Geography & Development
Academic Contributors
Shirley Chin Wei Lee (Programme Leader)
Norzurianie Hj Kamarulzaman (Coordinator)
Ahsan Ullah
Gabriel Yong
Izni Azrein bin Noor Azalie
Khairunnisa Haji Ibrahim
Dk. Noor Hasharina bte Pg. Haji Hassan
Siti Mazidah Haji Mohamad
Introduction
A detailed knowledge of the geography of developed and developing countries and regions, particularly their different histories and the resultant levels of development, is especially relevant in today’s increasingly polarised world.
While no single definition of ‘development’ is universally applicable, it is nevertheless a term that is generally used to describe a process that produces economic growth. Thus, we can differentiate between ‘developed’ and ‘developing’ based upon narrow economic indicators such as gross national product (GNP). However, this definition needs to be widened to include technological, social, political or environmental parameters that may contribute to improved standards of living. Indeed, it can be argued that differentiating between ‘rich’ and ‘poor’ based purely on monetary levels reflects a condescending view towards the latter. Using ideas such as location, linkages, patterns and mobility, the teaching will look for explanation behind geographical factors that impact on the various forms of development.
Relevance
The skills obtained while undertaking this Major are relevant to a broad range of career options. There is a growing recognition that a geographical perspective is becoming indispensible across government, business and industrial sectors. Employers identify spatial awareness and the power to think holistically as highly valuable abilities and relevant to a wide range of careers. Location-based services, resource distribution, sustainable development or transport are just four sectors where the skills and knowledge obtained on this Major can be applied.
Teaching themes
Students can follow a number of themes that examine different strands of development, particularly from a geographical perspective. This gives a number of focal points which students can develop. Following any particular theme is not intended to be prescriptive but it gives the programme a solid framework and identity. The themes are as follows.
Globalisation and regionalism
The main thrust of this theme deals with the spatial components (geographies) of socio-cultural, political and economic development. The modules within this theme examine how these geographies are influenced by space and the increased interconnectivity of socio-economic forces and political institutions across space. It also emphasizes how globalization impacts on socio-economic and political processes at local, national, regional and global scales.
Sustainability
The theme considers development on a broader scale and addresses the issues and necessary solutions to ensure that human society continues to exist on this planet without destroying the very planetary resources that support us. Sustainable development is held by many to offer a solution to this problem, although the definition and implications of sustainable development are hotly contested. The concepts and practices of sustainability are explained using examples from different spatial scales.
Cultures and trends in society
Societies and cultures continuously evolve, reflecting internal or external drivers. Some trends relate to particular social groups while some incorporate society in general. This theme intends to examine social trends from a spatial perspective, covering issues such as cosmopolitan identities, finances and consumption.
Level 1000 - Foundation Year
AD-1201 Spatial Patterns of Development |
AD-1202 Population & Development |