GEG-10013 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

The world has never been more connected and possibly more complex than it is today. This module seeks to provide students with an understanding of how we relate to our environments, the positionality of individuals in different societies, and what it means to be a global citizen. The module is designed with the intention to equip students with conceptual tools with which to make sense of some of the patterns, processes and power structures of the world. In particular, there is a focus on how we, as humans, relate to different types of spaces and places, how these are created, maintained and transformed, and the extent to which individuals may be seen to be either `in placeż or `out of placeż. Furthermore, the connection between space, place and meanings, practices and identities alert us to the importance of identity politics, which are increasingly intersectional and multi-faceted. In turn, this has significant implications in terms of the colonial framing of Human Geography as a discipline.
The module seeks to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of approaches and content of Human Geography, and to explore some of Human Geographical processes that have shaped and are shaping the human environment about us. By delving into space and place and the relationship of spaces and places with power, the module will unpack the processes of modernization and (counter-) urbanization. By deconstructing identity politics, the module will help students appreciate where they stand in relation to other groups and spaces and processes.

To enable students to evaluate changing conceptions and understandings of space and place; how these are shaped / re-shaped internally and externally and implications for inclusion / exclusion.
To equip students with a stronger understanding of what it means to be a citizen of the world in the 21st century, with the interconnections of space, power, and identity politics, which are more intricate and complex than ever before.
To enable students to develop an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of angles, topics and and content of present-day Human Geography; to understand the range of Human Geographical processes that have shaped and are shaping the human environment about us; to appreciate the importance of changing and differing readings and interpretations of the human environment, from large-scale empirical analyses of major human activities to small-scale qualitative appreciations of individual's interaction with space and place.
To provide students with the ability to gather, synthesize, and interpret information from a range of different Human Geography sources; to provide an ability to present and assess differing interpretations and arguments in written form on key issues in Human Geography.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe and explain the scope, development, key concepts, and major approaches in the discipline of Human Geography: 1,2
evaluate the different methods of empirical inquiry in human geography and the range of different data and perspectives that can be used to carry out research in human geography: 1,2
apply basic theories and concepts in Human Geography, and to demonstrate awareness of different approaches to problem-solving in Human Geography: 1,2
identify key concepts in Human Geography: 1
gather and synthesize academic literature on key issues in human geography and use this material to discuss current debates and recent developments in the discipline: 1,2

Study hours

20 hours lectures and/or learning activities
20 hours lecture preparation
30 hours essay preparation and essay writing
50 hours directed reading
30 hours portfolio preparation

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment