Geography: Geography of Europe

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Prereq: GEOG 1760 or GEOG 1780 or ENVS 1500 PACE students with permission and override Special Topics courses cannot carry CC designations

Though the continent composes a relatively small portion of the habitable Earth and contains a relatively small percentage of Earth’s population, Europe has exerted a disproportionate influence over the last millennium of global activity. It dominated the age of exploration, anchored the two biggest wars the world has ever seen, and has consistently been at the forefront of clashes of cultures and the Global West and East, the dominant world order and “the Other.” Of course, these dichotomies are never clear-cut, and they under-serve a rich, vast history of languages, religions, and customs regarded as the forefront of the modern world. This course provides an introduction to the human and physical geography of Europe, investigating people and their relationships with the environment. We will discuss historical, political, social, and cultural understandings of Europe, focusing on a historical perspective to better understand contemporary European issues. Topics that will be discussed include population, language, religion and values, cities and urban life, processes of Europeanization, making a living, leisure, and popular culture.

Upon completion of Geography 371, students will be able to: • Define Europe and explain the difficulties associated with political, social, and physical delineations of Europe and its sub-regions. • Compare and contrast how social systems, cultural practices, and religious beliefs vary across space and time. • Explain the historical development of the European Union, analyze current issues in the European Union, and describe the legislative realms of the Union. • Describe Europeanization initiatives and provide examples of regional cultural identity

Students will be graded based on small collaborative assignments, two exams, a final project, an accompanying oral presentation, and attendance/participation.