With today's global economic, political, and environmental concerns, there is an increasing trend in the United States to increase our social and economical awareness. Governmental policymakers and business leaders recognize the importance for the average United States' citizen to have a better understanding of our lives here in the United States and the processes that connect us with the rest of the world, as well as a better understanding of the relationships and interactions between society and the environment. Geography utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to address these needs and concerns.

 I focus on geographical concepts and theories that build a foundation of knowledge that help us answer the "Where" and "Why" questions with respect to geographical phenomenon. In addition, I utilize an applied approach in examining the relationship between different social and cultural groups and the environment. My objective is that first students begin to view themselves and the United States as part of the world, not "the world". Second, that they develop a better understanding of other cultures that will inturn encourage them to be more tolerant and willing to accept and respect cultural diversities that exist in the world. Finally, I hope that my students will have a better understanding for the role of geography in identifying, examining and solving many of the problems facing the world today.