Geographical Thought

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This capstone subject is concerned with the history and philosophy of geography and is designed to introduce students to key debates, both past and present, on the nature and scope of geography as an academic discipline. It therefore sets out an essential context for understanding contemporary research in human and physical geography. The early origins of the subject are traced back to the revolutionary intellectual climate of Enlightenment and empire, a time when geographical knowledge constituted a form of both scientific enquiry and military intelligence. The major episodes in the history of geography - from Darwinism to postmodernism - are discussed in relation to wider political and cultural developments. Specific topics covered include the history of exploration; the relationship between human and physical geography; and the role of geography in the nation-state. Students who complete this subject will be able to think critically about different schools of geographical thought; be able to evaluate theoretical concepts from geography and elsewhere; and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the dynamic and contested nature of the discipline.

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• acquire critical reading skills;

• be capable of thinking, writing and speaking in the theoretical terms;

• gain written communication skills;

• develop presentation skills.

This is a capstone subject. Students who have completed 121-228 Critical Human Geography or 121229 Geographical Thought are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 degree), or a combined BSc course (except for the BA/BSc) may receive science credit on the completion of this subject.