Geo2630 fall2013 session2
- 1. Session 2: Exploring culture and themes in cultural geography 1) Mental maps from course prep participatory exercise; 2) Discussion about preparing for the concept test; 1) News item / food for thought of the day; 2) Group discussion – “What is culture?” 3) Culture & Themes explored. September 10, 2013 Berg Lake Glacier, British Columbia Norton, W. (2005). Cultural Geography: Environments, Landscapes, Identities, and Inequalities. Oxford University Press, Don Mills. Readings: Chapter 1 of Norton – What is culture?; Themes in Cultural Geography
- 2. Familiarity with critical analysis and review Yes •but still room for improvement No/ first time hearing of it Some / not much experience with it •yes, but not in geography •familiar with but no experience •some, from previous courses •some difficulty •need descriptive outline •need a refresher
- 3. Writing a critical review See resources posted on course WordPress site
- 4. Interest Broader goals in education and career Degree program Skill development Direct relevance to career •enjoyment of topic •sociology & humanity •global environmental issues •the human-environment nexus •life interests •elementary school teaching •sustainable development •honours thesis •work with Indigenous communities •speaking, writing, group work •build cooperation with coworkers •build understanding of culture and newcomer transitions
- 5. Types of learners and helpful learning tools Visuals •diagrams •pictures •videos Technology / Internet Kinesthetic learning (by doing) Reading •ppts •memorization •textbooks •writing notes Group discussions Illustration / Examples Definitions Listening Repetition
- 6. Key concepts Test Format: 3 short essay questions from each chapter 1, 2, & 3 You will be asked to discuss broach topics from the text book sections assigned to class sessions. Points will be given based on your ability to: •Provide reasonable definitions/explanations of the key terms •Relate terms to each other •Provide alternate explanations for the terms (critical component) •Relate the terms to examples from the class (or other examples that your know of from other sources) Total: 15% of your grade each question is worth 5% or your total grade
- 7. New item / thought provoking item of the day http://aptn.ca/pages/news/2013/08/14/sun- dance-ceremony-part-2-the-buffalo-dance/ Sundance Ceremony Part 2: The Buffalo Dance Illustrates: Worldviewsrelated to healing, community, and environment
- 8. Group discussion 1. What are the attributes culture? 2. How was culture represented in the video about the Buffalo dance? What was the meaning of culture in this context? Form 5 groups of 4 or 5 and discuss the following questions: Take about 15-20 minutes to discuss and record responses. Select one person who will present.
- 9. What is culture? Sauer (father of the landscape school) treated culture as a reality rather than an human concept Culture is a complex term: Has changed throughout history and will continue to change Culture – changes, is fluid, adapts... Convention is described in the text as: 1) the values and abstract ideals that members of a human group hold; 2) the norms and rules that they follow; 3) and the material goods that they create. Many disciplinary interpretations
- 10. What is culture? Everything produced by humans: •Art •Clothing •Buildings •Music •Tools •etc. “The study of humans and the land” or “humans and nature” * Relationship between humans and their earthly (and to a lesser extent celestial) habitat Broad in scope
- 11. Culture is evolving - temporal and...culture and cultural identity exists at differentscales
- 14. Themes in cultural geography Concerned with relationships b/w human and natureHistorical transformation of landscapes Occupance and evolution of landscapesPolitical dimension, power imbalancesAlso political but focuses on the concepts of self and ‘other’ Extends beyond the physical to identity and symbolic meaning Source: Norton 2005, Table 1.2, pg. 27