Module: BMA6109-20 Tourism: Contemporary Issues

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Li Li

Module Tutor Contact Details: l.li2@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module explores the ways in which meanings, forms and management of tourism are being transformed in post-industrial societies.  The module aims to develop students' understanding of the nature of the contemporary tourism industry and the external social, environmental and economic context it operates within. It also aims to equip students with skills necessary to be able to undertake graduate level employment within the tourism industry.

Students investigate current social, economic and environmental conditions, and the impact these conditions have on shaping the contemporary tourism industry and its markets.  Contemporary manifestations of heritage, culture, sustainability and ethics within tourism are analysed, alongside discussions of the implications of climate change and the growth in ICT for tourism practice. Particular reference is made to the emergence of niche forms of tourism. The observed and potential influences of the emergence of the Chinese market and China as a destination are also explored.  The module themes are considered with reference to tourism within a variety of spatial scales.  Consideration of the visitor experience runs throughout the module.

In this module, you will be able to demonstrate the following Graduate Attributes:

• Critical thinkers: able to express their ideas in written and oral form, and possessing information literacy;

• Ethically aware: prepared for citizenship in a local, national and global context.

2. Outline syllabus

Syllabus content is based on key themes and paradigms in contemporary tourism. These include: the Identification of major contemporary social, economic and environmental conditions and challenges; discussion of the contemporary tourism industry; the relationship between popular culture and tourism; niche tourism development (including dark tourism, wine tourism, festival tourism, music tourism, ecotourism, sports tourism and events tourism); sustainability and tourism; links between culture, heritage and tourism, the visitor experience; tourism business management; the influence of the ICT / internet  on both tourists and of tourism providers and the applications thereof.

3. Teaching and learning activities

Teaching and learning is based on the core methods of lecture, seminars, guest /industry speakers and fieldwork learning. Learning is based on interactive lectures (1 hour) which will provide overview and discussion of key themes, theoretical frameworks and concepts. Seminars (2 hours) focus on developing these themes and on student led interaction and engagement. Seminars will also provide the opportunity for formative assessments to establish progression and student learning. Students will be active participants in in-class discussions and be expected to identify and process material between sessions, enabling them to contribute to seminar activities. Where appropriate industry experts and guest speakers will be incorporated into the module to provide practical insight. Themes and material will also be developed outside of the classroom through a series of fieldwork exercises engaging in problem solving and management tasks. ICT and Online communications tools are used to facilitate group learning both in and away from the classroom.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Group report (3000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Exam

• Description:  Pre-seen closed-book exam (2 hours)

• % Weighting: 50%