Geography of World Cultures

Stanford Continuing Studies Program

3.6 (49)
SCIENCE

Despite the supposedly homogenizing effects of globalization, people continue to be joined together and divided asunder by the languages they speak, the religions they follow, and the ethnic identities to which they belong. Such cultural features all have specific geographies, tied to particular places. But while cultural-geographical terms such as “the Arabic world” and “the Islamic world” are used ubiquitously, many people remain uncertain where such “worlds” are and how they differ from each other. The purpose of this map-intensive course is to explore the locational dynamics of the world’s languages, religions, and ethnic groupings. We will examine every world region, seeking to understand how places vary from each other with regard to the cultural attributes of their inhabitants. The course will explore the historical forces that have generated cultural diversity, and will carefully examine the processes of contemporary transformation. This course is presented in enhanced podcast format: the presentation images are synched with the audio track and will display in the album artwork section of your iTunes application. If the album artwork field is not already visible, go to the "View" menu and select "Show Artwork." Presented by the Stanford Continuing Studies Program.

10 Episodes

3.6

out of 5

49 Ratings

Interesting, but bad audio and NO maps

06/09/2013

Jessica65

Like others have said, the audio isn't the best but the content is really interesting. I have not been able to view the maps though as I cannot find this magical View - Show Album Artwork setting anywhere in iTunes or on my iPod. It's very frustrating! Clicking on a track and Chapters in the bar at the top of iTunes does show thumbnails of maps, but when I open the Miniplayer, I still can't see them.
Outstanding

03/09/2021

aunt ann

In one word outstanding. The professor is enthusiasm is wonderful. Ten stars.
Would be better as video

04/26/2012

ciaohermosa

Great subject matter and the lecturer is incredibly smart- not only in geography, but in the nuances of religion and culture as well. The class also asks great, thoughtful questions which he happily answers. The main problem, as said before, is he does not speak directly into the mic! It is very hard to hear (mitigated somewhat by headphone use). Also- maps ARE available, they just show in the "album artwork" section. They coincide with the lecture so if you leave that open while listening, you should see the maps. Only problem is if you're looking at this on a small screen, you won't be able to see much detail. That being said, I wish these were video rather than audio presentations, but still get 4 stars for the overall subject matter and the professor's great grasp of the subject.
Disappointed

05/25/2012

have no nickname

Keep getting message "unable to download" Tried multiple times

Despite the supposedly homogenizing effects of globalization, people continue to be joined together and divided asunder by the languages they speak, the religions they follow, and the ethnic identities to which they belong. Such cultural features all have specific geographies, tied to particular places. But while cultural-geographical terms such as “the Arabic world” and “the Islamic world” are used ubiquitously, many people remain uncertain where such “worlds” are and how they differ from each other. The purpose of this map-intensive course is to explore the locational dynamics of the world’s languages, religions, and ethnic groupings. We will examine every world region, seeking to understand how places vary from each other with regard to the cultural attributes of their inhabitants. The course will explore the historical forces that have generated cultural diversity, and will carefully examine the processes of contemporary transformation. This course is presented in enhanced podcast format: the presentation images are synched with the audio track and will display in the album artwork section of your iTunes application. If the album artwork field is not already visible, go to the "View" menu and select "Show Artwork." Presented by the Stanford Continuing Studies Program.