Module Catalogue 2024/25

GEO2110 : Social Geographies

GEO2110 : Social Geographies

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Soudeh Ghaffari
  • Lecturer: Dr Caleb Johnston, Professor Alison Stenning, Dr Michael Richardson, Dr Josep Almudever Chanza
  • 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

Code Title
GEO1010Interconnected World
Pre Requisite Comment

Other pre-requisites may be accepted with the approval of Module Leader, for instance MCH1026 for MCH students

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

- To introduce Stage 2 students to social geography as the study of the construction and expression of social relations across space.
- To introduce the key concepts of social geography (for example, home, community, sustainability) and structures of social relations played out across these sites (e.g. gender, class, disability, sexuality, race).
- To examine these concepts and structures of social relations with reference to empirical examples drawn from the research literature, staff research and contemporary events.
- To introduce a range of case study settings, scales and everyday dilemmas as a means to illustrate the intersection of these concepts in action.
- To build on student knowledge and understanding of core concepts and case study examples by engaging them in setting and solving puzzles and challenges in contemporary social geography.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module is delivered via a one-hour lecture per week and 4 seminars per semester. The material is delivered via the following blocks:
1. Social divisions
2. Social issues and contexts
3. Digital spaces
4. Everyday and emotional geographies

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the course students should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key themes in contemporary social geography
- Make connections between theories and concepts in social geography and empirical research on the complex structuring of social relations across space and in place
- Critically engage with primary and secondary evidence of social geography issues
- Understand and apply a variety of social geographical techniques, communicate wide reading, grasp of key concepts, and ability to synthesise information from a range of research, primary and policy sources

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will be given the opportunity to develop skills in:
– Assessment and evaluation of the different concepts and theories in contemporary social geography;
– The critical analysis of the manifestation of social and spatial inequalities and social difference;
– The ability to gather and synthesise information;
– The ability to work in groups to develop ideas and arguments relating to contemporary social geography.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture221:0022:00One lecture per week
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion140:0040:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading1117:00117:00N/A
Structured Guided LearningStructured research and reading activities42:3010:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching81:008:00Seminars (4 each semester)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesScheduled on-line contact time21:303:00Assessment clinics
Total200:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
GEO2119Social Geographies (Semester 1 for Exchange Students)
GEO2120Social Geographies (Semester 2 for Exchange Students)
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures introduce, develop and illustrate the theory, policy and empirical substance of the course.

Sseminars provide an opportunity for student-led critical analysis of course material and oral presentations.

Structured guided learning activities provide instructed tasks for students to complete to extend reflection and deepen understanding of key issues.

Scheduled online contact time will take the form of two assessment clinics for discussion and clarification of guidance and Q&A about assignments in Semester 1 and Semester 2.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

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

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise1M50A project engaging with the material taught in Semester 1 (2000 words)
Written exercise2M50A project engaging with the material taught in Semester 2 (2000 words)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Each piece of coursework maps onto the intended learning outcomes and give students the opportunity to develop a range of social geography skills and knowledges. Together the assessments cover key concepts, engagement with the literature, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-life settings.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

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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.