The course aims to provide basic knowledge both on cartographic representations and on the main themes and problems of human geography, particularly with regard to the interrelationships between environment, social phenomena, use of resources and planetary imbalances, highlighting the potential of geographical science for understanding the multifaceted contemporary reality, for the organization and desirable proper land management.

In order to encourage critical reading of the geographical complexity, the course will address the following topics in the order indicated below:

Cartographic representations

- Cultural and scientific characteristics of cartography

- The cartographic evolution over time

- The map projections

- Types of maps

- The cartographic symbology

The main themes of human geography

- The world's population, its relationship with the environment and resources

- Population policies

- The migratory phenomenon in time and space

- Population and environment

- Natural disasters or human-induced

- Religious diversity in the world

- Agricultural structures, industrial and service

- Communication networks and transport

Water management in history

- The problems related to water as a resource to be protected

- Water as a strategic world goal

- Water supply methods throughout history and in various civilizations

- The current conflict over the ownership of water

Issues of food production in the Third Millennium

- The challenge of food production

- Ecology and demographic growth

- Produce food or biofuels

- Soil erosion and agriculture

- Water availability, climate changes and food shortages

- Soybean production spread and its consequences

- The phenomenon of land grabbing: environmental and socio-economic effects

- Prevention of the collapse of the food system

The student must show that he possesses the basic knowledge of the geographical science, its methods, its issues and its relationships with other disciplines (especially with the cartography). In addition, it must demonstrate understanding of concepts and theories provided by the course but also the ability to use this knowledge to reason according to the specific logic of the discipline in the light of subsequent studies. In particular, it must be able to reflect and make personal judgements about geographical issues for their communication and teaching or professional application.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Lectures and analysis of cartographic, graphic and iconographic materials.

Guidance on teaching materials prepared by the teacher (images, graphics, products) will be provided during the lectures.

Attendance

Attendance at most lessons is recommended.  

Course books

- A. Capacci (editor), Geografia umana. Temi e prospettive, Roma, Carocci Ed., 2015 (chapters 1 to 8; 10; from 13 to 17).

- E. Lavagna, G. Lucarno, Geocartografia. Guida alla lettura delle carte geotopografiche, Bologna, Zanichelli, 2011 (chapters 1 to 6).

- G. Altamore, L'acqua nella storia. Dai Sumeri alla battaglia per l'oro blu, Milano, Sugarco Ed., 2008.

- L. R. Brown, 9 miliardi di posti a tavola. La nuova geopolitica della scarsità di cibo, Milano, Edizioni Ambiente, 2013.

In addition to the study is highly recommended the use of an atlas updated or the latest edition of “Calendario-Atlante De Agostini”.

Assessment

Oral examination intended to establish the basic knowledge of geography and its main themes in relation to other disciplines (especially with the cartography), to test the understanding of concepts and their correct exposure.

- They will give rise to evaluations of excellence: the student's possession of good critical and in-depth skills; the ability to connect the main topics dealt with in the course; the use of an appropriate language with respect to the specific nature of the discipline.

- They will give rise to discrete evaluations: the student's possession of a mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relative critical capacity and connection between the themes dealt with: the use of an appropriate language.

-  They will give rise to sufficient evaluations: the achievement of minimal knowledge on the subjects dealt with by the student, even if there are some training gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

- They will give rise to negative evaluations: difficulty of orientation of the student with respect to the topics dealt with in the exam texts; training gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Individual study.

Non-attending students will be able to make contact with the teacher (including email) for any clarifications. 

Course books

- A. Capacci (editor), Geografia umana. Temi e prospettive, Roma, Carocci Ed., 2015 (entire text).

- E. Lavagna, G. Lucarno, Geocartografia. Guida alla lettura delle carte geotopografiche, Bologna, Zanichelli, 2011 (chapters 1 to 6).

- G. Altamore, L'acqua nella storia. Dai Sumeri alla battaglia per l'oro blu, Milano, Sugarco Ed., 2008.

- L. R. Brown, 9 miliardi di posti a tavola. La nuova geopolitica della scarsità di cibo, Milano, Edizioni Ambiente, 2013.

In addition to the study is highly recommended the use of an atlas updated or the latest edition of “Calendario-Atlante De Agostini”.

Assessment

Oral examination intended to establish the basic knowledge of geography and its main themes in relation to other disciplines (especially with the cartography), to test the understanding of concepts and their correct exposure.

- They will give rise to evaluations of excellence: the student's possession of good critical and in-depth skills; the ability to connect the main topics dealt with in the course; the use of an appropriate language with respect to the specific nature of the discipline.

- They will give rise to discrete evaluations: the student's possession of a mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relative critical capacity and connection between the themes dealt with: the use of an appropriate language.

-  They will give rise to sufficient evaluations: the achievement of minimal knowledge on the subjects dealt with by the student, even if there are some training gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

- They will give rise to negative evaluations: difficulty of orientation of the student with respect to the topics dealt with in the exam texts; training gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Classes will be held in the second semester on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, from 4 to 6 pm, in a classroom of the Volponi Center (to be established).