SED 741 - Dr. Gayle Olson-Raymer

Blending History and Geography - how do we teach geopolitically?


Below are the discussion guides on teaching geography.  Remember, each is separated by a solid line.

Traditionial interpretation of geography:  the study of land, places, and the people in those lands.

Contemporary intepretation of geography: the study of geopolitics - the influence of geography, culture, ethnicity, and religion on the politics, especially the domestic and foreign policies, of a nation.


Teaching geography in our classrooms requires us to teach students:
  1. to learn to read maps by thinking about how and why maps shape our perceptions of geography and our world; and
  2. to think about geography in geopolitical terms.

Map of the United States

What we need to know about maps:
  1. Maps can be fun.
  2. Everyone can make a map.
  3. All maps are selective and represent a point of view.
  4. Every map is a view of the globe - to show one view accurately, you must distort another.
  5. It is important to ask questions about maps.
  6. Maps should be analyzed in geopolitical terms.
 Questions to Think About When Reading Maps
  1. For what specific purposes do you think the map was created?
  2. Who do you think would use this map?
  3. What is accurately reflected in this map?
  4. What is inaccurately reflected in this map?
  5. What story is told in this map?
  6. What cultural assumptions or biases are reflected on the map?
  7. What is at the center of the map?
  8. What is left in the margins of the map?
  9. What is entirely left off the map?
  10. Does the map emphasize the needs and goals of a certain class of people?
  11. Are quality of life issues reflected in the map?
  12. How would you change the map to better fit your needs and values?

Expanding the Boundaries of Our World: A Geopolitical Discussion
Teacher Resources