Module Provider: |
Geography |
Number of credits: |
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
I (Intermediate) |
Terms in which taught: |
Spring |
Module Convenor: |
Dr
L
Holt |
Pre-requisites: |
GG1H1 GG1H2 GG1IT
|
Co-requisites: |
GG2T
|
Modules excluded: |
|
Module version for: |
2006/7 |
Aims:
The module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the changing relations between human and physical geography, and to inform them about the diversity of philosophical approaches which have informed work within the discipline. An understanding of the changing role of geographers, geographical institutions and geographical knowledge in society, and shifts in debates about the unity of the discipline and the changing relations between human and physical geography will be developed. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of this module it is expected that a student will be able to:
Identify the key philosophies, debates and approaches influencing the discipline
Critically evaluate the changing relations between, and debates within, human and physical geography over the past two centuries
Appreciate the scientific and social contexts which have lain behind the promotion of different philosophical approaches in human and physical geography
Construct a reasoned argument in the form of an extended essay |
Additional outcomes:
The module will develop students' research, writing and IT skills through their preparation of an extended essay. Students will develop their team-working and oral communication skills through seminar discussions. |
Outline content:
The module will start with an introduction to debates about the historiography of geography, before examining the role of geographical institutions in shaping the discipline, and exploring changing debates about the unity of geography and its divisions into human and physical geography. The lectures will then focus on different philosophical traditions and debates which have influenced work in human and physical geography. Lecture topics will include:
Introduction: histories and historiographies of geography
Philosophical traditions in human geography:
Regional geography and spatial science
Radical/Marxist geography
Humanistic geography
Postmodernism, post-structuralism and the 'cultural turn'
Geographies of difference: feminism and post-colonialism
Multiple working hypotheses and falsification
Timescales in geomorphology
Modelling in physical geography from Davis to the present
Geocomputation in physical geography
The role of physical geography in understanding global environmental change |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
Students will attend 11 one hour lectures and two one hour seminars (one human and one physical). |
Contact hours:
| |
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
|
11 |
|
| Tutorials/seminars |
|
2 |
|
| Practicals |
|
|
|
| Other contact (eg study visits) |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Total hours |
|
13 |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Number of essays or assignments |
|
1 |
|
| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
|
2 Seminar Discussions |
|
|
Assessment:
Coursework
Each student will prepare one 2500 word essay (90% module marks) and contribute to discussions in two seminar sessions (10% module marks)
Relative percentage of coursework: 100%
Examinations
None
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements
Reassessment will be by written examination in September |
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