Philosophy

The course aims to provide students with the theoretical and methodological tools of geography useful for the critical understanding of the relationship between natural environments and human societies. The first part of the course will focus on the critical examination of the concept of environment and development, reviewing international agreements, events and key concepts of the environmental issue. The second part of the course will examine the ecosystem logics and the main modes of human impact, with in-depth analysis of specific case studies. The third part of the course will be dedicated to the examination of the theoretical approaches of environmental geography, as well as to the current modes of investigation and related research methods.

No prequisites are required.

1) Banini T. (2025). La questione ambientale. Eventi, accordi, concetti-chiave. Roma, Edizioni Nuova Cultura; 2) Banini T. (2010). Il cerchio e la linea. Alla radice della questione ambientale, Roma, Aracne (only introduction, chapters 2, 3, 4 and conclusions, available in pdf on the teacher's web page).

Attending the course is recommended.

The evaluation consists of an oral exam. In particular, the following aspects will be assessed: in-depth knowledge of the topics managed in the texts to be studied, and the ability to analyze related specific contents (points 1-15); the ability to critically argue and discuss the topics studied (points 1-10); the ownership of language and the correct use of the geographical lexicon (points 1-5).

Lectures based on a critical analysis of the texts to be studied. Active student participation is highly encouraged and will be solicited throughout the lessons.