Module DXX-1004:
Introduction to Human Geography

Module Facts

Run by School of Natural Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Dr Eifiona Lane

Overall aims and purpose

This module provides an introduction to key theoretical debates and to the central areas of substantive interest within Human Geography. Specifically the aims are to: 1. Develop understanding of the scope and definition of Human Geography 2. Provide an overview of the key theoretical debates within Human Geography 3. Introduce key concepts and processes relating to people¿s interactions with one another and the environments they inhabit e.g. resilience and sustainability

Course content

This module provides an introduction to Geographical thinking including some of following concepts: globalisation; space and place; people and the environment; urbanisation; identity and difference; population; migration; sustainability. Consideration is given of the broad and integrated relationship between people and place and their socio economic, political, cultural and natural environment.

Assessment Criteria

good

  1. Much or most of the relevant information and skills accurately deployed
  2. Good/adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements
  3. Good/fair integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed works' objectives.
  4. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills This translates to Average to High Standard Pass : C- to B+

excellent

  1. An outstanding performance, exceptionally able
  2. The relevant information accurately deployed
  3. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements
  4. Very good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives.
  5. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills This translates to Excellent Standard Class One: A- to A*

threshold

  1. No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information / skills
  2. Some grasp of theoretical conceptual practical elements
  3. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed works' objectives. This translates to Satisfactory Standard Pass : D- to D+

Learning outcomes

  1. Describe and evaluate the contribution of key theoretical perspectives of Human Geography.

  2. Understand the scope and definition of Human Geography

  3. Assess the competing perspectives by which human geographers have explained key processes such as resilience and Sustainable Development relating to the interaction of people with the environment.

  4. To critically apply the concepts and theoretical perspectives of Human Geography to a range of real world examples.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Short Essay 10.00
Report 20.00
Exam 50.00
Essay 20.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

18 x 2 hour lectures

 36
Fieldwork

18 hour (Semester 1) and 19 hour (Semester 2) field visits

 18
Private study

Private and guided self-study

 146

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.
  • 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
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Subject specific skills

  • Conduct fieldwork and/or laboratory work competently with awareness of appropriate risk assessment and ethical considerations
  • Recognize and apply appropriate theories and concepts from a range of disciplines.
  • Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Apply subject knowledge to the understanding and addressing of problems.
  • Awareness of the concepts of spatial and temporal scale in understanding processes and relationships.
  • Appreciation of the reciprocal nature of human-environmental relationships.

Resources

Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: