GV3HGF-Human Geography Field Class

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: GV3IFC Iceland Expeditionary Fieldclass GV3NUI China Environmental Analysis Fieldclass GV3FC Geography and Environmental Science Field Class
Current from: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Fieldwork is a fundamental component of Human Geography degrees. This module is designed to cement and allow you to put into practice key concepts in Human Geography through field research in a real-world setting through experiential learning and using a range of contemporary field techniques. Participants make a contribution towards the financial cost of the trip. The highest standards of conduct and professionalism are expected from all participants.

Aims:

The field class aims to equip you with the skills to apply important contemporary techniques and approaches required by human geographers to undertake research in the field and to develop transferable skills, including teamwork

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that you will be able to:

• Collect, record, organise, analyse and present a range of types of field data


• Competently use maps and other navigation aids in the field.


• Interpret field data it in the context of wider academic literature


• Demonstrate an understanding of the economic, political, and social dynamics of a specific place


• Demonstrate collaborative team-working skills, including planning work programme and selection of appropriate methods of working.


• Recognise and demonstrate the importance of keeping a field notebook.


• Synthesise information collected in the field and material from the academic literature into a coherently argued report

Additional outcomes:

Fieldwork requires students to adapt and evolve to changing situations in a real-world setting and so this field class will help you develop skills in lateral thinking and require you to be resilient in the face of uncertainty.

Outline content:

The location of the field class 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, with student-centred work where emphasis is placed upon the assembly of appropriate quantitative and qualitative information and critical assessment of what this reveals. Small group or independent research work will take place throughout the week. Please note that attendance at all preparation sessions is a pre-requisite for going on the field class. Failure to attend these sessions will result in a mark of zero for the module. A variety of field research techniques will be introduced and applied in order to reinforce subject knowledge and develop transferable skills.

Global context:

This module will explore economic and social change in an urban context and how this relates 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 and/or Summer Term. The field class will take place in September before the start of Welcome Week. During the field trip, you will participate in visits to key sites/locations and undertake field research in a real-world setting through experiential learning and using a range of contemporary field techniques. You will work in small groups and complete a team project as part of the assessment.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		2	3
Fieldwork	105
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)			30
Preparation for presentations	10
Preparation of practical report	25
Essay preparation	25
Total hours by term	165	2	33
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	80
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1: Group presentation (20%)

2: Enhanced Reflective Fieldnote book (80%)

Formative assessment methods:

Daily group discussions

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:

40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 30 March 2023