Tom Conger

 Europe as a Geographic Study

Resident geographer, Tom Conger looks at foreign lands not as a tourist, but as a geographer. He will provide an overview of the diversity of the European continent from physical, geographical, cultural, and human perspectives. The Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) sponsors this five-week class beginning Wednesday, March 19 at 1 p.m. in Clubhouse I.  

Europe is part of the large land-mass, Eurasia, much of it comprised of peninsulas. Within Europe there are 44 countries. Conger’s course will focus on selected countries. Problems and opportunities presented by the continent’s natural landscapes will be examined within the context of the convergence of geography and history.  For example, what was it about the countries’ physical geography and cultural places that led to the ebb and flow of population and the desire (and sometimes necessity) of picking up and leaving for the New World?  

Two important river valleys will be a focus: the Rhone River Valley and the Danube River Valley. Conger will also discuss Europe's role in the present day:  the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the war in Ukraine. 

Conger has a master’s degree in geography and community planning from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Georgia. He has taught geography at middle and high schools and at Northern Arizona University and is a veteran community planner and geographer.  

The course is $15 and registration begins on Tuesday, Feb 25, at 9 a.m. by calling or visiting the Lifestyle office in either clubhouse. 

For information on all CLL courses and lectures, visit (cllmd.com).