GV1HGI-Introducing Human Geography

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Sophie Blackburn
Email: s.e.blackburn@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to increase your understanding of what it is to do geography, think geographically and be a geographer. Starting from first principles, it explores the basic concepts that mark out human geography as a distinctive discipline and traces how geographers have come to define themselves. It asks why geography’s history is essential to understanding how we, as geographers, investigate and ask questions of the world. This module supports the more specific subject modules found in the first, second and third year of the degree programme by providing geographical context.

Aims:

• To introduce students to key geographical modes of inquiry, core concepts and ideas that mark out Human Geography as a distinctive discipline.


• To facilitate an understanding of these different modes of inquiry, how they are used and applied, and how they emerged.


• To provide practical experience and understanding of the application of geographical thinking to real world examples.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module, it is expected that students will be able to demonstrate:

• A basic understanding of key geographical concepts and modes of inquiry and their relevance and application to geography and society


• The origins of geographic thought and the reasons why geography is a distinctive discipline


• The ability to apply a range of concepts and ideas relevant to geography and to their future studies with their degreeprogramme


• An appreciation of the research process and how to approach geographical problems

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop their IT skills by use of relevant web sources. Students will gain experience of working with a small group of peers in a higher education setting. Students will enhance their understanding of ‘research-led’ teaching

Outline content:

This module combines a mixture of sessions on the principles and practices of geography. Students will engage in a series of lectures and group activities on core concepts such as place, space and scale, flows and networks before addressing themes that cross-cut contemporary human geography. Students will participate in interactive seminars on key geographical issues and debates, introducing students to real-world case studies. Students have opportunities to explore geographical concepts in context, such as fieldwork visits in the local area. 

Global context:

Human geography is regarded as well-placed to respond to the growing number of present and future challenges facing people and environments in the 21st century. This module emphasises the significance and value of your degree at the University of Reading introducing you to the key concepts and ideas that form a distinctive geographical perspective.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Students will attend lectures and seminars in the Autumn Term, as well as taking part in a self-directed field class and other on-campus practical activities. They will be assessed via a combination of group and individual assessment.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	18
Seminars	10
Practicals classes and workshops	10
Fieldwork	2
Guided independent study:	160
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	50
Project output other than dissertation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will complete a group poster and an individual seminar diary.

Formative assessment methods:

A range of weekly practical tasks will be set, through which students can evaluate their understanding of key concepts and monitor their progress.

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of coursework in August/September

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: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022