Quote of the day: on geography

Geography is the new hot discipline.  A new generation of geographers is integrating the myriad concerns of the world, whether economic or political, social or environmental.

That is Fred Pearce while reviewing a new book, The World in 2050.

Geography is a fantastic intellectual field of inquiry, where there is a natural recognition of the multiple factors that influence even a local issue.  And given the inter-linked, global, and complex set of issues that we often talk about--particularly when it comes to the big issues like climate change--geography, with its integrative approach, is naturally suited for those discussions.

Unfortunately, geography is like Rodney Dangerfield in that it doesn't get any respect.

In April 2011, I will be one of the panelists who will discuss this issue at the annual meeting of the Association of American Geographers.  What will our discussions be about?

Geography and the liberal arts and sciences are moving toward a mutually reinforcing, symbiotic relationship, largely for two reasons.  First, many of today's crucial problems are being recognized as the result of processes - political, economic, cultural, and ecological - unfolding at a global scale.   Second, geography has always been "the synthetic discipline," providing a context for integrative analysis of people, places, and environments.   Learning to think geographically is a process that engages concepts specific to the discipline of geography, but also one that complements a suite of cognitive abilities such as scientific inquiry, humanistic discourse, and critical thinking – all hallmarks of liberal education.

This panel session will explore ways of strengthening the role of geography in liberal education in the early 21st century.   Key questions for discussion will include:

1) To what degree does the undergraduate geography curriculum support the goals of liberal education?  Is the geography major as currently designed fulfilling the evolving needs of a liberal education?

2) How effectively are geography programs preparing majors with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives they need for successful careers in industry, business, government, or for continuing education?

3) What are the most-compelling intellectual and practical reasons for non-majors to take geography classes?

4) In what ways are geography programs succeeding in providing strong learning experiences and opportunities for students of all backgrounds?

5) Are geography programs failing to interface with institutional efforts to enhance liberal education, and if so, what can be done about it?

ht for the Pearce link

Oh, Pearce writes of the author of the book that is reviewed:

Smith is a major new writer on the new geography of the 21st century.  He is as fluent and insightful in discussing political power, cultural nuance, and ethical dilemmas as he is in analysing climate models and economic forecasts.  His study of the “new north” is valuable and timely.  Move over, Jared Diamond.