Unlike some other disciplines, geography has a bit of an identity crisis. Whenever I tell someone that I am in a geography department, they routinely reply: ‘I love rocks.’ Even if they know the difference between geology and geography, they often associate geography with state capitals and maps. Does it really matter that geography remains misunderstood? In short, yes.
Without a clear identity, geography remains misunderstood and, as a result, less relevant. Many students do not select geography for their major, in large part, because they do not know what it is all about. More importantly, geography departments have had a precarious existence, starting with the infamous closing of the geography department at Harvard in the 1950s, and several have shut down in recent years, creating concern for the long-term viability of existing programs.
Additionally, even our own students, at the undergraduate and graduate level, cannot always clearly articulate what geography is or represents. In my estimation, geography remains the discipline best situated to prepare students for understanding society and ultimately inserting themselves as democratic citizens in their communities. I will save that rationale for another day. This post is to set up this series. I have asked the graduate students that I have the honor to advise, to write about how they view geography and its importance. I will post a new entry every week or so. Enjoy the perspectives!
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