Unit 4: North America The realm of North America extends from the polar regions of the Arctic in northern Canada and Alaska, all the way south through Mexico and the countries of Central America. Geographers usually study the continent by dividing it into two separate realms, based on differences in physical and cultural geography. In North America, the United States and Canada share similar physical characteristics, as well as a similar history of colonialism. These two countries make up more than 13 percent of the world s total landmass. North America is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. To the north is the Arctic Ocean. North America is highly urbanized with approximately 80 percent of the population living in cities. Most of North America s diverse population consists of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from other world regions. The United States is the world s largest economy, and it is fair to say that both Canada and the United States enjoy high standards of living. Unit 4 begins with an exploration of the physical characteristics of the North American realm, paying particular attention to its physiographic regions. Next, you will explore the influence of European colonialism in the region. Then, this unit takes a close look at geographic boundaries and immigration patterns, urban growth, economic development, globalization of the American Dream, shifts in demographics, and the distribution of the dominant religious affiliations in the United States. The latter portion of the unit explores the physical and cultural characteristics of Canada. Unit 4 Time Advisory close This unit should take you approximately 11.75 hours to complete. Subunit 4.1: 2.5 hours Subunit 4.2: 2.75 hours Subunit 4.3: 1.5 hours Subunit 4.4: 3.5 hours Subunit 4.5: 1.5 hours Unit 4 Learning Outcomes close
Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to: Define the physiographic regions of North America. Explain the two dominant climate patterns in North America. Name and discuss the three European countries that significantly influenced the development of North America, which regions they dominated, and the longterm impact of their actions. Examine the population distribution of the United States and Canada, using a thematic map of population density. Explain the origin of the geographic boundaries of the United States. Identify migration patterns of the United States during the period of westward settlement.
Examine urban growth patterns of the United States and its connection to new forms of transportation. Describe the economic patterns that aided the United States in becoming the world s largest economy. Discuss the globalization of the American Dream. Define cultural melting pot and the American Dream, and explain the significance of each. Describe the current demographic profile of the United States. Explain the two most significant occurrences that led to the spatial distribution of African Americans in the United States. Explain the regional distribution of religious affiliations in the United States.
Identify the most densely populated regions of Canada. Discuss the primary reasons why there are English-speaking and French-speaking regions in Canada. Identify cultural differences between French-speaking and English-speaking populations in Canada. Describe the ethnic diversity of Canada and the regions in which different ethnic groups predominately reside. Explain how Canadian and American economies are connected. Discuss patterns of population growth and decline in various regions of the United States and Canada. Identify which regions of the United States and Canada have significant populations of minority groups and explain why this distribution exists.
Examine the environmental consequences of rapid population growth in the Mountain West region of the United States. Explain how North America s physical geography contributes to economic activity.