Programme Specifications
Human Geography / English Literature
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
Geography
Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
QAA English
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
September 2023
Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
September 2023
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
Geography at Aberystwyth explores the nature and impact of cultural, social, economic, political and physical processes from the global to the local scale. The BA Human Geography Major degree scheme places an emphasis on aspects of Human Geography, examining the ways in which individuals, institutions, governments and structural processes make, shape and represent places. Through their selection of modules, students can develop pathways which focus exclusively on Human Geography or interdisciplinary themes whichthat combine elements of Human and Physical Geography. The structure of the Major programme allows students to combine a primary interest in Human Geography with a significant secondary interest in another subject.
The Aims of the BA Human Geography Major degree scheme are:
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To develop a broad and deep understanding of geography, its content, methods and philosophy
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To provide a structured programme of delivery that is academically rigorous and meets current and future benchmarking requirements
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To encourage selected specialist knowledge and understanding through research-led Level 3 optional modules in those areas where the Institute department has expertise
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To produce graduates with a wide range of analytical, critical and technical abilities within geography.
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To develop powers of critical, analytic thinking and logical argument
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To develop competence in a range of subject-specific and transferable skills including literacy, numeracy, computer literacy, graphicacy, problem setting and problem solving, report writing and fieldwork skills
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To encourage independent study and thought, enquiring minds, and a commitment to personal scholarship of the highest standard
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To enable students to combine a primary interest in Geography with a significant secondary interest in their ‘minor’ subject.
Sections 10 to 16 of this form relate to the Geography component of the Major programme. This is a generic programme specification for BA Human Geography Major degree schemes.
Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
To enable successful students to:
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gain a knowledge of literatures in English by studying a range of literary texts in a variety of genres from different historical periods and (in some cases) geographical locations
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develop a knowledge of the literary, social, historical, and cultural contexts of writing in English and an understanding of their significance
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explore the literary relationships between texts and between texts and their contexts
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develop a knowledge and understanding of the major theoretical formations in the twentieth century
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investigate how different literary theories interrelate and confront each other
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explore the relationships between literary theory and literary analysis
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gain experience of the practical application of literary theory and literary analysis
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acquire a knowledge of critical debates about the writing they study
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engage in reasoned critical analysis of particular texts
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become independent learners who can use a broad range of reference tools, assimilate and appraise substantial amounts of information, and address, define and solve problems
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become self-aware readers of literature and writers about literature
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develop an ability to arrive at independent conclusions and make judgements
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develop an ability to express themselves clearly in speech and in writing
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develop their own critical voice
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develop their own interests and manage their own learning through their choice of options
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
On completion of the programme students should:
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Be able to evaluate critically geographical ideas, concepts and approaches across the whole of the subject and within particular branches of Geography
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Be able to carry out independent research, applying a range of cartographic, computational, literary and technical skills
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Have developed a range of geographical skills and be able to apply them to a variety of geographical issues
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Be able to recognize that their learning experience has been positively reinforced by exposure to research
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Be able to evaluate their own performance in a range of learning contexts and under different modes of assessment
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Be able to work independently, in a team and with a social awareness of the contribution made by scholarship and applied research in their discipline to social and environmental policy
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Have the necessary skills and awareness to seek employment in a variety of professional careers or to begin postgraduate research and study.
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:
*NB: Details of the delivery of the learning outcomes listed below in our current portfolio of modules are indicated on the attached Curriculum Map.
Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
On completion of the degree scheme, students will be able to:
A1 Demonstrate appreciation of the reciprocal relationships between human activity and the physical environment, including the impact of human activity on landscape form and environmental quality.
A2 Describe and account for spatial variations in the distributions of human phenomena at a variety of scales and temporal contexts.
A3 Account for the varied ways in which spaces, places, landscapes and environments are constituted and continually remade through a variety of social, economic, political and cultural processes, in a range of contexts from the local to the global.
A4 Demonstrate and account for variation in the outcome of processes and be familiar with a range of interpretations of the processes which create geographies of difference and inequality
A5 Demonstrate understanding of how particular geographical ‘ways of seeing’ are produced, theorised and interpreted, including the representation of places through academic, policy and lay discourses.
A6 Develop insight and understanding into the contribution that geographical study makes to an informed concern about the Earth and its people, in academic, practical and policy terms.
A7 Account for and evaluate the development of Geography as a dynamic, plural and contested discipline, and discuss the relationship of Geography with other disciplines in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
A8 Critically evaluate the range of philosophical and methodological approaches employed by geographers in their analysis and interpretation of human society.
A9 Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the different forms of representation of the human world – from maps, through texts and visual images to digital technologies.
A10 Demonstrate an awareness of the range and nature of data sources available to the human geographer and employ and evaluate a substantial range of observational, recording and analytic strategies used in geographical field enquiry and data analysis.
By selecting a pathway of modules which involves elements of Physical Geography, students may also develop the capacity to:
A11 Describe and account for spatial and temporal variations in the distributions of physical phenomena at a variety of scales.
A12 Account for the varied ways in which places, landscapes and environments are constituted and continually remade through a variety of physical, environmental and biotic processes in a range of contexts from the local to the global.
A13 Conceptualise patterns, processes, interactions and changes in the physical world as systems operating at a range of scales.
A14 Critically evaluate the range of philosophical and methodological approaches employed by geographers in their analysis of the natural environment.
A15 Demonstrate a knowledge of the different forms of representation of the physical world, including maps, scientific texts and digital technologies (GIS and Remote Sensing).
A16 Synthesise contributions from Human and Physical Geography to address issues of environmental management.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:
Teaching and Learning
At Level 1, student development towards learning outcomes A1 – A6 is promoted via the core BA Human Geography module programme, delivered through lectures and tutorials, seminars, supported by independent study and reading by students. Issues relating to learning outcomes A7 and A8 are addressed through lectures on one core modules and in tutorials, supported by directed student exercises and reading. Student development towards learning outcomes A9, A10 and A15 is promoted through a combination of lectures, practical classes and field classes and related exercise-based assignments. It is possible for students to develop capacities related to outcomes A11 to A14 by selecting modules from the BSc Geography programme, which are delivered through lectures supported by independent study and reading.
At Levels 2 and 3, the teaching programme consists of four elements. (i) Core Knowledge and Understanding Modules in Level 2 develop student capacities relating to outcomes A1 to A6 through lectures supported by independent study and reading by students. (ii) Core Skills Modules at Level 2 promote learning outcomes A5 to A10 through a combination of lectures, practical classes and field classes, variously supported by fieldwork exercises, group or individual exercise-based assignments and independent reading as appropriate. Field classes also address issues related to A2 and A3 and may address issues related to A1 and A5. (iii) Optional modules taken at Level 2 and Level 3 and delivered through lectures and seminars supported by independent study and reading, contribute to student development towards some or all of outcomes A1 to A10. (iv) Small group tutorials in both Level 2 and Level 3 cover themes relating to outcomes A1 to A10. Independent research undertaken by students towards their Dissertation (if selected) may also contribute towards the development of knowledge relating to some or all of outcomes A1 to A10.
Additionally, students may develop capacities relating to outcomes A11 to A16 through the selection of Core Knowledge and Understanding Modules and Optional Modules from the BSc Geography programme, variously delivered through lectures and practical classes, supported by independent study and reading.
Assessment:
At Level 1, student capacities relating to learning outcomes A1 to A8 (and, where appropriate, A11 to A14) are assessed through unseen examination essays, unseen short-answer examinations, exercise-based coursework assignments and project work. Student capacities relating to outcomes A9, A10 and A15 may be assessed through tutorial project work, directed exercises and practical exercises depending on module choice.
At Levels 2 and 3, student capacities relating to learning outcomes A1 to A16 may be variously assessed as appropriate through, oral presentations, coursework essays, project essays, seminar presentations, and seen, unseen and free-time examination essays.
Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
The successful student will have gained a knowledge and understanding of:
A1 a range of different genres and periods of literatures in English
A2
the importance of the literary, socio-historical and cultural contexts
within which texts are produced and read
A3 the relations between
literary texts, and between texts and their contexts
A4 some of the
critical issues and debates that have been raised by texts
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated
Teaching and learning: Lectures; tutor-led workshops and seminars; student-led workshops and seminars, written seen and unseen examinations
Assessment - coursework essays; written unseen examinations; oral presentation, dissertation
The programme ensure that all students study a range of writing in English from more than one period.
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
10.2.1 Intellectual skills
On completion of the degree scheme, students will be able to:
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B1 Abstract and synthesise information
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B2 Critically judge and evaluate evidence
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B3 Critically interpret data and text
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B4 Make justified decisions
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B5 Assess the merits of contrasting theories, explanations and policies
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B6 Develop a reasoned argument
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B7 Find ways to overcome problems
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B8 Write in an appropriate academic style in reporting, reviewing and discussing geographical themes
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B9 Appropriately and critically employ material from academic literature and correctly cite and reference sources
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B10 Take responsibility for their own learning and review and reflect upon that learning
Teaching and Learning
Student development towards
outcomes B1 to B10 is primarily promoted through small group sessions
(Levels 1-3), and practical classes (Levels 1-3). Learning is supported
through personal tutorial and practical exercises. The application of
these skills in the context of specific areas of geographical enquiry is
demonstrated through lectures for core and optional modules at Levels 1,
2 and 3.
Assessment
Assessment of student capacities in relation to outcomes B1 to B10 are central to criteria employed in the evaluation of a range of assessment forms employed at all three levels of the degree scheme. These include coursework essays, practical exercises, project essays, seminar and oral presentations and seen, unseen and free-time examination essays.
10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline-specific skills
On completion of the degree scheme students will be able to demonstrate competence in the following professional geographical skills:
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C1 Planning, designing and executing a piece of rigorous geographical research or enquiry, including the production of a final report
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C2 Presenting geographical data effectively through the use of appropriate media including maps, diagrams, statistical tables and academic prose.
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C3 Combining and interpreting different types of geographical evidence.
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C4 Analysing the geographical implications of current events, policy decisions and social, economic, political and cultural processes.
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C5 Interrogating and interpreting the production and presentation of policy documents, print and broadcast media, landscape and textual material.
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C6 Recognising the moral and ethical issues involved in geographical and social scientific debates and enquiries.
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Depending on module choice, students may also be able to demonstrate competence in:
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C7 Employing a variety of social survey and interpretative methods for the collection, analysis and understanding of information from the human world, including questionnaire surveys and interviews.
Teaching and Learning
The teaching of discipline-specific professional and practical skills is delivered in a number of contexts. Small group teaching at Levels 1, 2 and 3 address issues relating to outcomes C1 and C3-C6 inclusive; whilst outcomes C4 to C6 are also addressed at Level 1 through lectures on core modules and related exercise-based assignments. Depending on module choice, practical classes at Levels 1 and 2 contribute to the development of skills C2, C3, C5 and C7, supported by practical group and individual exercises.
Additionally, the application of these skills in the context of specific areas of geographical enquiry is demonstrated through lectures for core and optional modules at Levels 1, 2 and 3.
Assessment
The above skills are assessed through a variety of methods at all three levels of the degree scheme. Coursework essays, project essays and examination essays may all assess C2, C3, C4, C5 and C6 as appropriate to the context of the assessment. Depending on module choice, group and individual exercises related to practical classes assess skills C2, C3, C5 and C7. Skill C1 is assessed through individual project work.Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
10.2.1 Intellectual skills
The successful student will develop the ability to:
B1 analyse and interpret a variety of texts
B2 exercise independent thought and judgement
B3 engage critically and self-reflectively with complex material and concepts
B4 present sustained, persuasive and coherent arguments
B5 communicate the results of their studies clearly
B6 plan and organise work and present work to deadlines
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated
Seminars and workshops are used to develop these skills, which are assessed by independently researched coursework assignments, unseen timed examinations, dissertation.
10.2.2 Practical skills
The successful student will develop:
C1 research skills
C2 writing skills
C3 competence in structuring and presenting arguments orally and in writing
C4 an ability to work in groups
C5 time and task management
C6 word-processing skills
C7 ability to use recognised presentational skills, including bibliographical and notational conventions
C8 oral presentation skills
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated
Teaching and learning: skills-based course in first year; preparation for oral and written assignments; essay writing; group work in seminars and workshops; independent study Assessment: coursework assignments; essays; unseen examinations; group oral presentations
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
On completion of the programme the student will be able to take responsibility for themselves and their work. S/he will be able to:
- Work independently
- Work in a team
- Respect the views and beliefs of others
- Listen
- Communicate orally
- Communicate in writing
- Communicate electronically
- Word-process
- Use the Web
- Manage time and work to deadlines
- Research issues
- Solve problems
- Adapt to change
- Develop career awareness
Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:
D1 ability to analyse issues
D2 ability to research, assimilate, select and organise relevant material using a variety of research tools in paper and on-line formats
D3 writing skills (in a range of modes)
D4 competence in structuring and presenting arguments
D5 an ability to work in groups
D6 time and task management
D7 word-processing skills
D8 oral presentation skills
Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated
Student-centred seminars and workshops; essay writing assignments; oral presentations; dissertation
BA Human Geography / English Literature [LQ73]
Academic Year: 2023/2024Joint Honours scheme - available from 2000/2001
Duration (studying Full-Time): 3 yearsLast intake year: 2023/2024
Literary Theory: Debates and Dialogues
Human Geography and Sociology Research Design and Fieldwork Skills
Human Geography and Sociology Research Design and Fieldwork Skills
Classical Drama and Myth
In the Olde Dayes: Medieval Texts and Their World
Writing Women for the Public Stage, 1670-1780
Place and Self
Geography Joint Honours/Major Project
Geography Joint Honours/Major Project
Undergraduate Dissertation
Reading Theory / Reading Text
Romantic Eroticism
Effective Academic and Professional Communication 2
Remix: Chaucer In The Then and Now
Literatures of Surveillance
Undergraduate Dissertation
Victorian Childhoods
Writing in the Margins: Twentieth-Century Welsh Poetry in English
Haunting Texts
The Mark of the Beast: Animals in Literature from the 1780s to the 1920s
Ali Smith and 21st Century fiction(s)
Effective Academic and Professional Communication 2