Jan 2: 'Why Study Geography?' - harnessing the power of the quotidian

The book shines a clear and constant light on geography as a subject, avoiding slogans and incautious overclaiming about geography’s use and potential. This is achieved by focussing on the power and potential of thinking geographically while at the same time avoiding the trap of suggesting any once and for all ‘definition’ of geography. As with all academic disciplines (but geography perhaps more than most) geography is dynamic, seemingly ever-expanding and somewhat unruly, and Parkinson’s approach captures this nicely ... this book is set to become a ‘must have’ for all secondary schools preparing students for A level studies as well as university geography degree courses. 

Professor David Lambert

From the book review by Professor Lambert. 

A full book review here: http://rigeo.org/rigeo-v10-n4-19-br/ 

There's a good mention for the quotidian in my latest book, which came out in October 2020 in the UK, and November/December in other countries around the world.

It is called 'Why Study Geography' and is published by the London Publishing Partnership.

An extract from Chapter 2

"Geography, as we have already seen, is a subject which touches all human life. We are all living geography every day, and every day we make decisions which connect us with people in other parts of the country or the wider world. This everyday (quotidian) geography is important, but to really understand the importance of these connections, and be able to articulate why they are important, you need to ‘study’ geography in more detail. By study, you need to engage with the subject, spend time with it, do some reading, and ask important questions to explore the new knowledge you are gaining through both formal and informal ‘educational’ experiences."

The final chapter contains links to over 50 resources to support your exploration of geography including films, books, websites, podcasts and others.

It explores all aspects of the subject and is unashamedly 100% geography. 

There are so many people who have helped me out with the book in various ways. These include colleagues from the GA and the RGS, along with teaching colleagues. It includes vignettes from a number of people including Kit Rackley, Corinna Hawkes and Ben Hennig. There are details of how the subject developed, and more on academic geography. It finishes by exploring the reasons why geography matters now more than ever - mirroring the theme of last year's GA Conference under the Presidency of Gill Miller.

Thanks to all those who have purchased the book so far, and all those who are going to buy it this year. Available from all good online stores.