FOUNDATIONS OF GEOGRAPHIC THOUGHT
GEOG 5160; Fall 2023; ENV 337, T 5-8pm
Instructor:
Dr. Harry Williams.
Office: ENV 210G; Email: harryf.williams@unt.edu
Office hours: T 8.30-9.30, TH 11-12, or by appointment.
Web page: www.geog.unt.edu/~williams
Objectives:
1. To become familiar with the historical development of the subject of geography.
2. To get to know other graduate students and faculty in the department.
3. To introduce geography graduate students to our department’s diverse research perspectives.
4. To debate and assess geographical research, methodological approaches in geography, and theoretical frameworks used by geographers.
5. To develop oral and written skills necessary in an academic or work setting.

Approach:
More so than most other subjects, geography is a diverse and broad discipline. Part of being an educated geographer is an appreciation of the history and diversity of the subject. This course provides grounding in the history of geography, current research approaches and theoretical frameworks, with a focus on the geography department at UNT. Students will introduce themselves to the class using a short PowerPoint presentation. A series of short videos will be used to chart the historical evolution of geography. Contemporary research approaches will be illustrated by readings of, and discussions with, UNT Geography faculty. The question, “what do geographers do?” will be based on information from AAG Specialty Groups, researched and presented by class members.

This is a seminar course, not a lecture course. Classwork will be based on discussions of assigned videos, readings and presentations, and will not involve lectures. We use refereed journal articles to explore the range of faculty research practices.

Participation in the course requires:
1) Viewing all assigned videos. 2) Reading of all assigned articles. 3) Preparing for and participating in class discussions. 4) Practicing high-quality writing. 5) Practicing high-quality presentations. 6) Turning in all assignments by a deadline. 7) Attending all Cross Currents Seminars (usually six seminars over the semester, Fridays, 3-4 pm).

Course Expectations:
Class Participation (20%): based on attendance, demonstration of having completed video and reading assignments, participation in discussions and asking questions; ability to listen to others and acknowledge their input in your own remarks.

History of geography videos (20%): a summary of each video is provided. Watch the video and take additional notes. Questions are handed out at the end of class – answers in a .doc file due the following week - use your initials to name the .doc file (e.g. hw_week3_video.doc. Due Monday at noon.

Weekly journal articles (30%)
Assignments for each week’s readings will be a brief summary and reaction to and/or observations of the readings. First, write a brief summary of the articles (around 1-2 pages - whatever it takes to cover the major points). You should write at least two class discussion questions for each article. Be sure your name and date are on the Word document; 11 or 12 point font, 1-inch margins. Use your initials to name the .doc file (e.g. hw_week4_articles.doc). Be prepared to ask your questions during class! Due Monday at noon.

What’s your AAG Specialty Group? (10%):
Each student will introduce and discuss two American Association of Geographers Specialty Groups related to their research interests. As lead discussant, you should be prepared to briefly summarize the focus of the Specialty Group; if you can, identify when it was established, number of members, annual awards, etc.; explain why it interests you; and discuss its broader relevance. Present as a powerpoint. Grades will be based on evidence of background research, overall coherence and organization, ability to generate interest, and responses to questions (no repeat AAG groups).

Cross Currents seminars (20%): outside speakers give a presentation of how they use geography. Six speakers in the fall semester, dates TBD. Seminars are on Fridays 3-4. Take notes and ask one or more questions. Summary (presentation, questions and answers to questions) due the following Monday at noon. Use your initials to name the .doc file (e.g. hw_week5_crosscurrents.doc.

Course Evaluation Summary
Class Participation (20%).
Weekly video answers to questions (20%).
Weekly journal articles summary and questions (30%).
AAG Specialty Groups Assignment 10%).
Cross Currents Seminars summary and questions (20%).

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