Geography, Environment, and the Evolution of Human Societies
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide student with the theoretical elements for an interpretation of the interdependence between man and environment from a geographical point of view. Particular attention will be paid to climate changes, analyzed as factors of construction, adaptation (and death?) of the human societies at different scales.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student:
- has a deep knowledge of the themes and theories on climate changes in the framework of human-environment relationships
- has a deep knowledge of the main terms of the actual debate on global warming
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course the student:
- can apply the knowledge acquired to discuss theses and develop critical judgments in relation to the issues addressed
- can approach the literature on climate changes critically, contextualizing it and recognizing the conceptual devices at work
At the end of the course, the student:
- has a deep knowledge of the themes and theories on climate changes in the framework of human-environment relationships
- has a deep knowledge of the main terms of the actual debate on global warming
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course the student:
- can apply the knowledge acquired to discuss theses and develop critical judgments in relation to the issues addressed
- can approach the literature on climate changes critically, contextualizing it and recognizing the conceptual devices at work
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
First semester
Teaching methods
Lessons will take place on-line in synchronous (via Microsoft Teams) and asynchronous (lessons will be uploaded on Ariel at the scheduled lesson time).
Teaching Resources
No changes are expected
Assessment methods
Any information on possible changes in the exam methods will be provided on the Ariel teaching website.
Lessons will take place on-line in synchronous (via Microsoft Teams) and asynchronous (lessons will be uploaded on Ariel at the scheduled lesson time).
Teaching Resources
No changes are expected
Assessment methods
Any information on possible changes in the exam methods will be provided on the Ariel teaching website.
Course syllabus
1) Geographical expansion and ecological transgression
Through the analysis of the main stages of human evolution, the current distortion of environmental balances is traced to the deep events of ecological transgression operated by Homo Sapiens.
2) The climate issue
Climate change is analyzed both as a co-factor of evolution of human history at different scales, and for the questions posed by their current intensity. Today's anthropogenic climate change is read through some of its most important environmental and territorial effects.
The course is mainly aimed at students of the degree course in Philosophical Sciences.
No additional educational activities are planned.
Through the analysis of the main stages of human evolution, the current distortion of environmental balances is traced to the deep events of ecological transgression operated by Homo Sapiens.
2) The climate issue
Climate change is analyzed both as a co-factor of evolution of human history at different scales, and for the questions posed by their current intensity. Today's anthropogenic climate change is read through some of its most important environmental and territorial effects.
The course is mainly aimed at students of the degree course in Philosophical Sciences.
No additional educational activities are planned.
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is needed
Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Debate
- Online discussion
- Debate
- Online discussion
Teaching Resources
Readings and assignments for attending students:
- G. Chelazzi, L'impronta originale. Storia naturale della colpa ecologica, Einaudi, 2013
- R. Scolari, Disastro e sopravvivenza, Mimesis, 2020
Readings and assignments for non-attending students:
- G. Chelazzi, L'impronta originale. Storia naturale della colpa ecologica, Einaudi, 2013
- W. Ruddiman, L'aratro, la peste, il petrolio. L'impatto umano sul clima, Ube, 2015
- R. Scolari, Disastro e sopravvivenza, Mimesis, 2020
- G. Chelazzi, L'impronta originale. Storia naturale della colpa ecologica, Einaudi, 2013
- R. Scolari, Disastro e sopravvivenza, Mimesis, 2020
Readings and assignments for non-attending students:
- G. Chelazzi, L'impronta originale. Storia naturale della colpa ecologica, Einaudi, 2013
- W. Ruddiman, L'aratro, la peste, il petrolio. L'impatto umano sul clima, Ube, 2015
- R. Scolari, Disastro e sopravvivenza, Mimesis, 2020
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final examination consists of a written exam with open-ended questions, for both attending and non-attending students. The exam verifies the students' knowledge on the program topics, with attention to the overall synthesis and activation capacities of relevant interdisciplinary links.
Unita' didattica A
M-GGR/01 - GEOGRAPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-GGR/01 - GEOGRAPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours