ObjectivesStudents who complete the graduate diploma should:
* Demonstrate an independent approach to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of inquiry and appropriate theories and methodologies that are applied with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values;
* Apply critical and analytical skills and methods to the identification and resolution of problems within complex changing social contexts;
* Act as informed and critically discriminating participants within the community of scholars, as citizens and in the work force;
* Communicate effectively;
* Commit to continuous learning;
* Be proficient in the use of appropriate modern technologies, such as the computer and other information technology systems, for the acquisition, processing and interpretation of data.
Academic titleGraduate Diploma in Arts (Geography)
Course descriptionSpecialisation Requirements:
* two compulsory subjects (25 points)
* one fieldwork component subject (12.5-25 points)
* elective subjects to make up 100 points
Compulsory subjects
Subject Semester Credit Points
121-110 Famine in the Modern World
This subject is an introduction to geography and development studies, and is a prerequisite for further study in both. It examines the problems of famine and hunger, and as it does so introduces key issues, concepts and theories central to geography ... Semester 1 12.50
121-307 Geographical Thought
This capstone subject is concerned with the history and philosophy of geography and is designed to introduce students to key debates, both past and present, on the nature and scope of geography as an academic discipline. It therefore sets out an esse... Semester 1 12.50
Elective subjects
Subject Semester Credit Points
121-015 Development and the Third World
This subject is an introduction to a range of issues about development in the 'third world'. It will explore the basic concepts used in development literature in addition to the many ways that development is understood and applied. Concepts... Semester 2 12.50
121-017 Society and Environments
This subject aims to think critically and rigorously about the relationship between social and natural worlds. Its primary purpose is to question the idea that the environment exists outside of, and independent from, the realms of science, culture, p... Semester 1 12.50
121-018 Geomorphology
This subject outlines the development of geomorphology as a discipline, the different approaches used to study landforms and theory of landscape processes and evolution. Topics covered include the denudation system; weathering; hill slopes; fluvial p... Semester 1 12.50
121-021 Environmental Politics and Management
This subject explores a range of contemporary environmental issues in Australia and other postcolonial states and the ways in which people in these places engage with and manage these issues. Examining the history of the emergence and management of ... Semester 2 12.50
121-026 Mobile Worlds
This subject takes as its starting point the recognition that contemporary forms of human mobility are reshaping lives, cultures and economies across the globe. The subject explores the ways in which these mobile flows are creating new places and typ... Semester 1 12.50
121-028 Sustainable Development
The term 'sustainable development' is widely recognised but little understood, with over 50 definitions reflecting the different understandings of environmental theorists and practitioners. This subject discusses and interprets these key cu... Semester 1 12.50
121-209 Inside the City of Diversity
This subject examines how the spaces inside cities, the qualities and resources of their built environments, and the features of their neighbourhoods and communities, enhance or limit the opportunities of different groups of city dwellers. Starting f... Semester 2 12.50
121-317 Africa: Environment, Development, People
This subject introduces students to the physical environment, history, and development challenges facing contemporary sub-Saharan Africa. Students will examine in detail intellectual and ethical debates surrounding the strategies undertaken by postco... Semester 2 12.50
Fieldwork component subjects
Subject Semester Credit Points
121-033 Environmental Hydrology
This subject will not be available in 2009 25
121-071 Coastal Geomorphology This subject will not be available in 2009 12.50
121-306 Applied Ecology
This is a research-led subject that seeks to integrate a sound background in the application of ecological theory with its practical implementation to present-day management issues. It focuses on several key issues in the conservation and management ... Semester 2 12.50
121-310 Fluvial Geomorphology
Fluvial geomorphology is the study of the role of rivers in shaping the morphology of the earth. This subject builds on the grounding in introductory geomorphology provided by . Students who complete the course will not only see the landscape with ne... Semester 2 12.50
121-314 Space and Power
This subject will not be available in 2009 25
121-316 Environmental Change
The Quaternary encompasses the past 2.5 million years of earth and human history. In this subject students will encounter topics such as climate changes, dating methods, glacial/interglacial cycles, sea level changes and associated biotic responses, ... Semester 2 25
121-320 China Field Class
This subject consists of a three-week field trip to China in July with some pre-departure seminars in Melbourne and information sessions in Semester 1. The subject is designed to develop students' interests in Asia, in China in particular, and i... Semester 2 25
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