00460 - Geography I

Learning outcomes

The course aims at outlining the territorial frame in which the idea of “Europe” has taken shape and has grown out of (European morphology, its demography, its resources and trades), putting it in relation with its representations dating back to antiquity. From its seafaring origin – Mediterranean, at first, and subsequently “oceanic”, as the modern Europe's image took shape – up to both the new image suggested by EU and the tough challenges of globalization.
In particular, the analysis of the formation of European spaces, since their Mediterranean genesis to the nation-states' creation, will be developed, to emphasize the creation of a “European consciousness” in the encounter with an “Orient” often more fictional than real. At the end of the course, the student is able to distinguish the diverse geographical models from which European identity took shape in history, applying such knowledge to EU's evolutionary frame.

Course contents

WARNING:

THERE'S NO SPECIFIC SYLLABUS FOR NON-FREQUENTING STUDENTS.

STUDENTS NEEDING A CUSTOMIZED SYLLABUS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTACT THE PROFESSOR AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE THE EXAM.

1. Geography and the formation of cultural models
   
2. Europe's geographical models: the Mediterranean, the Occident
3. «The past is a foreign country»: non-contemporaneity and Eurocentrism
   
4. Cities, networks, territories
5. Orients/Occidents
6. From the world to Europe and back: crisis' challenges
   

Readings/Bibliography

L. L. Cavalli Sforza, L'evoluzione della cultura, Turin: Codice edizioni, 2010; M. Neve, Geografie d'Europa, Bologna: il Mulino, 2011.

Supplemental reading: E. Holenstein, Atlante di filosofia. Luoghi e percorsi del pensiero, Turin: Einaudi, 2009.

Teaching methods

The theoretical and methodological tools of the approach chosen will be constantly tested and discussed in the course of the lectures through the use of images, maps, and diagrams.
Class attendance is critical to take advantage of a way of learning not feasible through homework, and it turns out to be crucial in order for the student to adequately satisfy exam requirements.

Assessment methods

The exam will consist of an oral examination on two or three class topics, paying specific attention to student's skill in applying the theoretical and methodological tools supplied during lectures.

Teaching tools

Video projector, overhead projector.

Class materials can be downloaded as ppt or pdf files from the link on this page.

A workshop about Representation models of cultural heritages is provided. Students are expected to survey and compare some examples, particularly on the Web, of images through which different countries identify their cultural heritages and publicize them.

Links to further information

http://unibo.academia.edu/MarioNeve

Office hours

See the website of Mario Angelo Neve