Geography of the World (ERASMUS) 1900-ERASMUS-GOW

The course gives the regional approach to the geography of the world. During the course several different regions are presented with the reference to their development, specific features and characteristics.

Course can be realized in different forms: lecture, workshops and discussion based on the literature.
The course is conducted by several lecturers.

Main topics:

1. South-East Asia.
The lectures gives the background informations about the most important social, economic and natural environment features of the region with focus on tourism development and infrastructure. It also provides informations on agriculture, rural areas settlements, problems of biggest cities, migrations and protected areas.

2. United States. Tourism movement and tourism infrastructure in National Parks of United States (e.g. Everglades National Park, Yellowstone NP, Mesa Verde NP, Yosemite NP, Badlands NP, Archers NP, Sequoia NP, Grand Canyon NP, Joshua Tree NP, Saguaro NP).

3. Geography of anti-incineration movement: This lecture adopts a pro-activist perspective to examine the global geography of the anti-incineration movement, drawing extensively on data from the Environmental Justice Atlas (EJAtlas). It critiques waste-to-energy projects through socio-economic and environmental lenses, highlighting case studies such as displaced waste pickers in Mexico City and Cairo, health risks in marginalized U.S. communities, and Poland’s clash between incineration and EU recycling targets. The session emphasizes grassroots resistance, zero-waste alternatives, and spatial justice, framing incineration as a driver of inequality. Students will analyze conflicts, policy tensions, and activist-led solutions to evaluate equitable waste management strategies.

4. Northern Africa and Middle East. Geography of the Arab countries with particular emphasis on socio-cultural and economic issues (on the example of United Arab Emirates).

5. Sub-Saharan Africa – delimitation of the region in various classifications; environmental, cultural, social and economic characteristics of the region; urban and rural areas and settlement problems; the most important challenges in the 21st century.

6. France – country on many continents seen in a global context. The first aim of the lectures is to present postcolonial France, political, cultural and socio-economic relations between the metropolis and its overseas territories and former colonies. The second aim is to show the soft power of metropolitan France, its diplomatic, cultural and economic presence in the world and its chosen regions uniqueness.

7. Central and Eastern Europe.
This part aims to discuss selected processes shaping urban areas in Central and Eastern Europe. It will cover topics from historical conditions shaping cities, transformation in the 90s to changes in the 21st century (e.g., revitalization of inner-city areas, social polarization and fragmentation of neighborhoods, and new pro-ecological investments). The subjects discussed are socially important and pay attachment to the inclusion of different social groups and state questions about contemporary types of city development and the need for a more sustainable approach.

8. Latin America. Galapagos Islands region - the characteristics of the functioning of the national park and marine reserve. Natural attractions of the Galapagos archipelago. Local population - social and economic development. Organization and development of tourism.

9. Biogeography and environmental protection.
The main purpose of this lecture is to present the complexity of wildlife conservation in Africa, using mountain gorillas as a case study, and to demonstrate how ecological, social, and economic tools can support sustainable preservation efforts. It includes the outlining of Africa’s biodiversity, ecosystems and conservation challenges. Then we will discuss the habitat, ecological role, threats and conservation strategies of mountain gorillas. The lecture also highlights the role of international organizations, community-based conservation and eco-tourism in protecting wildlife.

9 ECTS lecture x 25 h. = 225 h., including:
45 hours - hours in direct contact with the teacher, i.e. participation in classes,
180 hours - student's own contribution: 50 hours - reading the literature, 60 hours preparation of a written assignment, 30 hours - preparation for the class discussion, 40 hours - analysis of lecture materials