Geography paper .... only for Think
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ggh110-fa14_assignment_1.docxGGH110 Assignment #1
Park University
Fall 2014
Exploring Population Geography:
The purpose of this first assignment is for you to explore fundamental aspects the population geography of the place that you have selected for study this semester. The specific items required are intended to help you apply several concepts presented in chapters 1 and 2 of our course textbook.
For this particular assignment, all data and information that you use (unless otherwise directed) MUST come from the U.S. CIA’s World Factbook , which is available online at: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html. You will also need to use other internet sources, however, for the maps, pictures, and other images that are also expected to be included. Be aware that you will need to provide a proper citation for every webpage (or other source) that you use for the assignment on a final “Sources” slide—this includes the sources of maps and pictures, etc.—so be sure to keep track of these as you complete the assignment.
You will be expected to put all of the information requested for this assignment in a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation document. You must let the instructor know IN ADVANCE if you have any problems with being able to use this software. However, please be aware that you will not be asked to do anything “fancy” with PowerPoint. You essentially just need to type the information requested onto slides and copy and paste images as directed below.
To get started, simply start Microsoft PowerPoint and open a new blank presentation. Note that your PowerPoint presentation will begin with just one slide (in “Title Slide” layout mode). You will simply need to click on the “New Slide” button (found on the “Home” tab) to insert additional slides as requested for the assignment. You are welcome to select a design style (see the “Design” tab), but that is completely optional.
Your presentation must include the following slides with the information as specified below:
1. Slide #1: Toponym. Your first slide must include your name and the toponym of the place (i.e., country) you are studying. While you can just provide the conventional short form for the place’s toponym (e.g., Albania), you are encouraged to also provide the “conventional long form” and “local long form”—click on the “Government” section in the CIA World Factbook to see these names. In addition, you should go online and find an attractive map of the place; copy and paste it onto your slide. Note: You are welcome to “decorate” this slide with additional pictures/images if you would like, but that is not required.
2. Slide #2: Site. For your second slide, you must use the information presented in the “Geography” section of the World Factbook to write a one paragraph description (at least 50 words) of the place’s site (see pp. 14-15 in the textbook). In addition, you should go online and find a picture or a map of the place that helps to illustrate some of the key aspects of the place’s site; copy and paste it onto your slide.
3. Slide #3: Situation. For slide #3, you should once use the information presented in the “Geography” section of the World Factbook to write a one paragraph description (at least 50 words) of the place’s situation (see p. 15 in the textbook). In addition, you should include another map that helps to illustrate the key aspects of the place’s situation.
4. Slide #4: Population Statistics. Using the information provided in the “People and Society” section of the World Factbook, provide the following demographic information about the place:
a. Population (i.e., its current estimated total number)
b. The place’s current rank in the world based on its population (i.e., the number following, “country comparison to the world”), and the name of the place/country that is one ahead of it in the world population rankings and the place/country that is one behind it (Hint: click on the ranking number to see the full list)
c. Its crude birth rate and its crude death rate
d. Calculate its natural increase rate (*Note: This is NOT the same as the “Population growth rate” figure given in this section. Be sure to follow the directions on how to do this that were given in class. This number needs to be in percent format.)
e. Calculate its doubling time (72 ÷ natural increase rate) – Note: Be sure you have NIR as a %, otherwise your number will be off. Also, if NIR is a negative number, you can simply state “never” for doubling time.
f. Its total fertility rate and its world ranking for TFR
g. Its infant mortality rate and its life expectancy
5. Slide #5: Population Pyramids. Go to the U.S. Census Bureau’s International Data Base webpage at: http://www.census.gov/population/international/data/idb/informationGateway.php. Use the dropdown menu under “Select Report” to choose “Population Pyramid Graph.” Select your place (i.e., “Country”). In the “Select Year(s)” section, hold down the Control key (i.e., “Ctrl”) and click on just the years 2004, 2014, and 2024. Leave the rest of the settings as they are and then click the “Submit” button. Copy each of the three population pyramids that you get on the results page by moving your cursor over each one, clicking the right-click button on your mouse and selecting “Copy” from the menu that appears, and then go back to your presentation and paste each of the three pyramids on this slide. You will have to resize the images to fit all three of them on the same slide. You should also carefully arrange them so that they are in chronological order. (*Note: You will have to do this process three times—once for each population pyramid.) Arrange them so that all three are on the same slide, but be sure to leave room for adding some text.
6. Slide #6: Demographic Transition Analysis. Now, using the information you have gathered for slides #4 and #5, write a brief analysis (at least 75 words) of where this place appears to be in terms of the demographic transition model (see pp. 56-57 in the textbook). You must specifically state which stage you think this place appears to be in and explain what pieces of evidence from slides #4 and #5 suggest that to you. You should also state what you think this information suggests about potential demographic challenges or issues this place is likely going to face in the near future.
7. Slide #7: Arithmetic Density. On slide #7, you must first calculate the arithmetic density for the place using the current population given by the World Factbook and its land area. You should show your work on this slide (e.g., population / land area = arithmetic density). Be sure to include the units of measurement. Then, go online and find a population density map for this place. (This should show the patterns of population within the place.) Copy and paste this map onto this slide. Finally, write a paragraph description (at least 50 words) of the distribution of population within the place. In particular, you should briefly comment on each of the three main properties of distribution: density, concentration, and pattern (see pp. 22-23).
8. Slide #8: Migration. Now, from the “People and Society” section, find and report the net migration rate, as well as its world ranking for net migration. Then, look in the “Transnational Issues” section. If there is information about the number of refugees (and their countries of origin) and internally displaced persons, add this to the slide. If none are listed, then state: “None reported.” Next, read the summaries provided for “Disputes – International” in the “Transnational Issues” section, as well as the “Economy – overview” in the “Economy” section. Based on the information provided in those sections, as well as the net migration rate, etc., write a paragraph (at least 75 words) in which you discuss how migration issues appear to be impacting this place. In particular, you should speculate on what seem to be the major push and/or pull factors influencing migration either into or from this place (see pp. 92-94). (Note: You may also want to consider the information presented under “Natural hazards” and “Environment - current issues” the “Geography” section.
9. Slide #9: Sources. Your final (ninth) slide should include a listing of all of the sources that you used for this assignment. You should list each source using a PROPER bibliographic citation in either APA or MLA style. NOTE! Simply pasting the URL address for a webpage is NOT a proper bibliographic citation.
