Geography of Spain is a subject that deals with population, urban and economic diversity in the territory of the different autonomous communities. It also deals with the contrasts of the physical environment in terms of geomorphology, climate, vegetation and water. It is an opportunity to get to know a country by learning about the concept of geography as the unequal spatial distribution of natural and socio-economic phenomena that crystallise in the territory. The differentiated location of very disparate natural areas is also associated with different cultures that have shaped an enormous diversity of landscapes in Spain.

This subject aims to understand the processes that have shaped an unbalanced territorial structure and which is reflected in the socio-economic disparities between the autonomous communities. It also aims to identify which factors beyond the regional and national scale are influencing regional development. Understanding how the European and global Union dimension affects the rural and urban spheres of the different autonomous communities is an essential question. It is also interesting to consider what responses the different autonomous communities are giving to the challenge of being integrated into supranational geographical spheres. Tackling unemployment, depopulation and social and political discontent are some of the current challenges in Spain's post-COVID 19 society.

As far as the physical environment is concerned, the fifteen national parks located in twelve autonomous communities show the enormous wealth and diversity of ecosystems. An excellent framework for learning about the exceptional natural values, the uniqueness of their flora, fauna and geomorphological formations that these temples of nature contain. The Spanish National Parks are internationally recognised for their state of conservation, planning and integrated management of natural resources.

This generic approach is embodied in the challenge of ascertaining these phenomena at the scale of an Autonomous Community. Identifying how these general processes are assimilated in the peculiarities of each region is the object of the student's work. The field practice in an Autonomous Community, different from the location of the degree course taught, immerses us in the fusion between regional idiosyncrasies and other influential geographical scales.

Competencies:

G 005 Explain the diversity of places, regions and locations and understand

spatial relationships and processes. Interrelating the phenomena to different

territorial scales.

G 006 Use the geographic information as a means for the description,

analysis and interpretation and management of the territory. To express the

information, create and interpret

statistical information. Use of ICTS in the analysis and communication of

research results.



Learning outcomes:

- Knowledge of processes and structures that organize the territory or that condition the regional imbalances in Spain.

- Management of statistical sources and documentaries on the Spanish regions at European Union scale.

- Development of a memory of the natural environment and socio-economic information about an Autonomous Community.

1. Political and territorial organization of Spain.

2. Population: The process of aging and imbalances in the distribution.

3. Urban System: structure and changes.

4. The productive spaces (agriculture, industry, services).

5. The natural environment (relief, climate, rivers and waters).

The teaching of the course is based on theoretical, practical classes and seminars as well as in the independent work of the student, using the following methodology:

- Classroom based activities: lectures, practical activities in the classroom (graphs and maps) and oral exposure of an individual job.

- Non-classroom based activities: lectures scheduled, preparation on the part of the student a practical work.



- If the teaching is online (on the occasion of COVID-19) the theoretical part will be taught through the BBC application. The tutorials will be through the BBC application. The evaluation

exam will be carried out through a written test in the BBC application (50% of the grade) and the students will send the practical work through the e-gela (50%)



- Attendance at the field day is necessary to understand fundamental concepts of the subject. In case of that the health situation due to COVID-19 does not allow this activity to be carried out will be canceled.

• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • Written test to be taken (%): 50
  • Team projects (problem solving, project design)) (%): 50

The course will qualify through an examination, the conduct of reviews and the development of a work applied to an Autonomous Community.

The exam is worth five points and practical work on five points. It is necessary to obtain a minimum of 2.5 points in the review and 2.5 in the practical work.



*Article 8. (BOPV 13-03-2017)

3. In any case, the student shall have the right to be evaluated by the

final evaluation system, regardless of who has engaged in, or is not in the system of continuous assessment.

To do this, students must submit in writing to the faculty responsible for the course

the resignation to the continuous assessment, which shall have a period of 9 weeks for the

quarterly subjects counting from the beginning of the semester.

In the extra session will follow the same criteria as in the ordinary.

In the event that the student waives the joint evaluation system shall be communicated to the teacher by email one month prior to the date of the examination.



*Article 8. (BOPV 13-03-2017)

3. In any case, the student shall have the right to be evaluated by the

final evaluation system, regardless of who has engaged in, or is not in the system of continuous assessment.

To do this, students must submit in writing to the faculty responsible for the course

the resignation to the continuous assessment, which shall have a period of 9 weeks for the

quarterly subjects counting from the beginning of the semester.

IPCC (2022). Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change. Contribution of Working Group III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [P.R. Shukla, J. Skea, R. Slade, A. Al Khourdajie, R. van Diemen, D. McCollum, M. Pathak, S. Some, P. Vyas, R. Fradera, M. Belkacemi, A. Hasija, G. Lisboa, S. Luz, J. Malley, (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA. doi: 10.1017/9781009157926

Farinós, J. & Olcina, J. (2017). Geografía regional de España. Espacio y comunidades. Tirant Humanidades.

Martín Vide J. & Olcina Cantos, J. (2001). Climas y tiempos de España.
Alianza Editorial.

Basic bibliography

Fernández Cuesta, G. & Quirós Linares, F. (2011). Atlas temático de España. 3 tomos. Ediciones Nobel



García Alvarado, J.Mª & Sotelo Navalpotro, J.A. edit. (1999). La España de las Autonomías. Madrid: Síntesis.



INSTITUTO GEOGRÁFICO NACIONAL (2019). España en mapas. Una síntesis geográfica. Madrid: Centro Nacional de Información Geográfica. https://www.ign.es/web/espana-en-mapas



Puyol Antolín, R. (dir.) (1988-1989). Geografía de España. Madrid: Síntesis, 18 vols.



OECC (2019). Cambio Climático, Océanos y Criosfera. Oficina Española de Cambio Climático. Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica. Madrid

In-depth bibliography

Comité Español de la UGI (2008). España y el mediterráneo. Una reflexión desde la geografía española. Madrid: R.S.G., A.G.E., I.G.N.

European Union (2022). Eurostat regional yearbook, 2022 edition.

Journals

Boletín de la Asociación de Geógrafos Españoles.
ERIA.
Estudios Geográficos.
Investigaciones Geográficas.

Web addresses

http://atlas.vivienda.es (Ministerio de Vivienda. D.G. Urbanismo y Política de Suelo)

https://www.ine.es/

https://www.mitma.gob.es/portal-del-suelo-y-politicas-urbanas/atlas-estadistico-de-las-areas-urbanas

https://dialnet.unirioja.es/