Introduction

Locate a picture of a human-influenced landscape in a magazine, postcard or one of your own photos. You may use close-in shots, landscape views, aerial views or even satellite pictures if you like. You may use more than one picture if they can be related together in your essay. Write an essay of at least 3 pages (double spaced, 12 pt font, no excessive margins, not including the picture) which discusses the following:

Assignment

1) Describe the location of this region on the planet; note what country, state/province/etc., and city it is in, nearby oceans and mountains and any other geographical features relevant for understanding what we see in the photo. You may also want to describe the local weather patterns and climate, if relevant to understanding the human landscape in your photo.

2) Describe the human geography seen in the photo. There are many issues to consider, most of which we have discussed in this class, for example:

What patterns of historical settlement can be seen? How has it changed?
How have changes in technology altered what we see in this landscape?
What economic patterns can be discerned?
How has globalization altered the landscape?
How have changes in the local and global human population influenced the landscape?
Are there any influences of urbanization that can be seen?
Is the photo of a particular part of a city? If so, why does it look the way it does?
What cultural trends can be observed in the architecture?
How has the local environment influenced the human landscape?
How have humans used technology to adapt to the environment?
How have humans altered the local environment?
What is the predominant culture seen in the photo?
Is there influence from any other cultures or past cultures seen? Why?
Are there religious influences seen? What role does language play?
How are cultural attitudes towards race, gender and sexuality reflected in the photo?
What about the political geography of the landscape?
Can the influence of nationalism be seen?
Are there borders in the picture?
Is there any indication of political conflict?

3) In your conclusion explain how your photo relates to some of the themes of human geography and how the photo helps us to understand human geography.

4) Please include your picture(s) with your written assignment.

Further Instructions and Expectations

I fully expect that you will have to do some outside research into the history and environment of the location of your photo. Also remember that what isn’t seen in the human landscape of your photo may be as important to your explanation as what is seen in the human landscape of your photo.

You will be expected to answer these questions thoroughly, with proper grammar and spelling and in essay form (introduction, body, and conclusion). I will be looking for your ability to understand and analyze the material we have covered in class and your ability to apply the course material to the world around you. “Why?” is my favorite question, so expect to use “because” frequently in your answers. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself, “Why?,” after every statement of fact. Feel free to mention your own personal experiences, perspectives and observations. Make connections between the course, your personal knowledge and the pictures. You are encouraged to use additional diagrams and maps (although these won’t make up for a lack of written content).

Please note all sources used with a routine bibliographic style.

Be sure to address some of the actual objects seen in the photo. Students in the past have made the mistake of discussing the general location of the photo, without actually tying any of their analysis back to what can be seen in the photo.

Note that while explanation of certain aspects of the environment will probably be important to your analysis, I do not need extensive, detailed explanations of how phenomenon such as plate tectonics or hurricanes work.

This assignment is due the same day as the final exam.