GOOGLESCHOLAR: GEO Assignment 4
whiesoModule 4 Overview
The America’s Realms and Regions
This module will focus on the realms and regions of the Americas. You will begin by learning about the topography of the Americas. The historical geography of the Americas will be explained. You will compare and contrast the political geography of the Americas with the rest of the world’s political systems. In addition, the economical geography of the Americas will be reviewed along with the diverse religions. Lastly, you will evaluate the cultural geography of the Americas in relation to the rest of the world.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this module, you should be able to:
2D |
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identify the landform regions, climates, and major lakes and rivers of North America. |
2E |
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illustrate the basic historical geography of the settlement along with the economic and parallel urban geography of the U.S. and Canada for the past three centuries. |
2F |
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describe Canada’s provinces and territories, English-French cultural division, and the indigenous people’s movement. |
2G |
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describe Middle America’s major environmental features and dangers as well as the vertical organization of climates in highland zones. |
2H |
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discuss the basic human and physical geography of Mexico and its development opportunities in the NAFTA era. |
2I |
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describe the general layout of the Caribbean Islands. |
3D |
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examine the broad aspects of South America’s Historical Geography from the time of the Incas to the post colonial era. |
5F |
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evaluate the features that make the Core region of North America so prominent. |
5G |
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describe the growth of the Southeast and discuss the effect of Anglo, Hispanic and Native American cultures on the Southwest region. |
5H |
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identify reasons why the Western Frontier is the fastest growing region and discuss why the Northern Frontier is considered a true “frontier.” |
6A |
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interpret the realm’s cultural mosaic, agricultural and industrial activities, general patterns of urbanization, and challenges and opportunities. |
6B |
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evaluate the basic environmental, historical, cultural, political, economic, physical, and human geography of South America. |
Module 4 Reading Assignment
de Blij, H. J., & Muller, P. O. (2012). Geography: Realms, regions, and concepts (15th ed.). New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Chapters 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B.
The America's Realms and Regions
For this module, the Americas will be known as North America comprised of the countries of Canada and the United States, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. In the geography literature, Central and South America are often referred to as Latin America. Sometimes Central America can be referred to as Middle America as well, and also includes Mexico. Please be sure to view an animated video of the Geography of the Americas Animation .
Topography of the Americas
North America is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean to the extreme north, Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea to the south, and Pacific Ocean to the west. The isthmus of Mexico and Central America connect North and South America. Central America is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The Gulf of Mexico is to the north and east.
North America is dominated by two major mountain ranges: the Appalachians to the east and the Rockies to the west. Most of the North American East Coast is dominated by relatively flat coastal planes with the Green and White Mountains and Adirondacks in New England. The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers drain most of North America and empty into the Gulf of Mexico. Large lakes dominate the upper Midwest and central Canadian Shield. The Pacific Coast is comprised of a narrow coastal plain with the mountain ranges of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada’s. Several volcanoes are located in northern California, Oregon, and Washington states, which are formed from the Pacific Tectonic Plate being subducted under the North American Plate. Most of Central America is made up of very mountainous terrain with small areas of coastal plains by the oceans and seas.
With the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Caribbean Sea to the north, South America is one of the most diverse oceanic continents. Major geologic plate boundaries have caused the formation of the Andes Mountains in western South America and geologic activity in the Southern Caribbean. The Amazon Basin dominates most of the northern and central parts of Latin America. The Brazilian Highland dominates most of the eastern regions, and the Guiana Highlands are located in the northeastern region. One of the most unique parts of Latin America is the Atacama Desert located downwind of the Andes Mountains. It is one of the very few deserts located right by a major ocean.
Climatically, the Caribbean is heavily impacted by hurricanes, and most of South America is impacted with serve periods of wet and dry periods due to the changing direction of the sun’s angles. Also, every few years, a phenomenon known as El Nino occurs along the northwest coast of South America where the ocean currents and temperatures become warmer than normal, which then impacts the local fish industry as well as the climates all across North America. Please view the Physical Geography of the Americas presentation for more information.
Finally, South America is largely dominated by very large and long rivers with the Amazon being the largest in the world.
Historical Geography of the Americas
North America was first inhabited by the Native Americans, who are thought to have migrated during the end of the last ice age through the Bering Strait, which currently separates Alaska from Russia. Later, Europeans migrated to the new world in the late 1400s; however, there is some evidence of some earlier colonization in northeastern and northwestern Canada.
In Central and South America, the very first civilizations were the Aztecs, Incas, and the Mayans. Domestication played a major role in this region’s history, and agriculture has played an important role in this region’s history. Deforestation is a major issue in this region still today, but a more green revolution is starting to take shape. Like most continents, urbanization has largely changed the region as well.
Political Geography of the Americas
North America is said to be the birthplace of true democracy. The original 13 colonies later progressed to 50 states in the United States. Canada was originally colonized by the French, and later divided into individual large providences. Today in Central and South America the region is mostly democratic, but recently shifted from a more military and authoritarian government. In the past, the region was dominated by colonial legacy, socialist, single party, and multiparty political systems. Politically, the Caribbean region has a long history of unrest, but recently, overall conditions have improved with an increase in tourism. For a good, updated map of the Political Geography of the USA, please visit the Freedom's Lighthouse website.
Economical Geography of the Americas
Most of North America has become the birthplace of capitalism as well. Central and South America mostly started with socialism and communism, but are slowly changing to a more capitalistic system. The export of crops and minerals has allowed this region to compete globally. Manufacturing and services are also on the rise in this region. Please watch the North America - Economic Geography - Components of the Spatial Economy presentation.
Religions of the Americas
North America is largely dominated by Christianity, more specifically, Catholicism and Protestantism. However, North America has recently become more diverse with the increase of Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and non-belief (Atheism and Agnosticism). Be sure to visit the Statistics on Religion in America website to view some additional information on the Major Religious Traditions in the USA.
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Central and South America.
Cultural Geography of the Americas
Most of the culture and language in North America have come across from northern Europe. English is the dominant language in most of North America, with some French in northeastern Canada. In Central and South America, the majority of the culture and language have come across from Spain and Portugal with some native Mayan influence. This region has been plagued with inequality toward women, but recently, conditions and rights for women have slowly improved. There have also been some racial problems in this region with lighter skinned, less indigenous people being favored. Spanish is the dominant language in this region.
Required Presentations:
Click on each of the following links in order to view the presentations.