History of geography [SGOGB205]

Learning outcomes

By highlighting the role of Geography in today's society and learning about the discoveries made by the discipline's founders, Geography students will be better able to envisage their future direction and take a step back from their discipline.

In particular, students should be able to

• describe the broad outlines of the history of cartography
• explain the different roles of the map throughout its history
• describe the work of the pioneers of geographical science
• describe the development of the tools and techniques of geographical science

Objectives

Skills developed during this course:

Disciplinary skills:

#3. Concepts and theories in geography: beginner level

 
Transversal skills:

#6. Collaboration - teamwork: beginner level

#7. Autonomy: beginner level

#8. Oral communication: intermediate level

#9. Written communication: intermediate level

Content

This course consists of a historical approach to geography, the science of interrelationships: definition and subdivisions, principles, tools and methods, its place in all the sciences, the development of cartography, etc. We will trace the development of the discoveries and conceptions of the ancient geographers in order to understand the foundations of this science.

Table of contents

• The ancient world
• The Middle Ages
• The great maritime discoveries
• World exploration since the 18th century
• Scientific geography

Exercises description

Practical work will focus on extracting information from old maps.