Human Geography

Reviewed by Kristin Sziarto, Associate Professor, Geography, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee on 1/11/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 3 see less

The book covers the usual human geography topics (fields within human geography, and major topics within those) concisely and with interesting examples and linked materials. It is shorter than many human geography textbooks, but that is not necessarily a flaw: It may be better to cover fewer topics and ideas in the textbook and have students work with them (in discussion, reflection writing, etc.) so that they understand and retain more of what they read. On the other hand, in many chapters, contrasting and/or updated perspectives on the subfield are missing, so I'd need to add a lot to use this book in a college course.
There is no index or glossary available in the online version or PDF version - but this is also not a problem. Key terms are in bold throughout, and in the online version you can use your browser search function to find terms.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

There were no inaccuracies or errors that I could find. In terms of bias, some chapters were better than others in that some presented contrasting approaches to the subfield and others did less of that. For example, the nature and society chapter presented three different environmental perspectives and then explored them. In contrast the place and cultural landscapes chapter gave only one perspective on landscape (as palimpsest, leaving out landscape as a way of seeing or as a product of conflict) and one main model of culture and space (the core-domain-sphere model, which then is not really connected to the material/nonmaterial culture lens they use in the main examples).

Relevance/Longevity rating: 3

The brevity and reliance on older approaches in some subfields make it feel like it already needs some updating (population, cultural landscape, religion). Also, there are a large number of links in the text. If there is a plan to make sure they stay up to date, great - but there is no information (in the introduction, nothing; no 'about this book' section) about how the text is maintained. In fact, as of 1/2024, the video in the Economy and Development chapter on developing-developed spectrum is no longer available.

Clarity rating: 5

The writing is very clear and readable.

Consistency rating: 5

The book is internally consistent.

Modularity rating: 5

The text is well marked with headings and subheadings with reasonably-sized sections, so it could easily be presented in a different order.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The chapters are internally well-organized. The chapter-by-chapter organization is not entirely clear to me. The first two are fine, but then why is population the first subfield to be addressed? And why are place and culture right after that? Of course with the solid modularity of the text, they could be re-organized in a class, but this organization seems dated.

Interface rating: 4

The interface of the online textbook is very good overall. The images and graphics all display well. The one shortcoming is that there is no easy chapter-by-chapter navigation with, say, an arrow at the bottom of the page. Instead, you have to go back up to the top to go to the next chapter.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The grammar is flawless.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The text is culturally appropriate. I would like to see more examples from more places around the world in some parts. The religion and urban/suburban chapters are especially North America-centric.

Comments

This text is a good basic introduction to human geography and the clear writing is a very strong point. It would work very well at the high school level. To be used in a college course, it would need quite a bit of supplementing.

Reviewed by Christine Mitchell, Senior Instructor, Radford University on 11/13/23

Comprehensiveness rating: 3 see less

The book covers basic introductory concepts with brevity. Most examples and learning tools are found in links which can change over time and make learning more difficult for students without adequate and stable bandwidth. No index or glossary is provided.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The content is accurate, but bias is toward issues currently taught in older textbooks without providing a framework or context as to why these may matter (i.e. deforestation, diamond mining in Ch.5).

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

This textbook could be improved with updating and fleshing out of theories, concepts, key terms, and current issues (ie. climate change).

Clarity rating: 5

This text is very clear and accessible, and could be recommended for a high school level course.

Consistency rating: 5

The book is consistent throughout.

Modularity rating: 5

The text could easily be divided, and also easily taught in a short, time intensive course. It could also be used online, hybrid, or as a supplemental text at the college level. It would greatly benefit from additional content at the college level.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Topics are clear, and follow the general outline of an introduction to human geography. Clarity is only clouded by brevity of topics.

Interface rating: 5

The interface is easy and currently works on various ages of computers and in various formats ie. tablet vs laptop vs desktop.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The book is free of grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive. Examples could be expanded to include a greater variety of perspectives from different viewpoints, but is adequate as is.

Comments

I would use this text as an outline introduction to human geography, but it would need to be used at the college level in conjunction with another more comprehensive text that contains greater depth and breadth. Key topics are covered, key concepts introduced, and for a student never exposed to the subject matter, it could be useful as an introduction to the field itself.