Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module GEOG2621: THEORY AND CONCEPTS IN CONTEMPORARY HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

Department: Geography

GEOG2621: THEORY AND CONCEPTS IN CONTEMPORARY HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to L702
Tied to F800
Tied to LR79
Tied to FR89
Tied to X1F8
Tied to LMV0
Tied to QRV0
Tied to CFG0

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • Core module for BA students (L702).

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide an introduction to key schools of thought and theoretical developments in human geography.
  • To promote an appreciation of the theoretical aspects and diversity of contemporary human geography.
  • To highlight the role of theoretical issues in the construction and of human geographical knowledge.

Content

  • Science and Society
  • Marxism
  • Feminism
  • Identity Politics
  • Geographies of Health and Well Being
  • Post-Colonialism
  • Actor Network Theory
  • Non-Human Geographies
  • Approaches to Contemporary Geopolitics
  • Social Science and Statistics
  • Historical Geography
  • Non-Representational Theory

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On successful completion of the module students will be able to identify key theoretical schools of thought and associated issues in human geographical thought.
  • On successful completion of the module students will be able to show both a broad knowledge of a range theoretical schools of thought employed in human geography and a more specialist knowledge of one of these.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • On successful completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate a critical awareness of Human Geography’s conceptual diversity and an awareness of the issues involved in abstract and theoretical debate within the discipline.
Key Skills:
  • ability to communicate results of research by means of a written essay.
  • critically discuss theoretical models.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures will provide the necessary breadth of coverage, overview and study guide required by the aims and objectives. These will be supported by additional reading lists, which will enable the student to build on information provided in the lectures.
  • Seminars will provide students with the opportunity to discuss and develop ideas covered in the lectures.
  • The essay will enable candidates to demonstrate their understanding of the issues in one specified area of contemporary human geographical theory.
  • A two hour unseen examination will enable students to demonstrate their ability to demonstrate their knowledge of and critically evaluate a number of theoretical developments and associated approaches in contemporary human geography.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 9 7 in Term 1, 2 in Term 2 1.5 and 2 hours 17.5
Seminars 4 Every 3 weeks for 12 weeks 2 hours 8
Workshops 3 Term 2 1.5 hours 4.5
Preparation and Reading 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 67%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Unseen end of module examination 2 hours 100%
Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 33%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 4 pages 100%

Formative Assessment:

Essay plan with annotated bibliography.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University