Human and Cultural Dynamics

Human and cultural dynamics research at UofL Geographic and Environmental Sciences focuses on the multiple lines of connection and interaction among people and environment.  Particular attention is given to social, cultural, political and economic processes, emphasizing the ways in which such phenomena are enacted spatially.  This sub-field of human geography encompasses topics ranging from questions of territory, boundary making, migration/immigration, globalization, race and place, environmental policy and place-making and the politics of food, to name just a few. Faculty in the Department of Geography employ a variety of methodological perspectives.  Research and teaching includes qualitative and interpretive approaches, the use of data bases, mixed methods, and qualitative GIS.  Students have the opportunity to engage in research on various topics guided by faculty mentors.  Topics have included environmental justice in Louisville, community gardening, the uses of social theory within applied contexts  and a variety of other fieldwork experiences.