The State of Geography Teaching and Research in Nepal: A Review and Reflection

Geography has been taught in Nepal’s schools for a hundred years and colleges for over sixty years. However its academic practitioners have felt that the discipline has been in ‘a state of neglect.’ This book is an inquiry into the historical trajectory of Geography in Nepal as well as the current state of its teaching, curricula, research and publications. Based on documentary research and a thorough review of the existing literature, it analyzes the achievements and challenges of the discipline in the country. Written by a leading practitioner, this book also suggests how geographers could reorient their disciplinary focus and what the Government of Nepal entities, university-based departments, and professional societies could do to enhance the state of the discipline in the future.

 

Contents

• Abbreviations - vii
• Preface - ix
• Introduction - 1
• The State of Teaching - 5
• Research in Geography - 24
• Methodological Innovations and Weaknesses - 48
• Agenda for Advancement - 55
• Acknowledgements - 63
• References - 63
• Annexes
  • Annex I: Major Milestones in the Development of Geography in Nepal at the School Level  - 71
  • Annex II: Distribution of Higher Secondary Schools Offering Geography by Regions and Number of Students - 73
  • Annex III: Major Milestones in the Development of Geography in Nepal at the Undergraduate and Graduate Levels - 74
  • Annex IV: Completed PhD Dissertations in Geography from Tribhuvan University - 76
  • Annex V: Geographers’ Contributions to the Debate on Social Inclusion in Nepal - 77
  • Annex VI: Geographers’ Contributions to the Debate on State Restructuring in Nepal - 77