GEG-20018 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Level 1 Geography degree programme or equivalent

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2021/22

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.

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

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment