the geographic perspective: social science aspects
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The Geographic Perspective:The Geographic Perspective:Social Science AspectsSocial Science Aspects
Jill S. M. Coleman, Ph.D.Department of Geography
Ball State University: Muncie, IN
Geography: Defining the Discipline
What is geography? What topics do
geographers study? What makes geography
different from other disciplines?
Geography: Defining the Discipline
Geographia (Greek origins) Geo (earth) + graphein (to describe or write) To write or describe the surface of the earth
The study of the spatial arrangement and association among elements on and/or in contact with the earth’s surface
Explaining the “big picture”
Geography: Defining the Discipline
Three defining questions…What is located where?Why are things located where they are? What is the significance?
Modern Geography: Traditions
Spatial distributions of physical and cultural features
Relationship between people and the environment
Existence and evolution of regions Physical characteristics of the earth
Geography: Defining the Discipline
Linkage with the physical sciences and social sciences
Interdisciplinary Variation across space Degree of human
impact assessment
Human Geography
Study of the relationship of human beings and their activities (past or present) to the surrounding environment and the consequences of these interactions
Focuses more on… The cultural characteristics of a place The processes that influence or shape that place The interconnectedness of those places
Tools of the Trade
Visual Representation Cartography Remote Sensing Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Qualitative Techniques Surveys Personal Interviews
Spatial Quantitative Methods
Patterns and DistributionsExample: Cocaine Export & Distribution
EconomicGeography
Patterns and DistributionsExample: 2003 West Nile Virus Incidence
Medical GeographyBiogeographyClimatology
Patterns and DistributionsExample: 2007 West Nile Virus Incidence
Medical GeographyBiogeographyClimatology
The Geographic Perspective
Understanding the ways in which humankind perceives and interacts with the Earth’s surface, its resources, and its people
Geography lies at the intersection of both social and physical sciences
Explain the processes that give rise to spatial distributions---it’s not all about maps!
Geographic landscapes are social creations
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