Geography: An Introduction SS1 Geography Lesson Note

INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY:  MEANING, SCOPE AND VALUE

MEANING OF GEOGRAPHY

The word Geography is derived from the Greek word Geo meaning the earth, and graph which means description. Geography can therefore be defined as the description of the earth. However, Geography does not only describe the surface of the earth and its features. It also investigates the inter-relationship between man and his environment. Hence Geography can also be referred to as the study of people, their activities, places and physical things within the earth.

Geography deals with the study of different people in different locations of the earth including their activities like agriculture, mining, trading, fishing, manufacturing, construction, etc. Geography also relates to different peoples of the world, their occupations, cultures, ways of dressing, religion, etc In addition, Geography involves physical ins, plains, valleys, rivers, oceans, weather, rainfall, soils, vegetation, etc.

SCOPE OF GEOGRAPHY

Geography is a social science subject which deals with the study of man, his activities and his environment. Its relevance cuts across many other subjects like Economics, Agricultural Science, Government, History, etc. It is concerned with the study of the size, shape and movement of the earth and other heavenly bodies, landmass,  bodies of water, climate, vegetation and events in different places of the world. It also deals with the spatial distribution of animal and natural resources as well as human activities.

VALUE OF GEOGRAPHY

The value of geography or its importance includes the 

1. It enables man to have a better understanding of his environment. 
2. Geography raises issues, problems and solutions vital to modern society.
3. It consists of knowledge of the world around us i.e. it enables us to study the ways of other people in other parts of the world. 
4. A well-trained geographer can perform many vital roles in the politics and socio-economic sector using his geographical knowledge in such areas as economic, rural or regional planning. 
5. Geography helps us to understand some other related topics in physics, chemistry, biology, economics, history, mathematics etc. 
6. It enables us to have a better understanding of physical things around us such as vegetation, climate, rivers, soil, oceans, mountains etc.
7. It enables us to choose a career from which we can earn a living.