This research is directed on detection of key theoretico-methodological prerequisites, views and provisions which formed the basis for development of the department of economic and social geography. Th e ideas of Eurasians, including Lev N. Gumilev and Sergei B. Lavrov, are considered. Special attention is paid to the current state of chair. At the same time, personal scientific contributions of such heads of the department as V. E. Den, G. A. Mebus, V. M Stein, V. M. Chetyrkin, B. N. Semevskii, S. B. Lavrov, are considered in detail. Refs 16.