CT - Geographic Perspectives [LESSON]
Geographic Perspectives
As we have learned, geography is the study of different descriptions of the Earth. Now it’s time to learn about each of those “different” ways to describe the Earth.
Guide Point 🧭
Geographic Perspectives
A perspective is a way of looking at something. For example, I can look at a piece of modern art one way, but then I can look at it a different way and gain a whole new take on that work of art. Was one way of looking at it right, and the other way wrong? Certainly not. The same is true about the world. I can look at the Earth one way, but then see a fresh perspective by looking at it differently. And we all agree that the Earth is far more complex than the most detailed work of modern art, right? Another World Geography course may take students around the globe, region by region, exploring aspects of physical and human geography. And students could learn about the world that way. In this course, however, you will learn about each of these perspectives through looking at specific examples around the world. Let’s begin!
In the last lesson, we learned that there are two major branches of geography - physical geography and human geography. One thing that is important to know about physical and human geography is that they are both dynamic, meaning they are constantly changing. They are not static, meaning they do not stay the same. That is part of what makes studying geography so interesting! It’s constantly changing! The physical geography of Earth is changing, sometimes very slowly, like the slow movement of tectonic plates creating mountains, and sometimes very rapidly, like the abrupt movement of those same tectonic plates causing an earthquake. The human geography of Earth is also in a state of constant flux. The values, beliefs, and actions of people in various locations in response to a natural disaster like an earthquake are constantly changing too.
Each of the following perspectives of geography will be the focus of one module in this course. So, let’s briefly learn about each of them.
Physical Geography
Physical geography is the puzzle of our world's settlement patterns. It attempts to answer big questions like, “Why do people live where they live?” North America's Mississippi River, the Andes Mountains in Central and South America, Europe's Alps, Africa's Nile River Valley, and the Himalayas in Asia all guide where and how people settle. Climate and natural resources also play a significant role in shaping settlement patterns. Physical geography, in essence, is the backdrop to understanding why people live where they live.
Cultural Geography
Cultural geography unravels the tapestry of human identities and cultures, shaped by ethnic diversity, language, religion, and beliefs. It explores architecture, traditions, food, art, music, and so much more. It sheds light on the essence of our world's cultural mosaic. Cultural geography attempts to answer big questions like, “How are people affected by and in turn effect the place they live?”
Political Geography
Political geography delves into the division and control of Earth's surface, from the creation and evolution of political boundaries to the advantages and disadvantages of geography in global exchange. It also examines conflicts among cultural groups, the influence of global networks and organizations, and their impact on places, countries, and regions. Political geography attempts to answer big questions like, “How can a place cause conflict?”
Population Geography
Population geography analyzes the characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations across Earth’s surface. It assesses demographic patterns, explores the effects of population policies, evaluates migration's impact on resources and services, and considers governmental responses to migration. Population geography attempts to answer big questions like, “How do geographical factors influence human population characteristics, distribution, and movements across the Earth's surface?
Environmental Geography
Environmental geography examines how human interactions shape the world's environments. It explores changing agricultural techniques and technology, the impact of water insecurity, economic, political, and environmental consequences of industrialization and resource management, responses to natural disasters, and the influence of global trade systems on environmental sustainability. Environmental geography attempts to answer big questions like, “How do human interactions with the environment impact the Earth's ecosystems, resources, and sustainability, and how is this influenced by geography?”
Economic Geography
Economic geography studies the spatial distribution of economic systems and their role in development. It compares countries' economic development levels, delves into primary, secondary, and tertiary activities, explains factors influencing the location of economic activities, and explores urbanization trends. It also analyzes the impact of global trade on countries and regions. Economic geography attempts to answer big questions like, “How can we have both economic progress and environmental protection?”
Geography Perspective | Practice Activity
Can you determine which type of geography is being used in the Geography Perspectives Activity below? Read each definition and determine the type of geography being described.
Reflection
There are many ways to describe the Earth. In this lesson, we learned about six specific, yet significantly different perspectives of the Earth that each allow for their own description. While they are different, they are also connected, as we will learn in the next lesson.
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