Regional agglomerations of industry have been a focus of economic geography research, especially in terms of how these clusters form and remain successful. Such a core topic should be explored in economic geography coursework. Economic geography education itself has been the topic of debate, particularly in terms of how to make important concepts…

The use of SWOT analysis is a means through which geography students can investigate key concepts in economic geography and essential topics in regional economic development. This article discusses the results of a course project where economic geography students employed SWOT analysis to explore medium-sized metropolitan areas across the southern…

Supply chains and other trade networks are of interest to geographers, due to their ability to connect economic processes at various scales. Relatively recent research, however, suggests that core concepts and topics in economic geography are not being fully and effectively engaged in the classroom environment. With such findings as a motivation,…

Offers a rationale for increased teaching of global economic geography, identifies its natural constituencies, and defines the scope and content of such undergraduate courses. Concludes that such courses offer a good way to help internationalize undergraduate education in the United States in addition to providing an opportunity to highlight…

Debates over the nature and extent of globalization raise many issues to be addressed in a geographic education. In this paper, I briefly review case method instruction and role-play as teaching strategies suitable for material on globalization and other geographic subject matter, and then sketch an overview of an undergraduate geography role-play…

Presents a sampling of items from the ERIC database dealing with Asia and the Pacific Rim. Urges the inclusion of these countries in the curriculum as exchange of peoples, goods, and cultures increases. Emphasizes the growing importance of the region as a global force. Includes articles and books on culture, economies, and cultural exchange…

Traces the often chaotic restructuring of European national boundaries from before World War I to after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Offers a concise and interesting overview of the political, economic, and military events that shaped modern Europe. Includes seven detailed maps showing shifting boundaries and alliances. (MJP)

Provides a concise overview on export-based, free zone development in the Dominican Republic by examining its influence on three spatial levels: national, regional, and town. Although industrial free zones contribute to job creation and foreign exchange earnings, local authorities are often unable to control urban development. (MJP)

Evaluates the prospects of success for the newly formed Association of Caribbean States (ACS). Concerned about environmental quality, challenges to international trade, and shifting political alliances, the ACS was formed to facilitate international cooperation among the Caribbean states. Discusses past efforts and current obstacles concerning…

Presents a geography program to show students why the European Community was formed. Involves student research of economic data, creation of a computer database on the European Community, and simulation of trading. Emphasizes geographic themes of movement, region formation, and change in response to economic forces. Includes game rules, sample…

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)

Argues that neoclassical conceptions of political geography separate economic from political processes and therefore ignore the consequences of economic policies. Uses discourse theory to show how the pretensions of objectivity embedded in neoclassical trade theory obscure these consequences. Briefly reviews trade theory from Adam Smith to the…

Argues that learning about winds and ocean currents will help students understand the achievements of explorers in history in light of physical elements and technologies of their time. Presents a three-day lesson for teaching secondary geography units on locations and regions of winds and currents, and historic effects of winds and currents on…