I cannot recall how many people have asked me if this course was something like anatomy. Well, it isn't! If the definition of Geography is "the interaction between living organisms and their physical environment," then Human Geography must be linked to this general definition. This course will deal with how decisions made by human beings affect (modify, improve, destroy) their physical environment.
Human beings are clearly not the only animals that change their physical environment on purpose. Examples are beaver dams, ant and termite hills, and so on. Yet, human beings are the only ones that destroy their physical environment for no better reason than "to make it better," or "to make it more beautiful." There are obvious problems with this idea. Changing the physical environment of a given location also changes the natural ecosystem... today's apparent correct decisions can become tomorrow's nightmares.
The course will be heavy by interesting and fun. I am very much looking forward to working with you and exploring issues that are very relevant to all our lives and those of our children (to come!).
To get an idea of what this course is about, click here to open a short PowerPoint presentation. If you are still interested, here is a copy of the course syllabus.
Cheers!
Rodolfo Narvaez