Human Geography

In this new textbook, students learn that human geography embraces many fascinating and relevant topics. Focus on major global issues included population issues, cultural and ethnic diversity, economic development, and the human environmental impact. Central to the text is a beautiful art program designed to bring the student close to the language of geography through its generous use of maps. Features: * Chapter 1 defines human geography, differentiates it from other disciplines, and introduces students to the key global issues that are the book's focus. * Contrasts in economic development are integrated throughout the text helping students to understand the wide variances among human lifestyles, social conditions, and land use. * Focus on population growth acknowledges a slower rate of increase, but treats the persistence as a serious global and regional problem. The importance of population to geographers is made clear with three full chapters on the subject. * The intimate nature of human-environment relationships is stressed, motivating students' understanding of humankind's environmental responsibility and liability.
* "Cultural Landscapes" boxes provide ongoing examples of the concept made famous by renowned geographer, Carl Sauer: that vast areas of the earth's surface have been dramatically affected and changed by human activity. * To help focus students' reading, most sections begin with an interactive system of summary statements and directed questions. * An "Interview" closes each part of the text, providing day in the life perspectives from professionals and encouraging students to consider careers in geography.