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Contemporary Geographical Thought (GEOG90018)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
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About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
We rarely reflect on the evolution of thinking within an academic discipline and the circumstances prevailing both within and beyond the academy at times of disciplinary upheaval. This subject explores the history and philosophy of geography. It introduces students to key debates and developments in geographical thought, and how these govern the nature and scope of geography as an academic discipline. Through a series of workshops and readings, students will discover what drives contemporary research in human and physical geography. The subject highlights: the important role that geographers play in interdisciplinary research and their ability to bridge the social-physical science divide; notions of research culture/environment; and wider societal contexts that affect and are affected by disciplinary change. In addition to benchmark papers, students will critically evaluate how contemporary geographic research is communicated orally via research seminars within the School and across the university. Students completing this subject will be able to think critically about different branches of geographical thought; evaluate theoretical concepts from geography and elsewhere; and demonstrate an understanding of the dynamic and contested nature of the discipline. Students will also gain insights into a selected issue at a leading edge of contemporary geographical research.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Identify the current directions of research programs in geography and what drives them.
- Synthesise the history, philosophy and scope of the discipline of geography.
- Categorise the methodological principles underlying geographical research and their limitations;
- Critique cutting-edge contemporary debates and questions in geographical research.
Generic skills
- To demonstrate advanced literature research skills.
- To demonstrate advanced oral and written communication skills.
- To demonstrate the ability and self-confidence to comprehend complex contemporary geographical debates and concepts.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students who have completed the following subject, or equivalent, are ineligible: GEOG30003 Geographical Thought
Students enrolling in this subject are ineligible to enrol in: GEOG90008 Advanced Reading in Geography
Recommended background knowledge
An undergraduate degree with a major in Geography, or equivalent (e.g. Environmental Studies)
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Contemporary Issues Essay due end of week 7
| Week 7 | 35% |
Geography and Philosophy Essay due end of week 10
| Week 10 | 50% |
Seminar diary due end of week 12
| During the assessment period | 15% |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Russell Drysdale Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 hr per week: 2 hr workshop, 1 hr attendance at School seminar series Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 February 2022 to 29 May 2022 Last self-enrol date 11 March 2022 Census date 31 March 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 6 May 2022 Assessment period ends 24 June 2022 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Nil
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Geography - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 31 January 2024