Course Description
Introduces cultural geography as a field of analysis concerned with the interactions between meaning, space, and social power. Examines cultural objects, including literature, music, films, and architecture to explore the diverse meanings, experiences, and social conflicts shaping places, regions, and spatial processes in the United States.
Athena Title
Cultural Geog of the U.S. Hon
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in GEOG 1103
Prerequisite
Permission of Honors
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Successful completion of this course will provide the following learning outcomes: Understanding the fundamental concepts and processes of human geography as they are applied to the United States. Exposure to the diversity of American peoples and places as they are expressed through the landscape. Thinking critically about the social processes (race, immigration, power, economics) that create the varying cultural landscapes of a diverse country. Consider the ways in which Americans have historically viewed and utilized their environment and its sustainability. A greater cognizance of the importance of geography in the everyday functioning of our country, and its crucial role in informing economic and political policy decision-making. The ability to effectively communicate the concepts of geography through writing, public speaking, and cooperative work. This course meets the following General Education Abilities by accomplishing the specific learning objectives listed below: Communicate effectively through writing. This is met by a series of writing assignments associated with laboratory exercises. Communicate effectively through speech. This is met by oral presentations, discussion leading, and classroom participation. Critical Thinking is central to the learning objectives of this class, and includes the following elements, which are accomplished through laboratory activities and assignments, lecture, classroom discussion/inquiry-based learning efforts: Consider and engage opposing points of view Support a consistent purpose and point of view Assimilate, analyze, and present a body of information Analyze arguments Moral Reasoning (Ethics) is an important element of this course, as it seeks to link an understanding of the diversity of human cultures and languages with fundamental resource inequalities. Moral reasoning is developed through lectures, critical writing assignments, classroom discussion, and inquiry-based learning activities.
Topical Outline
Introduction to Geography Landscape and The American Scene Concepts in Human Geography Critical Cultural Geography Micropolitics of Space and Place: Race, Class, Gender National Political Culture 10 Versions of the Same Scene Colonial Geographies Frontier Geographies Case Study: Spanish Americans Language Do You Speak American? Up North Do You Speak American? Down South Religion Case Study: The Mormon Culture Region Homelands: Introduction and Setup Debates Race: The African-American Experience Video: The Promised Land, Vol. 2 and 3 Environmental Interactions Video: An American Nile The Rediscovery of North America Memory Labor Agriculture and Foodways Urban-Industrial Development Suburbanization 20 Objects of the Kitchen College Towns Exurbanization Video: Mulholland’s Dream Presentations
General Education Core
CORE V: Social SciencesSyllabus