Abstract
At the heart of this module are
two basic geographic themes: scale and human relations with other
people and their environments. Students examine the concept of community,
beginning with the one in which they live. They critically look at the
democratic values that are the ideal foundation of community in American
society. The module explores linkages between the local community and communities
at larger scales. Students investigate how these linkages affect
their daily lives; they assess the concept of global citizenship,
encounter the forces that shape our world, and, finally, explore the world
as an interdependent partnership where all partners are vulnerable to environmental
degradation and the deterioration of social conditions.
General Module Objectives
After completing this module, students
should have
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formed an understanding of the concept
of community
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looked critically at the ideal of democracy
and realized democracy in their communities and the U.S.
-
become aware of their belonging to local
and global communities
-
learned about the many linkages among
different geographic scales
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considered the consequences of these
linkages for the environment and their own daily lives
Skills
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Critical reading of scientific articles,
advertisements, news and other reports
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Writing response papers, newspaper articles,
TV scripts, and a deliberative essay
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Careful interpretation of documents,
maps, reports, and statistical information;
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Team work, group and panel discussions
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Role identification and play
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Analysis of statistical and other data
Activities
The types of activities suggested
here include:
-
role playing
-
panel discussions
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semi-formal interviewing
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writing various kinds of papers (essays,
TV scripts, newspaper articles, op-eds, reports, etc.)
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team work in small groups
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mental mapping
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working with census data
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producing histograms, graphs, and pie
charts
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analyzing news, statistics, and advertisements
designing a brochure, posters, and
an exhibit
Material Requirements
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Student Worksheets (provided)
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any product with labeling of content
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voting tables and other newspaper clippings
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used fashion magazines
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paper and colored pencils
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readings (some provided)
Human Dimensions of Global Change Concepts
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decision making in democratic societies
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equity and equality
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The Green Revolution
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technological change
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economic globalization
Geography Concepts
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human scale
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human-environment relations
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local to global communities
-
global citizenship
Time Requirements
Time Requirements
6-8 class periods; allow additional
time for assignments outside of class.
Difficulty
Depending on the number of assignments,
the module can be challenging for first and second year undergraduates.
One exercise requires simple mathematics. Other activities are easily adapted
to different skill levels.
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