Assignment

11 Jun Assignment

Assignment 1

GEOG 1191: Introduction to Human Geography 1… 3

Assignment 1: Unit 1, Modules 1–3: Introduction, Historical Evolution of Geographic Thought, and Maps and Mapping (100 marks; 10%)

Assignment 1 spans Unit 1 (modules 1 to 3) and is due at the end of Module 3, although you are advised to begin working on it in Module 1.

Make sure that you have reviewed the Introduction to assignments before starting Assignment 1, as it covers expectations. Failure to meet expectations will lead to a loss of marks.

Question 1:

Define and discuss five of the following terms. Write in your own words, using an example or two, in one paragraph each. (15 marks; 3 marks each)

1. Scale

2. Place

3. Location

4. Space

5. Perception

6. Map projection

7. Diffusion

8. Region

9. Sacred space

10. Remote sensing

Question 2:

In approximately 400–500 words (two double-spaced pages), differentiate between determinist and possibilist paradigms, and briefly indicate why there has been a shift from one to the other in human geography. (30 marks)

Remember: The word length is an average estimate; you may find yourself writing a longer answer. Use the material in both the course modules and your textbook. You may also use external resources if you like. Cite any resources you use with APA formatting.

Question 3:

Here are four suggested approaches to human-environment relationships:

A. Environmental or physical determinism

B. Possibilism

C. Cultural landscape

D. Cognitive behaviouralism

Write a one-paragraph statement for each of the following statements, identifying which approach typifies each and explaining your choice: (20 marks; 5 marks each)

A. “Under the influence of a given culture, itself changing through time, the landscape undergoes development, passing through phases and probably reaching ultimately the end of its cycle of development.”

B. “Even though the desert region does not naturally produce enough water for humans and domesticated livestock, people have used technology and created ways to pipe water to dry areas.”

C. “The map she drew me provided directions between her school and home, and it was clear from the buildings she drew which stores were the most interesting to her.”

D. “Man is a product of the earth’s surface. This means not merely that he is a child of the earth…but that the earth has mothered him, fed him, set him tasks, confronted him with difficulties…and at the same time whispered hints for their solution.”

Question 4:

Could geography exist as a discipline without maps? Why or why not? Answer this question in no more than 250 words (approximately one double-spaced page). (15 marks)

Question 5:

Use the images at the end of this assignment for the next question. (20 marks)

On the Prince George image, identify the following features:

1. Lumber yard

2. Track

3. Soccer fields

4. Industrial area

5. Flood zone

6. Shopping plaza

7. Golf course

8. City park

9. Greenbelt

10. Tennis courts

For each feature, write two or three sentences describing the interpretation element that assisted you in your identification. You are welcome to use either a computer program or a pen to mark and label your map. For example, you may elect to open the image in a drawing program and use the circle and text tools to mark locations and write your labels. If you use a pen or marker on a paper copy of the image, you will need to scan and upload your marked image to send to your Open Learning Faculty Member for grading. Please use a pen that can be seen clearly on the image.

Here is an example of how to mark and label your map:

Below is the Prince George image for Question 5:

Imagery © TerraMetrics, Map data © 2012 Google

TRU Open Learning