GEG-20010 - Practical Human Geography
Coordinator: Simon Pemberton Tel: +44 1782 7 33165
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to a variety of specialist field and computer-based techniques of particular relevance to Human Geography. It builds upon core concepts and techniques introduced in the Level 4 practical programme whilst providing a portfolio of skills applicable to Level 6 independent study projects. Training and first-hand experience is provided in practical classes, which are supplemented by a series of exercises and assessments which encourage students to think and have a strategy about how to solve the issues presented to them. A particular effort is made to emphasise the relevance of the techniques covered to appropriate careers pathways.

Aims
This module aims to provide a variety of essential field and practical skills relevant to human geographers. It builds upon concepts and techniques introduced in the Level 4 practical programme and provides a portfolio of skills applicable to Level 6 independent research projects (dissertation modules GEG-30006 and GEG-30008). Training and first-hand experience in relevant techniques is provided in practical classes and extended group projects and presentations are used to highlight and evaluate the research applications of these techniques, and their effectiveness.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/geg-20010/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

use a range of specialist geographical techniques (field and computer-based) to collect, analyse, present and interpret a range of primary and secondary data related to Human Geography;: 1
work effectively as part of a team to complete group exercises within a specified time period;: 1,2
evaluate the quality of geographical data and determine the most effective techniques for the analysis and presentation of these data;: 1,2
identify and discuss the methods of data collection and analysis and evaluation of the associated research findings.: 1,2
apply these techniques in a problem-solving context and report the key findings in a written format;: 1,2

Study hours

30 hours laboratory / on-campus work (10 x 3 hour practicals)
1x3 hour group poster presentation
1x3 hour group poster 'drop in' session
114 hours project preparation and completion

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Coursework weighted 50%
Individual submission of questionnaire and data analysis
Submission of an individual report which includes i) questionnaire for exploring selected project topic (max of 10 mins to complete; 4-5 sides of A4 max; focused on generating qualitative responses in particular) and ii) a set of instructions to undertake the questionnaire (1/2 page maximum - total submission of c.1000 words).

2: Poster Presentation weighted 50%
Group poster evaluating research methods
Submission of a group project poster (A2) reflecting upon the advantages / disadvantages of questionnaires, interviews and ethnographic approaches for undertaking research on the selected research topic (indicative length: 2000 words maximum).