GEOGRAPHY IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN: AN APPRAISAL

Abstract Geography is one of the oldest forms of intellectual inquiry. There is little disagreement among professional geographers as to what the discipline is actually about. This agreement about this discipline, among its practitioners, has to some extent caused considerable reputation to those who are practicing the subject This however, does not mean that the subject is looked upon in a positive way by the public, with the result that most of those who wish to study the subject are unsure what they will do after graduation. This paper explores the roles of geography in a historical perspective. It examines the methodology of geography and the way it has evolved so as to give the subject a place of its own among other subjects. Geography's roles in various sectors and frontiers are examined. An attempt has been made to appeal to students, teachers and other practitioners who are concerned with preserving the public image of their subject as an academic discipline, as well as a field of applied research...