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Introduction to Human Geography - ENV00019C

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  • Department: Environment and Geography
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Karen Parkhill
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
    • See module specification for other years: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22 to Spring Term 2021-22

Module aims

‘Everything happens somewhere and Human Geographers argue that this matters’ (Cloke et al., 2014: xviii).

The module aims to focus on a number of distinct human geography themes including, how the discipline has developed and what constitutes human geography concerns, society and space, place, landscape, and nature(s), as well as sub-disciplines of human geography including political, environmental, rural, social and cultural geography. The module aim is to provide an understanding of why ‘where-ness’ (space, place, region, location, territory, distance, scale) matters, and demonstrate how human geographical concepts and skills can be used in providing insight and potential solutions to contemporary local and global (environmental) issues. The module provides both an introduction to contemporary human geography at level 4 and a comprehensive and wide-ranging framework for a more detailed study in human geography at subsequent levels of the degree programme. Through small group discussions (within lectures, workshops, and seminars), students will be able to develop their existing knowledge in relation to emerging research areas, critically appraise current research via debate and discussion and relate research to its scientific, political, economic, geographical, and societal context. Lectures will be used to set the context to the module, and introduce blocks of theoretical and/or empirical material that will then be used and applied in tutorials/seminars, practicals/workshops, and assessments.

Module learning outcomes

On completion of this module, a capable student should be able to:

Subject content:

  • Demonstrate subject-specific knowledge across a diverse range of human geography sub-disciplines.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the interdisciplinary nature of human geography and environmental issues.
  • Demonstrate the relationship between the environment and human activities.
  • Apply human geography concepts, theories and debates to current (environmental) issues at local, national and international level.
  • Apply appropriate concepts to environmental and social issues in the UK and potentially globally.
  • Undertake analysis of complex and contradictory areas of knowledge and be able to communicate the outcome effectively

Academic and graduate skills

  • Write in an academic manner utilising academic writing skills, critical analysis and drawing conclusions.
  • Actively participate in group activities (informal and formal debate to develop the students ability to analyse and discuss information in an interactive group forum).
  • Effectively handle IT and information (e.g. extensive use of internet sources will be required to compile information for the assignment (assessed as part of coursework)).
  • Efficiently manage time & develop presentation skills: Preparing graphic presentations (e.g., pictures, images, slides) for a range of audiences and presenting information within a specific time.

Module content

There are no charges associated with this course

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 50
Essay/coursework
Reflection, Planning & Progress Forms (x5)		 N/A 10
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Oral Presentation		 N/A 40

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The presentation in summer term will be recorded and not delivered live - guidance will be given on how groups can do this.

The reflection, planning and progress forms will start in week 2 of Spring term and 5 will be completed over the course of the terms, each form is worth 2% and a template will be used for each student to submit (likely a google form).

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Continuous feedback will be made available to the students during the seminar/tutorial/LLD and workshop sessions.

Feedback on coursework will be delivered individually (4 week turnaround).

Indicative reading

Reading material will be provided throughout the module, linked to the appropriate lectures on the VLE.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.