In preparation for the academic world, I have sought and found a new adjunct teaching position in Geography at Virginia International University. Deals aren’t done until contracts are signed, but I am confident I will be in the classroom this fall. I am still seeking used Geography Textbooks if anyone has any to share, Donate Used Geography Texts for Open-Source Geography Project

Anyway, below are my notes from my sample lecture about Boundary-Making Processes in Washington DC, as well as a statement of my teaching philosophy.

Teaching Philosophy

  • Conversational
  • I am No Smarter Than You, I have Only Read More about Geography
  • A Student’s Work Has Value Beyond The Classroom
  • The Student Should be able to teach a concept
  • Assignments should be Personally Relevant
  • Authentic Assessment Strategy
    • Class Participation: Successfully Conversant
    • Homework: Engage the concepts
    • Final Project: Editorial Standards
    • Final Examination: Open Book, Research Based
    • Self-Assessment
    • Washington DC Example: Boundary-Making
      • Map: What is the first thing you notice about the DC Boundary
        • Yes, its square
        • Notch Cut out where Arlington lies

        How many things in nature are diamond? Even diamonds are not diamond shaped in nature. Since it is not a natural phenomenon, how did the DC boundary become shaped like a diamond

        The History is that it was designed by Pierre L’Enfant and Benjamin Banneker appointed by George Washington in 1791

        What I want you to take away from this discussion of the Washington DC Boundary and boundary-making in general, is an understanding that the phenomena we cover in Human Geography are not random.

        • A Pool of Human Decisions
          • Individual decision made over Time by a large group: Not Random, but Evolutionary
          • International Level
            • Treaty
            • War
        • Natural Boundaries
          • It was still a decision!

        In this course, we will cover

        • The Types of Questions Geographers Ask
        • The Tools Geographers Use to Answer these Questions

        Lesson Plan

        • Class Discussion: Theorize the boundary of a nation
        • Assignment: Pick a Nation and research how its boundary was formed.

    • Washington DC Boundary Example