Introductory Geography Research Articles

Geographic Data and Concepts: An Introductory Exercise

Abstract This paper is a report on an exercise which has been successfully tried out in an introductory World Geography class at the University of Northern Iowa. The purpose of the exercise is to give students an opportunity: (a) to become familiar with certain types of data and data sources; (b) to work with the concept of spatial association using a subject of current and widespread concern; (c) to construct and interpret a scatter diagram; (d) to learn how to identify geographical problems and to ask significant questions; and (e) to become familiar with all of the world's political units in a purposeful and meaningful fashion.

The Local Community: A “Textbook” for Teachers

Abstract The Local Community: A Handbook for Teachers is an effective text and organizational framework for developing a course on the geography of a state which combines elements of introductory geography, regional geography, and geographic methods for a graduate class composed of practicing teachers generally inadequately trained in geography. Through a series of distinct, yet integrated steps teachers are exposed to the conceptual and methodological basics of the field, comprehensive analysis of regional patterns of the state, and specific strategies for teaching the geography of the state and the local community. Teachers leave the course knowing not only what to teach about the geography of a state, but how to teach it.

The Non-Western Novel as a Geography Text

Abstract Literature, and specifically non-Western literature, may be profitably employed in lieu of traditional college introductory geography texts, particularly for the dual purposes of stressing contemporary themes and deemphasizing ethnocentricity while emphasizing understandings. This possibility is especially appropriate for courses using the topical or thematic approach and/or where the instructor has some reservations about the overall effectiveness of the scientific method when dealing with cultural phenomena. The major theme in the experimental course described was that of modernization, the chief sub-topics being Introduction; Cultural Change; Historical Legacy; Economic Development; Political Choices; Implications of Modernization; and Conclusions. Novels were selected representing five of these seven sub-topics. The process of selecting novels involved a number of constraints, both practical and personal in nature. Student and instructor reactions to the course were favorable. A short bibliog...

Developing Skills in a Physical Geography Laboratory

Abstract The ability to solve problems and to make decisions is an important intellectual attribute. Judging from existing laboratory manuals, very little attention appears to have been directed in introductory physical geography towards developing the skills related to this attribute. This paper describes an attempt to define and develop skills in the setting of an introductory physical geography course, and gives example of the activities used in the laboratory. The skills defined are categorized as those which are geographic and those which generally intellectual. Some comment is also made on the teaching styles which appear appropriate to foster such skill development.

Life Geosystems: Or New Life to Physical Geography

Abstract The life geosystems theme is presented as an example of how man and his survival on Earth can be integrated into an introductory physical geography course. The focus of the article is on content; therefore, a detailed course outline is presented to indicate factors within physical geography that we feel are significant to the theme. Thus, life geosystems represents a synthesis of physical earth systems and their consequences to human life.

Physical Geography and Environmental Problems: Relevance in a Course Content and Structure

Abstract This paper explores the concept of relevancy in the context of an introductory physical geography course. The concern is with a relevant content and structure. Both are introduced through a problem-orientation. Current societal problems related to the physical environment are used to introduce students to conditions and processes involving environmental elements such as atmosphere, water, soil, vegetation, and topography. Because they are societal problems, the additional element, man, is included. The structure assumes a priori that the student has some prior knowledge of environmental problems. With a relatively high level of individual involvement, the student is asked to utilize this knowledge in learning about environmental processes and physical geographic concepts. Feedback from student to instructors is maximized through greater reliance on discussion groups, exercises, papers, and a problem-solving examination. In transmitting subject matter and environmental problems information, greate...

New Publications

Applied Climatology: An Introduction. John F. Griffiths. Diary of the Discovery Expedition to the Antarctic Regions 1901–1904. Edward Wilson (Ann Savours, ed.). An Agricultural Geography of Great Britain. D. W. Gilchrist Shirlaw. International History of City Development. (Series title.) Vol. 1: Urban development in Central Europe. Vol. 2: Urban Development in the Alpine and Scandinauian Countries. E. A. Gutkind. Rhodesia: Its Nataral Resources and Economic Developmemt. M. 0. Collins (ed.). Atlas of Tasmania. J. L. Davies (ed.). Africa 1967. Pierre Etienne Dostert. Latin America 1967. Hartley F. Dame. Agricultural Physics. C. W. Rose. Photogeology and Regional Mapping. J. A. E. Allum. The Indian Boundary in the Southern Colonies 1763–1775. Louis Devorsey, Jr. The Development of the American Economy. Robert D. Patton and Clinton Warne. Urbanization in Newly Developing Countries. Gerald Breese. The Geography of African Affairs. Paul Fordham. German Seed in Texas Soil: Immigrant Farmers in Nineteenth-Century Texas. Terry G. Jordan. Resources and Industries of the United States. Olin T. Mouzon. Atlantic Agricultural Unity: Is It Possible? John 0. Coppock. Highways into the Upper Amazon Basin: Pioneer Lands in Southern Colombia, Ecuador, and Northern Peru. Edmund Eduard Hegen. Regional Development Policy: A Case Study of Venezuela. John Friedmann. The Teaching of Geography. G. H. Gopsill. Dividing the Waters: A Century of Controversy Between the United States and Mexico. Norris Hundley, Jr. L'utilisation à des fins autres que la navigation des eaux des fleuves lacs et canaux internationaux. Marc Wolfrom. Introduction to Geography: Selected Reudings. Fred E. Dohrs and Lawrence M. Sommers (eds.). The Forests of the U.S.S.R. V. P. Tseplyaev. An Historical Atlas of China. Albert Herrmann, edited by Norton Ginsburg. Glossary of Geographical Names. Gabriella Lana, Liliana Iasbez, Lidia Meak. Mahogany of Tropical America. E. Bruce Lamb. The Natural and Human History of Baja California from Manuscripts by Jesuit Missionaries. Homer Aschmann (ed and tr.). Latin America: A Geographical Commentary. Imgard Phol and Josef Zepp (Kempton E. Webb, ed.). Submarine Cmyons and Other Sea Valleys Francis P. Shepard and Robert F. Dill. The Astronomical and Mathenzaticaz Foundations of Geography. Charles H. Cotter. Plant Life in West Africa. G. W. Lawson. France: An Introductory Geography. E. Estyn Evans. Italy: An Introductory Geography. J. P. Cole. Spain: An Introductory Geography. W. B. Fisher and H. Bowenjones.

A comparative study of an introductory geography course on ETV and in the classroom . Preface

A comparative study of an introductory geography course on ETV and in the classroom . Preface

The Role of Introductory Geography Courses in College Curricula

The Role of Introductory Geography Courses in College Curricula

Large Classes in College Introductory Geography Courses

Large Classes in College Introductory Geography Courses

Teaching Map Projections in Introductory Geography Courses

Teaching Map Projections in Introductory Geography Courses

The Introductory Geography Course in Science

The Introductory Geography Course in Science

Introductory Geography for Colleges

Introductory Geography for Colleges