Course goals and learning outcomes support the Foundational Component Areas defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Course goals are linked to the respective Core Curriculum Competencies: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical and Quantitative Skills, and Social Responsibility. Specific competencies are identified in designated course goals and learning outcomes.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts and processes in human geography.
Identify how cultural practices shape the landscape.
Demonstrate an understanding of human/environment interactions.
Describe and explain the importance and impact of globalization.
Demonstrate an understanding of the discipline of geography as an academic field and human/cultural geography as the geographic subfield that analyzes the spatial distribution of human activities and the spatial relationship between humans and their activities and the physical environment by
1. explaining how geographers work;
2. explaining the unique spatial perspective that geographers apply to gather, analyze, and interpret data, and formulate conclusions using that data;
3. explaining basic map components;
4. identifying the primary topics explored in human/cultural geography and the methods employed to study them.
Demonstrate an understanding of the demographics, dynamics, and geographic distribution of human populations by
1. identifying the major global population clusters;
2. explaining similarities and differences in global patterns of population density and distribution;
3. describing the factors that influence population patterns;
4. identifying various measures of population change and the factors that influence change;
5. describing various models of population structure and transition;
6. analyzing population change over time in terms of growth and decline;
7. identifying factors that influence population change.
Demonstrate an understanding of the processes, landscapes, and geographic patterns of human migration and settlement by
1. explaining similarities and differences in types of migration;
2. identifying factors that influence human migration;
3. describing patterns of global migration;
4. identifying types of migrants;
5. describing how governments impact migration;
6. describing how migration impacts the cultural landscape.
Demonstrate an understanding of the components, landscapes, diffusion, and geographic patterns of human cultures by
1. defining culture and cultural landscape;
2. describing the various components of material and nonmaterial culture;
3. identifying the major global culture hearths;
4. describing the ways in which culture diffuses and impacts the cultural landscape;
5. describing how cultural landscapes are constructed and change over time;
6. explaining similarities and differences in local and popular culture and the ways in which they are sustained;
7. describing global patterns of culture, including patterns of language and religion.
Demonstrate an understanding of political geography by
1. identifying the names and locations of the political units of the world;
2. describing the components and types of various political units;
3. identifying various types of physical and human political boundaries;
4. describing the impact that colonialism has had on modern political organization;
5. explaining similarities and differences in the spatial organization of political territory including land area, shape, and location;
6. analyzing the reasons for and types of geopolitical conflict;
7. describing the impact of supranationalism on modern political organization.
Demonstrate an understanding of urban geography by
Demonstrate an understanding of economic geography by
1. identifying various types of world economies;
2. explaining similarities and differences in global patterns of economic development;
3. identifying colonial and modern influences on global economic development;
4. identifying various types of economic indicators;
5. distinguishing between formal and informal economies;
6. describing the components and patterns of the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors of the economy.
Demonstrate an understanding of how human/cultural geography is related to other disciplines by
1. explaining how the study of human/cultural geography intersects with demography, history, anthropology, political science, and economics;
2. explaining how the study of human/cultural geography intersects with meteorology, climatology, and geomorphology.
Communication Skills: Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations and demonstrate an understanding of selected environmental science terminology and development of effective written, oral, and visual communication focused on environmental systems by
1. identifying specific terms relating to geography;
2. identifying tools used in geography investigations;
3. identifying techniques used in geography investigations;
4. assessing skills through written essays, oral presentations, and group activities.
Critical Thinking Skills: Use critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions in lecture and laboratory courses by
1. demonstrating the ability to research, analyze, and evaluate earth science systems;
2. quantifying and analyzing geography impacts;
3. categorizing pertinent and relevant topics in the news related to geography systems;
4. summarizing contributions made by individuals that helped to shape geography;
5. categorizing evolutionary trends that have led to geography;
6. assessing through multiple choice tests, critical response essays, and group activities.
Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Use empirical and quantitative skills in the collection, analysis, and reporting of data by
1. hypothesizing a question using the collection of data in a geography experiment setting;
2. analyzing the correlation of data involved in a geography experiment;
3. constructing a report of the results of the data relating to a geography experiment.
Social Responsibility: Include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal by
1. presenting viable solutions to problems placed before the group;
2. practicing appropriate social skills in group discussion;
3. recognizing and supporting other leadership styles that may not be one’s own;
4. demonstrating the ability to contribute positively to the group when asked regardless of one’s personal views.

GEOG 1302

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GEOG 1302 - Human Geography