Regional courses such as this have a long tradition in the field of Geography. Instead of focusing on a single theme like historical geography or climate, a regional course emphasizes a variety of themes within a particular area, like The Prairie State. Regional courses in Geography are often the domain of professors who have spent time and conducted research in their area of responsibility. Originally from central Missouri, I lived in Tinley Park, Illinois, while a doctoral student at The University of Chicago; have taught and lived in central Illinois since 1970; and have conducted numerous studies on aspects of the Illinois landscape--leading to a variety of professional presentations and publications. I served in the Illinois Army National Guard (central Illinois) and in the United States Army Reserve (central Illinois and next to Lake Michigan at what was once Fort Sheridan). From 1985 until 2007, I worked closely with geographers across the state in my role as the Central Office Director for the Illinois Geographical Society. Students in the Illinois course include some Geography majors, but most are nonmajors. The only prerequisite is the expectation that students will have completed at least 45 semester hours before beginning the course.
Contact me via email at mdsuble@ilstu.edu
Learn more about me at my homepage.
Created 19 June 1997. Last revision occurred 10 January 2008.