HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

UNIT 1 ASSIGNMENTS

 

Assignments due February 29, 2008

Take the exam by March 7, 2008

 

You may email your assignments to kjohnsto@bham.wednet.edu.

 

1) Read Rubenstein, Chapter 1 and complete two of the following: Concept Review, Thinking Spatially, or Quick Review quizzes as provided by the textbook publisher. These can be found at: http://wps.prenhall.com/esm_rubenstein_humangeo_7/6/1647/421832.cw/index.html.

 

You will receive points for number correct out of number possible for each.

 

 

2) Read the following articles about the discipline of geography. Write a summary of each and two questions about each article. Then, answer your own questions. [20 points]

W.D. Pattison, "The Four Traditions of Geography" Journal of Geography Vol. 63 no. 5: 211-216.

J.L. Lewis, "A New Look at the Four Traditions of Geography" Journal of Geography Vol. 75 no. 9: 520-530.

 

 

3) Complete one of the following assignments [15 points]:

 

A) Pick a region in the world, such as “Latin America,” the “Pacific Northwest,” the “Middle East,” “Asia,” etc.

 

Task: Explain how regions are defined and whether you believe the region you selected can really be called a region. How might someone else come to define the region differently (e.g., language, climate, culture, etc.)? Why are regional definitions controversial?

 

B) Read “An Introduction to Critical Cartography” (http://www.acme-journal.org/vol4/JWCJK.pdf) [ACME: An International E-Journal for Critical Geographies, 4 (1), 11-33 12].

 

Task: Describe some of the issues that surround the discipline of cartography. Answer the questions: How is cartography both an exercise in the scientific locationing of places AND an act of sociopolitical/sociocultural expression? Are these behaviors at cross-purposes? Explain. (And, if you are so inclined: How do GIS and GPS affect cartography as a discipline?)

Article Abstract

This paper provides a brief introduction to critical cartography. We define critical cartography as a one-two punch of new mapping practices and theoretical critique. Critical cartography challenges academic cartography by linking geographic knowledge with power, and thus is political. Although contemporary critical cartography rose to prominence in the 1990s, we argue that it can only be understood in the historical context of the development of the cartographic discipline more generally. We sketch some of the history of this development, and show that critiques have continually accompanied the discipline. In the post-war period cartography underwent a significant solidification as a science, while at the same time other mapping practices (particularly artistic experimentation with spatial representation) were occurring. Coupled with the resurgence of theoretical critiques during the 1990s, these developments serve to question the relevance of the discipline of cartography at a time when mapping is increasingly prevalent and vital.

 

4) Complete your independent research assignment on a topic of your choice as stipulated in the syllabus. You may choose to use Option B (above)* for this assignment. [40 points]

                          

                           A) Write at least one essential or guiding question about the issue [5 points]

B) Answer the question(s) in written form, demonstrating knowledge of the unit content. This is where you apply your knowledge to new learning. The format does not have to be a standard essay or tremendously long; you may break up the assignment as you see fit. [20 points]

C) Ask questions for further study – Write at least two questions that address related issues or would potentially make good research topics. Then, briefly explain why you have asked those questions (why are they significant?). [5 points]

D) Cite your resources using APA or MLA citations. You must always have a Resources page and do in-text citations. (APA is easiest for in-text citations). [10 points]

 

* If you are interested in pursuing Option B (from Part 3), there is also some information about controversial place names. I can copy a couple of sections out of the book Lies Across America by James Loewen that discuss the history of naming in the United States.

 

Citation Guides: http://www.library.wwu.edu/lmt/page.phtml?page_id=698

 

The Unit 1 Assessment (exam) can be taken any time before March 7, 2008. It will be a short test, with just multiple-choice and short-answer questions this time. (Future exams will have FRQs, as well.)