5 Themes of Geography - Movement

At the beginning of the semester, we began learning about the study of geography through the "5 Themes"- Movement, Region, Location, Human-Environment Interaction and Place. When we look at the world using this framework, it helps us to see how interconnectedness and interdependence impact us as global citizens. It also helps the students to see the varying perspectives of different cultures. Today and tomorrow we will use "movement" to discuss the influence of Arab culture. 

The theme movement addresses this question: How and why are places connected with one another? Relationships between people in different places are shaped by the constant movement of people, ideas and materials. 


In class today, we analyzed a map showing the spread of Islam from the Arabian Peninsula, through SW Asia, North Africa and Spain. Using what they know about the beliefs and practices of Islamic cultures, the students were asked to make connections between the origins of the Islamic religion and events in the world today, specifically The Arab Spring.