Geography - WELCOME TO RAMAKRISHNA SARADA MISSION VIVEKANANDA VIDYABHAVAN

Department of Geography

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Initiation and brief overview

Started in 2012, the Department of Geography is operating as an Honours Department since 2018 under CBCS system. At present, the department has a four-member faculty (1 assistant professor and 3 SACTs). Since its inception, the Department has a good academic record.

Vision and outlook

We focus on inculcating an interest for Geography among our students, with particular effort towards building their analytical skills. In accordance with the larger discipline of our college, the entire syllabus is completed before the semester exams take place.

Methods of teaching

Apart from classroom lectures, the department uses Power Point presentation to stimulate learning interests. The department also organizes several educational tours and activities each year to enhance the learning capability and to increase a lust for knowledge. Regular assessments through written class work and class tests and several internal exams ensure that the students are well prepared for their end-semester examinations.

Infrastructure

The Honours section of the Department of Geography started its journey from July, 2018. So, at present the Department has no seminar library. But an effort is being taken to organise a seminar library which will constitute relevant books and journals regarding different aspects of geographical affairs. Five desktop computers are used for studies and keeping records of academic events. A laboratory well-equipped with different geographical instruments and necessary maps and satellite imageries are part of departmental assets.

Email: geography@rksmvv.ac.in

SYLLABUS, COURSES & COURSE OUTCOMES

Syllabus
WBSU syllabus for B.Sc. (both Honours & Generic Elective) under the UGC prescribed syllabus template for CBCS Semester system.
https://www.wbsubregistration.org/syllabus/geography-cbcs-draft-syllabus.pdf

Courses offered

Honours

Generic Elective

Skill Enhancement Course.

Course outcome

Geography is a robust academic subject rich in skills, knowledge and understanding. Geography mainly concerns changes in spatial attributes in a temporal perspective. The Honours programme in geography is tailored to meet the students’ specific educational and professional goals in mind. It focuses on spatial studies, qualitative as well as quantitative, and emphasizes on human-environment relationship. During the first year of the programme, the students are trained on advanced concepts of physical and human geography. The third year allows them to concentrate on specific areas of the subject, on which they complete their field reports. After completing the course, the students will be amply prepared for professional careers in geography and allied disciplines like GIS and Remote Sensing. They will also be able to pursue M.A. /M.Sc. Course in Geography. Some common outcome of Geography Honours Course may be summarized as:

Acquiring Knowledge from Socio-Cultural Geography:

Students will acquire an understanding of and appreciation for the relationship between Geography and Culture.

Acquiring Knowledge from Physical Geography:

Students will have a general understanding about the geomorphological and geotechnical process and formation. They will be able to correlate the knowledge of physical geography with human geography.

Acquiring Knowledge from Human Geography:

They will be able to acquire knowledge from Human Geography and will correlate it with their practical life.

Ability to Interconnect among community:

Students will understand through lectures and also local, regional, and/or international travel, the interconnection between people and places and have a general comprehension of how variations in culture and personal experiences may affect our perception and management of places and regions.

Course specific outcome

Paper

Course specific outcome

GEOACOR01:

GEOTECTONICS AND GEOMORPHOLOGY

This paper aims to provide an in-depth knowledge about the physical features of the earth. It focuses on various aspects of the earth’s surface, especially the lithosphere. Through this paper students will gain knowledge about the topographic and surficial characteristics of the earth surface, in addition to this it also aims to make the students aware of the dynamic geomorphic processes responsible for the development of landforms of varied types and nature. This paper also focuses on the creation, evolution, structure, and destruction of various landforms of the earth.

On the other side, the practical portion of this core course aims to train the students with the ability to read measure and construct maps explaining the physical characteristics of the topography of the earth and preparation of various profile drawings to explain the geomorphic processes of the earth in a better way.

GEOACOR02: CARTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES

This paper aims to provide an in-depth knowledge about the theoretical understanding of the science of map making. Various concepts are taught in this paper regarding various kinds of maps, their scales, uses, utilities etc.

Practical portion mainly deals with the equipment to construct various types of maps, based on various projections. Also, different surveying techniques are there with both manual and digital tools as well as methods are taught so that the students are capable of using such techniques in the practical field.

GEOACOR03:

HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

This paper provides knowledge about the human aspects of geography. Through this paper students can easily understand the relationship between human beings and the natural world. Also, various philosophical contents are there to provide the philosophical background of the subject.

Although there is no practical portion in this core course, sometimes various quantitative techniques, indexes, formulas are taught to depict, interpret and represent the human geographic data.

GEOACOR04: CARTOGRAMS AND THEMATIC MAPPING	This paper deals with theoretical knowledge regarding art and science of thematic map making. Students can construct maps of various regions depicting various themes. In the practical field there are a lot of opportunities to make thematic maps with the help of various geographical data based on primary or secondary surveys.
GEOACOR05: CLIMATOLOGY	This paper provides the knowledge of the dynamics of earth’s atmosphere and global climate. Theoretical concept, explanation and classification of world climates are there based on various approaches and practical observation of climatologists. Students can easily relate the causes and consequences of worldwide global climatic change. Different weather-related techniques and tools are used in its practical portion like Hythergraph and Climograph to make this field more up to date with daily life. They are also capable of interpreting and analyzing the weather map of pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon period..
GEOACOR06: GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA	This paper intends to provide the students with the knowledge about the diversity of India. Students can learn about the physical environment, locational pattern, population size, shape and characteristics, agricultural distribution with different methods applied in different regions, industrial location and their distribution, transportation systems with their regional distribution etc. about the country of India.
GEOACOR07: STATISTICAL METHOD IN GEOGRAPHY	Statistics play an important role in real life, especially in large industries, where data is computed in bulk. It helps to collect, analyse and interpret the data. Also, with the help of statistical graphs, charts and tables we can easily present the data. The types of statistics are categorized based on these features: Descriptive and inferential statistics. Based on the representation of data such as using Bar graphs, Pie charts or tables, we analyse and interpret it.
GEOACOR08: REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT	From this chapter we understand the importance of improving the distribution pattern of human activity and reducing the disparities between rich and poor regions of the country. We also focus on region-wise environmental, social and economic issues.

GEOACOR09: ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY	Students taking this course study the nature and use of areas of the Earth’s surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. They conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including landforms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.
GEOACOR010: ENVIRONMENTAL GEOGRAPHY	Environmental Geography combines these subjects to provide a much-needed capability to study and understand interactions between people, and the environments in which they live. Environmental Geographers have expert knowledge and skills to research, analyze and communicate how the changing environment affects our lives. Their ability to visualize geographical issues at different spatial scales, from global to local and to offer solutions to some of our most pressing environmental problems, ensures that graduates in Environmental Geography are highly sought after by a wide range of employers.
GEOACOR011: FIELDWORK AND RESEARCH METHOD	Fieldwork is an essential ingredient of geography because it provides a ‘real-world’ opportunity for students to develop and extend their geographical thinking; it adds value to classroom experiences. Field studies are learning experiences outside of the classroom. Field studies allow students to gather their own (primary) data, provide opportunities to extend classroom learning through direct observation and experience, and allow for scientific research through field experiments. Field study trips can range from short walks in the schoolyard or nearby neighborhood to vehicle excursions over some distance for several hours to a full day.
GEOACOR012: REMOTE SENSING AND GIS	Remote sensing helps people acquire information about the Earth. It is thus essential to hazard assessment as well as the monitoring of land degradation and conservation. Remote sensing is also useful in oceanography as it tracks ocean circulation, temperature, and wave heights to understand ocean resources better. Remote sensing technique has emerged as an effective tool for systematic survey, analysis, and better management of natural resources (land, soil, water, forests, mountains) along with the monitoring of desertification, flood, drought, and landform change. Satellite remote sensors can serve as major sources of data on the effects of human behavior within the biosphere, enabling the establishment of the spatial scale and extent of the direct interaction of humans with the global land cover.
GEOACOR013: DISASTER MANAGEMENT	Disaster is a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or society, which involves widespread human, material, economic or environmental impacts that exceed the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources. Disaster management is how we deal with the human, material, economic or environmental impacts of said disaster, it is the process of how we “prepare for, respond to and learn from the effects of major failures”. Though often caused by nature, disasters can have human origins. The combination of hazards, vulnerability and inability to reduce the potential negative consequences of risk results in disaster. From this course students will learn how to prepare the society to face certain kind of disaster, what are the different mitigative measures for both different natural and man-made disaster, what kind of response of the affected people will be during the occurrence of a particular disaster and in what way we will be able to manage and recover the loss caused at the time of disaster.
GEOACOR014: GEOGRAPHICAL THOUGHT	Geographical Thought provides a clear and accessible introduction to the key ideas and figures in human geography. It provides an essential introduction to the theories that have shaped the study of societies and space; opening with an exploration of the fundamental concepts of human geography in the nineteenth century academia, the range of theoretical perspectives that have emerged within human geography over the last century from feminist and Marxist concepts, through to post-colonial and non-representational theories. “Geographic thought” encompasses the development of geographic knowledge in particular places, times, and contexts. Accordingly, it has traditionally been approached from a historical perspective. A brief history of geographic thought portrays the evolving modes of perception in geographies.
GEOADSE01T: SOIL & BIOGEOGRAPHY	From the content of this core course students will learn how to protect soils, plants and animals. One-quarter of all living things live in the soil for some part of their lives. Soil is the foundation of basic ecosystem function. Soil filters our water, provides essential nutrients to our forests and crops, and helps regulate the Earth’s temperature as well as many of the important greenhouse gases. Biogeography has an important role in managing the world’s biodiversity. Students will gain knowledge about geographical distribution of organisms, and the information about how and when species may have evolved. Fossils provide evidence of long-term evolutionary changes, documenting the past existence of species that are now extinct. They will be able to understand and forecast changes to species distributions caused by environmental changes, both natural and anthropogenic, such as widespread vegetation clearance and shifts in climate.
GEOADSE02T: SETTLEMENT GEOGRAPHY	The importance of a spatial perspective for demographic research has received considerable attention over the past few decades. Population geography addresses demographic issues and population processes in an explicitly spatial manner, with a focus on the connection between people and places. Population Geography is the study of the demography from a geographical perspective. This course helps to understand the various facets pertaining to the spatial variation in the distribution of the human population across the Earth with reference to the physical, cultural and socio-economic environment
GEOADSE03T: POPULATION GEOGRAPHY	The importance of a spatial perspective for demographic research has received considerable attention over the past few decades. Population geography addresses demographic issues and population processes in an explicitly spatial manner, with a focus on the connection between people and places. Population Geography is the study of the demography from a geographical perspective. This course helps to understand the various facets pertaining to the spatial variation in the distribution of the human population across the Earth with reference to the physical, cultural and socio-economic environment
GEOADSE04T: HYDROLOGY & OCEANOGRAPHY	Hydrology has evolved as a science in response to the need to understand the complex water systems of the Earth and help to solve water problems. It is the study of the Earth’s water, particularly of water on and under the ground before it reaches the ocean or before it evaporates into the air. Hydrology provides guidance for undergoing proper planning and management of water resources. Calculates rainfall, surface runoff, and precipitation. It determines the water balance for a particular region. It mitigates and predicts flood, landslide and drought risk in the region. Oceanography applies chemistry, geology, meteorology, biology, and other branches of science to the study of the ocean. It is especially important today as climate change, pollution, and other factors are threatening the ocean and its marine life. From the knowledge obtained from oceanography, one can predict future changes in the temperature of the planet, and also to give warning of sea level changes, which could devastate low lying countries and coral reefs
GEOADSE05T: SOCIAL GEOGRAPHY	In a nutshell, social geography focuses on the scientific study of the relationship of society and space (spatial components) as it studies relationships between people, natural resources and animal life, and their spatial distribution over geographical locations. It is interested in answering the questions of how societal processes determine space and its structures and how spatial conditions determine the existence of societies.
GEOADSE06T: RESOURCE GEOGRAPHY	In this branch the emphasis is given on the study of resource, regional distribution of resource, factors associated with the production and exploration of resource. Resources are important for us as we utilize them to satisfy our wants. Many minerals like iron, copper, mica etc. are used in industries for manufacturing various goods. Minerals like coal and petroleum are used for the generation of electricity. From this core course students will be able to understand about the nature of resources. Realizing the basic characteristics of resources i.e., utility, limited availability and potentiality for depletion or conservation, students will realize the importance of resources for overall economic development of a country and this realization will lead them towards a goal of sustainable development.

Course specific outcome Geography General

GEOGCOR01: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY	Natural processes of Earth affect the distribution of resources (from carbon dioxide in the air to freshwater on the surface to minerals deep underground) and the conditions of the human settlement. Physical Geography helps us to understand the basic physical systems or natural processes that affect our everyday life. These are important systems to monitor and predict in order to help lessen the impact of disasters. Land forms, soils, climate, water, natural vegetation and diverse flora and fauna are the elements of Physical Geography.
GEOGCOR02: HUMAN GEOGRAPHY	Human geography is a wide-ranging discipline that draws together many of the strands important for understanding the world today. It examines human societies and how they develop, their culture, economy and politics, all within the context of their environment. Students will acquire knowledge about the interrelationship between the physical environment and socio-cultural environment. They will be well-acquainted with the power of adaptation of human being with different types of environment whether it is adverse of favourable. Gradual development of human society with time also provides information about growth and composition of population.
GEOADSE05T: SOCIAL GEOGRAPHY	In a nutshell, social geography focuses on the scientific study of the relationship of society and space (spatial components) as it studies relationships between people, natural resources and animal life, and their spatial distribution over geographical locations. It is interested in answering the questions of how societal processes determine space and its structures and how spatial conditions determine the existence of societies.
GEOGCOR03: GENERAL CARTOGRAPHY	Cartography is a very important part of Geography and most relevant in preparation of maps. Without maps, we would be “spatially blind.” Knowledge about spatial relations and location of objects are most important to learn about space, to act in space, to be aware of what is where and what is around us, or simply to be able to make good decisions.
GEOGCOR04: ENVIRONMENTAL GEOGRAPHY	Environmental geography represents a critically important set of analytical tools for assessing the impact of human presence on the environment by measuring the result of human activity on natural landforms and cycles. This course helps to understand the current environmental problems through the knowledge of physical, chemical, biological, and social processes. It provides the skills necessary to obtain solutions to environmental problems.
GEOGDSE01: SOIL & BIOGEOGRAPHY	Soils provide anchorage for roots, hold water and nutrients. Soils are home of numerous micro-organisms that fix nitrogen and decompose organic matterand alsoearthworms and termites. We build on soil as well as with it and in it. Soil plays a vital role in the Earth’s ecosystem. Biogeography is important as a branch of geography that sheds light on the natural habitats around the world. It is also essential in understanding why species are in their present locations and in developing protecting the world’s natural habitats.
GEOGDSE02: REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT	Harmonized regional development is a very important target in economic policy-making. It is important to realize a good balance between regions to secure political stability and to stimulate the active participation of the people. Regional development is the provision of aid and other assistance to regions which are less economically developed. Regional development may be domestic or international in nature.
GEOGDSE03: DISASTER MANAGEMENT	Disaster management efforts aim to reduce or avoid the potential losses from hazards, assure prompt and appropriate assistance to the victims of a disaster, and achieve a rapid and effective recovery. It is crucial that hospitals remain safe and functional during and after disasters. This course on Disaster Management will help the students address these crises with their knowledge, self-confidence, and survival skills in lesser times, and build a better, stronger and resilient nation.

GEOGDSE04: FIELD WORK & PROJECT REPORT

Field reports facilitate the development of data collection techniques and observation skills and they help you to understand how theory applies to real world situations.

Field work enables students and researchers to examine the way of how scientific theories interact with real life. Field work is important in both the social and natural sciences. Social sciences, such as economics or history, focus on people, culture, and society.

Project reports are valuable tools to both project teams and stakeholders. It provides several benefits. Through these reports, all those involved are able to track the current progress of the project and compare it against the original plan. They can identify risks early on, and take corrective action.

Dr. Amrita Pramanick

Assistant Professor
View Profile
Nibedita Deb

SACT 1
View Profile
SOMA MUKHOPADDHYAY

SACT
View Profile
KANIKA DAS

State Aided College Teacher (SACT I)
View Profile

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Extension lectures and Seminars

Date	Resource Person	Lecture Topic	Interdisciplinary Seminar
14.03.2019	Prof. Dulal Chandra Das, Associate Professor, Dept of Geography, Bidhan Nagar Govt. College.	Scientific notation, logarithm & anti-logarithm
26.03.2019	Anindita Ghosh, Associate Professor, Dept of Geography, Vidyasagar College	Space, society and cultural regions.
19.09.2019	Prof. Dulal Chandra Das	Space, society and cultural regions
21.11.2019	Prof. Dulal Chandra Das	Scatter diagram and Residual mapping.
14.07.2020	1. Dr. Tapan Kumar Das Assistant Professor, Dept. of Geography, Cooch Behar College. 2. Prosenjit Dawn Assistant Professor, Dept. of Zoology, Shyampur Siddheswari Mahavidyalaya	Training on online class and e-content.	College-level webinar in collaboration with Dept. of JMC, RKSMVV
10.08.2020	1.Dr. Sourav Gupta Senior Assistant Professor, Dept. of JMC, Central University, Odisha. 2.Ajit Kumar Sil Associate Professor, Dept. of Geography, Bhairab Ganguly College. 3.Dr. Tapan Kumar Das Assistant Professor, Dept. of Geography, Cooch Behar College. 4.Biswajit Mondal Assistant Professor, Dept. of Geography, Nahata JNMS Mahavidyalaya	Disaster Management & Communication: Challenges& Opportunities	National-level webinar in collaboration with IQAC & Dept of JMC, RKSMVV
30.08.2020 & 31.08.2020	1.Dr. Pranam Dhar Associate Professor, Dept. of Commerce & Management, West Bengal State University. 2.Prof. Shasanka Kumar Gayen Prof. & Head of the Dept., Dept. of Geography, Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University	Research Methodology & Field Work	State-level webinar in collaboration with IQAC & Dept of Geography, Syamaprasad College, Kolkata.
02.09.2020 to 08.09.2020	1.Prof. Uma Kanjilal Prof. & Head of the Dept., Library & Information Science, IGNOU, and Director of Centre for Online Education (COE), National SwayamCoordinator, India. 2.Prof. Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay Professor, Dept ofLibrary & Information Science, University of Kalyani. 3.Dr. Manas Kumar Baidya Principal, Malda College. 4.Dr. Biswanath Dutta Associate Professor, Documentation Research and TrainingCentre, Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore, India. 5.Md. Rafiqul Alam Librarian, Malda College.	Learning Content Management System	National-level workshop in collaboration with P.G. Dept of Geography & English, Cooch Behar College, Cooch Behar.
31.01.2021	1.Prof. Dulal Chandra Das Associate Professor Dept. of Geography, BidhanNagar Govt. College. 2. Mrs. Yogia Dutta Assistant Professor Dept. of Geography, Haldia Govt. College.	Multidisciplinary on-line lecture series on Gender Studies	State-level webinar in collaboration with Gender Resource Centre, RKSMVV
17.04.2021	Ayan Ghosh IT Personnel, GIS Special Investigation Division, CAD GIS Centre, Public Health & Engineering Dept., Govt. of West Bengal.	Geoinformatics & Higher Education: Career Prospects & Opportunities	College-level webinar in collaboration with IQAC, RKSMVV

Othe Other activities carried out in the department:

The department arranged an environmental awareness programme on July, 2017 and on ‘Plastic Free Environment’ on 4th October, 2018. Apart from this, the Department of Geography also arranged different webinars and workshops during 2020-2021.

RESULTS & STUDENT PROGRESSION

University Results