Geography (JH)
Geography is the study of Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. Fundamentally it is about the world in which we live. Geography offers a 21st century education by uniquely bridging the social sciences (human geography) with the natural sciences (physical geography). Human geography focuses on understanding the dynamics of cultures, societies and economies, while physical geography focuses on understanding the dynamics of physical landscapes. In Trinity, a Geography degree also covers increasingly important environmental issues where humans affect physical environments and vice versa.
Are you interested in the way the world works? Do you want to make a positive difference to the way in which we live together with the natural world for present and future generations? If the answer is yes, then geography is for you.
Studying Geography at Trinity you will explore a range of topics from the history of cities to the landforms of Mars, strengthening both your creative and analytical abilities. You will develop communication and teamwork skills and most of all you will become fully equipped to become a real-world problem solver. Geography will foster your independence of thought as well as critical and intellectual awareness. You will have opportunities to go ‘into the field’ to explore important geographical issues in Ireland and abroad, exploring the areas that interest you most in more detail through independent research projects. The staff in Geography have a wide range of expertise in physical, human and environmental issues and are passionate about the subject. Come and explore the world and shape the future with us.
In the Joint Honour (JH) Programme, Geography can be studied in combination with other subjects such as Economics, Sociology, History or German.
Year 1: Junior Freshman Geography
The first year (Junior Freshman) JH Geography modules aim to provide a flavour of the breadth of the subject, focusing on materials that are dealt with in greater depth in later years, while challenging students to integrate the different approaches and forms of knowledge that characterise the modern discipline of geography.
In the first year, students take three introductory modules in Geography:
- Physical Geography
- Environmental Geography
- Human
Participation in lectures and seminars is in line with other TJH subjects. Certain practical exercises are completed outside the allocated class time.
Year 2: Senior Freshman
The second (Senior Freshman) year geography modules cover issues relating to cultural, economic and historical geography, and to natural and human-modified environmental processes and systems. Research skills are developed further through the Collection and Analysis of Geographical Data module that includes a fieldwork component. A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-year examination is used.
Year 3 & 4: Junior & Senior Sophister
Students may also opt to take a number of modules from a suite of options that contribute to greater understanding of the world around us from disciplines outside Geography in their third and fourth years. A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-year examination is used.