This university level course in economic geography emphasizes the need for control of the spatial allocation of our resources, and strives for heightened student awareness of the world as a complex. It may thus be considered an introduction to geocybernetics, the study of man/machine relationships in the control of spatial organization. A systems…

This resource unit was developed from materials produced and field tested by the Project Social Studies Curriculum Center. It was designed to make progress toward the development of the following objectives: 1) conceptual: globalism, geographic location, diversity, interrelationships, change, cultural use of the environment, economics, culture,…

The unit is another in the series developed from materials produced and field tested by the Project Social Studies Curriculum Center. The Trobriand society was chosen for study in this resource unit for upper elementary grades because its economic system illustrates the importance of reciprocal relationships which continue to be very important in…

This recourse guide is one of a series of units on the theme Communities Around the World for grade 3. Background material on Paris, France is given for the teacher describing urban characteristics, French culture, and the physical site of the city. Objectives and goals related to concepts, generalizations, skills, and attitudes to be developed…

Defines political geography as a discipline specifically concerned with territorial organization and power and how these impact human and political processes. Traces the development of the discipline from the mid-eighteenth century to the present. Discusses reasons for its fall from academic grace and its eventual resurgence. (MJP)

Examines the geographical and political forces that are central to the process of legislative redistricting. Reviews the historical background of the redistricting process and discusses the importance of minority representation. Briefly looks at some of the alternative systems of representation that have been suggested to improve the quality of…

Offers five themes from political geography that could be incorporated into college geography courses: historical specificity of geography; (2) interconnectedness of regions; (3) interpenetration of the human and natural worlds; (4) centrality of culture in social reproduction; and (5) use of political economy to uncover social relations. (MJP)

Presents a conceptual framework that embeds ideas from world-systems theory within the larger context known as the theory of dissipative structures. This perspective reflects the interconnectedness of individual and separate places into a larger global system that is a single functioning spatial entity. (MJP)

This resource guide, revised in 1968, outlines one of a series of units prepared for grade 3 on the theme Communities Around the World. Background information on the California Gold Mining Camp is given for the teacher describing the physical site, historical period, community structure, social characteristics, and governmental role. General…

Explores the intersection of geography and politics in U.S. public policy development and connects this to several of the National Geography Standards. Discusses contemporary issues including economic interdependence, the impact of migration, resource competition, cultural values, and environmental issues. Offers suggested student activities. (MJP)

Describes the somewhat contradictory movements towards political and economic integration and political decentralization in the European Union (EU). Discusses the implications of those trends for the future of the sovereign state, specifically for Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. Maintains that political power is being wrested away from core…

Describes a college-level class that studies the geography of poverty in Illinois and uses these findings as a basis for classroom discussions and exercises concerning poverty. Empirical evidence suggest that poverty levels are higher in rural areas rather than in urban areas. Discusses possible reasons and implications. (MJP)