GES 386: Geography of the American Southwest
Course Objective:
This course is an exploration of place: the American Southwest. We will study the physical environment as the stage of activity and discuss how the natural landscape contributes to a unique regional identity. We will then address the historical development of the region, from the ancestral Native American past up through European settlement and to contemporary populations. Finally, we will explore current issues relating to the cultural, social, economic, and political situations that define the human condition within the region. Students will gain an appreciation for the regional landscape and identity, cultures different from their own, and recognize how regional differences affect their own lives.
Learning regional geography requires a synthesis of information from many different sources about many different topics. This requires work and thought to put it all together in order to better understand the world’s complexities. You will be exposed to a great deal of material and must integrate that with particular locations in order to understand both people and place. The reward is an appreciation for the richness of regional culture and through reflection, a better understanding of the place where you live.
