Episode Guide

1. Introduction This overview of the geographic perspective highlights the 18 National Geography Standards and associated skills that inform Teaching Geography.

2. Latin America In Guatemala, a historical geographer explores the reasons for the decline of the Maya and their present-day explosive growth. In Ecuador, physical geographers work toward reducing the potential hazards of living near an active volcano.

3. North America Through studies of ethnic and economic diversity in Boston and suburban sprawl in Chicago, this session illustrates issues of urban development and expansion in North America.

4. North Africa/Southwest Asia Explores problems of religious conflict and urban organization with a case study on Jerusalem as sacred space. It also looks at urban and agricultural use of scarce water resources by studying Egypt’s Nile River.

5. Sub-Saharan Africa Features case studies on the impact of apartheid on present-day South Africa and on AIDS diffusion in Kenya.

6. Russia A case study examines the history of St. Petersburg and its adaptation to a post-Soviet society. Students learn, through a constructivist teaching approach, about the geographic factors behind the location of St. Petersburg and other Russian cities.

7. Europe Two case studies analyze developments toward a more unified Europe. First is an exploration of Berlin’s role as the dynamic capital of a reunified Germany and as a centrally located city in an increasingly unified Europe. Students analyze issues of urban organization in Amsterdam. Supranationalism and the European Union are examined through a case study on Strasbourg and further explored in a classroom debate.

8. Global Forces/Local Impact Focuses on globalization’s impact on the booming Chinese economy and the population that drives it.