GV1HGI-Introducing Human Geography
Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7
Module Convenor: Dr Hilary Geoghegan
Email: h.geoghegan@reading.ac.uk
Summary module description:
This module aims to increase your understanding of what it is to do geography, think geographically and be a geographer. Starting from first principles, it explores the basic concepts that mark out geography as a distinctive discipline and traces how geographers have come to define themselves. It asks why geography’s history is essential to understanding how we, as geographers, investigate and ask questions of the world. This module supports the more specific subject modules found in the first, second and third year of the degree programme by providing geographical context.
Aims:
• To introduce students to key geographical modes of inquiry, core concepts and ideas that mark out Geography as a distinctive discipline.
• To facilitate an understanding of these different modes of inquiry, how they are used and applied, and how they emerged.
• To provide practical experience and understanding of the application of geographical thinking to real world examples.
Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of this module, it is expected that students will be able to demonstrate:
• A basic understanding of key geographical concepts and modes of inquiry and their relevance and application to geography and society
• The origins of geographic thought and the reasons why geography is a distinctive discipline
• The ability to apply a range of concepts and ideas relevant to geography and to their future studies with their degree programme
• An appreciation of the research process and how to approach geographical problems
Additional outcomes:
Students will develop their IT skills by use of relevant web sources.
Students will gain experience of working with a small group of peers in a higher education setting.
Students will enhance their understanding of the ‘research-led’ teaching
Outline content:
This module combines a mixture of sessions on the principles and practices of geography. In the first term, students will engage in a series of lectures and group activities on core concepts such as geographical origins, place, space and scale, flows and networks before addressing themes that cross-cut contemporary human geography. Students will participate in a series off ‘research-led’ seminars on key geographical issues and debates in the second term. Drawing on the research interests of staff, these seminars will introduce students to real-world debates and problem solving. The module will conclude with a student group poster presentation in a conference setting.
Global context:
Human geography is regarded as well-placed to respond to the growing number of present and future challenges facing people and environments in the 21st century. This module emphasises the significance and value of your degree at the University of Reading introducing you to the key concepts and ideas that form a distinctive geographical perspective. This module is supported by seminars from world leading researchers from the University of Reading Human Geography Research Cluster, offering examples from their own experience to enhance your learning.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
This is a 20 credit module, which means that it is intended occupy you for 200 hours work: practical preparation, background reading, essay reading and writing. With that in mind the kind of workload you should expect might be as follows:
• 40 contact hours in formal teaching sessions that normally include a 1-2 hour session per week
• 40 hours engaged in reading and note taking from ‘essential reading lists’ for each week.
• 60 hours background reading/activity for lectures and seminars
• 60 hours essay-writing, poster preparation.
Summative Assessment Methods:
| Method |
Percentage |
| Written assignment including essay |
75 |
| Oral assessment and presentation |
25 |
Other information on summative assessment:
Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at:
http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of coursework in August/September
Last updated: 9 September 2016