Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
The new subject entitled Geography, launched in 1982, was established in
response to the shift in enrollment pattern caused by changing geography from a
compulsory to elective subject. The learning content, which united systematic geog-
raphy and world regional descriptive geography while maintaining a largely sys-
tematic geography structure, also incorporated local regional methods and topical
learning methodology. From 1992 onward, along with establishment of the
Geography and History discipline category, new versions of Geography A and
Geography B were established. Not only did these two subjects differ according to
hours of instruction, with A having two credit units and B four, the learning content
and the organizing principles varied substantially. In Geography A, learning based
on topical methods was emphasized, and the content was about understanding other
cultures and considering local issues in a regional way. Conversely, in Geography B,
both methods and content were carried over from the existing systematic geography
content. Despite content differences, both subjects emphasized instruction based on
case studies and concrete examples, rather than current factual knowledge that
would soon become obsolete in a rapidly changing society. Emphasis was placed on
student development of methodological abilities, pushed forward even more
strongly by Geography A and Geography B from 2003 onward. The new Geography
A, although emphasizing the development of methodological abilities, essentially
repackaged the learning content of the old Geography A. In contrast, through use of
case studies to acquire knowledge of systematic geography and regional descriptive
geography, the content of Geography B took on the core of systematic geography
and descriptive geography, which included issues of the contemporary world.
While adopting the educational curriculum that has been gradually implemented each
succeeding school year beginning in 2003, students study systematic geography
and regional descriptive geography until these subjects are replaced by the new
Geography A and Geography B described below.
4.2
Enrollment Trends of Recent Years and Expected
Changes
Nearly 30 years have passed since geography-related subjects were compulsory.
During that time, the National Curriculum Standards have been revised four times.
The education curriculum has been restructured, and each time there has been a
movement by many in geography education asking for a reexamination of subjects
in which students enroll. The new education curriculum, put into effect in April,
2013, is based on the National Curriculum Standards that were revised in March,
2009. Despite these efforts, there have been no changes in the enrollment status of
Geography and History courses. For the near future, we can expect the situation to
continue as is, with World History-related subjects as required classes and
Geography-related and Japanese History-related subjects as elective.
Geography-related subjects became optional in 1982. From the number of geography
textbooks supplied and number of students taking geography exams at the National
