Evolution of Geographical Thought (B.A Geography)

Development of geographical ideas from ancient times through determinism, possibilism and the quantitative revolution.

6 MonthsDuration 5Chapters24Topics

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Syllabus · पाठ्यक्रम

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01Unit 1: Ancient and Medieval Geography 5 topics

Greek geographers - Herodotus, Eratosthenes, Strabo, Ptolemy
Roman contribution
Geographical ideas in ancient India - Puranas, Surya Siddhanta
Arab geographers - Al-Masudi, Al-Biruni, Ibn Battuta, Ibn Khaldun
Age of discoveries

02Unit 2: Foundations of Modern Geography 5 topics

Bernhard Varenius
Immanuel Kant
Alexander von Humboldt - Kosmos
Carl Ritter - Erdkunde
Friedrich Ratzel and environmental determinism

03Unit 3: Schools of Geography 4 topics

German school - Richthofen, Hettner
French school - Vidal de la Blache, Brunhes, possibilism
British school - Mackinder, Herbertson
American school - Davis, Semple, Huntington, Hartshorne

04Unit 4: Dualisms and Regional Concept 5 topics

Physical vs human geography
Systematic vs regional geography
Determinism vs possibilism; neo-determinism
Areal differentiation - Hartshorne
Concept of region

05Unit 5: Modern Trends 5 topics

Quantitative revolution
Systems approach and models
Behavioural geography
Radical and Marxist geography
Humanistic and welfare geography; development of geography in India

About

You will be able to

Describe the contributions of ancient Greek, Roman, Indian and Arab geographers
Explain the foundations of modern geography laid by Humboldt and Ritter
Compare the German, French, British and American schools of geography
Explain dualisms in geography - physical vs human, systematic vs regional, determinism vs possibilism
Describe the quantitative revolution, systems approach and the rise of behavioural, radical and humanistic geography
Explain the development of geography in India

Who it is for

B.A Geography students of Semester 5 (UP state universities, NEP 2020 syllabus)
UGC-NET and UPSC Geography optional aspirants
Learners interested in the history of geographical ideas

What you need

B.A Geography Semesters 1-4

Questions

Which syllabus is followed?

The NEP 2020 common minimum syllabus of UP state universities. Where your university's syllabus differs, the centre follows your own university syllabus.

How do I remember so many geographers?

The course uses timelines and tables of geographers, their books and key ideas for quick revision.

Is this useful for UGC-NET?

Yes, geographical thought is a full unit of the NET Geography syllabus.