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This course explores recent developments in the field of historical geography. Assigned readings constitute a juxtaposition of older 'classic' works against more recent 'modern' historical geographies, exploring continuities and divergences.
Recent 'big-picture' works by scholars such as Alan Baker, Jim Lemon, Cole Harris and Don Meinig, building on earlier traditions of scholarship by the likes of Andrew Clark and H.C. Darby, offer one generational window on the vitality of the approaches traditionally represented in historical geography. Current studies that focus on issues of modernity, representation, public memory and historical GIS, amongst others, have less concern for the regional aspect that distinguished earlier works. Essays by Iain Black, Richard Dennis, Matt Hannah, Jeanne Kay, Anne Knowles and Joan Schwartz will provide an alternate set of windows.
As well as reading monographs, book chapters and journal articles, we will also discuss issues of archival data interpretation in "fieldtrips" to Penn State's Special Collections Library. Class participants are expected to lead a seminar discussion on a topic related to their own evolving research. For more information, please contact Deryck Holdsworth, 320 Walker, 865-1044, or e-mail dwh6@ems.psu.edu. The seminar meeting time will be once a week, at a time slot to be decided that is mutually convenient.