UNIT I: Intro to Geography Cultural Ecology

Aristotle “The well-known contrast between the energetic people of the most progressive parts of the temperate zone and the inert inhabitants of the tropics and even of intermediate regions, such as Persia [modern day Iran], is largely due to climate. . . .the people of the cyclonic regions rank so far above those of the other parts of the world that they are natural leaders.” - What is he saying? Or eluding to?

What Geographers thought before: Environmental Determinism Just from hearing the term, what do you think this suggest?

Environmental Determinism Human behavior is controlled [determined] by the physical environment. To Aristotle the most ideal climate was that of Greece. Today: Climates most suited for progress/productiveness in culture, politics or technology is that of: Western Europe USA Why? What’s so great about those climates? Can you think of examples where this does not hold true?

Why does Environmental Determinism not hold true? People are the decision makers and the modifiers – not just slaves of environmental forces! People and their cultures shape environments, constantly altering the landscape and effecting environmental systems.

So what do Geographers follow today if Environmental Determinism doesn’t hold true?

Just from hearing the term, what do you think that this suggests? Possibilism Just from hearing the term, what do you think that this suggests?

Possibilism Environment merely serves to limit the range of choices available to a culture. Choices that a society makes depends on its members’: Things needed by that society Technology available Today , it is possible to do many things that are at odds with the environment – examples?

Case Study in Possibilism: New Orleans, Louisiana Guesses as to how this city is an example of Possibilism?

“City in a Bowl”

Why this locality? Lake Pontchatrain to the North Mississippi to the South

What makes this city unique? Originally a Spanish city Ceded to the French in 1763 Louisiana Purchase in 1803 Haitian Revolution in 1804

When you think of New Orleans what do you think of?

Paper Assignment Although Possibilism allows for humans to virtually build anything anywhere, is it really worthwhile for the city of New Orleans to rebuild the levees/city after the wreckage of Hurricane Katrina – why or why not?