Module Catalogue 2024/25

GEO8017 : Human Geography: Concepts in Action

GEO8017 : Human Geography: Concepts in Action

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Professor Alastair Bonnett
  • Lecturer: Dr Emma Ormerod, Dr Jessa Loomis, Dr Matthew Richmond, Dr Soudeh Ghaffari, Dr Astrid Wood, Dr Ingrid A. Medby, Dr Josep Almudever Chanza, Dr Michael Richardson, Dr Wen Lin, Professor Andy Pike, Professor Danny MacKinnon, Dr Niall Cunningham, Dr Kean Fan Lim, Dr Kathryn Manzo
  • Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

• To illustrate a variety of key concepts and themes of study within human geography
• To highlight the diversity of cross-cutting analytical approaches applicable to key concepts and themes within human geography
• To introduce students to the research specialisms and culture of human geography at Newcastle University
• To highlight the relevance of human geography, and the roles of the geographer, through the examination of concepts and their application in research.

Concepts covered usually include space and place, population representation, environment, labour, capital, modernities, identity and landscape. Thematic approaches include social geographies, cultural geographies and economic geographies. Each concept or theme is introduced through a lecture where the concept and its application in research is discussed, and guidance is given on further reading. A seminar then follows, which is student-led in that it is structured around student discussions of key readings, with staff input as appropriate.

Assessment for this module is through a student presentation in Semester 1 on a chosen concept, and in Semester 2 an extended essay.

Outline Of Syllabus

Semester 1

1. Introduction to the module - The Importance of Concepts in Human Geography Research: lecture
2. Lecture and seminar
3. Lecture and seminar
4. Lecture and seminar
5. Lecture and seminar
6. Lecture and seminar
7. Assessed presentation

Semester 2

1. Lecture and seminar
2. Lecture and seminar
3. Lecture and seminar
4. Lecture and seminar
5. Lecture and seminar
6. Lecture and seminar
7. Lecture and seminar

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

A critical understanding of the application of concepts in geographical social scientific research to abstract and applied research questions.
A critical understanding of the range of possible approaches to the answering of research questions.
A critical understanding of social science research practice as a process.

Intended Skill Outcomes

An ability to apply abstract concepts and theories to the solution of practical research problems.
An ability to communicate (orally and in writing) complex information about research concepts and their application to research questions.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture191:0019:00Present in Person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching182:0036:00Present in Person
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1145:00145:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures give an overview of the application of a specific concept and how the individual lecturer has put it into action through his or her own research. The seminars are all-group discussions, based around readings, of the application of a specific concept to practical research.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Oral Presentation151A25Assessed presentation on a geographical concept. To be scheduled by School.
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay2M75An extended essay (3,500 words) on a geographical concept in action
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The oral presentation assesses oral communication skills.

The written assessment assesses written communication skills.

Both assess the student’s ability to apply a geographical concept to a abstract or applied piece of empirical research.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

Astrid Wood and Wen Lin do not appear on drop down staff menu - I need to confirm why as usually they also teach as lecturer on course

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

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You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.