Why Study Geography?

“The more you read, the better your understanding of geography will be. The more stories you immerse yourself in, the more you will be able to think geographically.” (p.35)

Overall Verdict: ★ ★ ★ ★

Why this book?
Now here’s a thought: is it possible to have a ‘complete’ understanding of geography? Does one ever reach the limit of their ability to think geographically? Or, just like our subject, is a geographer forever in a state of ‘becoming’? Whatever the answer to these questions, the fact remains that “the more you read, the better your understanding of geography will be” (p.35). Luckily, this is one of those books that does just that: deepens your understanding of the subject and discipline of geography.

It didn’t take long to be inspired by this book. Indeed, I was yet to reach the contents page before an idea struck. Why? Well on the inside cover Alan explains why he choose a seemingly simple image of green beans as the cover image. He explains how a geographer would see this image, the questions that would spring to mind and the information they’d seek in order to learn more. This reminded me to do more of this in my own classroom; to more regularly present students with an image or an object and ask them to ‘think like a geographer’ about it.

In my opinion, it is Chapter 1 in particular that ensures this book joins the essential reading list for all geography teachers and curriculum makers. Amongst many other things, this chapter sees Alan discuss five key elements of geography (physical and human connectedness, place, scale, process, and skills) and he does so with incredible skill, clarity and precision. Chapter 4 is another noteworthy chapter. Giving details of how people have used their geography qualifications, it will ensure that we’re all equipped should anyone dare to suggest that studying geography only equips you to teach geography… (which in itself, is certainly no bad thing!).

For students:
If you’re yet to make up your mind about whether or not to continue studying geography, this book will, without fail, inspire you to do so.
If you’re after quotes or ideas to include in your personal statement, this book is awash with both.
Finally, if you’re in need of some motivation to get your geography coursework done or to remind yourself of why you (hopefully) love the subject, this is the book for you.

What I particularly like about this book is the way that it will reinforce to students what they will have heard countless times from their geography teacher; that geography really is the big-picture subject for our times. After all, ‘the subject has the whole world to explain’ (p.39).

For teachers:
Published incredibly recently, it’s the first geography education book (I believe?) to discuss the geography of Covid-19 and the significance of 2020 for geographers. Alan argues that in 2020 where you were has suddenly mattered more than ever. Throughout the book (but particularly in Chapter 1), you are thus given ideas of how we can (sensitively) use the events of 2020 to further ‘prove’ the value of geography. I will, without a doubt, be using extracts in assemblies, at future open evenings, and in ‘taster’ lessons alike.