SOCSCI7_T1_HO1 Introduction to Social Science, History, Geography and Asia.pdf

Introduction to Social Science, History, Geography and Asia Objectives ✓ Define social What role do social science disciplines...

Introduction to Social Science, History, Geography and Asia Objectives ✓ Define social What role do social science disciplines play in understanding our society? science, history, and geography; Social science, history, and geography are interconnected disciplines that together offer a comprehensive understanding of human societies. Social ✓ Describe the science provides insights into the behavior and interactions of individuals and characteristics groups. History offers a temporal perspective, revealing how past events shape of the present conditions and future possibilities. Geography provides a spatial physical context, illustrating how location and environment influence human activities features of and societal development. By integrating these disciplines, we can develop a Asia; holistic understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of human societies, both past and present. ✓ Examine the relationship of social Asia is the world's largest continent. It is science, estimated to cover almost a third (1/3) of the history and world's land. Thus, almost all the geographical geography; features can be seen on this continent. Also, 60% of the world's population lives in Asia, ✓ Appreciate making it the most diverse continent when it the physical comes to human resources. In this lesson, we geography of will learn about Asia's geography, like its Asia and how physical geography, natural resources, and its it helps the humans to human resources, and the impact of these adapt to its concepts on the development of Asian surrounding identity and countries. What is Social Science, History and Geography? As we embark on a journey in learning Asian history let us define first the following concepts that we will always encounter in our lessons ---Social Science, History and Geography. Social science is the study of people as individuals, communities, and societies, their behaviors and interactions with each other, and their built technological and natural environments. The study of social science is a vast and interdisciplinary topic that focuses on comprehending and interpreting numerous elements of human society and social behavior. It comprises a wide range of academic disciplines that investigate human interactions, societies, and cultures via the application of systematic research methods and theories to evaluate and understand social phenomena. To simply put it Social science is an academic discipline concerned with the study of society and human behavior. It encompasses various fields, including sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, and psychology, each of which examines different aspects of human life and interactions. Social scientists use both qualitative and quantitative research methods to understand social phenomena, identify patterns, and propose theories that explain social dynamics. The insights gained from social science research are crucial for developing policies, addressing social issues, and improving the quality of life. While History is the study of life in society in the past, in all its aspects, concerning present developments and future hopes, it is the story of man in time, an inquiry into the past based on evidence. As a discipline, it seeks to understand, interpret, and explain the past to gain insights into the development of societies and their various aspects, such as politics, economics, culture, technology, and more. Hence, History is the study of past events, civilizations, and notable figures, focusing on understanding how societies have evolved over time. Historians analyze primary sources, such as documents, artifacts, and testimonies, to reconstruct and interpret the past. By examining historical events and trends, historians aim to provide context for the present and lessons for the future. History is divided into various periods, such as ancient, medieval, and modern, and covers a wide range of topics, including political history, social history, economic history, and cultural history. Understanding history is essential for comprehending contemporary issues and appreciating the complexities of human development.  Laslt, Geography is the science of interpretation of the distribution and finding the relationship between human beings with the physical environment. It is the study of the Earth's physical features, its environments, and the relationships between humans and their surroundings. Therefore, Geography is the study of the Earth's landscapes, environments, and the relationships Unpacking the between people and their environments. It integrates Word physical and human geography, examining natural features like mountains, rivers, and climates, as well as human activities such as » Spatial urbanization, agriculture, and trade. Geographers use tools like maps, provides a language for Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and spatial analysis to explore spatial describing the patterns and processes. Geography helps us understand the spatial arrangement organization of societies, the distribution of resources, and the impact of human of people, activities on the environment. It provides valuable insights for urban planning, places, and environmental conservation, and disaster management. environments. All in all, in studying human societies and their environment, the overlapping of these disciplines complement each other and show their interconnection. For instance, geography provides spatial context on how events, populations, and cultures are distributed on Earth’s surface. Combining these disciplines allows for a more holistic understanding of the complex interplay between humans and their environments over time. Now let us explore the Asian geography! Asia as the largest continent, occupies 33% of the world’s total land area; thus it was divided into five regions. The division is not solely based on geographical conditions but also on cultural and historical aspects as well. We are going to a quest into the physical and human geography of each region. Asia’s divison into 5 major regions are the following: Central Asia West Asia South Asia East Asia and; Southeast Asia Enrich Yourself » Asia: Physical Geography Map of Asia divided into 5 major regions Through the lens, let’s wander to... West Asia West Asia is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from arid deserts to fertile river valleys. This region has played an important part in human history because of its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Did you know? » Dead sea is the saltiest sea in the whole world, making it as one of the unique water forms in West Asia. It is 10x saltier than average sea. Due to this, no aquatic animals or plants can survive on it except for some bacteria West Asia Map and microbial fungi. The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers (cradle of civilization) in Iraq, the Jordan River (boundary between Israel and Jordan) in Jordan, and the Orontes River in Syria are prominent rivers traveling across Western Asia. For thousands of years, these rivers have been vital to agriculture and irrigation in the region. Several mountain ranges could be found in West Asia including the Zagros Mountains in Iran, the Taurus Mountains in Turkey, and the Caucasus Mountains that run through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Russia. These mountain ranges create natural barriers that have influenced the region’s climate making it arid and desert-like.  West Asia has the world’s largest reserves of oil and natural gas, making it as a major player in the global energy market. It also home to some of the world’s most fertile farmland, producing a wide variety of crops, including wheat, barley, cotton, and fruits. West Asia is often considered the birthplace of several major world religions and civilizations. It is marked by a rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and traditions, as well as complex geopolitical and socioeconomic dynamics. Did you know? Central Asia » Central Asia is Central Asia is a huge and geographically varied region in the Asian continent's a landlocked heart. It is famous for its mountainous landscapes, drastic climate changes, and region that unique environmental features. receives little rainfall. Two large desert regions are located at the region’s core. Vast grasslands called steppes dominate the northern sector. High mountains to the east provide a border between Central Asia and China. Central Asia Map  Often referred to as the "Roof of the World," the Pamir Mountains are a Links major mountain range in Central Asia, with some peaks exceeding » CENTRAL 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) in height. ASIA Central Asia have semiarid climates highly variable with droughts, as well as irregular episodes of above- average precipetation. The Caspian Sea is the largest landlocked body of water in the world and acts as a passage to transport basic goods such as cotton, wood, rice and petroluem. The Aral Sea is drying up due to the use of the two rivers flowing to it as irrigation for the agricultural activity of the region. Traditional and modern irrigation systems are crucial for agriculture and have shaped land use patterns. Wheat and cotton are the primary commodities produced by Central Asia. Under the sand and steppe grass, an enormous untapped reserve of oil and gas is becoming the driving force for economic development in this region. Most of the groups of Central Asia were nomadic peoples who rode horses and herded livestock on the region’s vast steppes. Central Asia has also historically been linked to Silk Road trade routes, serving as a crossroads for the movement of people, products, and ideas between Europe and Asia. South Asia  The geography of South Asia is made of physical features that influence the region's culture and traditions. Some geographers believed that due to the land shift, the Indian Peninsula, which is detached from continental Asia, became part of Asia. According to experts, the Himalayan mountain range, which serves as a border between South Asia and other regions of the Asian continent, is the evidence of the collision of the Indian Peninsula with the Asian continent. Did you know? » Mt. Everest mountain range is still tectonically active and is rising at a rate of 5 mm each year. Thus, if you’re planning on scaling Mount Everest in ten years, be prepared to climb an extra two inches. South Asia Map The Himalayan mountain range act as a massive barrier to cold, dry air masses moving from the north. This barrier prevents the cold air from penetrating further south into the Indian subcontinent, helping to maintain a relatively warmer climate in the northern plains. While the Deccan Plateau in southern India and the Tibetan Plateau in the north both have distinct climate characteristics. The higher elevation of the Tibetan Plateau, for example, leads to colder temperatures and a more arid climate compared to the surrounding regions.  South Asia’s rivers, including the Indus (which has been a center of human civilization for thousands of years), Ganges, and Brahmaputra form a lowland region that was home to several ancient civilizations. Today these rivers supply water to many people in South Asia, irrigation for agriculture, and abundant fish. The Deccan Plateau and other mountainous regions in South Asia contain valuable mineral resources like coal, iron ore, and limestone. Mining and mineral processing industries contribute significantly to the economy. South Asia also harnesses their renewable resources through hydro power, wind, and solar energy. South Asia is a tapestry of diverse societies, religions, languages, and traditions. The first major civilization in South Asia was in the Indus River valley is called Indus valley civilization; relied on the monsoon rains to provide water to the Indus River. Here, early settlers developed systems of urban planning, and baked brick houses, and the civilization at its peak numbered over five million people. East Asia East Asia is a region of remarkable geographical diversity, encompassing vast landscapes, rugged mountains, extensive coastlines, and unique climate patterns. The distinctive geographical characteristics of China (continental), Japan (insular), and Korea (peninsular) affected the historical development of each country. Did you know? » In a local Uyghur language, the name Takla Makan means “You will go in but you will not go out.” East Asia Map North China Plain, the fertile plain between the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers, is one of China's primary agricultural regions and home to several major cities. Takla Makan Desert that is uninhabited and inhospitable because of hot summers and long cold winters exacerbated by the cold winds sweeping down from the north. East Asia's physical geography, including its mountains, plateaus, and coastal plains, influences its climate patterns which are mostly humid continental. These climate patterns, in turn, dictate the types of crops that can be grown in various regions. The region's extensive coastlines and river systems provide natural transportation routes that have historically facilitated trade. Major rivers like the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers are essential for irrigation, industrial use, and transportation. Japan's coastline features numerous bays and inlets, contributing to the country's maritime culture East Asia has deposits of other rare metals like lithium and cobalt, which are crucial for batteries in electric vehicles and electronics. The region also have various mineral resources such as lead, zinc, tin, and tungsten, used in various industrial applications. Japan and South Korea have developed nuclear energy programs to meet their electricity needs. East Asia is a dynamic and diverse region known for its rich cultural heritage, economic powerhouses, and significant global influence. The economic powerhouses like Japan, South Korea and China when it comes to economic development focuses more in harnessing their natural resources with innovation. Southeast Asia Southeast Asia is a region of incredible geographic diversity, featuring a wide range of landscapes, climates, and natural features. It consists of two dissimilar portions: a continental projection (commonly called mainland Southeast Asia) and a string of archipelagoes to the south and east of the mainland (insular Southeast Asia). Did you know? » Vietnam is one of the world's largest rice exporters, known for its lush rice paddies and the Mekong Delta, often referred to as the "Rice Bowl" of Southeast Asia Southeast Asia Map Southeast Asia is renowned for its archipelagos, including the Indonesian Archipelago, the Philippines, and the Malay Archipelago. These archipelagos consist of thousands of islands, each with its own unique geography, culture, and biodiversity. Southeast Asia experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and high humidity. The region is susceptible to monsoons, which bring heavy rains and influence agricultural seasons.  Major rivers like the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Irrawaddy flow through the region, providing water for irrigation, transportation, and biodiversity. The Mekong Delta River in Vietnam has significant agricultural contribution. Coastal plains are prominent in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. These areas are densely populated and support agriculture, aquaculture, and tourism. Southeast Asia has vast fertile plains and river valleys that are ideal for agriculture. Rice, rubber, palm oil, and other crops are cultivated extensively. The region is one of the world's largest producers of rice. Southeast Asia has mineral resources, including tin, bauxite, gold, and coal. Indonesia and the Philippines have significant geothermal resources used for energy production. Most people in Southeast Asia relied on how they could tilt the land and use it for agriculture. Links However, in the case of Singapore, it has little or no natural resources to rely on which is why they » All about are empowering its human resources to Asia advance its economy. Geography of Asia Direction: Describe and compare the different physical geography of the different regions of Asia. Region Description Similarity Differences Central Asia South Asia Southeast Asia East Asia West Asia In examining social science, history, and geography, particularly in the context of Asia, we gain a multifaceted understanding of the region's development and complexities. Social science helps us analyze the behaviors, interactions, and institutions that shape Asian societies. History provides a rich tapestry of Asia's past, from ancient civilizations and empires to modern states and economic powers, highlighting the region's dynamic and diverse heritage. Geography offers insight into the physical landscapes, climatic conditions, and natural resources that have profoundly influenced human settlement, cultural practices, and economic activities in Asia. By integrating social science, history, and geography, we can better understand Asia's unique characteristics and challenges. Commit to Protect From the beginning of recorded history, humans have organized their societies using myriad systems—political, religious, geographical, economic, and social. Those organizational systems and our understanding of human behavior evolve as we learn from the past and study the present. In your own terms, how will you define social science, geography and history? STUDENT REFLECTION Answer the question for self-refelction. References Asia: Physical geography. (2023). Retrieved from National Geography : https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/asia/ Centarl Asia. (n.d.). Retrieved from Intriduction to World Regional Geography : https://slcc.pressbooks.pub/worldgeography/chapter/6-8/ Central Asia. (n.d.). Retrieved from GeoHistory : https://geohistory.today/central-asia/ Five Regions of Asia. (2023). Retrieved from World Atlas : https://www.worldatlas.com/geography/what-are-the-five-regions-of-asia.html South Asia. (n.d.). Retrieved from World Regional Geography : https://pressbooks.pub/worldgeo/chapter/south-asia/ South Asia. (n.d.). Retrieved from M Library: https://open.lib.umn.edu/worldgeography/part/chapter-9-south-asia/ Southeast Asia. (n.d.). Retrieved from Saylor Org: https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_world- regional-geography-people-places-and-globalization/s11-07-central-asia-and- afghanistan.html Southeast Asia. (2010). Retrieved from Saylor Academy : https://learn.saylor.org/course/view.php?id=413&sectionid=12768 West Asia. (n.d.). Retrieved from Geography Today : https://www.gktoday.in/geography-of- western-asia/ West Asia. (n.d.). Retrieved from Geography : https://upscfever.com/upsc- fever/en/geog/geog%20world/en-worl-chp3.html What is Social Science? (2021). Retrieved from Academy of Social Sciences: https://acss.org.uk/what-is-social-science/