GYM4820

Seminar in geography

Associate Professor David Mercer (coordinator)

12 points
* 4 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: Major sequence in geography or permission of head of department

Objectives In participating in this subject successful students should show that they can understand the history and nature of the discipline; appreciate that there are many ways of knowing - epistemologies; interpret geographical literature within the framework of various paradigms; evaluate the differing viewpoints in the discipline; make a verbal presentation of a seminar to class members; independently formulate and execute a research proposal for the honours thesis under the guidance of a supervisor and practice the presentation of research results to a critical audience.

Synopsis This subject examines both substance and research methodology in human and physical geography in a contemporary context. It aims to provide a framework for theses and other advanced work in geography. Students will be assessed on a research seminar and a three-hour examination at mid-year. The seminar continues to meet in the second half of the year when it provides a forum for discussion on individual research projects.

Assessment Written (6000 words): 50%
* Examinations (3 hours): 50%

Prescribed texts

Unwin T The place of geography Longman, 1992
Gregory D, Martin R and Smith G Human geography: Society, space and social science Macmillan, 1994

Recommended texts

Clark M J and others (eds) Horizons in physical geography Macmillan, 1989
Gregory D and Walford R (eds) Horizons in human geography Macmillan, 1989
Harvey M F and Holly B P Themes in geographic thought Croom Helm, 1981
Johnston R J Geography and geographers Arnold, 1991
Johnston R J and others Dictionary of human geography 3rd edn, Blackwell, 1994
Light A Philosophy and geography: space, place and environmental ethics Rowman and Littlefield, 1997
Livingstone D The geographical tradition Blackwell, 1992