Geography poster session pushes MSU students to excel early
Minot State University invites the public to a campus poster session beginning December 10, as students in two geography courses display their final projects over the next five weeks.
This first-time event for general education geography students gives them a chance to step out of their comfort zone and show academic excellence at an early stage, according to Johnny Coomansingh, assistant professor of geography and coordinator of the geography program. Coomansingh teaches the Principles of Geography (GEOG 110) and World Regional Geography (GEOG 161).
"I decided to change the requirement for this year’s final project from a 20-page group paper to a tri-fold poster in the name of engagement and excellence," said Coomansingh. "Pushing the students, in a freshmen-level course, to do high-quality work that they alone are held accountable for, helps to teach a higher level of responsibility and foster academic expression at the beginning of their university experience."
Students in Coomansingh’s classes chose a wide variety of topics to present to their peers and the public. Some of these areas include work in landscapes, cultural geography, historical geography, a study of lifestyles and political geography—just to name a few.
The work of the more than 60 students will be judged by a group of Minot State University faculty and staff which include Linda Olson, chair of humanities department, Ron Royer, professor of science, Marilyn Weiser, director of the North Dakota Geographic Alliance, and David Iversen, cataloging librarian.
The posters will be on display starting Dec. 15 in the Gordon B. Olson Library. Judging will begin Dec. 11. An awards ceremony will be held Jan. 16 at noon, where the first, second and third-place winners from each course will receive geography-related awards. Those awards include the Planet Earth DVD Series, a National Geographic Atlas or a laminated world map. Some of the awards were made possible by donations from the North Dakota Geographic Alliance and the Division of Social Science.
The posters will be on display until Jan. 23, the second week of 2009 spring classes.
12/09/08