Advanced Reading in Geography

Subject GEOG90008 (2013)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.

Credit Points:	12.50
Level:	9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:	This subject is not offered in 2013.
Time Commitment:	Contact Hours: N/A Total Time Commitment: It is expected that students will undertake 120 hours of private study.
Prerequisites:	Students must have completed the following subject, or equivalent: Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: GEOG30003 Geographical Thought Not offered in 2013 12.50
Corequisites:	One of the following subjects must be taken in the same study period: Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: MAST90007 Statistics for Research Workers Not offered in 2013 12.50 AGRI90075 Research Methods For Life Sciences Not offered in 2013 12.50 NRMT90003 Social Research Methods Not offered in 2013 12.50
Recommended Background Knowledge:	An undergraduate degree majoring in Geography or similar (e.g. Environmental Studies).
Non Allowed Subjects:	Subject GEOG90018 Contemporary Geographical Thought
Core Participation Requirements:	For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Melbourne School of Land & Environment Student Centre
Ground Floor, Melbourne School of Land and Environment (Building 142)
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Email: 13MELB@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:	This subject is provides students with an advanced understanding of the philosophy, history and contemporary issues in geography. Students will undertake a series of directed readings resulting in three essays, two of which are on a topic approved by the program coordinator. For the first essay, the area of study includes: what is meant by “geography”?; what problems have been and are being faced by geography as an academic discipline; what makes geography valuable (or not!) as a discipline; what “matters” are compelling, and in what sense and what role can or should geography play. For the other essays, students will conduct a survey of the literature on two contemporary research issues in geography.
Objectives:	To understand the current directions of research in geography. To gain in-depth grounding in the history, philosophy and scope of the discipline of geography. To gain advanced awareness of the methodological principles underlying geographical research, and the central findings of those research programs. To obtain knowledge in some of the cutting edge contemporary issues in geographical research.
Assessment:	Essay 1 – history and Philosophy of Geography (3000 words), end of week 6: 50% Essay 2 – Contemporary Issues 1 (1500 words), end of week 9: 25% Essay 3 – Contemporary Issues 2 (1500 words), end of week 12: 25%
Prescribed Texts:	Nil
Breadth Options:	This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information:	Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:	To demonstrate advanced literature research and written communication skills. To demonstrate the ability and self-confidence to comprehend complex contemporary geographical debates and concepts.
Related Course(s):	Master of Science (Geography)

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