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

Picture # Strongly Like Like Dislike Strongly Dislike

1 X

2 X

3 X

4 X

5 X

6 X

Sense of Place: Table

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

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