Strategies of an Environmental Geographer
The Way I See It
MINDS ON
We each hold different perspectives when looking at an issue. These perspectives are created by our values, beliefs and experiences. Previously in this unit we analyzed photos by asking ourselves, “What is there?” and “Why care?” Now we will take that a step further by also considering their perspectives. As you complete the following interactive think about who is represented and what perspectives you think they may hold when looking at the issue.
ThinkAboutPhotos
ACTION
Throughout this unit you’ve been learning about the different Concepts of Geographic Thinking. You’ve learned to analyze and consider the impact of spatial significance, interconnections and patterns and trends. The fourth and final Concept of Geographic Thinking is Geographic Perspective. (definition:A geographic perspective is the attitude or point of view towards an event or issue in a geographic context.) A perspective in general means the way someone views something; it’s their point of view. A geographic perspective is the attitude or point of view towards an event or issue in a geographic context.
ConceptsGeographicThinking
Let's look at some examples and see what perspectives may exist.
GeographicPerspective
Now that you know the four different Geographic Perspectives, it’s important that you can connect how these perspectives influence various stakeholders (definition:A stakeholder is a person with an interest or concern related to an issue. ) when it comes to management of natural resources.
Watch the following video clips about the Alberta Oil Sands. After you are finished watching the video, you will be asked to reflect on the stakeholders so be sure to consider them while watching.
WhoAreStakeholders
Now that you have given some thought to the various stakeholders involved in the Alberta Oil Sands, let’s try doing a Geographic Perspectives Analysis.
GeographicPerspectiveAnalysis
Geographic Perspectives Analysis
Save your analysis to your Portfolio in case you want to revisit this topic later in the course.
Throughout this activity you have been practicing the final two steps in the Geographic Inquiry model: drawing conclusions and communicating your message. You will continue to apply these skills throughout the course.
InquiryProcess
CONSOLIDATION
A Stakeholders View
By now you’re well practiced at analysing the various stakeholders in an issue and understand that everyone holds different views and values. Let’s see how you can apply your new found skills to a case study in Canada’s far north. You will be learning about the fight over the Arctic; you will be analysing the stakeholders and the issue, then be giving feedback to your peers. Follow these simple steps to create your final product.
Stakeholder Views Draft
Step 1: Watch the following two videos and take notes (for your own reference) about the issue and stakeholders discussed in the videos.
Step 2: Use the random generator below to determine your stakeholder role and perspective. For example, you may be viewing this issue as an indigenous person living in the north, from the social perspective.
StakeholderPerspectiveGenerator
Step 3: Now that you have your stakeholder role and perspective, you will create an analysis of the issue of the Arctic dispute from that role and perspective. Your goal is to make judgements and conclusions about how you feel "that stakeholder with that perspective" would view the issue. You will create an audio recording or a written document which clearly communicates your conclusions and judgements.
Step 4: When you feel you have fully completed your analysis in your stakeholder role and perspective, complete the following checklist, then save your work to your Portfolio.
Checklist
| Yes/No | Tasks |
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I have mentioned my assigned role and geographic perspective. |
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I have used evidence to infer what my stakeholder’s perspective might be. |
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I have used geographic vocabulary. |
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I have expressed my ideas coherently and in sufficient detail. |
Learning Goals and Success Criteria
Learning Skills and Work Habits