GE 210 - Cultural Geography

1. Articulate a theoretical perspective guiding the collection, analysis, and interpretation of demographic data, which infer and illustrate various social phenomena that typify distinctive geographic regions and peoples. (GELO 3)
2. Comprehend how changing social conditions affect the behavior of individuals in different regions, especially with regard to the impact of globalization.
3. Identify questions and hypotheses important to understanding unique social phenomena that characterize different groups of people and the geographic regions they occupy.
4. Apply social and human behavioral theory to understand the cultural perspectives of those that occupy different geographic regions, especially with regard to ethnicity, religion, nationality, and gender.
5. Identify basic demographic variables used to measure a country’s level of development.
6. Understand the origin, diffusion, spatial distribution, and general characteristics of the major world religions.
7. Demonstrate understanding of the origin, diffusion, and general characteristics of selected languages including English and its principal American dialects.
8. Demonstrate understanding of folk culture and popular culture with special reference to food, clothing, music, architecture, and sports.(GELO 4)
9. Demonstrate a good understanding of immigration and ethnicity, particularly with regard to the U.S. (GELO 5)
10. Recognize the fundamentals of political geography.
11. Comprehend the spatial pattern of resource distribution and consumption across the globe, especially with regard to energy resources.
12. Understand the impact of various economic activities on the cultural landscape (e.g., agriculture, industry, and settlement).
13. Clearly and completely state and describe a problem/issue. (GELO 2)
14. Understand that there are different perspectives on community, national, and international issues.

A.    Thinking about Space, Place, and Region 
B.    Maps 
C.    The Cultural Landscape and Environmental Perception

II.    Population and Development 

A.    Global Population Patterns 
B.    Measuring Growth 
C.    World Population Problems 
D.    Measuring Development 

III.    Migration, Ethnicity, and Culture 

A.    Global Migration Patterns 
B.    Immigration to the United States 
C.    Distribution of Ethnicities in the United States 
D.    Folk Customs 
E.    Popular Culture 

IV.    Language and Religion 

A.    Origin and Diffusion of English 
B.    Origin and Diffusion of Romance Languages 
C.    Global distribution of Languages 
D.    Origin and Diffusion of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam 
E.    Origin and Diffusion of Eastern religions 
F.    Sacred Space and Holy Places 
G.    Religious Conflicts 

V.    Political Geography and Resources 

A.    Development of States 
B.    Colonies 
C.    Political and Military Cooperation 
D.    Energy Resources 
E.    Pollution 

VI.    Agriculture, Industry, and Settlement 

A.    Origin and Diffusion of Agriculture 
B.    Agricultural Regions 
C.    Origin and Diffusion of Industry 
D.    Industrial Regions 
E.    Services and Settlement 
F.    Urban Patterns

Lectures or Films: 30-40%

Asynchronous and/or Synchronous Discussion: 40-60%
Mandatory Course Components:
None
Equivalent Courses:
None