GEOG 104: World Regional Geography

The course explores the world by geographic regions and examines the variation of climate zones, topography, patterns of human settlement, resources, population, development and culture. Students experience cultural differences and analyze development patterns. The course allows students to research the impacts of globalization on human cultures and the environment. 54 lecture hours.

Goode's World Atlas, 21st ed. Rand McNally, 2006

Part 1- The Mekong River basin: A regional river system
Like the Danube River in Europe or the Nile River in Africa, the Mekong River flows through many countries before finally emptying into the South China Sea. Because its waters drain so many countries, the river is vital to the survival of many.
Identify the countries that are drained by the Mekong River. List the advantages some countries have over other countries regarding their access to and use of the Mekong River. Discuss how these countries can negotiate with each other to guarantee equitable access to the Mekong’s resources (e.g., guaranteed drinking and irrigation water for all, consistent water levels to maintain fish catches, etc.). Be sure to address the impact of climate change on the water sources that feed the Mekong.
Part 2 -Oceania in the global community: How can its voice be heard?
Oceania has a population of only 36 million and a relatively small total land area. The Republic of the Fiji Islands, for example, is just larger than the U.S. state of Connecticut. How can this region make its voice heard when it is affected by global issues?
Identify at least three global connection issues that are particularly important (positively or negatively) for this region. Propose strategies for each of these three issues that the region could employ to help its voice be heard. Small total land area and small population size have just been mentioned as challenges. Name at least two more challenges that this region must consider when coping with global connections.

Regional Map Quiz Students will have several region map tests. Each region has a list of cities and features to memorize. Each quiz will be based on the list of countries, cities, landscape features within a given region. The map quiz will test student’s knowledge of global geography.
Sample Assignment: Google Earth Spatial Analysis Look at the following locations in Google Earth. You may want to use two windows so you can switch back and forth between the two easily. 52 N, 0.99 W (Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, England) 43.7 N, 116.35 W (Eagle, Idaho, USA) Answer the following questions: •Each of these small towns is to the north and west of a larger city. Find these larger cities and name them. •Describe the land uses beside housing and their distribution in each of the cities. •Estimate the population of each town. Make sure your scale is similar for each town. •Now look up the population for each town using a simple Internet search. Report what you find. •Describe the approach to land use and planning taken in each town. * Which represents a greater infrastructure cost, and why? * Which represents a greater impact on the environment and why? * Which represents a greater impact on the aesthetic appeal of the countryside, and why?
Write a three-to-four page (750–1,000 word) paper discussing the differences between the two locations. Your paper should include reference to the population size and regional location of each place. Also compare the land-use planning, infrastructure costs, and environmental impact of each town based on your observations from the satellite photos.

Lecture, Online Education Lecture

4E. Geography