GEOG 142 Introduction to Human Geography

This course is an introduction to the field of human geography. Students will explore the relationships and processes that shape cultures. The course focuses on various sub-themes of human geography such as: demographics, world religions, economics, food, migration, ethnic identity, political systems, and globalization. Students will analyze maps and charts as they pertain to the field of human geography.

Credits

4

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Apply analytical skills to social phenomena in order to understand human behavior: Understand spatial geographic models, maps, diagrams to demonstrate concepts of culture region, cultural diffusion, globalization, cultural landscape and the various impacts of nature
2. Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live: Identify locations of nations and their cultural integration with regard to language, religion, ethnic make-up, cultural landscapes and cultural histories which have created a diverse world 3. Understand the role of individuals and institutions within the context of society: Understand the importance of "place" to cultural identity of individuals and institutions
4. Assess different theories and concepts, and understand the distinctions between empirical and other methods of inquiry: Create maps and analyze theories using Geographic Information Science (GIS), maps, graphs and diagrams from qualitative and empirical data
5. Utilize appropriate information literacy skills in written and oral communication: Information Literacy is achieved by Geographic Information Systems (GIS) activities, online sources, documentaries, online data bases and search engines for research
6. Understand the diversity of human experience and thought, individually and collectively: This course addresses spatial concepts to show the vast scale and diversity of culture through movement of cultural ideas, creation of human built landscapes and the resulting impact on environmental and social change
7. Apply knowledge and skills to contemporary problems and issues: We discuss migration, globalization and other contemporary topics of the human condition as a result of global change