Human and Economic geography 1

Teacher(s)

Meyfroidt Patrick; 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.

Content

Rural geography: theoretical models from geography, sociology and economy of rural areas: von Thünen, Ricardo, various visions of rural areas and rurality. Evolution of European rural areas since 1950: demograph, socio-economy, land use. Contemporary issues of western rural areas. Geography of health: in the perspective of multifunctionality of rural and "natural" areas, we will examine positive and negative associations with human health. Geographical concepts such as spatial relations and scale, as well as human-environment interactions and ecosystem services frame these topics. 
The course is given in French.

Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Theoretical lectures, discussions, practical exercises.

Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Exam on the theoretical content: 50%
Reports from practical exercises: 50%.
For the second session, only a written exam on the theoretical content will be organized; The marks for the practical exercises will be attached to all the sessions of the academic year.

Online resources

https://moodleucl.uclouvain.be/course/view.php?id=8999

Teaching materials

• matériel sur moodle

Faculty or entity

GEOG