| GEOG3023/05366 Philosophical Issues in
Geography (6 credits) |
| Course Coordinator: |
Professor Wolfgang Taubmann |
| Level: |
300 |
| Curriculum Option: |
China (elective),
Environment (elective), Urban (elective) |
| Prerequisite: |
Nil |
Timetable Arrangements:
|
Annual, semester 1 |
| COURSE SYNOPSIS |
A seminar about the concepts and
theories of geographic research. Course contents include the changing interpretation of
major theoretical issues in the discipline of geography. The evolution of geographic
thought will be reviewed and major trends in current geographic research will be
discussed. The purpose is to expose students to various schools of thought in the
geographic discipline and assist students to develop critical and analytical capability.
This course will involve extensive readings and active class participation in the form of
both oral and written presentation.
|
| LECTURE TOPICS |
| 1. |
Introduction: Nature and Themes of Geography |
| 2. |
Early Geography in the Classic Period |
| 3. |
Geography in the Age of Exploration and
Discovery |
| 4. |
Darwin’s Impact on Geography |
| 5. |
Fathers of Modern Geography: Humboldt and
Ritter |
| 6. |
Possibilism and Regionalism |
| 7. |
Environmental Determinism, Human Ecology, and
Cultural Landscape |
| 8. |
Enlightenment, Positivism and the Scientific
Revolution |
| 9. |
Humanism, Behaviouralism, and Radicalism |
| 10. |
Changing Geographical Thought in the
Post-modern World
|
|
| ASSESSMENT |
Examination (two hours) 70%;
coursework (30%).
|
| BASIC READINGS
|
| 1. |
Martin, G.J. and James, P.E. (1993). All
possible worlds: A history of geographical ideas. Wiley, New York. |
| 2. |
Johnston, R.J. (1997). Geography and
geographers: Anglo-American human geography since 1945. Arnold, London. |
|