Module: GEO6100-20 Advanced Geographical Fieldwork

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Andrew Skellern

Module Tutor Contact Details: a.skellern@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module offers you an opportunity to advance your research skills in an overseas location. Emphasis will be placed on you attaining an in-depth understanding of a specific location through detailed field investigation. The module is centred on a residential fieldtrip where the emphasis will be on team work in groups, considering both logistical and academic aspects of project planning and research, with emphasis on the dissemination and sharing of knowledge and experience. Students will be actively involved in planning and delivery of the fieldtrip, thereby encouraging creativity and enabling student empowerment for their learning through common experience and responsibility. The key themes to be considered will vary according to the field location: either focusing on issues of relevance to contemporary human or physical geography.

2. Outline syllabus:

The syllabus content and themes is dependent upon the fieldtrip destination.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

During the module you will gain in depth knowledge of geographical issues and processes in situ and also a good understanding of a particular locality. Structured preparation and follow-up sessions in the form of workshops are added to time spent in the field, and will develop your understanding of a specific issue and research methodologies. In the field, you will undertake a mixture of staff-led orientation and introductory field lectures along with student project work.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Group Tour (90 minutes) or Group Presentation (30 minutes)

• % Weighting: 50

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Individual Essay or Report (2,500 words)

• % Weighting: 50