Human and Economic geography 1

Teacher(s)

Meyfroidt Patrick; Meyfroidt Patrick (compensates Vanwambeke Sophie); Vanwambeke Sophie;

Language

French

Prerequisites

The prerequisite(s) for this Teaching Unit (Unité d’enseignement – UE) for the programmes/courses that offer this Teaching Unit are specified at the end of this sheet.

Main themes

The course covers two areas of human geography: rural geography and geography of health. Rural geography Themes: spatial organisation of rural areas: von Thünen's model; contemporary issues in western rural areas. Objectives: understanding the basic principles of rural geography as well as the major contemporary challenges in rural areas of Europe. These will be addressed using concrete examples, such as the issue of multi-functionality. Geography of health Themes: ecosystem services in terms of health; classic diffusion and transmission models: Hägerstrand, basic reproductive rate, entomological inoculation rate; the question of biodiversity (dilution/amplification); comparing empirical and process-based approaches; public health challenges of global environmental changes.

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Understand the main spatial models of infectious diseases, including those transmitted by vectors; understanding environmental factors that influence human health in various ecosystems, with a specific focus on infectious diseases. Both parts of the course, rural geography and geography of health, combine by common tools, such as Hägerstrand's diffusion model, and by common focal points, such as the impact of human activities on landscapes and the environment. -environment, including aspects related to health; -cultural geography of rural areas.

The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled “Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.

Content

The course is organised in four main parts:
1/ Theoretical modes to analyse rural areas
2/ Rural transformations in Europe since 1950
3/ Politics and governance of rural areas
4/ Health geography
The course is given in French.

Teaching methods

Theoretical lectures, discussions, practical exercises.

Evaluation methods

Exam on the theoretical content: 50%
Reports from practical exercises: 50%.

Online resources

Through Moodle

Faculty or entity

GEOG