Geography

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY

The Department of Geography endeavors to develop an inquiring mind, making learning a pleasure and prepare the students for academic or professional courses as well as confident enough to step into the professional world. In the department apart from the prescribed Calcutta University curriculum we also conduct seminars, quiz contests, field works, practical classes and many more innovative methods. The department offers 3-yearHonours degree course and 3-year general degree course. Through the use of ICT along with field excursions to geographically significant locations, knowledge of both theoretical and practical skills is imparted. Majority of our students are employed in government as well as non-government sectors. Our department has a good faculty strength which enables us to focus individual attention to our students. The Department of Geography at Kishore Bharati Bhagini Nivedita College (Co-ed) boasts an impressive array of resources, making it a hub for comprehensive geographical education and research. The department is dedicated to providing students with practical experience through a well-equipped laboratory and fieldwork instruments.
Resources for Practical Classes and Fieldwork: The department is furnished with a wide range of instruments essential for conducting practical classes and field studies, including:
Dumpy Level
Theodolite
Prismatic Compass
Clinometer
Brunton Compass
Pocket Stereoscope
Mirror Stereoscope
These instruments ensure that students receive hands-on training in geographical surveying and analysis.
Satellite Images and Toposheets: To enhance learning and research, the department possesses several satellite images and toposheets, which are integral for spatial analysis and map interpretation.
Faculty: The department is staffed by six dedicated faculty members, four of whom hold Ph.D. degrees, bringing a wealth of knowledge and research expertise to the department. The faculty’s diverse specializations enrich the curriculum and support a broad range of research activities.
Support Staff: To facilitate the smooth operation of practical classes and laboratory work, the department has a lab assistant who plays a crucial role in maintaining the equipments and assisting students during practical sessions.
ICT Enabled Classrooms: The department includes two ICT-enabled classrooms, providing students with access to modern teaching tools and resources that enhance the learning experience through interactive and multimedia content.
GIS Lab Room: The GIS lab is equipped with the latest computers and a printer, enabling students to engage with advanced geographic information systems software for spatial data analysis and mapping projects.
Soil Lab: The soil lab is outfitted with various instruments for soil testing, including a soil kit and soil sieve, allowing students to conduct comprehensive soil analyses essential for understanding soil properties and their applications in geography.
Seminar Library: The department also maintains a seminar library, offering students access to a wide range of books and reference materials. This library supports the academic and research needs of the students, facilitating their overall academic growth.
The Department of Geography at Kishore Bharati Bhagini Nivedita College (Co-ed) is committed to providing a rich and supportive learning environment, fostering academic excellence and practical expertise in geography.

Vision:
To provide young undergraduate students a platform for higher education and provide quality
education in Geography so that they can contribute in educational field and society at large.

Mission:
M1: To nurture and strengthen professional potential of undergraduate students to the
highest level by providing excellent Teacher-Student ratio, to attend to the problems and
necessities of each student individually.
M2: To provide standard infrastructure for quality teaching, hands on training for microlevel research and development in Geography.
M3: To undertake research challenges by getting trained with the help of latest instruments,
computer lab for Remote Sensing, GPS and GIS, statistical methodologies, soil lab, survey
instruments.
M4: To encourage teamwork for undertaking goal oriented educational fieldwork so that
students can have holistic ideas about environmental issues, social and cultural problems etc.

Program Outcomes

• Students read, interpret, and generate maps and other geographic representations, and extract, analyse, and present information from a spatial perspective.
• Through lectures and local, regional, and/or international travel, students understand the interconnections between people and places, comprehending how variations in culture and personal experiences may affect the perception and management of places and regions.
• Students understand physical geographic processes, the global distribution of landforms and ecosystems, and the role of the physical environment on human populations.
• Students understand cultural geographic processes, the global distribution of cultural mosaics, and the history and types of interactions between people within and among these mosaics.
• Students locate major physical features, cultural regions, individual states, and urban centres on a map.
• Students understand global and regional patterns of cultural, political, and economic institutions, and their effects on the preservation, use, and exploitation of natural resources and landscapes.
• Students gain an understanding of and appreciation for the relationship between geography and culture.
• Students will have a general understanding of global human population patterns, factors
• influencing the distribution and mobility of human populations including settlement and economic activities and networks, and human impacts on the physical environment.
• Students think in spatial terms to explain what has occurred in the past as well as using geographic principles to understand the present and plan for the future.
• Students recognize the role that geography can play in community engagement.

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs):
Graduates should be able to:
PEO1: Demonstrate recognizable expertise to solve problems in the analysis, design,
implementation and evaluation of the subject.
PEO2: Training the students effectively in various professional fields by making them
contribute in the ethical, competent, and creative practice of theoretical and practical aspects
of the subjects.
PEO3: Exhibit sustained learning capability and ability to adapt to a constantly changing
curriculum through proper guidance and self-learning.
PEO4: To equip our students with latest methodological knowhow so that they can interact or
get trained in various inter-disciplinary subjects for future higher education or job oriented
courses.

Program Specific Outcomes (PSOs):

Students will understand the basic concepts in geography and the relevance of geographical knowledge to everyday life. They will analyse systematic knowledge in the discipline of geography to address current issues and find solutions. Students will also analyse the regional geography of the world and India, enabling them to handle interdisciplinary issues at micro, meso, and macro levels. They will develop skills to read and understand maps and topographic sheets, examining and critically evaluating the wider network of spatial aspects from global to local levels over various time scales. Additionally, students will learn different survey methods, gaining practical surveying skills, and understand basic statistical analysis and its applications in geography. The program aims to recognize skill development in geographical studies as a pathway to career opportunities in teaching, research, and other fields. 

At the end of the program a student will be able to:
PSO1: Apply the principles of theoretical and practical knowledge in solving real life
problems efficiently.
PSO2: Develop constantly changing paradigms of efficient learning system.
PSO3: Proper grooming of students for higher education.
PSO4: To make them technologically sound in Remote Sensing, GIS, GPS and other diverse fields so that they can be absorbed in related fields for research or job.

Mission – PEO matrix:

(3 – Strong, 2 – Moderate and 1 – Weak)

Course Outcomes (COs):

Geography provides a thorough understanding of the world we inhabit by studying the natural environment, human populations, and their interactions. Geographers employ various tools and techniques, such as maps, aerial photographs, and satellite imagery, to explore different facets of the Earth’s surface. Since ancient times, geography has been a crucial field of study, with early civilizations utilizing geographical knowledge for navigation, trade, and establishing political boundaries. Geography examines the Earth’s surface through the spatial analysis of physical, biological, and human phenomena. The field encompasses three main areas of the Earth’s surface: the lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. The scope of geography is categorized based on the types of phenomena and areas studied like -The Study of Physical Phenomena, The Study of Biological Phenomena and The Study of Human Phenomena. Geography aims to answer questions about the reasons behind the locations and characteristics of various elements on Earth. The modern academic discipline of geography is rooted in ancient practices, focusing on the features of places, particularly their natural environments and populations, as well as the relationships between them. The undergraduate syllabus for Geography at the University of Calcutta has been updated to align with the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) as directed by the University Grants Commission (UGC). This update follows the model syllabus prepared by the West Bengal State Council of Higher Education and has been in effect since the 2018-2019 academic year.

The primary aim of the new curriculum is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Geography, balancing the core content with the techniques used in the field. The syllabus equally emphasizes the two main branches of Geography: Physical and Human. The principal goal of the CBCS syllabus is to ensure students can secure appropriate placements upon completing their undergraduate program. With this in mind, and considering the evolving nature of Geography, the curriculum places significant emphasis on applied aspects such as emerging mapping techniques and field-based data generation, particularly in the honours course. It focuses on developing fundamental skills within the subject, ensuring that students are well-prepared for professional opportunities without necessarily needing to pursue higher studies.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The CBCS syllabus is designed to impart basic knowledge on Geography as a spatial science and train the undergraduates to secure employment in the sectors of geospatial analysis, development and planning, mapping and surveying (Cartography).

Honours Course: Core Subjects

• GEO-A-CC-1-01-TH/P – Geotectonic and Geomorphology

The study of geo-tectonic and geomorphology involves understanding the theories and fundamental concepts that explain Earth’s tectonic and structural evolution, as well as gaining knowledge about Earth’s interior. This field covers the concepts of orogeny, mountain building, continental drift, and plate tectonics, and how these processes result in various landforms. It includes the study of different types of folds and faults, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the associated landforms. A deep understanding of crustal mobility and tectonics, with a special emphasis on their role in landform development, is essential. An overview and critical appraisal of various landform development models are also important components of this study. Additionally, developing the skills to identify geological features and correlate them is crucial. Field surveys, using appropriate techniques such as the clinometer compass, are essential for practical understanding. Furthermore, identifying rocks and minerals from hand specimens is a key skill in this domain.

• GEO-A-CC-1-02-TH/P – Cartographic Techniques

Understanding and preparing different kinds of maps using various cartographic techniques is fundamental. This includes recognizing the basic themes of map making and developing strong observation skills.

• GEO-A-CC-2-03-TH/P – Human Geography

Gaining knowledge about the major themes of human geography involves understanding the history and evolution of humans and societies. This includes exploring the approaches and processes of human geography, as well as the diverse patterns of habitat and adaptations. Additionally, developing an understanding of the relationship between space and society is essential.

• GEO-A-CC-2-04-TH/P – Cartograms, Thematic Mapping and Surveying

Conceptualizing scales and representing data through cartograms is essential. This involves interpreting geological and weather maps and learning to use survey instruments such as the prismatic compass, dumpy level, and theodolite. Additionally, developing an understanding of different types of thematic mapping techniques is crucial.

• GEO-A-CC-3-05-TH/P – Climatology

Understanding the elements of weather and climate, different atmospheric phenomena, and climate change is crucial. This includes learning to associate climate with other environmental and human issues and exploring approaches to climate classification. Analyzing the dynamics of the Earth’s atmosphere and global climate, along with assessing the role of human activity in global climate change, is also essential. Skills in preparing various climatic maps, weather maps, and charts, and interpreting basic weather elements are important. Additionally, learning to use various meteorological instruments for recording maximum and minimum temperatures, air pressure, relative humidity, and rainfall is necessary. Understanding the interaction between the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface, the importance of atmospheric pressure and winds, and how atmospheric moisture works are key components of this knowledge.

• GEO-A-CC-3-06-TH/P – Hydrology and Oceanography

Hydrology and oceanography are critical fields for understanding Earth’s water systems. Hydrology studies water movement and properties across the planet, including groundwater’s importance for drinking water and its vulnerability to contamination. The global hydrological cycle, encompassing evaporation, precipitation, and runoff, regulates freshwater distribution and influences climate and landscapes. Oceanography examines oceans’ behaviour, physical and chemical properties, marine life, and ecosystems. Oceans are essential for global climate regulation, biodiversity, and food production. Water conservation is crucial amidst growing scarcity and environmental issues, involving reducing waste and preserving natural sources. Identifying marine resources supports sustainable management and biodiversity conservation, including fish stocks and ecosystem services. Hydrological and rainfall graphs aid in understanding water flow, precipitation trends, and quality, guiding water resource planning and conservation decisions.

• GEO-A-CC-3-07-TH/P – Statistical Methods in Geography

Statistical analysis is crucial in geography for comprehensively interpreting geographical phenomena. It involves handling and interpreting data to uncover patterns and relationships within geographic datasets. This includes understanding different types of sampling methods to gather representative data and applying theoretical distributions to analyze geographic data trends. Tabulation and data arrangement are essential techniques for organizing geographic data systematically, facilitating easier analysis and interpretation. Statistical methods such as association and correlation help geographers understand relationships between variables, offering insights into spatial patterns and interactions. Overall, statistical analysis in geography enhances our understanding of spatial patterns, processes, and relationships, providing valuable insights for planning, research, and decision-making in geographic studies.

• GEO-A-CC-4-08-TH/P – Economic Geography

Economic activity in geography refers to the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within a geographic context. The location of economic activities is influenced by several factors, including Natural Resources, Labour, Market Access etc. Different types of economic activities include primary (extractive industries like agriculture, mining), secondary (manufacturing and processing), and tertiary sectors (services such as retail, finance). Economic Geography examines the spatial distribution of economic activities and their impacts on regional development. It considers theories of economic choice, where individuals and firms make decisions based on maximizing utility or profit within constraints. Factors influencing the location of agriculture and industries vary widely. Agriculture is influenced by soil quality, climate, and water availability, while industries often cluster around raw material sources, labour pools, and transportation hubs. Mapping and interpreting economic data involves analysing production levels, economic indices (like GDP and inflation rates), transportation networks, and trade flows. This data helps in understanding economic trends, identifying growth areas, and informing policy decisions related to regional development and resource allocation.

• GEO-A-CC-4-09-TH/P – Regional Planning and Development

Understanding regions is fundamental in geographical studies, as they define areas distinguished by common physical, cultural, or economic characteristics. Appreciating regional disparities involves recognizing variations in development levels and formulating strategies for balanced growth. Regionalization involves categorizing areas based on these characteristics, aiding in targeted planning and policy implementation. In India, diverse physiographic regions such as the Himalayas, plains, deserts, and coastal areas influence development patterns and planning strategies. Regional planning entails defining areas for focused development initiatives, considering factors like resource availability and socio-economic conditions. Theories and models of regional planning guide decision-making, aiming to optimize resource allocation and promote equitable development. Measuring development indicators, such as GDP per capita and literacy rates, assesses progress and informs policy adjustments.

Formal regions are delineated using methods like weighted index calculations, which combine various criteria to define homogeneous areas. Functional regions, identified through break point analysis, highlight interconnected economic or transportation networks. Measuring inequality through Location Quotient compares regional economic activities with national averages, identifying specialization. Regional disparity, assessed by indices like the Sopher Index, quantifies socio-economic gaps, guiding interventions to promote inclusive growth and reduce disparities. These tools and methods are essential for effective regional planning and fostering balanced development across diverse geographical contexts.

• GEO-A-CC-4-10-TH/P – Soil and Biogeography

Understanding soil types based on climatic differences involves recognizing how temperature, precipitation, and vegetation influence soil formation. Different climates lead to varied soil profiles, from fertile, well-drained soils in temperate regions to arid, nutrient-poor soils in deserts. Man significantly impacts soil through practices like agriculture, causing erosion and degradation, affecting soil fertility and structure. Land capability assessment categorizes soils based on their suitability for different uses, such as agriculture or conservation. Pedological and edaphological approaches to soil studies explore soil formation processes, classify soil types based on texture and composition, and manage soil fertility and erosion. Ecosystem classification categorizes environments based on their flora, fauna, and ecological processes. Biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity are crucial for ecosystem health, influencing nutrient cycling and species diversity. Deforestation poses severe environmental consequences, including soil erosion, habitat loss, and climate change impacts. Identifying soil types and assessing pH and salinity levels using precise instruments aids in managing soil fertility and ensuring sustainable land use practices. These insights are vital for conservation efforts and maintaining ecological balance in diverse landscapes.

• GEO-A-CC-5-11-TH/P – Research Methodology and Fieldwork

Developing expertise in geographical research involves several key aspects: firstly, selecting a study area based on a specific problem involves identifying an area where the problem is prevalent or significant, ensuring it’s representative for study. Methodologically, detailing the area involves comprehensive fieldwork to understand its geographical, social, and economic characteristics, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, and observations. Analyzing collected data quantitatively involves statistical tools to identify patterns and trends, while qualitative analysis focuses on understanding the nuanced aspects of the area. Drawing conclusions entails synthesizing findings to provide insights into the studied problem and its geographical context. Handling logistics and emergencies in the field requires organizational skills and adaptability to ensure smooth operations and respond effectively to unexpected situations. Developing skills in photography, surveying, mapping, and video recording enhances the ability to document and visualize findings accurately, essential for communicating research outcomes effectively in geographical research endeavors.

• GEO-A-CC-5-12-TH/P – Remote Sensing, GIS and GNSS

Proficiency in remote sensing and GIS techniques is essential for contemporary geographic analysis. Understanding remote sensing principles includes knowledge of sensor resolutions and image referencing schemes, which are crucial for accurately interpreting satellite imagery and creating false color composites to highlight specific features. Training in GIS software enables the creation of detailed maps integrating various spatial data layers, facilitating analysis of topographical and cultural variations across Earth’s surface using remotely sensed images and aerial photographs. GIS techniques further allow for the preparation of thematic maps that illustrate specific spatial relationships or thematic information, enhancing decision-making in fields ranging from urban planning to environmental management. Additionally, utilizing GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) enhances positional accuracy in field data collection and mapping applications, ensuring precision in spatial data analysis and interpretation for diverse geographical research and applications.

• GEO-A-CC-6-13-TH/P – Evolution of Geographical Thought

The evolution of geographical thought reflects a dynamic interplay between changing philosophical perspectives and the evolving understanding of the relationship between humans and their environment. Historically, geography has transitioned from ancient descriptions of the Earth to modern scientific inquiry. Thinkers like Alexander von Humboldt and Carl Ritter emphasized systematic exploration and holistic understanding, laying foundations for empirical and positivist approaches in geography. Schools of thought such as environmental determinism, possibilism, and cultural ecology have shaped how geographers interpret human-environment relationships, highlighting the reciprocal influences between societies and their natural surroundings. Contemporary geography incorporates diverse theoretical perspectives, including structuralism, humanistic approaches focusing on human perceptions and behavior, and behavioral geography emphasizing spatial decision-making processes. This interdisciplinary nature connects geography with fields like anthropology, ecology, and economics, reflecting its role in understanding complex spatial dynamics and informing sustainable development and policy-making globally.

• GEO-A-CC-6-14-TH/P – Disaster Management

Understanding hazards and disasters involves distinguishing between their fundamental concepts: hazards refer to natural or man-made events with the potential to cause harm or damage, whereas disasters occur when hazards interact with vulnerable populations or infrastructure, resulting in significant impacts. Assessing risk involves evaluating the likelihood and consequences of hazards, considering factors like vulnerability and exposure. Perception of risk varies among communities and influences preparedness and response measures. Vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of populations or assets to hazards based on socio-economic, environmental, and infrastructural factors. Hazard zonation maps spatially depict areas prone to specific hazards, aiding in land use planning and disaster preparedness. In the context of the Indian subcontinent, understanding the nature and impacts of major hazards, such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and industrial accidents, is crucial for effective management and mitigation strategies, integrating scientific understanding with socio-economic resilience to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

Honours Course: Choices for Four Discipline Specific Electives

• GEO-A-DSE-A-5-01-TH/P – Fluvial Geomorphology (we do not teach this optional paper)
• GEO-A-DSE-A-5-02-TH/P – Climate Change: Vulnerability and Adaptations

Understanding climate change within the context of geological time scales involves recognizing the long-term fluctuations in Earth’s climate due to natural processes and anthropogenic influences. The origin of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide and methane, contributes to global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere, leading to altered climate patterns. Global assessments highlight climate change impacts on agriculture and water availability, biodiversity loss, and public health concerns such as increased morbidity from heatwaves and vector-borne diseases. International efforts like the Kyoto Protocol and COP meetings aim to mitigate climate change through mechanisms like carbon trading and the clean development mechanism, supported by climate funds for adaptation and mitigation projects. Analyzing global temperature trends reveals significant warming trends over recent decades, while examining rainfall variability in Indian climatic regions underscores regional climate change impacts. Vulnerability assessments in South Asia emphasize adaptive strategies tailored to regional socio-economic and environmental contexts. Urban local bodies, panchayats, and educational institutions play crucial roles in climate change awareness and action through mitigation initiatives and public engagement programs. Developing skills in climate hazard mitigation involves implementing strategies to reduce risks associated with extreme weather events and promoting sustainable practices to enhance resilience against climate impacts.

• GEO-A-DSE-A-5-03-TH/P – Environmental Issues in Geography (we do not teach this optional paper)
• GEO-A-DSE-A-5-04-TH/P – Resource Geography

Understanding resources involves recognizing their concept and classification based on their origin and renewability. Approaches to resource utilization encompass sustainable practices to ensure long-term availability and minimize environmental impact. Resources are vital for economic development and societal well-being, highlighting the importance of efficient management. However, increasing population and consumption patterns exert pressure on resources, leading to depletion issues particularly evident in forests, water, and fossil fuels. Sustainable resource development advocates for practices that balance exploitation with conservation to meet current needs without compromising future generations. Mineral resources, both metallic and non-metallic, face challenges related to distribution, utilization, and management, necessitating sustainable extraction practices. The contemporary energy crisis underscores the need for diversified and sustainable energy sources to meet global demands while mitigating environmental impacts. Concepts like Limits to Growth emphasize the finite nature of resources, urging strategies for equitable resource sharing and sustainable use. Skills in mapping forest cover and water bodies from satellite data aid in monitoring resource distribution and changes over time. Additionally, computing the Human Development Index (HDI) provides a measure of socio-economic development based on health, education, and income indicators, guiding policy interventions for sustainable resource management and equitable development.

• GEO-A-DSE-B-6-05-TH/P – Cultural and Settlement Geography

Cultural geography encompasses the study of human cultures and their spatial distribution, exploring the development and evolution of cultural patterns in relation to allied disciplines like anthropology and sociology. Concepts such as cultural hearths, realms, and diffusion highlight the spread of cultural traits and religions globally. Understanding cultural segregation and diversity emphasizes the role of technology in shaping cultural landscapes and development. The study also examines racial diversity worldwide and identifies cultural regions within India based on linguistic and socio-cultural characteristics. Rural settlements are defined by their characteristics, morphology, and housing types, reflecting social segregation and community structures. Urban settlements, categorized by census definitions and models like Burgess, Hoyt, Harris, and Ullman, illustrate varying spatial structures and functional classifications within city regions and conurbations. Mapping language distribution and housing patterns aids in visualizing demographic and spatial dynamics, while identifying rural settlement types from topographical sheets enhances spatial analysis skills. Social area analysis of cities, as per Shevky and Bell’s approach, provides insights into urban social structures and neighborhood dynamics, essential for understanding spatial relationships and planning interventions in urban environments.

• GEO-A-DSE-B-6-06-TH/P – Social Geography (we do not teach this optional paper)
• GEO-A-DSE-B-6-07-TH/P – Urban Geography (we do not teach this optional paper)
• GEO-B-DSE-B-6-08-TH/P – Geography of India

Students studying the geography of India gain insights into the diverse physiographic features and their relationships with drainage patterns, climate variations, and soil types across the country. Mapping natural resources highlights their spatial distribution and economic significance. Agricultural advancements emphasize the role of technology in enhancing productivity and sustainability. Understanding regions aids in spatial planning and development initiatives tailored to local contexts. India’s relationships with neighbouring countries are crucial for geopolitical and economic analyses. Awareness of resource conservation addresses environmental sustainability. Studying tribal communities like the Toda, Gaddi, Jarawa’s, and Santhals provides cultural insights from different physiographic and climatic regions. Industrial sectors like automobiles and IT, along with mineral deposits and energy sources, contribute to India’s economic landscape. Analysing population dynamics informs policies addressing growth patterns and demographic structure. Exploring West Bengal’s physiographic and climatic characteristics, along with regional issues in places like Darjeeling and the Sundarbans, highlights diverse challenges and opportunities within the state.

1.1 Honours Course: Choices for Two Skill Enhancement Courses

• GEO-A-SEC-A-3-01-TH – Coastal Management

Understanding coastal formation involves recognizing different types of coasts and their distinctive features, shaped by geological processes and sea-level changes over time. Climate change exacerbates coastal vulnerability through sea-level rise, intensified storms, and altered weather patterns, affecting coastlines globally. Preservation and sustainable development of coastal resources are critical for maintaining biodiversity and supporting livelihoods. In India, Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) delineate areas where development activities are regulated to protect fragile ecosystems and coastal communities. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) principles emphasize balancing conservation with socio-economic development to sustainably manage coastal areas. This approach incorporates stakeholder engagement, scientific research, and policy integration to address coastal hazards like erosion, floods, and pollution using both structural (e.g., sea walls) and non-structural measures (e.g., coastal vegetation restoration). Activities such as mining, oil exploration, salt manufacturing, land reclamation, and tourism impact coastal environments, necessitating effective environmental management strategies to minimize ecological disruption and ensure sustainable coastal development.

• GEO-A-SEC-A-3-02-TH – Tourism Management (we do not teach this optional paper)
• GEO-A-SEC-B-4-03-TH – Rural Development

Rural development encompasses a broad spectrum of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life and economic opportunities in rural areas. Key elements include infrastructure development, access to education and healthcare, agricultural productivity enhancement, and employment generation. Various paradigms guide rural development strategies: the Gandhian approach emphasizes self-reliance and community empowerment; the Lewis model advocates for investment in agriculture and industry to stimulate overall economic growth; the ‘big push’ theory posits that coordinated investment across multiple sectors can trigger development; and Myrdal’s model highlights the importance of addressing regional disparities to prevent negative spillover effects. Area-based approaches like the Drought Prone Area Programme and PMGSY focus on targeted interventions, while schemes like MNREGA and Jan Dhan Yojana aim at ensuring social security and financial inclusion. Rural governance through the Panchayati Raj System plays a crucial role in implementing policies and programs tailored to local needs, fostering participatory development in India’s rural landscapes.

• GEO-A-SEC-B-4-04-TH – Sustainable Development (we do not teach this optional paper)

***NEP SYLLABUS has been adopted by the University of Calcutta from 2023-2024 academic session and at present the Department is teaching two parallel syllabus in Geography – one proposed under CBCS syllabus from 2018-2019 academic session to semester III, IV, V and VI students who took their last admission in the session 2022-2023 and the another of 4 years duration under NEP course from 2023-2024 for Semester I students who took admission under the Major Subject of Geography from the session 2023-2024.

Head, Department of Geography.

Total Faculty Member: 6

Number of teachers with Ph.D. as highest qualification: 4

Number of teachers with M.Sc. / M.A. / M.Phil. as highest qualification: 2

Department Email Id: kbbncgeodept@gmail.com

UG-Geography – CBCS SYLLABUS – HONOURS & GENERAL

NEP SYLLABUS GEOGRAPHY

DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR 2018-19

DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR 2019-20

DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR 2020-21

DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR 2021-22

ROUTINE 2018-19 ODD

ROUTINE 2018-19 EVEN

ROUTINE 2019-20 ODD

ROUTINE 2019-20 EVEN

ROUTINE 2020-21 ODD

ROUTINE 2020-21 EVEN

ROUTINE 2021-22 ODD

MOD ROUTINE, August 16, 2022

ROUTINE 2023

ROUTINE 2024