Course Description
Analyses the physical structure of the earth’s surface, including landforms, weather, climate, and biogeography. Emphasizes understanding of what makes each point on Earth unique and how humans interact with physical systems in multiple ways.
Course Objectives
Students should be able to:
- Explain the causes of seasons
- Discuss the formation of major landforms.
- Discuss the function, temperature profile and composition of the atmosphere.
- Discuss the hydrologic cycle, and the distribution and allocation of water resources for humans.
- Analyze patterns and consequences of human environment interaction.
Course Outline
UNIT 1: DEFININING GEORAPHY
- Definition of Geography
- Scope of Geography
- Trends in evolution of Geography as a science
- Geography and its relationships with other sciences
UNIT 2: GEOGRAPHY AND ITS MAJOR BRANCHES
2.1 Physical Geography
2.2 Human Geography
2.2.1 Economic Geography
2.2.2 Urban Geography
2.2.3 Population Geography
UNIT 3: PLANET EARTH
3.1 Earth within the solar system
3.2 Shape, size and movements of the earth
3.3 Location and time on earth
3.3.1 Latitude, longitude network
3.3.2 Local Time, Standard time
3.3.3 Time zones and International Date Line
UNIT 4: KNOWLEDGE OF DIFFERENT SPHERES ON AND AROUND EARTH
4.1 Lithosphere and its main characteristics
4.2 Hydrosphere and its main characteristics
4.3 Atmosphere and its main characteristics
4.4 Biosphere and its main characteristics
UNIT 5: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND MAN
5.1 Man-environment interaction
5.2 Introduction to theories of Environmental Determinism/Possibilism
5.3 Human activities in relationship with environment
5.4 Human activities and their impact on environment
5.5 Human activities, utilization of environmental resources and concept of Sustainability
Suggested Readings
- Modern Physical Geography By A.N. Strahler 2004
- Human Geography: Culture, Society And space By H.J.D. Bliji 2002
- Environment, Resources and Conservationby S. Owen and P. Owen 1990
