Geography – Diploma in Arts

An introduction to the diversity of human geography focusing on themes such as state and economy; geography of consumption; identity and exclusion; agrifood; migration; geographies of the lifecourse.

An introduction to the changing social and environmental geographies of Aotearoa New Zealand. Highlighting the spatial outcomes of local, national and global processes, the course will cover themes such as the spatial distribution of climate change effects, the diverse social and physical landscapes of Aotearoa, and local and regional economies. Key geographical concepts – place, space, flows and connections – will be introduced and drawn on to deepen understanding of the ways in which the landscapes of Aotearoa – as integrated human and physical environments – have changed, and continue to change. A decolonial lens – meaning one that honours Te Tiriti relationships and obligations, and explicitly contests the ongoing impacts and legacies of Aotearoa’s colonial history in terms of society, landscapes and knowledge construction – will help illuminate the contemporary challenges facing the diverse peoples and landscapes of Aotearoa.

An introductory course exploring the dynamics of Earth and how it changes through time, from the core to the atmosphere, plate tectonics to volcanoes, glaciers to rivers, mountains to oceans, and mass extinctions to the evolution of life. Through exploration of these processes and their interrelationships with environments and society, including natural hazards, climate change, and earth resources, students will develop their practical, problem solving, and communication skills.

Restrictions: 233101 and 145121

How river catchments work and how they are affected by human activity. The environmental effects of land and water management practices, including land use, irrigation, drainage and nutrient loss, on river channels, flows and water quality, framed within an understanding of catchment geomorphology and hydrological processes.

Prerequisites: (189151 OR 145111) AND (233105 OR 117153 OR 199103) Restrictions: 145222

The course covers the principles and methodology of river resource management. It integrates ecology, hydrology, geomorphology and water quality to understand how river ecosystems function and how they may be managed to maximise societal and environmental benefit.

Prerequisites: 121213 or 145222

An exploration of techniques for the collection, interpretation, analysis and representation of social and environmental geographic data using geographic information systems (GIS).

Restrictions: 132106

This course will consider how economic and social inequality is reproduced across space.

Various distinctly geographical approaches to resource conservation are discussed. Topics include: environmental change, human impact, renewable and non-renewable resource conservation, and the role of the state.

Restrictions: 145313

Exploration of the theme of social change and environment with reference to world systems and imperialism studied from a historical geography perspective and focusing on New Zealand.

An examination of aspects of the social, economic and political geographies of urban life, drawing upon various approaches in Human Geography.

A course in geographic information systems (GIS) focusing on the use of digital geospatial information for cartographic presentation and data visualisation.

Prerequisites: 145202 or 145213 or 233214

An introduction to theoretical approaches in human geography, research design and qualitative methodology and techniques. There is a compulsory fieldwork component.

The course explores processes of globalisation emphasising spaces and agents of global change, and global-local connections across a variety of topics.

An advanced study of geopolitics, emphasising geographical processes across a variety of topics.

Erosion and sediment transport pose significant challenges for Aotearoa New Zealand's landscapes. This course delves into the processes driving changes in mountains, hillslopes, rivers, coastal, and marine environments as sediment is eroded, transported, and deposited. Moreover, we will explore the potential impacts of climate change on these processes and landforms. The course equips students with methods to analyse and forecast landform changes and sediment transport, laying the groundwork for effectively managing geomorphic issues that impact society and the environment.

Prerequisites: 233105 Restrictions: 233212

This course will delve into an in-depth analysis of the generation and occurrence of natural hazards, their impacts, and effective risk management strategies. This course also includes the consideration of how climate change is modifying natural events. Students will explore and analyse natural hazards and climate change that impact our environment and future global risk reduction and sustainability initiatives with a focus on creating solutions that mitigate the impact of hazards on society.