Module Identifier RD10120  
Module Title MAKING THE BRITISH COUNTRYSIDE  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Mr Ian P Keirle  
Semester Semester 1  
Course delivery Lecture   36 Hours  
  Other   12 Hours 4 x 3 hour visits  
Assessment Semester Exam   1.5 Hours Outcomes assessed: 4, 5   50%  
  Semester Assessment   Assignment Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3   50%  
  Supplementary Assessment   Candidates will be required to re-take the element(s) of assessment that resulted in the failure to achieve a module pass mark    

Learning outcomes

Outcome 1
Geological processes that have created the landscape are recognised and explained.
Performance criteria:
a. A knowledge of geological processes and is demonstrated.
b. A knowledge of nature of different rocks is demonstrated.
c. An awareness of the effects of geology on the landscape is demonstrated.

Ranges:
Rocks: Sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic.
Nature of rocks: Hard, soft, chemical properties, crystal structure
Landscape: Relative hardness/softness of rock, effects of folding and faulting.
Outcome 2
Geomorphological processes responsible for creating landscape features are recognised and explained.
Performance criteria:
a. A knowledge of the geomorphological processes involved in erosion and the resultant geomorphological
   features is demonstrated.
b. A knowledge of depositional processes and the resulting geomorphological features is demonstrated.
c. A knowledge of the importance of transport to the formation of geomorphological features is demonstrated.
Ranges:
Erosion: Glacial, fluvial, marine,
Deposition: Glacial, fluvial, marine,
Transport: Glacial, fluvial, marine,
Outcome 3
The changing nature of climatic and environmental conditions over time is understood.
Performance criteria:
a. An awareness of the changing climatic conditions over time is demonstrated.
b. An awareness of the effects of environmental conditions on landforms is demonstrated.
Ranges:
Climate: Glacial, interglacial, present day.
Environmental conditions: Sea level change, temperature, altitude, precipitation.
Outcome 4
Describe the historical development of a given landscape
Performance criteria
a. Identify the event/civilisation that created the feature/landscape and describe its original purpose.
b. Describe the components of the feature/landscape
c. Describe the visual impact and importance of the feature/landscape.
Ranges
Neolithic, Bronze and Iron ages, Roman, Saxon, Norman, medieval and recent
Prominence, visibility, unobtrusive, covered, rarity, abundance

Outcome 5
Describe the approaches to archaeological research.
Performance criteria
a. Identify the information sources available to date a feature/landscape
b. Describe the means by which archaeological artefacts are uncovered.
Ranges
Historical records, pictures/paintings, radiocarbon dating, associated implements
Maps and aerial photos, excavation techniques

Brief description

This module considers the geological and geomorphological processes that have shaped the landscape and the ways in which man has modified it. The module starts by considering geological processes and the influence that the differing rock types have on the landscape. Upon this foundation the ways in which geomorphological and hydrological processes modify the geology to create landform is detailed,   Throughout the module the link between the physical landscape and human activities is emphasised. Having considered how the landscape has been physically shaped, the influence of man is detailed. This aspect of the module introduces the ways in which man has developed the British landscape over time by focussing on periods of invasion, settlement, development and change. Land use changes and the introduction of landscape features are identified and brought into the present day context. The role of information sources and archaeology in the preservation of these fossilised features and landscapes are also considered.

Aims

This module is concerned with developing an understanding of how the British landscape has developed over time. As such the module initially considers the influence of geological, geomorphological and hydrological processes in creating landform. The module also considers the ways in which man has developed the British landscape over time by focussing on periods of invasion, settlement, development and change. Throughout the module the link between the physical landscape and human activities is emphasised.

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work
This will be developed by the assignment.

.2 IT and information handling
Students may use the internet as a resource to help them with their assignment.

.4 Writing in an academic context
The assignment will be in the form of a report that assesses the geological and geomorphological processes that have affected an area over time.
Common skills 9, 10, 12, 18

.7 Self-management
Students will have to manage their own time in developing their assignment.

Reading Lists

Books
Bermingham, A. (1987) Landscape and Ideology: The English Rustic Tradition 1740-1869. Thames and Hudson
Clowes A & Comfort P. (1987) Process and Landform, Conceptual Frameworks in Geography.
Duff, D. (1993) Holmes' principles of physical geography. Chapman
Goudie, A. (1990) The landforms of England and Wales. Blackwell
Hart, J. (1998) The rural landscape. Johns Hopkins University Press
McGill, G. (1995) Building the past: a guide to the archaeology and development processes. E & F N Spon
Price, T. (2000) Europe's first farmers. Cambridge University Press
Rackham O. (1997) The history of the countryside. J M Dent
Skinner B J & Porter S. (1995) The Dynamic Earth.
Waugh, D. (1995) Geography: an integrated approach. Nelson