World History Introduction List one example of human and environmental interaction that has impacted world history through examples of demography and disease, migration, patterns of settlement and technology. (We will use this bell ringer to introduce our first class discussion.)

What is Geography? Geography is the study of the Earth and its people. A geographer tries to understand a place—not just where it is, but what it is like, what takes place there, and how the people there live. 5 Themes of Geography - Location describes where something is. Absolute location describes a place's exact position on the Earth's surface. Relative location expresses where a place is compared to another place. Place explores the physical and human features that make a city, state, or country unique. Regions are areas that share common features. A region may be land, water, or a specific area in a city or state. Movement explains how and why people, things, and ideas move Human-environment interaction explores the relationship between people and their environments.

Maps and Globes Tools that geographers use to learn more about the Earth. Globe – round model of the Earth Map – flat drawing of all or part of the Earth’s surface. Physical maps – show elevation, landforms, relief Political maps - show the names and political boundary lines, or borders, of a place. may also show human-made features, such as cities or transportation routes. Special Purpose/Thematic maps - Some maps present specific kinds of information. These are called thematic or special purpose maps. They usually show themes or patterns, or emphasize one subject.

6 Essential Elements of Geography 1.Spatial Terms – Where is it located? Absolute? Relative? 2.Places and Regions – describes all of the characteristics that give an area its own special quality. These can be physical features such as mountains, waterways, climate, and plant or animal life. Places can also be described by human features. These include language, religion, and architecture. 3.Physical Systems – Physical systems include the complex forces that create weather—wind, rain, snow, and storms. These, of course, can change the Earth. 4.Human Systems- includes all the things humans create as they build their lives together on Earth. It includes all the people and their settlements, as well as the cultures they form. 5.Environment and Society – The relationship between people and their surroundings. 6.The Uses of Geography - Knowledge of geography helps people understand the relationships between people, places, and the environment.

Group Activity 1.As a group, work together to brainstorm different physical and cultural (human) attributes that define and differentiate different parts of the world throughout history. As a group, try and come with at least two attributes for at least four different parts of the world. (One physical and one cultural.) Have one person jot down your findings with each member of the groups name on the paper.

Globalization – What is it? Is it unavoidable? Are there consequences?

Let’s talk about the effect of…on the preservation and diffusion of culture through class discussion. Transportation Trade Communication Science technology

Let’s analyze this concept… The following suggested items: Nike shoes, baseball hat of US professional sports team, CD of a major U.S. music group, video starring famous Hollywood actor, Barbie Doll, Time magazine, blue jeans with US label, Coke can, Kellogg's Corn Flakes, pack of Lucky Strikes cigarettes, wrappers from Burger King, Snapple bottle What are the common features of these products? Which of these products are commonly available in other countries (think about the type of product and not the brand name)? Which products are uncommon in other countries and why do you think so? Are any of these products necessities? What might a citizen of France use instead of these products? A villager in India? A resident of Russia? What factors might affect how these individuals view these products? How does this compare with your view of these products? If you think the views are similar, why might this be so? If not, why not?

Which American products/corporations have spread to other countries around the world? What is it about American products/corporations that have caused them to spread (as opposed to other products/corporations)? What positive and negative impacts do these products/corporations have? How could they alter local cultures? Why is the American market is so dominant? What role do other countries play in cultural globalization? How do other countries contribute to American culture? Do you feel uncomfortable or threatened by foreign products? Why or why not? Do you think other Americans are? Why or why not?

So, is Globalization a new phenomena? How does it lead us into our first section, the Byzantine Empire? How can it lead us into any section of history?

Home Learning – Due Thursday August 27 th in Class. Take 15 – 20 minutes at home to research the Byzantine Empire. This will be very beneficial to our next class.

Exit Tweet - What is globalization? In your opinion, is it unavoidable? Why or why not?

Works Cited: MgGraw Hill textbook.