History of geographical discoveries II

general courses

Classroom

This class presents topics from the process of widening of geographical horizon: from the Age of Discoveries till the beginnings of the 21st century. The discoveries, as well as current research conducted in North America, Australia and Antarctic are describe.

The lecture aims at showing stages, directions and ways of exploring the world. The changes in perception of the world of various nations from the Age of Discoveries till the beginnings of the 21st century are analysed. The factors that influenced the exploration of North America, Australia and Antarctica are described.The specific expeditions and explorers' profiles are presented in chronological order. A characteristic of every stage of exploration begins with a short introduction - a recap of basic informations about the level of the knowledge of the world (in the given time period), political forces, socio-economic development (technical capabilities) and the level of independence from natural factors.

Primary sources, both from the expeditions themselves as well as reactions to them that survived until today are quoted during the presentations of expeditions.

The lectures describe the obstacles an explorer had to overcome during his or her travels.

1. D.J. Boorstin, Odkrywcy dzieje ludzkich odkryć i wynalazków;2001

2. K.Farrington, Największe podboje i wyprawy świata;

3. L.Bergreen, Poza krawędź świata;2005

4. P.Małyszko, Wielkie podróże;2007

5.T. Słabczyński, Encyklopedia odkryć i odkrywców;2004

6. B. Kay, Na koniec świata – historia odkryć geograficznych;2003

After passing this course a student:

KNOWLEDGE:

1. knows the most important stages of widening the geographical horizon2

2. knows the profiles of the main discoverers - travellers

3. knows the primary cartographic sources documenting the knowledge about the world

SKILLS:

1. is able to explain the causes and effects of main expeditions

ATTITUDE

1. judges the character of travellers

2. judges credibility, bias and reliability of descriptions of newly-discovered lands

Oral exam. Term paper (essay-format) for a prescribed topic. Grade for the term paper is also influenced by the illustrations (maps) to such.