Advanced Reading in Geography

This subject is not offered in 2014.

It is expected that students will undertake 120 hours of private study.

Students must have completed the following subject, or equivalent:

One of the following subjects must be taken in the same study period:

An undergraduate degree majoring in Geography or similar (e.g. Environmental Studies).

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/

This subject 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.

• 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; and
• To obtain knowledge in some of the cutting edge contemporary issues in geographical research.

Essay 1 – History and Philosophy of Geography (3000 words), due end of week 6: 60%;
Essay 2 – Contemporary Issues (1500 words), due end of week 9: 30%; and
Essay 3 – Seminar Diary (500 words), due end of week 12: 10%.

Nil

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• To demonstrate advanced literature research and written communication skills; and
• To demonstrate the ability and self-confidence to comprehend complex contemporary geographical debates and concepts.