Run by School of Natural Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Dr Graham Bird

Students will explore the key milestones in the development of geography and how geography found its territory as an academic discipline. You will investigate some the key frameworks through which geographical data, knowledge and understanding has been produced. You will explore the theoretical and practical considerations that underpin contemporary research and be able to think critically about research on topics that interest you.

Module topics may typically include:

• What makes something geographical and what is geographical data?
• The foundation of Geography and geography not cosmography
• The role empire in the development of geography
• Key paradigms in geographical research and the the production of geographical knowledge and data
• Identifying research gaps and proposing research.

good

Grade B- to B+ The seminar papers demonstrates an accurate and at times critical, understanding of key concepts. There is success in applying concepts to new scenarios, but with room for improvement in the depth of analysis and criticality. A coherent argument is presented but with some minor gaps.

Annotated bibliography & Research Proposal Demonstrates good engagement with the relevant literature and is able to identify areas for further research and a focused research question. There is well-developed context provided, but there is limited room for improvement regarding the rationale provided. They meet most of the requirements, but could be improved in terms of style and/or content.

threshold

Grade D- to D+ The seminar papers demonstrates a generally accurate understanding of key concepts and attempts to apply concepts to new scenarios, but with rom for improvement in the depth of analysis. A coherent argument is presented but with some gaps.

Annotated bibliography & Research Proposal Demonstrates some limited engagement with the relevant literature and is able to identify areas for further research. There is some context provided, but this could be strengthened in terms of rationale for the research. They meet most of the requirements, but could be improved in terms of style and/or content.

excellent

Grade A- to A** The seminar papers demonstrates well-developed, highly accurate and critical, understanding of key concepts. Concepts are successfully applied to new scenarios and logical and coherent argument is presented.

Annotated bibliography & Research Proposal Demonstrates extensive engagement with the relevant literature and clearly identifies a focused research question within a broader area of possible research. There is highly-developed context provided, with strong rationale and evidence of criticality. All of the requirements are met and work is prese3nted in a highly-developed written style.

C- to C+

C- to C+ The seminar papers demonstrates an accurate understanding of key concepts. There has been an attempt to apply concepts to new scenarios, which is factually correct, but with room for improvement in the depth of analysis and criticality. A coherent argument is presented but with some minor gaps or scope for improvement in presentation style.

Annotated bibliography & Research Proposal Demonstrates engagement with the relevant literature but with scope to improve the quality and/or range of sources used. Shows an ability to identify areas for further research but could strengthen the focus on a specific research question. There is some context provided, which is good in places but with room for improvement regarding the rationale provided. They meet the requirements, but could be improved in terms of style and/or content.

1. Identify and contextualize a research question within the subject of geography.

2. Synthesize and critically evaluate existing research

3. Accurately explain geographical concepts and apply them to new scenarios

4. Communicate information clearly and concisely using both oral and written means.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION	Seminar Paper 1		10.00
INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION	Seminar Paper 2		10.00
COURSEWORK	Annotated bibliography		30.00
COURSEWORK	Research Proposal		50.00

		Hours
Seminar	3 * 1 hour and 2 * 3 hour seminars	9
Private study	Private and guided self-study including preparing for assessments	168
Workshop	1 * 2 hour workshop	2
Lecture	10 * 2 hour and 1 * 1 hour lectures	21

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• 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.
• 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

• Develop and identify research question(s) and/or hypotheses as the basis for investigation.
• Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Engagement with current subject developments and their application.
• Engage in debate and/or discussion with specialists and non-specialists using appropriate language.
• Demonstrate the independence and skills required for continuing professional development

Resource implications for students

N/A

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/dxx-3709.html

Pre-requisites:

• ONS-1001: Environmental data & analysis
• DXX-1005: Earth Systems and Processes
• DXX-1004: Introducing Human Geographies
• DXX-2000: GIS & Research Methods

Compulsory in courses:

• F801: MGeog Geography year 3 (MGEOG/G)
• F805: MGeog Geography with International Experience year 4 (MGEOG/GIE)