Human and Regional Geography
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course will analyse the main contemporary geographical contexts and how they have been affected by profound changes occurred in the last decades at spatial, territorial, environmental and regional levels. The emergence of new production systems, the growing interdependence of the different regions of the planet and the overcoming of traditional relations among these regions, highlight how today different factors of historical, political, socio-economic and cultural nature act on Earth to reshape the material and immaterial landscapes that were inherited from the past. Their mutation and narration must be familiar to linguistic and cultural mediators, in order to better enhance their professional skills in the society and on territories.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will have to demonstrate that they have attained specific competencies in the analysis of territorial relations at different scales, from local to global. Therefore, they should be able to read and understand the meaning of the socio-spatial processes that define the morphogenetic characteristics of the various human and regional contexts, immersed in broader supranational and global dynamics.
Lesson period: Activity scheduled over several sessions (see Course syllabus and organization section for more detailed information).
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
A-K
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course will introduce the main contents, objectives, and methods of analysis of Human and Regional Geography. In particular, the concept of region will be addressed in its various forms (human, cultural, political, economic, urban, etc.), from a multi-scalar perspective. Moreover, the main thematic areas of the discipline will be analyzed: population geography (demographic dynamics and migrations), economic geography (productive systems, globalization, territorial inequalities), political geography (spatial organization, borders, geopolitics), and urban geography (urbanization, cities, megalopolises, global cities). Finally, the course will provide an in-depth focus on cultural geography, with particular attention to topics related to identity, languages, and religions, in order to promote an interdisciplinary approach useful for interpreting the complexity of the contemporary world, in line with the training of linguistic and cultural mediators. Attendance is recommended for better preparation for the exam; however, for those who will not be able to attend, a specific program for non-attending students will be provided. To complement the program and fill any knowledge gaps, students are encouraged to consult supplementary tools and resources, such as recent editions of atlases by Touring Club Italiano, De Agostini, Zanichelli, Le Monde Diplomatique, Calendario Atlante De Agostini, and others.
Prerequisites for admission
To be able to understand the variety of contemporary geographical regions in relation to their evolution and transformation, both from a diachronic perspective (through the comparison of different historical periods) and a synchronic one. To be able to observe, describe, and analyze phenomena belonging to both the natural and human-made environments from a systemic perspective, acknowledging their heterogeneity and complexity.
Teaching methods
The course is mainly structured around lectures, aimed at stimulating logical and conceptual learning. During the lessons, though, visual materials such as images, photographs, maps, and paracartographic representations will also be used to strengthen visual and iconographic learning and to support the critical analysis of territorial phenomena. The course also includes moments of guided discussion and interaction between the instructor and students, intended to encourage dialogue and to reinforce analytical skills. All teaching materials used during the lectures—including slides, readings, and supplementary cartographic sources—will be made available through the Ariel platform. Attendance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended, as active participation supports the achievement of learning objectives and the development of the skills targeted by the course.
Teaching Resources
Program for ATTENDING STUDENTS
Teaching Unit A
- Lectures by the instructor and materials made available on the University's Ariel e-learning platform.
- Frémont A., "Vi piace la geografia?", Italian edition edited by Dino Gavinelli, Carocci, Roma, 2007 (all chapters except 18 and 19 must be studied).
Teaching Unit B
- Lectures by the instructor and materials made available on the University's Ariel e-learning platform.
- Gavinelli D., Goldstein Bolocan M. (eds.), "Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire", Milano, Pearson, 2022.
Program for NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Teaching Unit A
- Bjelland M.D., Montello D.R. and Getis A., "Geografia umana", 5th edition, Milano, McGraw-Hill Education, 2024 (excluding chapters 2 and 8).
Teaching Unit B
- Gavinelli D., Goldstein Bolocan M. (eds.), "Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire", Milano, Pearson, 2022.
PLUS ONE BOOK OF YOUR CHOICE FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST:
- Molinari P. (ed.), "Periferie europee. Istituzioni sociali, politiche, luoghi". II volume, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2021.
- Tononi M., Pietta A., "Città in transizione: un'analisi geografica delle relazioni socio-ecologiche a scala urbana", Milano-Udine, Mimesis, 2021.
- Varani N., Mazza G., "Il mosaico dell'Africa sub-sahariana. Sostenibilità e geopolitica", Roma, Carocci, 2023.
- Zavettieri G. G., "Geografia dei Paesi arabi. Patrimoni culturali, identità territoriali e nuove urbanità", Roma, Carocci, 2024.
- Cella G., "Storia e geopolitica della crisi ucraina. Dalla Rus' di Kiev a oggi", Roma, Carocci, 2021.
- Dian M., Diodato E. (eds.), "Geopolitica dell'Asia Orientale. Sicurezza, economia, ideologia, Roma", Carocci, 2024.
- Malfatti di Monte Tretto G., "America Latina: democrazia, populismo e criminalità", Eurolinks University Press, 2024.
- Vaghi M. (ed.), "I mondi dell'Asia", Milano-Udine, Mimesis, 2016 (Part III of the volume, "Europa e Asia/Asia e Europa," is not required).
Teaching Unit A
- Lectures by the instructor and materials made available on the University's Ariel e-learning platform.
- Frémont A., "Vi piace la geografia?", Italian edition edited by Dino Gavinelli, Carocci, Roma, 2007 (all chapters except 18 and 19 must be studied).
Teaching Unit B
- Lectures by the instructor and materials made available on the University's Ariel e-learning platform.
- Gavinelli D., Goldstein Bolocan M. (eds.), "Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire", Milano, Pearson, 2022.
Program for NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Teaching Unit A
- Bjelland M.D., Montello D.R. and Getis A., "Geografia umana", 5th edition, Milano, McGraw-Hill Education, 2024 (excluding chapters 2 and 8).
Teaching Unit B
- Gavinelli D., Goldstein Bolocan M. (eds.), "Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire", Milano, Pearson, 2022.
PLUS ONE BOOK OF YOUR CHOICE FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST:
- Molinari P. (ed.), "Periferie europee. Istituzioni sociali, politiche, luoghi". II volume, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2021.
- Tononi M., Pietta A., "Città in transizione: un'analisi geografica delle relazioni socio-ecologiche a scala urbana", Milano-Udine, Mimesis, 2021.
- Varani N., Mazza G., "Il mosaico dell'Africa sub-sahariana. Sostenibilità e geopolitica", Roma, Carocci, 2023.
- Zavettieri G. G., "Geografia dei Paesi arabi. Patrimoni culturali, identità territoriali e nuove urbanità", Roma, Carocci, 2024.
- Cella G., "Storia e geopolitica della crisi ucraina. Dalla Rus' di Kiev a oggi", Roma, Carocci, 2021.
- Dian M., Diodato E. (eds.), "Geopolitica dell'Asia Orientale. Sicurezza, economia, ideologia, Roma", Carocci, 2024.
- Malfatti di Monte Tretto G., "America Latina: democrazia, populismo e criminalità", Eurolinks University Press, 2024.
- Vaghi M. (ed.), "I mondi dell'Asia", Milano-Udine, Mimesis, 2016 (Part III of the volume, "Europa e Asia/Asia e Europa," is not required).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral interview on the topics described in the syllabus, aimed at assessing their knowledge of the main themes of Human and Regional Geography. In particular, students must demonstrate that they have acquired the knowledge and understanding necessary to interpret the main contemporary territorial processes operating at different scales. Students are also expected to be able to use basic disciplinary terminology.
The syllabus is valid for one academic year starting from the end of the course lectures.
The syllabus is valid for one academic year starting from the end of the course lectures.
L-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course will introduce the main contents, objectives, and methods of analysis of Human and Regional Geography. In particular, the concept of region will be addressed in its various forms (human, cultural, political, economic, urban, etc.), from a multi-scalar perspective. Moreover, the main thematic areas of the discipline will be analyzed: population geography (demographic dynamics and migrations), economic geography (productive systems, globalization, territorial inequalities), political geography (spatial organization, borders, geopolitics), and urban geography (urbanization, cities, megalopolises, global cities). Finally, the course will provide an in-depth focus on cultural geography, with particular attention to topics related to identity, languages, and religions, in order to promote an interdisciplinary approach useful for interpreting the complexity of the contemporary world, in line with the training of linguistic and cultural mediators. Attendance is recommended for better preparation for the exam; however, for those who will not be able to attend, a specific program for non-attending students will be provided. To complement the program and fill any knowledge gaps, students are encouraged to consult supplementary tools and resources, such as recent editions of atlases by Touring Club Italiano, De Agostini, Zanichelli, Le Monde Diplomatique, Calendario Atlante De Agostini, and others.
Prerequisites for admission
To be able to understand the variety of contemporary geographical regions in relation to their evolution and transformation, both from a diachronic perspective (through the comparison of different historical periods) and a synchronic one. To be able to observe, describe, and analyze phenomena belonging to both the natural and human-made environments from a systemic perspective, acknowledging their heterogeneity and complexity.
Teaching methods
The course is mainly structured around lectures, aimed at stimulating logical and conceptual learning. During the lessons, though, visual materials such as images, photographs, maps, and paracartographic representations will also be used to strengthen visual and iconographic learning and to support the critical analysis of territorial phenomena. The course also includes moments of guided discussion and interaction between the instructor and students, intended to encourage dialogue and to reinforce analytical skills. All teaching materials used during the lectures—including slides, readings, and supplementary cartographic sources—will be made available through the Ariel platform. Attendance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended, as active participation supports the achievement of learning objectives and the development of the skills targeted by the course.
Teaching Resources
Program for ATTENDING STUDENTS
Teaching Unit A
- Lectures by the instructor and materials made available on the University's Ariel e-learning platform.
- Frémont A., Vi piace la geografia?, Italian edition edited by Dino Gavinelli, Carocci, Roma, 2007 (all chapters except 18 and 19 must be studied).
Teaching Unit B
- Lectures by the instructor and materials made available on the University's Ariel e-learning platform.
- Gavinelli D., Goldstein Bolocan M. (eds.), Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire, Milano, Pearson, 2022.
Program for NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Teaching Unit A
- Bjelland M.D., Montello D.R. and Getis A., Geografia umana, 5th edition, Milano, McGraw-Hill Education, 2024 (excluding chapters 2 and 8).
Teaching Unit B
- Gavinelli D., Goldstein Bolocan M. (eds.), Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire, Milano, Pearson, 2022.
Plus one book of your choice from the following list:
- Molinari P. (ed.), Periferie europee. Istituzioni sociali, politiche, luoghi. II volume, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2021.
- Tononi M., Pietta A., Città in transizione: un'analisi geografica delle relazioni socio-ecologiche a scala urbana, Milano-Udine, Mimesis, 2021.
- Varani N., Mazza G., Il mosaico dell'Africa sub-sahariana. Sostenibilità e geopolitica, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
- Zavettieri G. G., Geografia dei Paesi arabi. Patrimoni culturali, identità territoriali e nuove urbanità, Roma, Carocci, 2024.
- Cella G., Storia e geopolitica della crisi ucraina. Dalla Rus' di Kiev a oggi, Roma, Carocci, 2021.
- Dian M., Diodato E. (eds.), Geopolitica dell'Asia Orientale. Sicurezza, economia, ideologia, Roma, Carocci, 2024.
- Malfatti di Monte Tretto G., America Latina: democrazia, populismo e criminalità, Eurolinks University Press, 2024.
- Vaghi M. (ed.), I mondi dell'Asia, Milano-Udine, Mimesis, 2016 (Part III of the volume, "Europa e Asia/Asia e Europa," is not required).
Teaching Unit A
- Lectures by the instructor and materials made available on the University's Ariel e-learning platform.
- Frémont A., Vi piace la geografia?, Italian edition edited by Dino Gavinelli, Carocci, Roma, 2007 (all chapters except 18 and 19 must be studied).
Teaching Unit B
- Lectures by the instructor and materials made available on the University's Ariel e-learning platform.
- Gavinelli D., Goldstein Bolocan M. (eds.), Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire, Milano, Pearson, 2022.
Program for NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Teaching Unit A
- Bjelland M.D., Montello D.R. and Getis A., Geografia umana, 5th edition, Milano, McGraw-Hill Education, 2024 (excluding chapters 2 and 8).
Teaching Unit B
- Gavinelli D., Goldstein Bolocan M. (eds.), Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire, Milano, Pearson, 2022.
Plus one book of your choice from the following list:
- Molinari P. (ed.), Periferie europee. Istituzioni sociali, politiche, luoghi. II volume, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2021.
- Tononi M., Pietta A., Città in transizione: un'analisi geografica delle relazioni socio-ecologiche a scala urbana, Milano-Udine, Mimesis, 2021.
- Varani N., Mazza G., Il mosaico dell'Africa sub-sahariana. Sostenibilità e geopolitica, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
- Zavettieri G. G., Geografia dei Paesi arabi. Patrimoni culturali, identità territoriali e nuove urbanità, Roma, Carocci, 2024.
- Cella G., Storia e geopolitica della crisi ucraina. Dalla Rus' di Kiev a oggi, Roma, Carocci, 2021.
- Dian M., Diodato E. (eds.), Geopolitica dell'Asia Orientale. Sicurezza, economia, ideologia, Roma, Carocci, 2024.
- Malfatti di Monte Tretto G., America Latina: democrazia, populismo e criminalità, Eurolinks University Press, 2024.
- Vaghi M. (ed.), I mondi dell'Asia, Milano-Udine, Mimesis, 2016 (Part III of the volume, "Europa e Asia/Asia e Europa," is not required).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral interview on the topics described in the syllabus, aimed at assessing their knowledge of the main themes of Human and Regional Geography. In particular, students must demonstrate that they have acquired the knowledge and understanding necessary to interpret the main contemporary territorial processes operating at different scales. Students are also expected to be able to use basic disciplinary terminology.
The syllabus is valid for one academic year starting from the end of the course lectures.
The syllabus is valid for one academic year starting from the end of the course lectures.
Professor(s)
Reception:
Office hours are held every Tuesday, on a weekly basis, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. It is not necessary to book.
Office hours will be held in presence in the office 1044 in Sesto San Giovanni or, for specific reasons, via skype. The skype address during reception hours is: dinogavinelli.