GOOGLESCHOLAR: GEO Assignment 2
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module_2_overview.docxModule 2 Overview
European Realm and Regions
It is appropriate to begin our investigation of the world’s geographic realms and regions in Europe because over the past five centuries, Europe and Europeans have influenced and changed the rest of the world more than any other realm or people have done. However, throughout much of that 500-year period of European hegemony, Europe was also a cauldron of conflict. Religious, territorial, and political disputes precipitated bitter wars that even spilled over into the colonies. And during the twentieth century, Europe plunged the world into war twice.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this module, you should be able to:
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2A |
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describe how core-periphery contrasts shape the geography of the Mediterranean. |
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2B |
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analyze the post-Soviet evolution of states formerly behind the iron curtain and their responses to the challenge of peripheral location. |
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3A |
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evaluate the development of the first civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. |
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3B |
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examine the evolution of modern Europe in spatial context and its impact on the world. |
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4A |
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discuss the concept of the “European core” in western Europe and analyze the present and future role of the core countries in the unification of Europe. |
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4B |
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compare the differences between the regional components of the British Isles and the reasons behind them. |
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5A |
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demonstrate the rise of European unification in terms of the economic, political, and cultural issues that drive this process. |
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5B |
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describe the forces that are shaping 21st century Europe and its changing population. |
Module 2 Reading Assignment
de Blij, H. J., & Muller, P. O. (2012). Geography: Realms, regions, and concepts (15th ed.). New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Chapters 1A and 1B.
Topography of Europe
Europe is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The Black and Caspian Seas make up the eastern borders of Europe. Europe is very diverse topographically from the relatively low flat plains of the north to the more mountainous regions of the central and south. The southern mountain ranges are made up of the Alps, Pyrenees, and the Carpathians. The northern parts of Europe are dominated by the famous and very pretty Fjords. For a great overview of the geography of Europe, please visit the following link:
· Geography Europe : This video provides the viewer with the sights of Europe.
Europe is basically drained by three major rivers with the Volga being the largest. The Volga and Ural drain into the Caspian Sea while the Danube drains into the Black Sea.
Europe’s physical geography is influenced by being pushed eastward by the Mid-Atlantic ridge, which is also pushing most of North America westward. This process is called Plate Tectonics which cause the continents to drift (Continental Drift). These same forces are causing the whole continent of Africa to be pushed northward into Europe, thus causing much of the mountains described above to form in the southern and eastern parts of Europe.
Historical Geography of Europe
Much of the world’s industry, manufacturing, and technology had its start in Europe. According to our course textbook, Europe is the cornerstone of the world economy. Europe was the birthplace of Capitalism in the 15th Century, which quickly spread worldwide. Europe was plagued by having both World Wars on its soil, and after World War II, the European Union was created which strongly improved Europe’s major influence in the world to this day. Western Europe is far more developed than Eastern Europe, mostly due to the Cold War and Russian Communist influence. Please visit the following link for a historical time-lapse of Europe:
· Epic Time-Lapse of Europe (HistoricalAtlas.com): This video demonstrates the creation and movement of Europe.
Political Geography of Europe
The current politics of Europe are mostly dominated by the European Union, which has been moving eastward toward Russia. Like many continents, Europe is very diverse politically. There is mostly a north-south divide in politics with southern Europe being more conservative than the north. There is also an east-west political divide with western Europe being more politically developed than the east. Please visit the Geographical location of Ukraine page to view a political map of Europe.
Economical Geography of Europe
According to our course readings, Europe has about “12% of the world’s population, which accounts for almost 35% of the world’s exports, almost 43% of the world’s imports, and 33% of the world’s aggregate GNP.” With the rapid expansion and development of Eastern Europe, these numbers will only grow. Most of Europe’s biggest growth areas are in an area called the “Golden Triangle.” For more information on the European Union, please visit the European Union website.
For more information on the European Union, please visit the Map of Europe -Member States of the European Union to view a map.
Religions of Europe
Europe was first influenced by Greek inquiry and was rational thought for the cause of all phenomenon. The influence of Hebrew traditions came next with the spread of Christianity and Judaism. Recently, Islam has spread all throughout Europe. More specifically, Eastern Europe is dominantly Christian Orthodox, Northern Europe is mostly Protestant, and southern Europe is generally Catholic. Please visit the Europe Religions Map page to see a religious geography map of Europe.
Cultural Geography of Europe
According to our course textbook, the European Dream is very different than the American Dream. The American Dream is based on individual autonomy, whereas the European Dream is based on community relationships. Recent increases in globalization and immigration has made Europe more diverse in all areas of cultural geography (race, ethnicity, and religion/spirituality). Please visit the Europe: Human Geography - National Geographic Education website for more information.
Required Presentations:
Click on each of the following links in order to view the presentations.
