Description:

Geography is a dynamic discipline that is increasingly being recognised as an integral part of developing holistic approaches to contemporary society and environment problems. The advent of products such as Google Earth and the rapid uptake of spatial technology in many facets of day-to-day life have also put geography on the public agenda. In essence, geographers study Earth's diversity, its resources, and humankind's survival on the planet. This involves analysing the associations of things and events that give special character to particular places; the interconnections between different areas; and the working of complex systems through time. Geography is the only academic discipline in which an integrative perspective focusing on spatial relationships and processes is a fundamental concern. Geography takes an integrative approach to environmental problems and their solution, including the study of economic, cultural and social goals and processes that determine strategies of resource use and ecosystem management.

Students undertaking the minor in Geography have the opportunity to explore some of the theoretical and practical perspectives geography offers. The minor in Geography will equip students with a good grounding in aspects of the discipline and will complement a wide range of majors offered across different colleges at the ANU. The minor also allows students taking the major in Geography to tailor a program that will further develop their particular interests in the discipline.

Learning Goals:

The Geography minor provides the opportunity to develop the experience and skills to:

1. Evaluate current geographic approaches to investigating a range of environment and sustainability issues and management strategies in international and Australian contexts.
2. Integrate knowledge relevant to geographical science and policy across disciplines
3. Apply a range of written, oral and visual communication skills to effectively convey and discuss information about geographical science and policy in multidisciplinary contexts.
4. Engage with current environment and sustainability policy debates, recognising the socio-political and cultural contexts in which they occur, and
5. Develop a specialisation within the discipline of Geography