GEOG4001

Geography and Environmental Studies Honours 4001

20 Units 4000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 1, Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

This course builds knowledge and understanding about the history and philosophy of research in the social, environmental and natural sciences. This knowledge and understanding is used to develop insights into the ways that geographical and environmental problems are conceived and acted on. The course enhances skills and capacities in reading and literature reviewing, critical reasoning and argument, essay writing and verbal communication. The course includes: discussions of theoretical and applied directions in geographical and environmental studies; student-based presentations of key issues; on-line bibliographic searches, statistical analysis and writing techniques.

Objectives By the end of this course students will have:
1. An advanced comprehension of geographical and environmental contemporary issues and their historical dimensions.
2. An advanced understanding of cross-disciplinary approaches to economic and environmental factors and structures and their impacts at local, regional and global scales.
3. An advanced comprehension of the variety of theoretical approaches with which to examine and evaluate geographical and environmental processes and problems.
4. A wide range of skills and methods necessary to undertake a complex analysis and communication of geographical and environmental issues and to critically analyse measures, indicators, reports and policies.
Content * Approaches and Definitions of:
- First World/Third World and North/South-paradigm
- Economic and cultural interpretations of progress and growth
- Understandings of nature/culture and environment
- Holistic interpretations

* Critical analysis of geographical and environmental theories and their paradoxes:
- Economic, political, cultural, social and environmental theories
- Geographical models, indicators and measurements
- Alternative approaches

* The history and philosophy of research approaches:
- Social and physical science epistemologies
- Environmental approaches
- Ideological contradictions

* Advanced skills development:
- Oral presentation and discussion
- Essay writing
Replacing Course(s) GEOS4110 and EMGT4110
Transition Students currently enrolled in the previous suite of honours, ie GEOS4110, 4120, 4210 and 4221 as well as EMGT4110, 4120, 4210 and 4220 will be permitted to finish their current program prior to these courses being deleted.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge A major in the appropriate discipline with a minimum credit grade average.
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Case Study
Lecture
Self Directed Learning
Seminar
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Coursework essay
Presentations - Individual Oral presentation and discussion
Contact Hours Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Self Directed Learning: for 8 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Seminar: for 1 hour(s) per Week for 1 weeks
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for GEOG4001