Human Geography: Geographical Thought

This course offers an advanced introduction to the histories of geographic thought. You study how key concepts, theories and debates have developed over time, and how they shape the way geographers analyse place, space and human–environment relations today. 

Through historical and conceptual perspectives, you learn to understand geography not just as a set of methods, but as an evolving intellectual tradition. You explore how geographical knowledge has been produced, communicated and contested, and how different approaches have emerged in response to political, social and scientific change. 

The course also strengthens your academic foundation in scientific communication. You practise reading key texts, engaging critically with different perspectives, and relating key debates to modern research. 

Teaching is in English and takes place on campus at the Department of Human Geography. 

Human Geography: Geographical Though is part of the Master’s programme in Human Geography but the course is also offered as a freestanding course

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

The course is structured around lectures and seminars. Lectures introduce key thinkers, concepts and debates in human geography, and show how geographical ideas have developed over time. Seminars build on this by encouraging active discussion, close reading of texts and critical engagement in both historical and contemporary theories. 

During the course you work independently and in groups with different course themes.

After completing the course, you can critically analyse geographic concepts and debates, relate past ideas to present research, and reflect on how geographical knowledge is shaped by its historical context. You also develop strong skills in academic reading, argumentation and scientific communication. 
These abilities are valuable in advanced studies within human geography and related fields, and they strengthen your analytical competence for research-oriented work.  

You will study at the Department of Human Geography at Geocentrum I in central Lund – a place that brings together lecturers, researchers and students from all over the world in a stimulating and international study environment.

Prerequisites

At least 150 ECTS credits, including a Bachelor thesis in Human Geography (or the equivalent). English course 6/B.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 16,875
First payment: SEK 16,875

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.