Week 1 tut

Tutorial 1: A Time for Geography?

Course Information

• Course: GEOG 129 Human Geography: Resources, Development and Society

• Date: 5 September 2025

Notices

• Upcoming Topics:

  • Tools and Concepts of Human Geography

• Readings Required:

  • Chapter 1, pages 8-36 of the required text (10th edition)

  • Chapter 1, pages 8-38 of the required text (11th edition)

Core Question

• 'A time for geography?':

  • The central theme asks whether we are currently in a significant era for the study and application of geography.

Reflection on Geography's Relevance

• Application of Geography in Today's World:

  • The discussion aims to reveal how geography is pertinent in understanding contemporary issues such as climate change, urbanization, and global interconnectedness.

Conceptual Visuals

• Geographical Mentions:

  • The concept of 'The Location of Anything is Becoming Everything' indicates the increasing importance of spatial relations in the modern context.

The Urgency of Studying Geography

• Key Consideration:

  • The relationship between society and nature, as well as society and space, emphasizes the need for exploring these interactions, particularly in today's context of environmental and social challenges.

The Anthropocene

• Potential Era:

  • Reference to the Anthropocene, a term used to denote the current geological age viewed as the period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment.

The Great Acceleration

• Overview:

  • A highlighted trend indicating the exponential increase in human activity across various measures since the mid-20th century, exemplifying critical data such as:

  • Atmospheric CO extsubscript{2} concentrations rising to 390 ppm

  • Loss of terrestrial biosphere and biodiversity

  • Increase in global population and resource consumption

Data Points Regarding the Great Acceleration:

• Population Growth:

  • Population from 1 billion in 1758 to approximately 7 billion in 2010.

• Primary Energy Use:

  • Increase in energy consumption, indicating a direct correlation with socio-economic activities.

• Marine Fish Capture and Tropical Forest Loss:

  • Significant declines highlighted in terms of area affected, illustrating detrimental environmental effects.

Societal Impacts of Geography

• Spatiality:

  • Definition of spatiality as the relationship between society and space; implying societal characteristics are influenced by spatial dynamics.

  • The emphasis on human life shaped by its geography, where disparities in health, wealth, and security are socially constructed rather than innate.

New Frontiers in Geography

• Multiplanetary Existence:

  • Discussion of geographic explorations beyond Earth, including potential for new spatial frontiers in the context of human geography.

Engaging with Human Geography

• Methods of Understanding:

  1. Describe Observations:

  • Understanding what is where;

  1. Explain Causes:

  • Delving into 'why there?' questioning.

  1. Interpret Effects:

  • Considering the question of 'why care?'.

  1. Experience the World:

  • Engaging with geography through direct interaction;

  1. Critique Geographies:

  • Evaluating and challenging existing geographical narratives.

• The acronym DICEE stands for Describe, Interpret, Critique, Experience, Explain as a method for engaging with human geography actively.

Activities for Applying 'DICEE'

• Activity 1 (5 minutes):

  • Groups will describe two news items relevant to human geography, decide on the most compelling case study to report back to the class.

• Activity 2 (10 minutes): Discuss questions about the selected case study, such as:

  • Information needs for fuller understanding;

  • Explanations for observed phenomena;

  • Direct experience approaches;

  • Potential effects of the case on human-environment interactions.

Questions?

• Final segment for allowing questions relating to the content discussed, promoting further engagement and clarity regarding topics introduced.