GES4820

Seminar in geography

Associate Professor David Mercer

12 points
* 4 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton

Objectives In participating in this subject, successful students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of 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 practise 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 contextual framework for the theses of honours students. 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 thesis 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