Module DXX-3014:
Current Issues in Human Geography

Module Facts

Run by School of Natural Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr Eifiona Lane

Overall aims and purpose

This is a research based 20 credit module which enables the student to undertake a desk-based research project which looks in depth at a newly emerging issues in Human Geography. The module runs in Semester 2 and culminates in the production of an essay on one issue and a seminar paper and oral presentation on a second issue. Students are required to explore and research in depth on these relevant issues; this is based on consultation and discussion with the module convenor. This may reflect the individual’s interests or may be on themes suggested by the convenor. Consideration is given to world scale examples but with special emphasis on European and local issues. The topics should be different from that chosen in the student’s Honours project.

A broad range of sources must be consulted, ranging from refereed academic journals to newspaper and media reportage, and the internet.

Course content

This module runs in the second semester and enables the student to undertake an individual desk-based research project looking in depth at a particular 2 relevant newly emerging issues within human geography. The results of the research are presented in an essay on the first issue and a seminar paper and oral presentation on the second issue. The seminar paper is presented to an audience of peers from the module. A variety of sources must be used in conducting this research and the issues chosen must be different from that chosen in the student’s Honours Research project. The issues are chosen by the student, in consultation with the module convenor.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

(Standard Pass: D– to D+) a. No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills. b. Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. c. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. d. Use of primary literature.

good

(Average to high standard Pass: C– to B+) a. Much or most of the relevant information and skills accurately displayed. b. Good/adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. c. Good/fair integration of theory/practice/information in the pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. d. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills. e. Critical use of primary and other literature cited in the lecture.

excellent

(Excellent standard First Class: A– to A**) a. An outstanding performance, exceptionally able. b. The relevant information accurately deployed. c. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. d. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. e. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills. Critical use of literature beyond that cited in the lecture.

Learning outcomes

  1. To understand a specific geographical issue in great depth.

  2. To demonstrate effective use of sources.

  3. To demonstrate the ability to conduct research.

  4. To demonstrate the ability to critically assess relevant literature.

  5. To understand how the issue is perceived and represented in the media.

  6. To be able to communicate the research to an audience of peers, both visually and orally.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Seminar Defence oral presentation 20.00
Essay 40.00
Seminar Paper 30.00
Seminar Paper - One page precis 10.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Practical classes and workshops

Information sourcing computer workshop with staff from the Science library.

 2
Private study

Private and preparation of Essay, Defended seminar paper, powerpoint presentation for seminar defence,peer review of all other seminar abstracts.

 176
Lecture

2 x 2 hour lectures

 4
Tutorial

8 x1 hours drop in tutorials to enable the student to focus on topics for the Essay and Defended Seminar paper and narrow them to specific themes.

8
Seminar

Defended Seminar paper presentations. 8 hours spread over three blocs in a single assessment day.

8
Workshop

Introductory workshop

 2

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Mentoring - Able to support, help, guide, inspire and/or coach others
  • Caring - Showing concern for others; caring for children, people with disabilities and/or the elderly
  • Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
  • Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

Courses including this module