Geography Topic 1: Introduction to Geography (Updated New Syllabus)

Geography Topic 1: Introduction to Geography (Updated New Syllabus)

CHAPTER ONE: Introduction to geography

The word geography comes from two greek word geo which means the earth and grapho which means to draw, describe or write. The two words are joined to form one word “geographia” which means writting about the earth”

Therefore geography is the scientific study of physical characteristics of the Earth and their influence on human life and activities.

Branches of geography

There are two main branches of geography namely: –

1. Physical geography
2. Human and economic geography

a. Physical geography

Physical geography is involved with the study of the natural features of the earth.

It focuses on the structure of the earth, atmospheric processes and the formation and distribution of landforms such as mountains, valleys, plateaus and distribution of plants and animals

b. Human and economic geography

Human geography is concerned with the study of man made features found on the earths surface. It also deals with the interaction between human population aspects such as population struture, distribution,growth, settlement and human activities.

N.B. the two major brances need geographical skills and techniqques that are covered under the technique known as practical geography. Practical geography is important in studying physical geography and human geography because::It helps learners acquire skills that enhance their curiosity and ability to understood.

Why are we studying geography?

1. It increases awareness of our country as our national heritage including its boundaries and resources
2. It helps to develop the basic skills of observation measuring, recording, storing, analysis and interpreting geographical phenomena
3. It helps us to understand our culture and how it differ from other cultures
4. it helps us gain knowledge and skills for improving ways of utilizing our resources for our development
5. It equips man with skills for environmental conservation and management.
6. it give us practical skills and knowledge relating to various fields like map making [cartography], teaching and researching, surveying ,land use planning natural resources management etc.
7. it help us to realize how natural resources are distributed over the country
8. It helps us to understand why some areas are highly populated while others are sparsely populated.

Relationship between geography and other disciplines

1. Astronomers who study about heavenly bodies like stars, planets, comets galaxies and moon use geographical knowledge and skills to understand their explorations
2. When studying about soil science and geology, geography gives a basis for understanding and analyzing the type, structure and composition of soil and rocks.
3. When studying about forces of gravity in physics scientists use geographical knowledge to explain these forces.
4. When studying human culture- geography provides a basis for understanding spatial distribution and how people interact with environment.
5. It is also related to political science especially when describing political boundaries, regions population size and distribution of resources in different locations.