Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Level 1 Geography degree programme or equivalent
The aim of this module is to raise students' awareness of the varied approaches to research in Geography. Members of staff will provide case studies of different areas of research, and students will write a literature review based on a field of research relevant to one of the staff presentations. The module also provides an opportunity to develop familiarity with the style, structure and presentation of critical literature reviews, which will be of benefit to subsequent work in other modules such as a final-year dissertation.
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.
Talis Aspire Reading ListAny reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/geg-20018/lists
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]
2 hour introductory workshop8 x 1 hour lectures2 x 1 hour literature review workshops3 hours of supervision and reflection on feedback25 hours of directed reading and engagement with WebCT10 hours of research for reflective diary30 hours preparation of reflective diary40 hours research for literature review30 hours writing of literature review
Description of Module Assessment
1: Reflective Diary weighted 30%1500 word reflective diary
2: Literature Review weighted 70%3000 word literature review