Feeling so good right now :D

[-Mystogan-San-]

Hi guys, just thought that because there isn't enough happiness in the world, i'd share mine with you

I've just earned my Degree (Equivalent of Masters i think)in Geography, and have been accepted into a teacher training course

So yeah... Yay

[Maelstrom]

Masters is pretty much 6 years of college courses. And your profile says 19, so I'm thinking the equivalent is probably Associates (2 yrs).

Congrats. What do you plan on teaching eventually?

[Godot]

Cool!

[-Mystogan-San-]

In the UK, a degree is normally a 3 year course, but i managed to bundle all of it into a year and a half (There were special circumstances, it was complicated and difficult :/)

I wanna teach Geography - cause we're obviously the coolest

[Maelstrom]

So it's right in between an Associates and a Bachelors, 2 and 4 years respectively.

*tries to think of things to ask about geography*

What would you say is the main difference(s) between geology and geography?

How far into climatology and sociology do they teach you for geography in the regard that geography has a direct impact on both? Cuz now you got me interested in the topic.

[-Mystogan-San-]

Well, Geography is a pretty interesting subject at a high level - in that it's a combination of every other subject. It's actually one of the most respected degrees by employers (in the UK anyway) because it teaches analytical skills in a wide area. This can include geology, sociology, climatology, mathematics, report writing, cartography and involving computer programs and skills across all those mentioned (there's probably more too that i can't think of).

I find that geography is the polar opposite of History, in that in looks towards the future by analysing situations, then looking to manage or improve them through policies. Personally i enjoy looking into the sustainability side of things, as there really is a job market opening in all other areas for sustainability. I did my Dissertation (10,000 word essay which earns you your degree) on the problems that cities cause in regards to sustainability, and how to plan a cities social policies to help create a "sustainable city".

As to "how far they teach us into climatology and sociology" - it depends on what we choose to specialise on as we advance through our course. Like i've said, i chose sustainability, but this doesn't mean that it's exclusive of studying sociology, as you have to study people, and the quality of life, and way of life to have an understanding of how sustainable a certain country/culture is.

Hope that's a good answer

[Maelstrom]

Ah, well I think that's were my interest into the subject comes in, from the political and developmental/economic side. And yeah, I can see where sustainability would be a huge asset. It's kind of big issue that ties into global warming, population expansion... And I can really see its relevance in the UK, where countries are small with high populations and packed together, at least relative to the US. Britain and Japan are small, island nations who've had to come to grips with sustainability at lot more quickly than others (and probably helped prompt the expansion of the British Empire and similar excursions into SE Asia). More modern European and definitely Asian cites are built tighter together, but reach higher than they used to, especially considering the grand estates administered by warlords/fiefs.

Architecture, zoning, funding, local resources, transportation, imports, foreign relations, pre-existing organization, etc... all that come together into a complex system that will define so much of the area's future. It's actually really exciting to think about conceptually. And all the different aspects to take into account together or to pick apart and focus on within more specific parameters... There's just so much to know, to figure out.

My background in biology naturally dips into ecology, which focuses heavily on system's sustainability, disturbances cycles, and stages of recovery. World economics is all about system shifts and balances. And my growing interest in politics these past few years ties into that so much. I've been to Afghanistan, learned basic things about different muslim cultures, and was able to talk to many of them in person. I've seen the climate, the terrain, the villages, the jobs they have, the goods they sell and import. The solar panel electricity that powers the lights in mud and stone homes. I've followed one cultural interest and studied the Japanese culture to an extent as my minor. I've researched North Korea to a small extent. I've been to Costa Rica to study wildlife. I've been to several parts of Mexico and seen what the tourists usually only see and parts that usually only the locals frequent. I've spent a lot of time contemplating reason, morality, religion, and the source and application of authority and power. Even as I was vacationing in California I couldn't help but think of how LA and all those cities completely outgrew and outpaced it's original planning. I see it in every old city's down-town, with their two lane streets, one ways... and general lack of parking. I consider the public transportation systems other countries have adopted. And I'm lazy so when I look at things, I always look for an easier, faster way of doing things if possible. As a soldier, I see the differences in organization and administration between government organizations and commercial/civilian ones.

And it all boils down into a desire to change things for the better. To be in a position to influence or directly change the way things are going, change attitudes and approaches by showing another side that hadn't been taken into account yet. And your answer reminded me of all that. So yeah, I think you gave a good answer. It rekindled my interest in the world.

[-Mystogan-San-]

Everything that you mentioned there fits into "geography" in one way or another. It's Great

My teacher always said to me that - Mathematics teaches you how to solve a problem, but Geography gives you an understanding behind the problem, to stop it recurring.