GEOG 242: Regional Geography of Sub-Saharan Africa

This course provides a basic background in African geography, leading to discussion of contemporary issues. Topics include: physical geography (landscapes, climate, vegetation); human-environment interactions (forest degradation, desertification, sustainability); population dynamics (growth, distribution and migration); social issues (gender roles, the impact of AIDS); ‘development’ (ideology, economic & social progress); agriculture (traditional farming systems, cash crops); urban issues (urbanization processes, housing); and political geography (democratization, conflict). This course is designed to be offered in either regular classroom mode or as a field study, with similar content and evaluation criteria.