Instructors: Michael Bolsoni & Todd Carlson

What is Human Geography?

Human geography is the study of people from a spatial and ecological perspective. People are central to geography in that their activities help shape the earth’s surface largely through their interaction with the physical environment. Human settlements and structures are part of that tapestry of interaction. It is in that milieu that humans either compete for control of space and resources or work out systems of social, economic, and political cooperation (Marran, Text Study Guide).

How does this course fit into the curriculum at SES?

Advanced Placement Human Geography at SES is integrated into the thematic environmental studies course. The interdisciplinary, environmental studies curriculum taught in all SES houses covers many of the content areas and issues that will be assessed on the national AP exam (which students take in May of their senior year). AP Human Geography students will participate in focused discussions, map-reading exercises, and a wide range of other academic activities to enhance their understanding of the field.

What topics will be covered?

AP Human Geography covers seven themes.

1. Geography: Its Nature and Perspectives

· Geography as a field of inquiry

· Evolution of key geographical concepts and models associated with

notable geographers

· Key concepts underlying the geographical perspective: space, place, and scale

· Sources of geographical ideas and data: the field, census data, etc.

2. Population

· Introduction to population as an application of geographical concepts

Population

· Geographical analysis of population

· Population distribution and composition

· Population growth and decline over time and space

· Population movement

· Future predictions and implications

· National and global population policies/strategies

3. Cultural Patterns and Processes

· Concept of culture

· Cultural differences

· Environmental impact of cultural attitudes and practices

· Cultural landscapes and cultural identity

4. Political Organization of Space

· The nature and significance of political boundaries

· Evolution of the contemporary political pattern

· Challenges to inherent political-territorial arrangements

5. Agriculture and Rural Land Use

· Development and diffusion of agriculture

· Major agricultural production regions

· Rural land use and change

· Impacts of modern agriculture

6. Industrial and Economic Development

· Character of industrialization

· Spatial aspects of the rise of industrial economics

· Contemporary global patterns of industrialization and resource extraction

· Impacts of industrialization

7. Cities and Urban Land Use

· Definition of urbanization

· Origin and evolution of cities

· Functional character of contemporary cities

· Built environment and social space

· Responses to urban growth

What textbooks and resources will be used?

Human Geography: Culture, Society, and Space by H. J. De Blij and

Alexander B. Murphy (Main Text)

The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human Geography by James M.

Rubenstein (Supplementary Text)

Human Geography in Action by Michael Kuby, John Harner, and Patricia Gober

(Geographic Activities)

Goodes World Atlas by H. J. De Blij and Peter O. Mueller

Website Links:

http://mage.geog.macalester.edu

http://www.collegeboard.com/ap