SAL-10306 Human Geografy 1

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Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Contents:

This course provides an overview of the societal processes that have had and continue to impact land use transformations. The central question examined is "What are the societal developmental aspects or driving forces that influence land use?" Which societal developmental themes influence spatial changing processes and what effect do these changes have on transformations (or changes) that occur in land use in general, and in the use and management of nature and forest resources in particular (i.e., urbanisation and sub urbanisation; degradation of the ecosystem and environmental pollution; agricultural land use)? In addition, students will further their understanding via the study of four disciplinary perspectives: sociology, economics, political science and human geography. A case study will be used to help students link up societal themes with questions and approaches used within the disciplinary sciences to plan and manage for changes in land use.

Aims:

Upon completion of the course, students will:
- gain knowledge and understanding of the different levels of society (i.e., individual, group, traditional and complex societies) and dimensions of social development with respect to land usage;
- gain an appreciation and understanding of those certain societal processes, which define transformations that occur within land usage generally, and more specifically in the use and management of nature and forest resources;
- develop knowledge of and appreciation for the various disciplinary approaches (i.e., sociology, political science, and economics) that study the relation between people and their surroundings, in addition to the identification and determination of land use planning and usage issues. An understanding of these disciplinary approaches is of crucial importance to establishing a critical perspective among the students necessary for the courses and subjects areas that follow.

Activities:

- lectures from lecturers covering the respective disciplines and thematic areas of this course;
- independent reading from the book, online self-assessment questions, and online assignments - group work and discussions
- personal communication with the lecturer, student assistants and other students
- a case study national or international context.

Examination:

Written exam.

Literature:

Course outline (in Dutch) is available on http://www.owio.wau.nl/maatlandgebruik
- Knox, P.L. and Marston, S.A. (2003). Human Geography: Places and Regions in a Global Context. 2nd. Edition. Prentice-Hall Inc.: Upper Saddle River, NJ USA
- Companion Website - (http://cwx.prenhall.com/bookbind/pubbooks/knox/)