Explorations in the Understanding of Landscape: A Cultural Geography

by William Norton, Dan A. Chekki

Overview

An innovative contribution to the literature of cultural geography, this book explores the evolution of landscape—both material and symbolic—from the standpoint of the populations, cultures, and human decision-making processes that shape and give it meaning. Focusing on evolution, behavior, symbolism, and ecology, Norton offers a critique of the literature of cultural and social geography and articulates a framework of central issues that connect a wide range of theoretical approaches.

In the first four chapters, Norton gives detailed consideration to both traditional and contemporary literature and methodologies and to the links between cultural geography and other social science concepts and analytical methods. The remaining chapters are concerned with the causes and consequences of cultural landscape evolution and the variables affecting it, including language, religion, politics, society, economy, and the physical environment. In addressing these areas of cultural geography, Norton promotes an approach that integrates the contributions of geography with those of anthropology, sociology, psychology, and history. His analysis provides a useful synthesis of the conceptual and empirical content of cultural geography and suggests promising new directions for research in the field. Norton's work will prove a valuable classroom and library resource for students and scholars in cultural and social geography and related areas of sociology and anthropology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313264948
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/03/1989
Series:	Controversies in Science , #77
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	213
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

WILLIAM NORTON is Professor of Geography and Department Head, the University of Manitoba. His publications include Historical Analysis in Geography, together with numerous articles and book chapters on topics in historical and cultural geography.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Views of Humans and Nature: Related Disciplines
Development of Cultural Geography
Contemporary Cultural Geography
Understanding Landscape: Behavioral Approaches
Understanding Landscape: Evolutionary Emphases
Understanding Landscape: Symbolism and Social Processes
Understanding Landscape: Ecological Emphases
Retrospect and Prospect
Bibliography
Index