Human and Regional Geography
A.Y. 2026/2027
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 can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Surname A-K
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course introduces the fundamental concepts, objectives, and tools of Human and Regional Geography, with particular attention to the relationships among societies, cultures, economies, and territories. The starting point is the concept of region, understood as a historical, political, cultural, and economic construct that can be examined at different scales: local, national, supranational, and global.
Following an overview of the discipline, its methods, and the critical use of geographical and cartographic sources, the course addresses the main dynamics of population geography, including population distribution, demographic change, migration, and contemporary mobility. This is followed by an exploration of cultural geography, focusing on identities, senses of belonging, and cultural practices, with particular attention to the relationships among languages, religions, territories, and communities in different geographical contexts.
The course then examines the economic and political processes that organize contemporary space, including production systems, economic networks, globalization, territorial inequalities, states, borders, nations, supranational organizations, and territorial conflicts. Issues related to urbanization and cities are also discussed, with reference to the major transformations of contemporary urban spaces.
The aim of the course is to provide students with the analytical tools needed to understand the complexity of the contemporary world and the role of space in processes of encounter, translation, conflict, and mediation among cultures, in line with the educational objectives of linguistic and cultural mediation studies.
Attendance is recommended in order to achieve better preparation for the examination; however, a specific study program will be provided for NON-attending students.
To supplement the course content and address any potential knowledge gaps, students are encouraged to consult additional reference materials and resources, such as atlases published by Touring Club Italiano, De Agostini, and Zanichelli, as well as Le Monde Diplomatique and the Calendario Atlante De Agostini.
Following an overview of the discipline, its methods, and the critical use of geographical and cartographic sources, the course addresses the main dynamics of population geography, including population distribution, demographic change, migration, and contemporary mobility. This is followed by an exploration of cultural geography, focusing on identities, senses of belonging, and cultural practices, with particular attention to the relationships among languages, religions, territories, and communities in different geographical contexts.
The course then examines the economic and political processes that organize contemporary space, including production systems, economic networks, globalization, territorial inequalities, states, borders, nations, supranational organizations, and territorial conflicts. Issues related to urbanization and cities are also discussed, with reference to the major transformations of contemporary urban spaces.
The aim of the course is to provide students with the analytical tools needed to understand the complexity of the contemporary world and the role of space in processes of encounter, translation, conflict, and mediation among cultures, in line with the educational objectives of linguistic and cultural mediation studies.
Attendance is recommended in order to achieve better preparation for the examination; however, a specific study program will be provided for NON-attending students.
To supplement the course content and address any potential knowledge gaps, students are encouraged to consult additional reference materials and resources, such as atlases published by Touring Club Italiano, De Agostini, and Zanichelli, as well as Le Monde Diplomatique and the Calendario Atlante De Agostini.
Prerequisites for admission
To be able to understand the diversity of contemporary geographical regions with reference to their evolution and transformations, both from a diachronic perspective (through comparison across different historical periods) and from a synchronic perspective. To be able to observe, describe, and analyze phenomena belonging to both the natural and human environment from a systemic perspective, taking into account heterogeneity and complexity.
Teaching methods
The course is primarily delivered through lectures, designed to stimulate logical and conceptual learning. During the lectures, visual materials such as images, photographs, maps, and graphic representations will also be used to strengthen visual and iconographic learning and to support the critical analysis of territorial phenomena. The course further includes interactive teaching activities, such as guided discussions, classroom questions, and case-study analyses, with the aim of encouraging interaction between the instructor and students and reinforcing analytical skills. Teaching materials used during the lectures, including slides and any supplementary readings and geo-cartographic sources, will be made available through the Ariel platform. Attendance is optional but strongly recommended, as active participation facilitates the achievement of the learning objectives and the development of the competencies expected by the course. For non-attending students, a specific study program has been designed to ensure the attainment of the same content and learning outcomes as the regular course.
Teaching Resources
Programme for ATTENDING STUDENTS
1) Lectures delivered by the professor and all materials made available through the University's Ariel online learning platform;
2) Murphy, A.B., Geografia. Perché è importante, Trezzano sul Naviglio, Unicopli, 2025.
3) Gavinelli, D., and Goldstein Bolocan, M. (eds.), Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire, Milan, Pearson, 2022.
Programme for NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
1) Bjelland, M.D., Montello, D.R., and Getis, A., Geografia umana, 5th edition, Milan, McGraw-Hill Education, 2024 (excluding Chapters 2 and 8);
2) Gavinelli, D., and Goldstein Bolocan, M. (eds.), Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire, Milan, Pearson, 2022;
3) One additional BOOK CHOSEN FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST:
- Cella, G., Storia e geopolitica della crisi ucraina. Dalla Rus' di Kiev a oggi, Rome, Carocci, 2021 (required reading: Introduction + Chapters from 7 to 12; Chapters 1-6 are not required).
- Chiodelli, F., Rossetto, T., and Vanolo, A., Città. Introduzione critica alla geografia urbana, Milan, UTET, 2025.
- Dian, M., and Diodato, E. (eds.), Geopolitica dell'Asia Orientale. Sicurezza, economia, ideologia, Rome, Carocci, 2024.
- Malfatti di Monte Tretto, G., America Latina: democrazia, populismo e criminalità, Eurolinks University Press, 2024.
- Molinari, P. (ed.), Periferie europee. Istituzioni sociali, politiche, luoghi, Volume II, Milan, FrancoAngeli, 2021.
- Vaghi, M. (ed.), I mondi dell'Asia, Milan-Udine, Mimesis, 2016 (Part III of the volume, Europa e Asia / Asia e Europa, is not to be studied).
- Varani, N., and Mazza, G., Il mosaico dell'Africa sub-sahariana. Sostenibilità e geopolitica, Rome, Carocci, 2023.
- Zavettieri, G.G., Geografia dei Paesi arabi. Patrimoni culturali, identità territoriali e nuove urbanità, Rome, Carocci, 2024.
1) Lectures delivered by the professor and all materials made available through the University's Ariel online learning platform;
2) Murphy, A.B., Geografia. Perché è importante, Trezzano sul Naviglio, Unicopli, 2025.
3) Gavinelli, D., and Goldstein Bolocan, M. (eds.), Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire, Milan, Pearson, 2022.
Programme for NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
1) Bjelland, M.D., Montello, D.R., and Getis, A., Geografia umana, 5th edition, Milan, McGraw-Hill Education, 2024 (excluding Chapters 2 and 8);
2) Gavinelli, D., and Goldstein Bolocan, M. (eds.), Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire, Milan, Pearson, 2022;
3) One additional BOOK CHOSEN FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST:
- Cella, G., Storia e geopolitica della crisi ucraina. Dalla Rus' di Kiev a oggi, Rome, Carocci, 2021 (required reading: Introduction + Chapters from 7 to 12; Chapters 1-6 are not required).
- Chiodelli, F., Rossetto, T., and Vanolo, A., Città. Introduzione critica alla geografia urbana, Milan, UTET, 2025.
- Dian, M., and Diodato, E. (eds.), Geopolitica dell'Asia Orientale. Sicurezza, economia, ideologia, Rome, Carocci, 2024.
- Malfatti di Monte Tretto, G., America Latina: democrazia, populismo e criminalità, Eurolinks University Press, 2024.
- Molinari, P. (ed.), Periferie europee. Istituzioni sociali, politiche, luoghi, Volume II, Milan, FrancoAngeli, 2021.
- Vaghi, M. (ed.), I mondi dell'Asia, Milan-Udine, Mimesis, 2016 (Part III of the volume, Europa e Asia / Asia e Europa, is not to be studied).
- Varani, N., and Mazza, G., Il mosaico dell'Africa sub-sahariana. Sostenibilità e geopolitica, Rome, Carocci, 2023.
- Zavettieri, G.G., Geografia dei Paesi arabi. Patrimoni culturali, identità territoriali e nuove urbanità, Rome, Carocci, 2024.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination for students consists of an oral interview covering the topics outlined in the syllabus, aimed at assessing knowledge of the main themes of Human and Regional Geography. In particular, students are expected to demonstrate the knowledge and understanding necessary to interpret the principal territorial processes shaping the contemporary world at different spatial scales. Students must also be able to use the basic disciplinary terminology appropriately. The examination syllabus remains valid for one academic year following the end of the course lectures.
GEOG-01/A - Geography - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Surname L-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course introduces the fundamental concepts, objectives, and tools of Human and Regional Geography, with particular attention to the relationships among societies, cultures, economies, and territories. The starting point is the concept of region, understood as a historical, political, cultural, and economic construct that can be examined at different scales: local, national, supranational, and global.
Following an overview of the discipline, its methods, and the critical use of geographical and cartographic sources, the course addresses the main dynamics of population geography, including population distribution, demographic change, migration, and contemporary mobility. This is followed by an exploration of cultural geography, focusing on identities, senses of belonging, and cultural practices, with particular attention to the relationships among languages, religions, territories, and communities in different geographical contexts.
The course then examines the economic and political processes that organize contemporary space, including production systems, economic networks, globalization, territorial inequalities, states, borders, nations, supranational organizations, and territorial conflicts. Issues related to urbanization and cities are also discussed, with reference to the major transformations of contemporary urban spaces.
The aim of the course is to provide students with the analytical tools needed to understand the complexity of the contemporary world and the role of space in processes of encounter, translation, conflict, and mediation among cultures, in line with the educational objectives of linguistic and cultural mediation studies.
Attendance is recommended in order to achieve better preparation for the examination; however, a specific study program will be provided for NON-attending students.
To supplement the course content and address any potential knowledge gaps, students are encouraged to consult additional reference materials and resources, such as atlases published by Touring Club Italiano, De Agostini, and Zanichelli, as well as Le Monde Diplomatique and the Calendario Atlante De Agostini.
Following an overview of the discipline, its methods, and the critical use of geographical and cartographic sources, the course addresses the main dynamics of population geography, including population distribution, demographic change, migration, and contemporary mobility. This is followed by an exploration of cultural geography, focusing on identities, senses of belonging, and cultural practices, with particular attention to the relationships among languages, religions, territories, and communities in different geographical contexts.
The course then examines the economic and political processes that organize contemporary space, including production systems, economic networks, globalization, territorial inequalities, states, borders, nations, supranational organizations, and territorial conflicts. Issues related to urbanization and cities are also discussed, with reference to the major transformations of contemporary urban spaces.
The aim of the course is to provide students with the analytical tools needed to understand the complexity of the contemporary world and the role of space in processes of encounter, translation, conflict, and mediation among cultures, in line with the educational objectives of linguistic and cultural mediation studies.
Attendance is recommended in order to achieve better preparation for the examination; however, a specific study program will be provided for NON-attending students.
To supplement the course content and address any potential knowledge gaps, students are encouraged to consult additional reference materials and resources, such as atlases published by Touring Club Italiano, De Agostini, and Zanichelli, as well as Le Monde Diplomatique and the Calendario Atlante De Agostini.
Prerequisites for admission
To be able to understand the diversity of contemporary geographical regions with reference to their evolution and transformations, both from a diachronic perspective (through comparison across different historical periods) and from a synchronic perspective. To be able to observe, describe, and analyze phenomena belonging to both the natural and human environment from a systemic perspective, taking into account heterogeneity and complexity.
Teaching methods
The course is primarily delivered through lectures, designed to stimulate logical and conceptual learning. During the lectures, visual materials such as images, photographs, maps, and graphic representations will also be used to strengthen visual and iconographic learning and to support the critical analysis of territorial phenomena. The course further includes interactive teaching activities, such as guided discussions, classroom questions, and case-study analyses, with the aim of encouraging interaction between the instructor and students and reinforcing analytical skills. Teaching materials used during the lectures, including slides and any supplementary readings and geo-cartographic sources, will be made available through the Ariel platform. Attendance is optional but strongly recommended, as active participation facilitates the achievement of the learning objectives and the development of the competencies expected by the course. For non-attending students, a specific study program has been designed to ensure the attainment of the same content and learning outcomes as the regular course.
Teaching Resources
Programme for ATTENDING STUDENTS
1) Lectures delivered by the professor and all materials made available through the University's Ariel online learning platform;
2) Murphy, A.B., Geografia. Perché è importante, Trezzano sul Naviglio, Unicopli, 2025.
3) Gavinelli, D., and Goldstein Bolocan, M. (eds.), Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire, Milan, Pearson, 2022.
Programme for NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
1) Bjelland, M.D., Montello, D.R., and Getis, A., Geografia umana, 5th edition, Milan, McGraw-Hill Education, 2024 (excluding Chapters 2 and 8);
2) Gavinelli, D., and Goldstein Bolocan, M. (eds.), Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire, Milan, Pearson, 2022;
3) One additional BOOK CHOSEN FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST:
- Cella, G., Storia e geopolitica della crisi ucraina. Dalla Rus' di Kiev a oggi, Rome, Carocci, 2021 (required reading: Introduction + Chapters from 7 to 12; Chapters 1-6 are not required).
- Chiodelli, F., Rossetto, T., and Vanolo, A., Città. Introduzione critica alla geografia urbana, Milan, UTET, 2025.
- Dian, M., and Diodato, E. (eds.), Geopolitica dell'Asia Orientale. Sicurezza, economia, ideologia, Rome, Carocci, 2024.
- Malfatti di Monte Tretto, G., America Latina: democrazia, populismo e criminalità, Eurolinks University Press, 2024.
- Molinari, P. (ed.), Periferie europee. Istituzioni sociali, politiche, luoghi, Volume II, Milan, FrancoAngeli, 2021.
- Vaghi, M. (ed.), I mondi dell'Asia, Milan-Udine, Mimesis, 2016 (Part III of the volume, Europa e Asia / Asia e Europa, is not to be studied).
- Varani, N., and Mazza, G., Il mosaico dell'Africa sub-sahariana. Sostenibilità e geopolitica, Rome, Carocci, 2023.
- Zavettieri, G.G., Geografia dei Paesi arabi. Patrimoni culturali, identità territoriali e nuove urbanità, Rome, Carocci, 2024.
1) Lectures delivered by the professor and all materials made available through the University's Ariel online learning platform;
2) Murphy, A.B., Geografia. Perché è importante, Trezzano sul Naviglio, Unicopli, 2025.
3) Gavinelli, D., and Goldstein Bolocan, M. (eds.), Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire, Milan, Pearson, 2022.
Programme for NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
1) Bjelland, M.D., Montello, D.R., and Getis, A., Geografia umana, 5th edition, Milan, McGraw-Hill Education, 2024 (excluding Chapters 2 and 8);
2) Gavinelli, D., and Goldstein Bolocan, M. (eds.), Regioni e regionalizzazioni nello spazio-mondo in divenire, Milan, Pearson, 2022;
3) One additional BOOK CHOSEN FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST:
- Cella, G., Storia e geopolitica della crisi ucraina. Dalla Rus' di Kiev a oggi, Rome, Carocci, 2021 (required reading: Introduction + Chapters from 7 to 12; Chapters 1-6 are not required).
- Chiodelli, F., Rossetto, T., and Vanolo, A., Città. Introduzione critica alla geografia urbana, Milan, UTET, 2025.
- Dian, M., and Diodato, E. (eds.), Geopolitica dell'Asia Orientale. Sicurezza, economia, ideologia, Rome, Carocci, 2024.
- Malfatti di Monte Tretto, G., America Latina: democrazia, populismo e criminalità, Eurolinks University Press, 2024.
- Molinari, P. (ed.), Periferie europee. Istituzioni sociali, politiche, luoghi, Volume II, Milan, FrancoAngeli, 2021.
- Vaghi, M. (ed.), I mondi dell'Asia, Milan-Udine, Mimesis, 2016 (Part III of the volume, Europa e Asia / Asia e Europa, is not to be studied).
- Varani, N., and Mazza, G., Il mosaico dell'Africa sub-sahariana. Sostenibilità e geopolitica, Rome, Carocci, 2023.
- Zavettieri, G.G., Geografia dei Paesi arabi. Patrimoni culturali, identità territoriali e nuove urbanità, Rome, Carocci, 2024.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination for students consists of an oral interview covering the topics outlined in the syllabus, aimed at assessing knowledge of the main themes of Human and Regional Geography. In particular, students are expected to demonstrate the knowledge and understanding necessary to interpret the principal territorial processes shaping the contemporary world at different spatial scales. Students must also be able to use the basic disciplinary terminology appropriately. The examination syllabus remains valid for one academic year following 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 Teams.