Penn State Geography | Geography Courses: Geography 10: "Introduction to Physical Geography"

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Instructor: Dr. Petra Tschakert, 315 Walker, Dept. of Geography; ph: 863-9399, petra@psu.edu
TA: Jessica Lehman,, Dept. of Geography, jsh285@psu.edu

Gold, diamonds, oil, sapphires, and copper are among the many georesources that are exploited on the African continent. Yet, much of the wealth from these resources flows into the pockets of national elites and multinational corporations while the large majority of local populations continue to live in poverty and without access to basic educational and health infrastructure. Minerals that are used in our laptops and cell phones today have fueled environmental destruction, conflict, and even war. This interdisciplinary seminar will take a case-study approach to assess the geographic, social, economic, and political dimensions that surround resource extraction, wealth, and power. In small groups, each focusing on one particular country, students will identify the major local, national, and international stakeholders that are involved in the new scramble for Africa. Students will also develop scenarios to explore potential future visions for resource management. Group projects, presentations, and discussions will form a critical component of this seminar. Throughout the course, the instructor will assist students in enhancing their writing, speaking, and debating skills. At the end of the semester, students will submit one paper that describes their most ambitious vision for socially just and environmentally sustainable georesource extraction for one of the case-study countries.

The EMS First-Year Seminar is a required course for all entering EMS first-year students at the University Park campus. The Seminar is a three-credit course designed to encourage students to begin the important process of "thinking for a living." We will use a mix of lectures, readings, class discussions, movies, role games, and presentations to introduce you to some of the most pressing issues surrounding resource extraction and poverty in today's world, with a clear focus on Africa.

This EMS seminar aims to:

Promote critical reading and thinking, and help students develop effective written and oral arguments;
Encourage individual and group learning and provide students the experience of being part of a cohort of scholars with similar interests and a common focus;
Expose students to EMS interests and activities through early involvement in the College;
Provide at least one "friend" on the faculty in EMS to whom they can go for advice outside of the normal academic advising channels (this will be me!);
Foster some of the practical skills necessary for academic life;
Challenge students to think about some of the major issues facing the world today, and the role that science and technology play in defining and addressing these issues.

In Section 006, we also intend to:

Learn about Africa - its resources, people, struggles, and hopes;
Understand some of the economic, environmental, social, and political dimensions of georesource exploitation;
Learn about the 'hidden' linkages between our modern lives and poverty and exploitation in several African countries;
Evaluate future visions for more just and sustainable georesource management;
Examine what can be done at the local, national, and international level to enhance livelihoods, preserve the environment, and pursue economic growth;
Understand the role of scientists and academics in addressing and solving real world problems in georesource management, today and in the future.