Module: GEO5001-20 Geographical Research Methods

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Giovanna Gioli

Module Tutor Contact Details: g.gioli@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module builds on Geographical Skills and Contested Geographies: Histories and Debates. The course is designed to increase your awareness of research practice in Geography and to prepare you to engage in research through being exposed to a range of research methods/techniques. The knowledge base and skills acquired in this module will prepare you to engage in Advanced Geographical Fieldwork and independent dissertation research at Level 6. It also serves as the basis for the Level 5 field trip (Geographical Fieldwork).

The module consists of lectures and associated seminars/fieldwork to achieve the following aims:

(i) provide a critical perspective on how knowledge is produced in Geography and the role of primary and secondary sources in that context;

(ii) support the conceptualisation and development of a research topic, including guidance in literature searching, the design of a research proposal and academic writing;

(iii) be exposed to a broad range of geographical methods/techniques and carry out practical field work on a number of these;

(iv) provide experience in using some of the principal analytical methodologies used by Geographers;

(v) confer highly transferrable skills.

2. Outline syllabus:

The module contains two components focusing on a) geographical research methods/techniques, and b) research design, culminating in a research proposal.

a) Content on geographical research methods will comprise of relevant techniques from both human and physical geography. These may include: questionnaire surveys; qualitative interviews and focus groups; collaborative and participatory methods; laboratory techniques; field techniques; modelling; GIS.

b) Content on research design will include: conceptualising research and using theory; designing research questions; doing a literature review; developing your methodological approach; risks and ethics.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Lecture sessions will include theoretical content complemented by weekly seminar/field activities that will demonstrate use of particular geographical techniques/methods. These seminar/field sessions will be diverse in nature introducing you to the fundamentals of carrying out fieldwork in both human and physical geography. As a result, the module will include a substantial amount of field activity.

Key skills developed include: A critical understanding of how knowledge is advanced through research to ultimately produce clear, logically, systematically argued and original written work relating to geography; the ability to research information and present this information clearly, and enhance the ability to write in a clear and concise manner about complex geographical subjects.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Report (3,000 words)

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Research Proposal (2,000 words)

• % Weighting: 40%