Advanced Reading in Geography

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

It is expected that students will undertake 170 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).

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. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they must actively and safely contribute to field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/ students email: disability-liaison@unimelb.edu.au

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 or Contemporary Issues in Geography (3500 words), due end of week 6: 75%;
Essay 2 – Seminar Diary (1500 words), due end of week 12: 25%.

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.