Module Identifier
GG27420
Module Title
PRACTISING HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr Sharron A FitzGerald
Semester
Semester 1
Mutually Exclusive
GG21310
Mutually Exclusive
GG21510
Pre-Requisite
GG10720
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 10 x 2hr lectures
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment RESEARCH METHOD REPORTS  Students will be required to include assignments designed to demonstrate their achievement of the learning outcomes by undertaking a number of practical research projects. These will be two research methods reports out of four offered. Each report is 2000 words in length (40% each)   80%
Semester Assessment PORTFOLIO  The students will submit a reflective portfolio of short exercises with an exercise relating to each methods lecture.  20%
Supplementary Assessment RESUBMISSION  Resubmission of failed assessment components. New titles (research methods reports and exercises) will be set.  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

  1. Identify the differences between research methodologies and analytical methods at an epistemological and practical level.
  2. Produce a coherent research question
  3. Plan an appropriate research programme by justifying the choice of appropriate methodological techniques.
  4. Conduct a research programme and evaluate its effectiveness
  5. Analyse and communicate geographical research material

Content

Content to be delivered will normally include:

Lecture 1: Designing Qualitative Research
Lecture 2: Using Quantitative Data in Human Geography
Lecture 3: GIS in Human Geography
Lecture 4: Collecting Primary Data
Lecture 5: Interviews
Lecture 6: Participant Observation
Lecture 7: Project Workshop Session
Lecture 8: Media, Policy and Contemporary Texts
Lecture 9: Archival and Historical Research
Lecture 10: How do I write my dissertation proposal

Brief description

This module provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge of the methodological techniques which are used to produce knowledge in human geography. It provides students with the skills to carry out the necessary research for their dissertation project.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Developed by analyzing quantitative research materials
Communication Developed by the production of written project work
Improving own Learning and Performance Developed through participation in group discussions and informal class presentations
Information Technology Developed through the production of research reports
Personal Development and Career planning Developed through the provision of transferable research skills that are valuable to employers
Problem solving Developed by students designing research projects to address a set of research questions.
Research skills Developed through the provision of theoretical and practical knowledge of the methodological techniques used to produce knowledge and undertake research in human geography.
Team work Developed by requiring students to informally participate in group work

Reading List

Recommended Text
Clifford, N and Valentine, G (2003) Key Methods in Geography Sage Primo search Cloke, P. et al (2004) Practising Human Geography Sage Primo search Flowerdew, R and Martin, D (1997) Methods in Human Geography: A guide for students doing a research project Longman, Harlow Primo search Kitchen, R and Tate, N (2000) Conducting Research in Human Geography: Theory, Methodology and Practice Longman, Harlow Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5