GEOGRAFIA DELLE COMUNITA' UMANE E DEI MUTAMENTI AMBIENTALI
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher:
DONATELLA STEFANIA PRIVITERA
Expected Learning Outcomes
In terms of knowledge, the student will acquire the main concepts, theories and methods of geography in the analysis of spatial and environmental issues and policies, knowing how to apply to projects, political and environmental conflicts and territorial. An important component of the course will be the development of students’ analytical and critical-thinking skills. Through practical exercises, case-study analysis, group work, and reports, students will be encouraged to apply theoretical concepts to real-world sustainability issues, evaluate alternative approaches, formulate informed choices, and critically discuss possible solutions. An important component of the course will be the development of students’ analytical and critical-thinking skills. Through practical exercises, case-study analysis, group work, and reports, students will be encouraged to apply theoretical concepts to real-world sustainability issues, evaluate alternative approaches, formulate informed choices, and critically discuss possible solutions.
Course Structure
Lectures, verification exercises are planned. In addition, visits and application investigations in the field, at institutions and/or places of interest useful for in-depth study of the topics covered. Description of case studies and use of digital tools, online materials and viewing of instructional videos. In addition, working groups will be formed for field application study and research of real cases. If, due to contingent problems, the teaching is given in a blended or distance mode, necessary variations from what has been stated above may be introduced.
Required Prerequisites
An interdisciplinary connection capacity with adequate dialectical expression regarding the contents of the topics presented in the program is required. Students should have basic knowledge of geography, with particular reference to the concepts of territory, environment, population and human-environment relationships. Basics on the main contemporary environmental problems, such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, land use and environmental degradation. Relevant is the ability to understand and discuss current topics with basic computer skills for making presentations, knowledge in the interpretation of information, including the ability to use bibliographic sources and data available online.
Attendance of Lessons
Optional
Detailed Course Content
The course aims to explore and interpret the complex relationships between the environment and human communities in the current era of the Anthropocene, with particular attention to climate change, socio-environmental dynamics, and their impacts on territories and societies. It adopts an interdisciplinary perspective to examine how environmental change, biodiversity loss, human activities, and sustainability challenges interact across different spatial and temporal scales, from local and regional to global contexts. Explain the main concepts and principles related to sustainability, climate change, biodiversity, environmental degradation, and the Anthropocene.
Understand and interpret the complex interactions between human communities, environmental processes, and territorial transformations.
Analyse socio-environmental challenges across different geographical and territorial scales.
Apply theoretical concepts and methodological tools to real-world sustainability issues and territorial case studies.
Evaluate the environmental and social implications of human activities and alternative sustainability strategies.
Develop and communicate critical perspectives on contemporary sustainability challenges through individual reports, practical assignments, and group work.
Formulate informed opinions and decisions concerning environmental and territorial issues based on interdisciplinary knowledge and evidence.
Textbook Information
For Erasmus students and foreigners it is' possible to agree a program in English, and afford the examination with a written test.
English text: Mark Whitehead (2014), Environmental Transformations: A Geography of the Anthropocene 1st Edition, Routledge, NW.
| Author | Title | Publisher | Year | ISBN |
|---|
| Bonati S., Tononi M. (a cura di), | CAMBIAMENTO CLIMATICO E RISCHIO. PROPOSTE PER UNA DIDATTICA GEOGRAFICA | Franco Angeli, | 2020 | |
| Privitera D., Nicolosi A., | Comunità, luoghi e Condivisione. Esplorazione di modelli alternativi di consumo | Franco Angeli | 2017 | |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
During the didactic semester of lectures, intermediate tests are planned both by creating working groups and individual written presentations also with the use of platforms such as exam.net. During the exam sessions, the tests will be written on the day of the set dates. The student's evaluation is assigned according to the mastery of the topics, the expository skills, knowledge of the disciplinary lexicon, critical and interdisciplinary insights and relative capacity for applied comprehension. In addition, the ability to interact in work groups if attending will also be evaluated. Participation in educational visits/seminars organized during the semester will be of added value.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
Numerous and frequent sample applications for each topic covered will be addressed during the course lectures. Working groups are aimed at devising and creating presentations, research of real application cases. The exam will be carried out in writing, during the appeals of the different sessions, and tends to verify the skills acquired and the ability to elaborate, dialectic, critical deepening and feedback in the application of knowledge.
