Lesson 16: Africa and Latin America Presentation Assignment

March 30, 2026

Review:

• Exam 2 Results

• 

Presentation:

• Current Event Example: Strait of Hormuz

• Regional Economic Geography Research Project (Africa & Latin America): You will (1) select a regional economic geography theme from a list of approved topics, (2) use AI to learn about your region and research your topic and then (3) prepare a presentation to share with the class.

• Instructions
  • Select a topic from the list below.
  • Learn about the selected region and its economic issue
  • Prepare a 3-slide presentation
  • Present in class OR submit a recorded video

• Presentation Guidelines:
  • Provide Region & Context
    • Where is the region?
    • What is happening there economically?
    • Why does it matter?
  • Economic Insight
    • What are the key causes of this issue?
    • What are the trade-offs or consequences?
    • What might happen in the future?
  • Geography + Map (Required)
    • Include at least one map
    • Show how geography shapes the issue.
    • Your map should do real explanatory work, not just decoration.
  • Only 3 Slides – keep it short and simple

• Presentation Options
  • In-class presentation (preferred)
  • OR recorded video submission (5% penalty)

• Grading
  • Understanding of Region & Topic (20%). Clear, accurate explanation of region/economic issue
  • Geographic Thinking (20%). Explain how location, geography, or spatial patterns matter.
  • Map Quality & Use (20%). Map is clear, labeled, and actively used in explanation.
  • Economic Insight & Analysis (20%). Explains causes, tradeoffs, and implications
  • Clarity & Organization (20%). Clear, focused slides and presentation

• Use of AI
  • You are encouraged to use AI to generate ideas, summarize information, and create visuals.
  • However, you are responsible for insuring accuracy, clarity, and understanding your topic.

Topic List:

Africa (10)

1. Lake Chad Basin – Water decline and regional instability
2. Mozambique Channel – LNG development and security risks
3. Senegal River Valley – Irrigation and regional cooperation
4. Cape Town Region – Water scarcity and urban resilience
5. Ethiopia – Industrial parks and export-led development
6. Tanzania – Port of Dar es Salaam and inland trade corridors
7. Rwanda – Services growth and regional positioning
8. Botswana – Diamonds and economic stability
9. Zambia – Copper dependence and price volatility
10. Madagascar – Isolation, biodiversity, and economic limits

Latin America (10)

1. Guatemala Highlands – Subsistence farming and migration pressure
2. Costa Rica – Ecotourism and sustainable development
3. Chile – Atacama Desert and resource-based economy
4. Peru – Informal economy and urbanization (Lima)
5. Argentina – Inflation and agricultural exports
6. Brazil – São Francisco River and regional inequality
7. Mexico – Mexico City water crisis and urban growth
8. Colombia – Medellín transformation and urban policy
9. Dominican Republic – Tourism and economic growth
10. Paraguay – Hydropower (Itaipú Dam) and development

Activity:

• Review topics
• Select a topic in class on Wed