GEOG4001
20 units
4000 level
Course handbook
Description
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.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 1 - 2024
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
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
Assumed knowledge
A major in the appropriate discipline with a minimum credit grade average.
Assessment items
Essay: Coursework Essay
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Self-Directed Learning-1
- Self-Directed 8 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
- Each GEOG Honours student will present a short 15min seminar in their first semester and a 1/2hr seminar in their second semester.
Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Self-Directed Learning-1
- Self-Directed 8 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
- Each GEOG Honours student will present a short 15min seminar in their first semester and a 1/2hr seminar in their second semester.
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.