GV2FCB-Geography & Environmental Science Field Class 4

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: GV2RTS Research Training for Geography and Environmental Science or GV2LCC Loddon Catchment Consultancy
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Mike Goodman
Email: m.k.goodman@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Prof Steve Musson
Email: s.musson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Fieldwork is a key component of the Benchmark Statement for Geography degrees. This module places key concepts in human geography within a real world setting and introduces important field research techniques applicable to Human Geography. It is planned that this field class will be based in Berlin. Participants make a contribution towards the financial cost of the trip.

Aims:
The field class aims to develop students' geographical understanding through experiential learning. It focuses upon several key general themes in contemporary human geography, such as the dynamics of urban environments, the shaping of national and local heritage, social polarization, and the effects of uneven economic growth. A number of different field techniques will be used to investigate selected issues.

Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of this module it is expected that a student will be able to: * Organise materials that have been collected during the field class to construct examples of key processes * Relate particular features of an urban environment to the wider academic literature * Apply research skills to real-world examples * Assess the changing form and function of a city region * Critically evaluate the interaction of physical and socio-economic processes in the creation of distinctive landscapes * Sel ect and apply appropriate techniques in order to successfully carry out individual and group project work * Synthesise information collected in the field and material from the academic literature into a coherently argued field project report.

Additional outcomes:
Fieldwork necessitates teamwork and also requires a high level of ingenuity and tenacity. Students will begin to develop these skills through working in teams directly gathering field data together with the analysis, interpretation and presentation of the results.

Outline content:
The field class location will be a large city in the UK or another part of Europe. It is planned that this field class will be based in Berlin. The location will be chosen in order to help promote curiosity about the relationships between particular localities and the wider world. Typically, it will take the form of visits to key sites/locations, contributions from local experts and interest groups, and more student-centred work where emphasis is placed upon the assembly of appropriate quantitat ive and qualitative information and critical assessment of what this reveals.

Global context:
This module explores economic and social change in a European capital city and relates these to globalisation and other global processes.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Field class preparation in the form of lectures will take place in the Spring Term. The field class will take place in the Easter Vacation or first week of the Summer Term. The programme will be composed of fieldwork, project work, analysis, lectures and presentations.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		10
Tutorials			2
Fieldwork			70
Guided independent study:		35	83
Total hours by term		45	155
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	80
Project output other than dissertation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of all or some of the assignments or the setting and completion of an alternative assignment..

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: Students will be required to contribute to the costs of travel, accommodation and food on the fieldclass. In 2016 this was less than £350.

Last updated: 2 December 2021