Geography is by no means unique in being ‘divided’
Biosciences – divided into microbiology (at Exeter) and ecology/conservation (Cornwall campus)
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In the beginning.....
Geography as a unitary subject Exemplified in the form of the Atlas
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The ‘Atlas approach’ -
Geography as comprehensive visual and textual description of the earth, its environments and its peoples
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Geography = Geo-graph =
‘Earth Description’, or ‘Earth Writing’
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Historically:
Through the C19, as ‘Geography’ becomes a school and university subject (alongside others), unity and a holistic approach is stressed (more in week 7) Geography as unified account of landforms, climate, agriculture, population etc. within a given ar
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As late as the 1960s, an undergrad geography dissertation would commonly involve the
description of the key physical and human characteristics of a given area.
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Specialisation.
As scientific knowledge and technique grows exponentially, so a general approach becomes less and less feasible – and less and less convincing A second, related key reason – focus on explanation and process instead of description
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Consequence –
geography becomes systematic rather than regional in how it is taught and researched. Cultural geog. Political geog. Economic geog etc. Hydrology, Meterology, Geomorphology etc.
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The Situation Today:
divide between physical and human has grown larger than ever. Major differences in approach, language, purpose Scale: Geography at Exeter 2016 = 52 staff, in 1976 = 15 staff Wider context: More division of uni subjects
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Divisions within human and physical geography often more important than those between them
e.g. Differences between modelling and field-based work in PG e.g. Differences between quantitative and interpretative approaches in HG
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The Situation Today –
wholesale re-integration seems impossible and undesirable
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Instead of an impossible reunification –
co-existence? Re-focus on environmental processes and problems as a ‘third way’ where human and physical geographers can co-operate e.g. ‘Volatile Planet’ 2nd year module & Naples fieldtrip
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The Situation Today – co-existence
The varied relationships between peoples and environments remains a common focus for many geography programmes. e.g. Whatmore, Lane & Ward Project: Understanding Environmental Knowledge Controversies
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Possibilities and prospects for the future
Divorce? More competition for resources (staff, students, equipment, facilities)?
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Possibilities and prospects for the future : In Physical Geography....
Continuing growth of Earth Systems Science as a scaled-up and integrated systems approach?# Growing influence of ‘Big Science’ (large multinational research projects etc.) Increasing computational & modelling sophistication
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Possibilities and prospects for the future In Human Geography....
Re-focus on key topical questions such as migration, globalisation? Increasing partnerships with other social sciences and humanities subjects? Growing reputation for conceptual sophistication
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Geography is very strong in terms of:
Appeal to students Size and scope Research capacities Graduate outcomes Openness and welcome to those from other disciplines
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
In the beginning.....
Back
Geography as a unitary subject Exemplified in the form of the Atlas
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