GEO 223W - Geography of Europe

Credits: 3

Examines physical, environmental and cultural patterns, and economic development of Europe. An optionial field trip may be included.

Prerequisite(s): READING LEVEL 2, WRITING LEVEL 2, and MATH LEVEL 2
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: Social Science
Pass/NoCredit: Yes

Outcomes and Objectives 1. Utilize basic geographic concepts as they apply to Europe.

A. Investigate the approaches, methods, tools, and vocabulary of regional and thematic geography.

B. Apply geographic concepts of space, place, region, human-environment interaction, and scale.

C. Identify regional divisions within Europe.

D. Discuss conflicting ideas about Europe's boundaries.

E. Interpret a map of Europe using basic map reading skills.

F. Demonstrate an understanding of how spatial variation, patterns, and distributions are represented on a map.

G. Apply knowledge of landforms and human activities to distinguish landscapes from one another.

H. Synthesize information from multiple sources presented in various formats to answer geographic questions.

I. Use written, verbal and visual responses to address geographic problems.

2. Describe the physical geography of Europe.

A. Describe the geological factors that have shaped the physical geography of this region.

B. Describe the climatic factors that have shaped the physical geography of this region.

C. Describe the biogeographical factors that have shaped the physical geography of this region.

D. Explain how characteristics of the physical landscape have shaped land use.

E. Discuss how environmental perception throughout history influenced settlement and land use.

3. Discuss the ethno-cultural geography of Europe.

A. Identify the major cultural hearths of Europe.

B. Discuss how interactions between cultural groups shaped Europe.

C. Describe patterns of religious diversity that shaped Europe.

D. Discuss the concepts of melting pot/mosaic as they apply to this region.

E. Compare population patterns using the demographic transition model and/or human development index.

F. Summarize the factors that have influenced the movement of people.

4. Discuss the socio-economic geography of Europe.

A. Inveestigate the global impact of industrialization that originated in Europe.

B. Discuss decolonization.

C. Investigate the global impact of exploration that originated in Europe.

D. Discuss the spatial impact of wars in Europe.

E. Explain the origin and growth of the European Union.

F. Discuss devolution movements in Europe.

G. Discuss urbanization in the context of this region.