hgap
UNIT ONE: THINKING GEOGRAPHICALLY
1. Introduction to Maps
Learning Target: Identify types of maps, the types of information presented in maps, and different kinds of spatial patterns and relationships portrayed in maps.
Reference Maps: Provide general information about places.
Types:
Political
Physical
Thematic Maps: Communicate specific themes related to human activities.
Types include:
Cartogram
Choropleth
Dot Density
Isoline
Proportional Symbol
Spatial Patterns on Maps:
Absolute and Relative Distance: How far apart things are.
Direction: Orientation of features on the map.
Clustering: Items grouped together.
Dispersal: Distribution over a wide area.
Elevation: Variation in height above sea level.
Map Projections (causing distortion):
Mercator: Accurate shape & direction but distorts size at poles.
Robinson: Distorts all attributes uniformly.
Goode: Accurate area representation but distorts distances and directions.
Gall-Peters: Distorts shapes near the equator but preserves area.
2. Geographic Data
Learning Target: Identify methods of geographic data collection.
Geospatial Data: Information regarding physical and human features.
Geographic Information System (GIS): Computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying geospatial data.
GPS (Geographic Positioning System): Uses satellite data to locate positions on Earth.
Remote Sensing: Taking images of the Earth's surface via satellites or aerial photography.
Sources: Field observations, media reports, travel narratives, policies, interviews, and landscape analysis.
3. The Power of Geographic Data
Learning Target: Explain effects of decisions made using geographical data.
Census Data: Official population count, conducted every ten years in the USA.
4. Spatial Concepts
Learning Target: Define key geographic concepts illustrating spatial relationships.
Absolute Location: Exact position (latitude & longitude).
Relative Location: Position in relation to other landmarks.
Space: Area extent (absolute & relative).
Place: Characteristics of a location.
Distance Decay: Effect of distance on interactions.
Time-Space Compression: Increased connectivity reducing the effect of distance.
Pattern: Regular arrangement of features in an area.
5. Human-Environmental Interaction
Learning Target: Explain how major geographic concepts illustrate spatial relationships.
Sustainability: Achieving balance between human needs and environmental preservation.
Natural Resources: Valuable materials from Earth.
Environmental Determinism: Physical environment shapes societal development.
Possibilism: Environment limits but does not determine human actions.
UNIT TWO: POPULATION & MIGRATION
1. Population Distribution
Learning Target: Identify factors influencing human population distribution.
Ecumene: Areas where people permanently settle.
Physical Factors: Climate conditions affecting settlement.
Cultural Factors: Access to education, healthcare, and entertainment influencing distribution.
Historical Factors: Historical settlements leading to population concentrations.
Population Density Calculation Methods
Learning Target: Understand calculation methods for population density.
Arithmetic Density: Total population/area.
Physiological Density: Population/area of arable land.
Agricultural Density: Number of farmers/arable land area.
Impacts: Agricultural density shows a country's development; physiological density indicates potential overpopulation; arithmetic density provides raw figures but less contextual meaning.
2. Consequences of Population Distribution
Learning Target: Explain how population density affects society/environment.
Large populations:
Greater political influence, concentration of economic activities, better access to services.
Changes to the landscape as populations grow.
Carrying Capacity: Maximum sustainable population of a region.
Overpopulation: Limited resources to support high population density.
3. Population Composition
Learning Target: Describe elements of population composition.
Age/Sex Ratio: Comparison of males to females across different ages.
Population Analysis Techniques
Learning Target: Explain population composition representation.
Population Pyramid: Age and sex distribution representation, usually pyramid-shaped for growing populations.
4. Population Dynamics
Learning Target: Explain factors affecting trends in population growth/decline.
Demography: Study of populations.
Birth/Death Rates: CBR (births/1000), CDR (deaths/1000).
Doubling Time: Time to double population size.
Fertility: Birth rate over a population.
Demographic Transition Model: Stages from primitive societies through industrialization, impacting growth patterns.
5. The Demographic Transition Model
Learning Target: Explain population growth/decline theories.
Epidemiological Model: Society's development impacts mortality reasons.
Stage 1: Pestilence & famine.
Stage 2: Receding pandemics (improved sanitation).
Stage 3: Degenerative diseases (aging).
Stage 4: Delayed degenerative diseases with increased life expectancy.
6. Malthusian Theory
Learning Target: Explain theories of population growth/decline.
Malthus Theory: Population growth outpaces food supply growth.
Neo-Malthusian: Limited resources can lead to famine & conflict, advocates for family planning to manage population growth.
7. Population Policies
Learning Target: Explain effects of various population policies.
Antinatalist Policies: Incentives/punishments for fewer children.
Pronatalist Policies: Incentives for larger families.
Immigration Policies: Control immigrations, through visa quotas.
8. Women and Demographic Change
Learning Target: Explain female roles and demographic consequences.
Migration Trends: Women often migrate more locally; men migrate internationally.
Ravenstein’s Laws of Migration: Patterns and demographics of migration.
9. Aging Populations
Learning Target: Explain causes/consequences of an aging population.
Dependency Ratio: Relation of dependents to the workforce.
Life Expectancy: Average years a person might live in a country.
10. Causes of Migration
Learning Target: Explain push/pull factors in migration.
Push Factors: Drive people away (e.g., lack of jobs).
Pull Factors: Attract people to new locations (e.g., job opportunities).
Intervening Opportunities/Obstacles: Factors that either encourage or impede migration.
11. Forced vs. Voluntary Migration
Learning Target: Describe migration types.
Asylum Seekers: Fleeing persecution.
Chain Migration: Migrants follow others to a new area.
Step-Migration: Gradual migration through stages.
Refugees: Fleeing homes unable to return.
Transhumance: Seasonal herding movements.
Guest Workers: Immigrants permitted for temporary employment.
12. Effects of Migration
Learning Target: Explain geographical impacts of migration.
Political Impact: Brain drain effect.
Cultural Impact: Loss or influx of cultures.
Economic Impact: Changes in income depending on migration trends.
UNIT THREE: CULTURAL PATTERNS & PROCESSES
1. Introduction to Culture
Learning Target: Define cultural characteristics and attitudes.
Culture: Customs and beliefs of a group.
Material Culture: Tangible aspects (tools, housing).
Nonmaterial Culture: Intangible aspects (beliefs, values).
Cultural Relativism: Understanding cultures from their own perspective.
Ethnocentrism: Judging other cultures by one's own cultural standards.
Taboo: Cultural prohibitions.
2. Cultural Landscapes
Learning Target: Describe cultural landscape characteristics.
Cultural Landscapes: Human influence on the environment.
Examples: Urban infrastructures, agricultural practices.
Ethnic Neighborhoods: Retained cultural distinctions.
Indigenous Communities: Original inhabitants preserving their culture.
3. Cultural Patterns
Learning Target: Explain patterns of language, religion, ethnicity, and gender.
Sense of Place: Identities linked to specific places.
Language: Communication forms, regional dialects.
Religion: Systems of belief and worship.
Ethnicity: Group identity based on shared cultural traditions.
4. Types of Diffusion
Learning Target: Define diffusion types.
Relocation Diffusion: Movement of ideas through migration.
Expansion Diffusion: Increase in ideas through populations.
Types:
Contagious (close contact)
Hierarchical (spread through networks)
Stimulus (adapting ideas)
5. Historical Causes of Diffusion
Learning Target: Explain historical influences on culture.
Creole Languages: Language formed from combining two languages.
Lingua Franca: Common language understood by different speakers.
Colonialism: Establishment and spreading of political dominance.
Imperialism: Expanding influence through power.
6. Contemporary Causes of Diffusion
Learning Target: Examine modern diffusion processes.
Globalization: Worldwide interaction and integration.
Technological Advancements: Facilitate cultural diffusion.
Cultural Convergence/Divergence: Blending vs. retaining distinct cultures.
7. Diffusion of Religion and Language
Learning Target: Factors influencing religious and language spread.
Indigenous Languages: Native languages at risk of extinction.
Ethnic vs. Universalizing Religions: Geographic focus and spread methods.
Pilgrimage: Journey to sacred locations.
8. Effects of Diffusion
Learning Target: Discuss diffusion results on culture.
Acculturation: Adaptation of cultural traits.
Assimilation: Loss of unique cultural traits.
Multiculturalism: Coexistence of various cultures without loss of identity.
Syncretism: Blending of cultures.
UNIT FOUR: POLITICAL PATTERNS & PROCESSES
1. Introduction to Political Geography
Learning Target: Define political entities and examples.
State: Recognized political unit with permanent population and clear boundaries.
Nation: Group defined by cultural identity desiring autonomy.
Nation-states: Areas where a single nation corresponds to a state.
Stateless Nations: Nations without recognized states (e.g., Kurds).
Multinational States: States with multiple nations (e.g., USA, Canada).
Autonomous Regions: Self-governed regions (e.g., Hong Kong).
2. Political Processes
Learning Target: Explain contemporary political geography shaping processes.
Sovereignty: Authority over territory.
Self-Determination: Nations decide their own governance.
Independence Movements: Push for distinct statehood.
Devolution: Power transfer to lower authority levels.
3. Political Power and Territoriality
Learning Target: Define political concepts of power and territoriality.
Choke Point: Strategic narrow passages (e.g., Panama Canal).
Neocolonialism: Indirect control via economic/cultural pressure.
Shatterbelt: Regions under persistent stress and conflict.
Territoriality: Connection between people and their land resources.
4. Defining Political Boundaries
Learning Target: Explain boundary types in geography.
Boundary Definition: Jurisdictional limits for a state.
Types of Boundaries:
Relic: No longer recognized (e.g., Berlin Wall)
Superimposed: Arbitrarily drawn by outsiders.
Subsequent: Established as cultural landscape evolves.
Antecedent: Existing before cultural development (e.g., mountain ranges).
Geometric: Straight line boundaries regardless of culture.
Consequent: Align with cultural groups.
5. The Function of Political Boundaries
Learning Target: Explain international/internal boundary functions.
Boundary Phases:
Definition, Delimitation, Demarcation, Administrative.
Demilitarized Zones: Areas with weapon absence post-conflict (e.g., Korean border).
Maritime Boundaries: Extending waters into oceans.
UNCLOS: Rights regarding sea ownership/use.
6. Internal Boundaries
Learning Target: Define internal boundaries and governance.
Voting Districts: Designated areas for electing representatives.
Redistricting: Adjustment in districts due to population shifts.
Gerrymandering: Manipulating district boundaries for political advantage.
7. Forms of Governance
Learning Target: Differentiate between federal and unitary states.
Democracy: Governance by people.
Unitary State: Strong central government (e.g., North Korea).
Federal State: Shared authority between national and local governments (e.g., USA).
8. Defining Devolutionary Factors
Learning Target: Identify devolution causes.
Physical Geography: Hard-to-access areas can lead to devolution (e.g., Belgium).
Ethnic Separatism: Cultural differences can incite independence (e.g., Quebec).
Ethnic Cleansing: Forced removal of groups from a territory.
Terrorism: Violence to achieve political ends.
Economic/Social Problems: Can drive regions toward devolution.
Irredentism: Desire to annex culturally similar territories (e.g., Crimea).
9. Challenges to Sovereignty
Learning Target: Explain how changes challenge sovereignty.
Devolution examples: Eritrea, South Sudan, East Timor.
Democratization: Transition to democratic governance.
Supranationalism: Alliances affecting sovereignty (e.g., EU, NATO).
Economies of Scale: Larger production leading to cost efficiencies.
10. Consequences of Centrifugal and Centripetal Forces
Learning Target: Apply centrifugal and centripetal concepts.
Centripetal Forces: Unifying influences (e.g., shared cultural identity).
Centrifugal Forces: Divisive factors (e.g., ethnic conflicts).
UNIT FIVE: AGRICULTURE & RURAL LAND-USE PATTERNS & PROCESSES
1. Introduction to Agriculture
Learning Target: Explain physical geography's role in agriculture.
Agriculture: Altering environments for food production.
Climates influencing agriculture:
Mediterranean Climate: Certain crops (e.g., grapes, olives).
Tropical Climate: Supports diverse agricultural products.
Agriculture Types
Types:
Market Gardening: Intensive fruit/vegetable production.
Plantation Agriculture: Cash crops for global markets.
Mixed Crop/Livestock: Integration of crops and livestock.
Shifting Cultivation: Nomadic agriculture and soil rotation.
Nomadic Herding: Transhumance practices.
Commercial Grain Farming: Large scale crops for consumption.
2. Settlement Patterns and Survey Methods
Learning Target: Identify rural settlement patterns.
Clustered Settlements: Families live close together around fields.
Dispersed Settlements: Individuals spread widely across farms.
Linear Settlements: Aligned along a road or waterway.
Surveying Methods:
Metes and Bounds: Uses natural landmarks in land description.
Long Lot: Narrow land parcels along a water source.
Township and Range: Grid system defining townships.
3. Agricultural Origins and Diffusions
Learning Target: Identify domestication centers.
Fertile Crescent: Cradle of agriculture and settled communities.
Columbian Exchange: Transfer of crops, animals, and ideas.
First Agricultural Revolution: Domestication leading to sedentary lifestyle.
4. The Second Agricultural Revolution
Learning Target: Impact of second agricultural revolution.
Result of industrialization: better production methods and yield.
Enclosure Movement: Transition to commercial agriculture and larger farms.
5. The Green Revolution
Learning Target: Assess Green Revolution outcomes.
Positive Changes: Increased crop yields; decreased food prices.
Negative Impact: Loss of biodiversity and local farming techniques.
6. Agricultural Production Regions
Learning Target: Examine economic influences on agriculture.
Subsistence vs. Commercial Agriculture: Living vs. profit-driven practices.
Monoculture & Mono-Cropping: Single crop focus increases risk.
Bid-Rent Theory: Land costs linked to proximity to city centers.
7. Spatial Organization of Agriculture
Learning Target: Explore agricultural economic forces.
Commodity Chain: Steps in product creation from raw materials to consumers.
Agribusiness: Interconnectivity of agriculture with industrial sectors.
8. Von Thünen Model
Learning Target: Apply Von Thünen's agricultural model.
Explains rural land use based on transport costs and land use proximity to markets.
Rings:
Dairy and intensive farming near markets.
Forests for fuel.
Extensive agriculture furthest out.
Ranching on cheaper lands.
9. The Global System of Agriculture
Learning Target: Analyze regional agricultural interdependence.
Global Supply Chain: Network for profit-maximizing agricultural trade.
Export Commodities: Key goods defining national economies (e.g., coffee, tea).
10. Consequences of Agricultural Practices
Learning Target: Impact of agriculture on the environment.
Pollution: Soil contamination from chemicals.
Land Cover Change: Loss of agricultural land.
Conservation: Sustainable practices to protect natural resources.
Desertification: Dry area loss of vegetation.
Soil Salinization: Salt buildup impacting productivity.
Urban Farming: Integrating agriculture into urban ecosystems.
11. Challenges of Contemporary Agriculture
Learning Target: Overall challenges faced in modern agriculture.
Biotechnology: Use of scientific advancements in agriculture (e.g., GMO).
Organic Farming: Producing without synthetic aids.
Fair Trade: Ensuring equitable payment for producers.
Food Security: Issues of affordability and accessibility in urban settings.
12. Women in Agriculture
Learning Target: Gender issues in agricultural contexts.
Women often face barriers to resources and education.
Inclusion in decision-making improves economic outcomes.
UNIT SIX: CITIES AND URBAN LAND-USE
1. The Origin and Influences of Urbanization
Learning Target: Examine urbanization processes.
Definitions: Site (location) vs. Situation (surroundings).
Urbanization Process: Movement from rural to urban.
Socioeconomic Stratification: Class differentiation within society.
2. Cities Across the World
Learning Target: Define megacities and features.
Megacities: Over 10 million inhabitants (e.g., Tokyo).
Micropolitan Areas: 10,000 - 50,000 inhabitants.
Suburbanization: Movement from urban centers to suburbs; leads to urban sprawl.
3. Cities and Globalization
Learning Target: Explore globalization's impact on cities.
World City: Economic hubs influencing global commerce.
Urban Hierarchy: Ranking cities based on size and function.
4. The Size and Distribution of Cities
Learning Target: Understand city distribution concepts.
Rank-Size Rule: Population inversely corresponds among city sizes.
Primate City: Dominates economic and cultural life in a country.
Central Place Theory: Explains spatial arrangement of services.
Gravity Model: Interactions based on population size and distance.
5. The Internal Structure of Cities
Learning Target: Models explaining urban structure.
Concentric-Zone Model: Urban layout around CBD.
Sector Model: Sectors radiating from CBD along transport routes.
Multiple Nuclei Model: Growth occurs around multiple nodes.
Galactic City Model: Suburbanization impacts urban structures with edge cities.
6. Density and Land Use
Learning Target: Explain residential land use patterns.
Low, Medium, High-Density: Differences define residential zones (e.g., suburbs vs. high-rises).
Infiling: Increasing density through development in unused urban spaces.
7. Infrastructure
Learning Target: Impact of infrastructure on urban areas.
Infrastructure influences economic and societal development patterns.
Growth often leads to infrastructure stress in developing cities.
8. Urban Sustainability
Learning Target: Strategies for sustainable urban design.
Smart Growth: Sustainable development to avoid sprawl.
New Urbanism: Designing walkable, mixed-use communities.
Greenbelts: Preserve natural lands around urban areas.
9. Urban Data
Learning Target: Analyze qualitative and quantitative urban data.
Quantitative: Census data provided for population analysis.
Qualitative: Field studies provide personal perspectives on urban conditions.
10. Challenges of Urban Changes
Learning Target: Urban change causes/effects.
Redlining: Discriminatory practices preventing property ownership.
Blockbusting: Manipulating housing market dynamics through forced sales.
Gentrification: Revitalization leading to displacement of existing communities.
11. Challenges of Urban Sustainability
Learning Target: Evaluate urban sustainability challenges.
Environmental impacts of sprawl resulting in loss of habitats.
Urbanization leads to pollution and resource challenges.
12. Responses to Urban Sustainability Challenges
Learning Target: Analyze sustainable development responses.
Regional Planning: Addressing urban growth through strategic initiatives.
Brownfields Remediation: Revamping contaminated structures for new uses.
Urban Growth Boundaries: Limits on urban expansion to preserve land.
UNIT SEVEN: INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS & PROCESSES
1. The Industrial Revolution
Learning Target: Impact of Industrial Revolution on industrial growth.
Period marked by steam engine advancements and increased production.
Led to urban migration and increased class disparity.
Fueled imperialism for raw material acquisition.
2. Economic Sectors and Patterns
Learning Target: Identify industrial production patterns.
Primary Sector: Raw material extraction.
Secondary Sector: Manufacturing and construction.
Tertiary Sector: Service industries.
Quaternary Sector: Knowledge-based industries.
Site Factors influence location decisions (e.g., proximity to resources).
3. Measures of Development
Learning Target: Assess social and economic development indicators.
GDP/GNP: Country economic output measures.
HDI: Overall development measure considering education and health.
Gender Inequality Index: Reflects female empowerment and participation levels.
4. Women and Economic Development
Learning Target: Changes in women's roles with development.
Workforce participation increasing, yet wage parity remains a challenge.
Microloans empower female entrepreneurship.
5. Theories of Development
Learning Target: Explain spatial variations in development theories.
Rostow’s Stages: Linear progression from traditional to industrial societies.
Dependency Theory: LDCs reliant on MDCs, leading to uneven development.
Wallerstein’s Theory: Core-periphery connection dynamics affecting resources.
6. Trade and the World Economy
Learning Target: Discuss changing economic relationships.
Neoliberalism: Minimal state intervention in favor of free markets.
International Agreements: Impacted globalization and resource distribution.
Comparative Advantage: Efficiency in producing specific goods for trade.
7. Changes Resulting from the World Economy
Learning Target: Globalization effects on industry and labor.
Outsourcing: Job transfers from core to periphery regions.
Global Manufacturing Zones: Specialized areas for international processing.
Post-Fordist Production: Flexible manufacturing models increasing efficiency.
8. Sustainable Development
Learning Target: Principles of sustainability impacting economic growth.
Addresses resource depletion and pollution through responsible practices.
Ecotourism: Sustainable tourism protecting environments and providing jobs.
UN Goals: Initiatives aimed at reducing global poverty and enhancing quality of life.