Introduction to Human Geography & Geographic Concepts
What is Geography? Literal definition: Description of the Earth Serves as a bridge between physical and human sciences the study of the earth and its features, inhabitants, and phenomena American Heritage Dictionary Science of place and space Association of American Geographers
Divisions within Geography Systematic v. Regional Approach Systematic focuses on themes or topics Physical Geography Geomorphology, soil science, biogeography, climatology Human / Cultural Geography Economic, political, historical, demographics Techniques / Visualization Cartography, GIS, Remote Sensing
Divisions within Geography Systematic v. Regional Systematic focuses on themes or topics Physical Geography Geomorphology, soil science, biogeography, climatology Human / Cultural Geography Economic, political, historical, demographics Techniques / Visualization Cartography, GIS, Remote Sensing
What is Geography? Geography can best be understood through a series of questions What is it (the physical or cultural phenomenon) Where is it? How did it come to be what and where it is? Where is it in relation to other physical or cultural realities that affect it or are affected by it? How is it part of a functioning whole? How does its location affect people's life?
EXAMPLE: OBESITY IN THE US
A look at Obesity in the US What is it (the physical or cultural phenomenon) Where is it? How did it come to be what and where it is? Where is it in relation to other physical or cultural realities that affect it or are affected by it? How is it part of a functioning whole? How does its location affect people's life?
EXAMPLE: CANCER RATES IN THE US
A look at Cancer Rates in the US What is it (the physical or cultural phenomenon) Where is it? How did it come to be what and where it is? Where is it in relation to other physical or cultural realities that affect it or are affected by it? How is it part of a functioning whole? How does its location affect people's life?
INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN & CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY
Definitions Human Geography examines the relationship between people and the places and spaces in which they live using a variety of scales ranging from the local to global. Cultural approach to studying human geography examines meanings, values, attitudes, and beliefs that different groups of people around the world lend to and derive from places and spaces.
Cultural Approach How does culture shape places, environments & landscapes? A constantly changing process Cultural expressions in the landscape Vary or remain constant through space Seeks to understand factors that influence culture
HOW DO WE UNDERSTAND HUMAN GEOGRAPHY?
Spatial Models
Spatial Models
Sense of Place Emotions & Place what evokes those emotions? For example Hometown pride Jerusalem (Israel & Palestine) Place(s) that inspired you or had a profound impact on your current life
Sense of Place: Table Picture # Strongly Like 1 X Like 2 X 3 X 4 Strongly Dislike X 5 6 Dislike X X
#1
#2
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Sense of Place What made you feel a certain way about the place? What about it is unique, special, distasteful, undesirable, etc.? Where do these emotions/feelings stem from?
Power & Ideology Diversity within cultures based on gender, economic class, ethnicity or racial groups, sexual orientation Social Hierarchy Connections between power & Ideology
Applying Geography What diversity/social hierarchy exists in Portland? How does it affect Portland's ideologies? What are Portland's ideologies? How is that different from other places?
Portland Cultures Make observations about your neighborhood culture, sense of place, power & ideologies Work in groups based on residential neighborhood Next week be prepared to have observations about your neighborhood, pictures, images, etc. to work with your group on a presentation of your neighborhood culture
Geographic Skills 1. Ask geographic questions 2. Acquire geographic information 3. Organize geographic information 4. Analyze geographic information 5. Answer geographic question
Geography in the Field Making Geographic Observations Observe, listen & write Take a tour Sketch, photograph, map Record tallies or surveys Take measurements Develop hypotheses Make inquiries to test your hypotheses