School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
GEG-20018 Concepts and Debates in Geography  
Co-ordinator: Mrs Antonia Law   Tel:34306  
Teaching Team: Dr Peter  Knight, Mr Keith  Mason Dr Richard  Waller Dr Zoe Robinson Mrs Stephanie  Everill Dr Lisa  Lau Dr Katie  Szkornik Dr Deirdre  McKay Prof Clare  Holdsworth Dr Alix  Cage, Dr Paul  Simpson,  Anthony  Phillips,  Simon  Haslett  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Prerequisites
Level 1 Geography degree programme or equivalent
Barred Combinations
None
Description

This module is a core component of the level 2 programme for Single Honours Geography programmes that encourages students to actively engage with the geographical research undertaken by the Geography staff members. The first part of the module involves a series of lectures delivered by various members of the Geography staff that serve to highlight the ongoing research, debates and methodologies associated within their own specialist research areas. Students subsequently chose a subject area of particular interest and with the assistance of the staff member concerned, undertaking extensive research that culminates in the production of a comprehensive literature review.
Aims
To raise awareness of the varied areas of inquiry, debate and active research within both Human and Physical Geography.
To examine in detail the development of a current focus/debate/discourse, to identify the research methodologies used, to assess the standing and manipulation of data sources employed, and to evaluate the merits and implications of the conclusions drawn for one chosen area of the discipline.
To provide instruction and guidance on the style, structure and presentation of a critical literature review.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate awareness of the broad range of research opportunities and associated debates, concepts and techniques within both Human and Physical Geography. [1]
Demonstrate awareness of the contested and provisional nature of knowledge and understanding. (Geography Benchmark statement, item 3.9) [1,2]
Summarise the current state of research within a chosen area of Geography (demonstrating awareness of current debates, key workers and methodologies employed). (Geography Benchmark statement, item 3.1) [2]
Write a detailed, coherently structured and critical literature review of the chosen subject area that demonstrates a familiarity with key journal literature and an ability to recognise and articulate weaknesses in the arguments of others. (Geography Benchmark statement, item 4.4) [2]
Study hours
2 hour introductory workshop
8 x 1 hour lectures
2 x 1 hour literature review workshops
3 hours of supervision and reflection on feedback
25 hours of directed reading and engagement with WebCT
10 hours of research for reflective diary
30 hours preparation of reflective diary
40 hours research for literature review
30 hours writing of literature review
Description of Module Assessment
001: Reflective Diary weighted 30%
1500 word reflective diary
002: Literature Review weighted 70%
3000 word literature review
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.