Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2009-2010 (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 2009/10 | 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
- None
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
- Positivism
- Science and Society
- Marxist Geography
- Radical Geography
- Feminist Geography
- Queer Geographies
- Post-Structuralism and Actor-Network Theory
- 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
- 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
- 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
Subject-specific Skills:
- On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
- read subject-specific theoretical arguments critically
- to select relevant subject-specific theoretical arguments for use in later research
- to weigh the relative merits of various subject-specific theoretical schools of thought
- to locate subject-specific theoretical literature in electronic databases and other sources
Key Skills:
- On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
- communicate the results of research on a theoretical argument by means of a written essay
- discuss critically theoretical models pertinent to contemporary social science debate
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 | 13 | Term 1 and 2 | 2 hours | 26 | |
| Seminars | 3 | Term 2 | 1.5 hours | 4.5 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 169.5 | ||||
| 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 | 5 x A4 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