CULTURAL AND AESTHETIC EVALUATION OF GEO-MORPHOSITES
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher:
SIMONE MINEO
Expected Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
The course aims to provide students with the theoretical and practical foundations necessary to understand the relationships between the geomorphological characteristics of coastal, volcanic, and karst environments and the development of tourism activities.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the course, students will have acquired the skills necessary to:
* identify the main landforms of coastal, volcanic, and karst landscapes;
* relate potential geomorphological hazards to tourism itineraries;
* promote elements of geomorphological heritage as resources for sustainable tourism.
Making Judgements
Students will be able to independently interpret information derived from landscape observation and apply it to the design of experiential tourism activities by developing itineraries that integrate the interpretation of geological and landscape features.
Communication Skills
Students will acquire the ability to communicate the concepts covered in the course using appropriate technical terminology for different audiences. The oral examination will provide an opportunity to further develop both technical language and oral communication skills.
Learning Skills
Students will be able to independently expand their knowledge of the topics covered in the course and apply it in practical contexts through further study of the recommended textbooks and scientific literature, as well as through insights gained from any additional learning activities organized as part of the course.
Course Structure
Generally, teaching takes place through classroom lessons with the support of multimedia material (slides projected during lessons) and possible handouts. Practical exercises and/or field trips may also be planned.
Required Prerequisites
None
Attendance of Lessons
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Detailed Course Content
1) Volcanoes and Volcanic Geomorphology: the main elementary landforms produced by volcanic activity; volcanic edifices; erosional landforms in volcanic environments.
2) Coastal Geomorphology: the action of marine processes on coastlines; morphological classification of coasts.
3) Karst Geomorphology: types and characteristics of soluble rocks; surface karst landforms; underground karst caves and cave systems.
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The learning assessment is carried out in oral mode, through questions on the program covered. The final grade will represent the balanced synthesis between the preparation and the synthesis, presentation and connection skills shown by the candidate during the exam; the commitment, consistency and interest shown by the student during the lectures and practical activities will also be taken into account. During the exam, it may also be required to write down any formulas studied and/or to outline some concepts freehand (e.g. sections and profiles).
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
1) What is meant by "sinkhole"?
2) What are the groups of rocks mainly affected by solution processes?
3) What is meant by "undercutting"?
4) Schematize the transverse profile of a beach.
5) List the types of volcanic edifices.
