor
within three working days or no later than the next scheduled class.
If you miss the final exam you must do the following:
Inform your instructor by e-mail prior to the exam.
Within three business days of the final exam, please present the completed
official Ryerson medical certificate to your instructor or, if your instructor is
unavailable, at the front desk of the Chang School, Heaslip House, 297 Victoria
Street.
If the medical documentation is approved and the instructor assigns an Incomplete
(INC), it is the students responsibility to arrange with the instructor to write a
makeup exam at the first available opportunity.

INC Incomplete course work or a missed final examination due to documented

medical or compassionate grounds. An INC can be awarded only when the
completion of the outstanding work or an alternate final examination may result in a
passing grade. The outstanding work or alternate examination must be completed
by a specified date within three months of the submission of the INC. The INC
will be replaced by an official course grade when the work is completed. If the work
is not completed by the deadline, the INC will become a grade of F. The designation
INC is not included in calculating the GPA nor is it counted as a course credit or
failed course.
POLICIES AND COURSE PRACTICES
COURSE MANAGEMENT:
Every effort will be made to manage the course as stated. However, adjustments may be
necessary during the term at the discretion of the instructor. If so, students will be advised
and alterations will be discussed prior to implementation. Students will be informed of
any alterations by email and/or announcements on blackboard.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
1. Students are required to adhere to all relevant University policies, such as the Student
Code of Academic Conduct. University regulations concerning unacceptable academic
conduct (cheating, plagiarism, impersonation, etc.) will be followed. See the Ryerson
University calendar or online versions at
http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/pol60.pdf and
http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/pol61.pdf and
http://www.ryerson.ca/studentguide/Introduction9.html for more explanation.
2. Plagiarism is a serious academic offence and penalties range from zero in an
assignment all the way to expulsion from the university. In any academic exercise,
plagiarism occurs when one offers as ones own work the words, data, ideas,
arguments, calculations, designs or productions of another without appropriate
attribution or when one allows ones work to be copied. (See the Ryerson Library for
APA style guide references: http://www.ryerson.ca/library/subjects/style/index.html).
3. It is assumed that all examinations and work submitted for evaluation and course credit
will be the product of individual effort, except in the case of team projects arranged for
and approved by the course instructor. Submitting the same work to more than one
course, without instructors approval, is also considered plagiarism.
4. Students who have committed academic misconduct for the first time will, at a
minimum receive a 0 on the work, and an instructor may assign an F in the course.
The Academic Integrity Seminar will also be assigned and students will have the
notation Disciplinary Notice (DN) placed on their academic record and official
transcript. The notation shall remain until the students graduate, or for eight (8) years,
whichever comes first.
5. Students who commit academic misconduct a second time shall be placed on
Disciplinary Suspension (DS) for up to two years, at which time they may apply for
reinstatement to a program. The designation DS shall be placed on their permanent
academic record and official transcript. The notation shall remain until students
graduate, or for eight (8) years, whichever comes first.
6. Disciplinary Withdrawn standing (DW) shall be permanently noted on students
academic records and official transcripts.

7. Expulsions shall be permanently noted on students academic records and official

transcripts.
8. NOTE: Students may not drop a course when they have been notified of the suspicion
of academic misconduct. If a student attempts to drop the course, the Registrars
office will re-register the student in that course until a decision is reached.
9. When an instructor has reason to suspect that an individual piece of work has been
plagiarized, the instructor shall be permitted to submit that work to any plagiarism
detection service.\]
CHEATING ON AN EXAM OR TEST
Ryersons Examination Policy requires that all students have a valid student identification
card or other photo identification on their desk at all times when taking an examination. If
it is suspected that someone is impersonating a student, the photo identification of that
person will be checked, and the person will be asked to sign the exam paper for further
verification. If it is suspected that the identification is not valid, students may be asked to
provide alternate photo identification. Security may be called, if circumstances warrant.
FACULTY SURVEY
The Faculty Course Survey will be administered in-class or on-line. The format selected will
be disclosed by each instructor in the first lecture.
ACCOMMODATION FOR REGLIGIOUS OBSERVANCE
Students must file the necessary forms for accommodation of religious observance at the
beginning of the term, or for final exams, as soon as the exam schedule is posted (see
policy on Accommodation of Student Religious Observance Obligations and related
form). Please refer to http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/forms/relobservforminstr.pdf.
ACCOMMODATION FOR DISABILITY
Students who wish to utilize the Access Centre must submit documentation to the
instructor prior to a graded assignment, test or exam, according to the Access Centre
Policies and Procedures. For tests/midterms exams, it is the students responsibility to
book an upcoming test at least 7 days prior to the date of writing the test. For final
exams, it is the students responsibility to book an upcoming final exam time at least 2
weeks prior to the beginning of the examination period. The student must confirm the
date with the instructor. For complete details please refer to:
http://www.ryerson.ca/accesscentre.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY IN ACADEMIC APPEALS
Students should read the Undergraduate Academic Consideration and Appeals policy at
(http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/pol134.pdf).
It is the students responsibility to notify and consult with either the instructor, or the
Chair/Director of the teaching department/school, depending on the situation, as soon as
circumstances arise that are likely to affect academic performance. It is also the students
responsibility to attempt to resolve all course related issues with the instructor and then, if
necessary, with the Chair/Director of the teaching department/school as soon as they
arise. An appeal may be filed only if the issue cannot be resolved appropriately.
Students who believe that an assignment, test, or exam has not been appropriately
graded must review their concerns with their instructor within 10 working days of the date
when the graded work is returned to the class.

STANDAR FOR WRITTEN WORK

Students are expected to use an acceptable standard of business communication for all
assignments. You are encouraged to obtain assistance from the Writing Centre
(http://www.ryerson.ca/writingcentre/) for help with your written communications as
needed. (See the Ryerson Library for APA style guide references:
http://www.ryerson.ca/library/subjects/style/index.html).
COURSE REPEAT
Senate GPA policy prevents students from taking a course more than three times. For
complete GPA policy see Policy No. 46 at http://www.ryerson.ca/senate/policies/pol46.pdf

Definition

Excellent

Good

Letter
Grade

Grade Point

Conversion Range

A+

4.33

90-100

4.00

85-89

A-

3.67

80-84

B+

3.33

77-79

3.00

73-76

B-

2.67

70-72

C+

2.33

67-69

JOURNAL
RESOURCES
Satisfactory
C
2.00
Human Geography Related
Annals of Tourism Research
Asian and Pacific Migration
Journal 1.67
CDemography
Economic Development and Cultural
Change
Human Ecology
Journal of Regional Science
Land Economics
Landscape and Urban Planning
Nationalities Papers

63-66
Economic Geography
Environment and Planning D
Society 60-62
and Space
Geografiska Annaler
Journal of Cultural Geography
Journal of Historical Geography
Political Geography
Progress in Human Geography
Urban Geography
Region Based

Population and Development Review

International Journal of Population
Geography
International Migration Review
Planning
Regional Science and Urban Economics
Regional Studies
Urban Affairs Quarterly
Urban Anthropology
Urban Studies
Environmental Geography Related
Environmental Ethics
Environmental Pollution
International Journal of Environmental
Studies
Water Resources Bulletin
Restoration Ecology
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Journal of Biogeography
Journal of Climate
Progress in Physical Geography

Annals of Arid Zones

Arctic
Arctic and Alpine Research
Australian Meteorology Magazine
China Geographer
Geographica Polanica
Polar Record
Post-Soviet Geography
General International
Area
Australian Geographer
Canadian Geographer
Canadian Geographic
Geoforum
Geographical
GeoJournal
New Zealand Geographer
N Zealand Journal of Geography

10