Module: GEO4000-20 Environment, People and Place

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Matthew Law

Module Tutor Contact Details: m.law@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This is your introduction to the exciting worlds of geography at university. This module provides insights into contemporary geography, examining key themes and concepts in order to make better sense of the dynamics and issues of a changing world. The module integrates physical and human geography, with an emphasis on the themes of environment, people and place. You will examine landscape dynamics, and contemporary human geographies. By adopting differing perspectives, including local to global scales, you will develop critical insights into contemporary and historical issues in geography. This module will equip you with the geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to equip you for your course and beyond.

2. Outline syllabus

This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of physical and human landscapes, examining the processes that underpin these environments and how they are inter-linked. The recurrent themes of environment, people and place embedded throughout the curriculum, providing integrated perspectives. You will discover what makes physical landscapes so varied, and how they are impacted by human activities. The theory and concepts of human geographies, such as human migration, diversity and identity, and the concepts of sustainability in a changing world, will be explored. Contemporary geographical issues will be debated, including political ecology and sustainability. This section will adopt an integrated approach to perspectives of environmental change that will allow you to link and apply your developing knowledge and understanding of physical and human geographies.

3. Teaching and learning activities

Keynote lectures will introduce the key geographical themes and issues. Formative sessions will support your learning and testing your academic progress. Seminars will explore some of the issues in greater and more applied ways. You are introduced to key elements of good scholarship, such as referencing and presentational standards, essay and report writing, data collection and analysis, and making presentations. Your learning is assisted by a comprehensive Virtual Learning Environment (Minerva) and support and training in scholarships skills (such as researching the library resources) will be introduced. Reference lists will direct your weekly reading out-of-class in preparation for and as follow-up to teaching sessions. Assessments will be attached to each unit so that your studies are focused and relevant, and informed by feedback. There will also be the opportunity to reflect upon your learning and to inform career planning.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: EX

• Description: In-class tests (equivalent to 2,000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (2,000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%