Module Descriptors
GEOGRAPHICAL ENQUIRY
GEOG50452
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Janet Wright
Email: J.S.Wright@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- SEMINAR FOLDER weighted at 40%
- COURSEWORK -ESSAY weighted at 45%
- PRESENTATION - INDIVIDUAL weighted at 15%
Module Details
Module Resources
University Library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resource Centre and IT Suite, Internet & Email facilities. Blackboard.
Module Learning Strategies
The module will be delivered by a combination of:
(a) A semester 1 tutorial programme consisting of 10 x 1 hour sessions which will run throughout the semester. Usually small exercises will be set each session for completion and discussion in the following session. Attendance is compulsory,
(b) A semester 2 tutorial programme consisting of 8 1hr supervisory sessions mainly in the form of group tutorials consisting of a supervisor and his / her students. The tutorial discussion will be based around specific tasks for the production of the extended essay e.g. constructing relevance trees, literature searching etc. The supervisory sessions will also be used to deliver communication skills plus general skills such as career planning, revision & examination techniques.
(c) Six 1 hour lectures will also introduce geographical research philosophies and approaches.
(d) resource based learning providing material on geographical enquiry and literature searching with links to further information sources including CAL software and secondary data sources,
(e) Directed activity and independent learning - reading and assessments including devising, planning, researching and writing an extended essay.
(a) A semester 1 tutorial programme consisting of 10 x 1 hour sessions which will run throughout the semester. Usually small exercises will be set each session for completion and discussion in the following session. Attendance is compulsory,
(b) A semester 2 tutorial programme consisting of 8 1hr supervisory sessions mainly in the form of group tutorials consisting of a supervisor and his / her students. The tutorial discussion will be based around specific tasks for the production of the extended essay e.g. constructing relevance trees, literature searching etc. The supervisory sessions will also be used to deliver communication skills plus general skills such as career planning, revision & examination techniques.
(c) Six 1 hour lectures will also introduce geographical research philosophies and approaches.
(d) resource based learning providing material on geographical enquiry and literature searching with links to further information sources including CAL software and secondary data sources,
(e) Directed activity and independent learning - reading and assessments including devising, planning, researching and writing an extended essay.
Module Indicative Content
The module aims to provide joint students with two key elements:
First, further development of key transferable skills through a year long tutorial programme which will include critical reading, essay writing, literature surveying, time management, oral communication, and personal development planning, including career planning.
Second, it will develop further your abilities to research a specialist geographical topic using secondary sources (literature, web materials etc) and produce an extended essay that fully discusses the concepts and issues of the chosen geographical theme. It is normally expected that the subject of geographical enquiry chosen will relate to one or other of the geography option modules chosen at Intermediate Level.
First, further development of key transferable skills through a year long tutorial programme which will include critical reading, essay writing, literature surveying, time management, oral communication, and personal development planning, including career planning.
Second, it will develop further your abilities to research a specialist geographical topic using secondary sources (literature, web materials etc) and produce an extended essay that fully discusses the concepts and issues of the chosen geographical theme. It is normally expected that the subject of geographical enquiry chosen will relate to one or other of the geography option modules chosen at Intermediate Level.
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None
Module Texts
A variety of subject matter literature (texts, journals and www resources) specific to the essay topics and tutorial discussions will be needed but the following general texts are useful:
Cottrell, S. (2003) Skills for Success: The Personal Development Planning Handbook. Palgrave Macmillan.
Hay, I. (2006) Communicating in geography and the environmental sciences. 2nd edition OUP.
Holloway, S. et al. (2003) Key Concepts in Geography Sage Publications.
Kneale P.E (2003) Study Skills for geography students (2nd edition) Arnold.
Cottrell, S. (2003) Skills for Success: The Personal Development Planning Handbook. Palgrave Macmillan.
Hay, I. (2006) Communicating in geography and the environmental sciences. 2nd edition OUP.
Holloway, S. et al. (2003) Key Concepts in Geography Sage Publications.
Kneale P.E (2003) Study Skills for geography students (2nd edition) Arnold.
Module Additional Assessment Details
(a) A tutorial folder consisting of a 1250-1500 word essay discussing an appropriate geography topic / issue (40%) and a series of personal development planning tutorial exercises and associated work. The series of tutorial exercises and associated work will be assessed for completeness and the essay grade will be moderated accordingly [Learning outcomes 2, 3, 5, 6].
(b) A 2250-2500 word extended essay (45%) and 20 minute presentation of the main concepts / issues / debates discussed in the essay (15%) [Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Additional Assessment Details:
Formative Assessment:
Students will receive formative feedback on their progress regularly throughout the module. This will be delivered primarily during discussions in tutorials and with tutors during the extended essay supervisory sessions. Students will also have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on the plans for their tutorial essay and extended essay.
(b) A 2250-2500 word extended essay (45%) and 20 minute presentation of the main concepts / issues / debates discussed in the essay (15%) [Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Additional Assessment Details:
Formative Assessment:
Students will receive formative feedback on their progress regularly throughout the module. This will be delivered primarily during discussions in tutorials and with tutors during the extended essay supervisory sessions. Students will also have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on the plans for their tutorial essay and extended essay.