Program Overview

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HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

Overview

The course aims to provide an overview of basic geographical knowledge, examining in depth the main territorial, landscape, and environmental dynamics that characterize the contemporary world, observed from a trans-scalar perspective.

AIMS AND CONTENT

Learning Outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide students with a general knowledge of human geography, with reference to the different approaches of contemporary geography.

• Understand the meaning of basic geographical concepts (space, territory, landscape, environment, place)
• Critically analyze contemporary issues with a transcalar approach, from the local to the global
• Analyze the varied geographical narratives of territories
• Interpret the socio-territorial dynamics that characterize different geographical regions
• Interpret the factors that determine the impact of human activities on the environment and landscape

Prerequisites

None.

Teaching Methods

The course will be organized by alternating lectures and participatory teaching.

• Lectures will focus on identifying and understanding basic knowledge
• Participatory teaching will be based on problem-based strategies aimed at stimulating the ability to analyze certain issues related to contemporary territorial processes
• The materials used during the lessons will be uploaded to AulaWeb together with other materials (reports, links to databases, etc.) aimed at exploring specific topics in greater depth

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The main topics covered include:

• Key concepts in human geography (place, space, territory, region, landscape)
• The tools of geography
• Population distribution
• Migration
• The geography of languages
• The geography of religions
• Urban geography
• The geography of marginal areas
• The geography of tourism
• Environmental geography
• Cartography

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

For Attending Students (6 CFU)

1. Course notes and slides
2. Fouberg E.H., Murphy A.B. (2022) Geografia umana. Cultura, societŕ, spazio, Bologna, Zanichelli

For Non-Attending Students (6 Credits)

1. Course notes and slides
2. Fouberg E.H., Murphy A.B. (2022) Geografia umana. Cultura, societŕ, spazio, Bologna, Zanichelli
3. Murphy A.B. (2025), Geografia. Perché č importante, Milano, Unicopli

For Attending Students (9 CFU)

1. Course notes and slides
2. Fouberg E.H., Murphy A.B. (2022) Geografia umana. Cultura, societŕ, spazio, Bologna, Zanichelli
3. Murphy A.B. (2025), Geografia. Perché č importante, Milano, Unicopli

For Non-Attending Students (9 CFU)

1. Course notes and slides
2. Fouberg E.H., Murphy A.B. (2022) Geografia umana. Cultura, societŕ, spazio, Bologna, Zanichelli
3. Murphy A.B. (2025), Geografia. Perché č importante, Milano, Unicopli
4. One text of your choice from:

• Gavinelli D., Zanolin G., (2019), Geografia del turismo contemporaneo. Pratiche, narrazioni, luoghi, Carocci, Roma
• Marshall T. (2020), Le dieci mappe che spiegano il mondo, Garzanti, Milano
• Molinari P. (2021), Periferie Europee. Istituzioni sociali, politiche, luoghi. Franco Angeli, Milano
• Mazza G., Zanolin G. (2025), Paesaggi rurali in ricomposizione. Riflessioni ed esperienze in Lombardia e Sardegna. Mimesis, Milano-Udine

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

• GIAMPIETRO MAZZA

Exam Board

• GIAMPIETRO MAZZA (President)
• SARA BONATI
• GIACOMO ZANOLIN

LESSONS

Lessons Start

2 March 2026

Class Schedule

The timetable for this course is available.

EXAMS

Exam Description

The examination is conducted orally through an interview aimed at assessing the knowledge acquired during the lectures and through the study of the texts indicated in the bibliography.

Assessment Methods

The test:

• Will assess the knowledge of the topics covered in class and contained in the study texts
• Will test the ability to think critically about spatial, landscape, and environmental processes
• The evaluation will take into account:
  • Appropriate knowledge of disciplinary vocabulary
  • Ability to reason critically
  • Ability to make connections between the different topics covered

Further Information

For students with DSA certifications or specific disabilities, compensatory or dispensatory measures will be ensured, while taking care of the acquisition of the skills and knowledge expected for teaching.