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Ideas in Geography

Module description

This module focuses on the role of social theory in the development of research agendas in contemporary human geography. It provides a framework for understanding the different uses of concepts, theories and philosophical ideas in human geography, including their role in defining problems, guiding the selection of methodological approaches, explaining and interpreting empirical evidence, and shaping understandings of the relevance of research. The module addresses a range of approaches, including contemporary debates in cultural theory, development studies, feminist theory, political economy, poststructuralism, and urban studies. It considers the place of key spatial concepts in human geography and other social science fields. The module assessment strategy is designed to enable you to select and develop a focussed engagement with topics and approaches of interest to you.

This is a compulsory module for second year BA Geography programmes.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to give you a thorough understanding of the role of theoretical debates in shaping social science and humanities research, and of the contribution of human geography to the social sciences and humanities. It will provide you with an understanding of how different approaches to social science and humanities research deploy particular geographical imaginations and spatial concepts. It outlines a framework for identifying the different ways in which concepts can be used to shape empirical investigations, explain and interpret evidence, and shape strategies of engagement and relevance. And it provides you with the skills of selecting and developing a detailed understanding of particular approaches.

The module seeks to develop the following graduate attributes:

• Independent working through summative and formative reading and writing assessments.
• Articulating concepts and evidence in order to develop reasoned arguments through written assessments.

The topics taught on this module draw on the research expertise of module staff.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Describe key theoretical and philosophical debates in contemporary human geography
• 2. Describe the role of concepts and theories in shaping empirical inquiry
• 3. Describe the relevance of different theoretical traditions

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Illustrate the contested and provisional nature of geographical knowledge
• 5. Identify a range of approaches to the generation, analysis, and application of geographical knowledge
• 6. Identify and investigate selected conceptual debates in human geography research

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Develop a sustained and reasoned argument
• 8. Identify, acquire, analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources
• 9. Work independently to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment

Syllabus plan

Part 1: The Uses of Theory in Human Geography

Part 2: Doing Things with Theory, including Workshop 2

Part 3: Practicing Theory

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Gregory, D. et al (2005). The Dictionary of Human Geography (5^th Edition) Wiley-Blackwell.
• Aitken, S & Valentine, G (2014) Approaches to Human Geography, (2^nd Edition), London, Sage.
• Hubbard, P., Kitchen, R., and Valentine, G. (eds.) (2008). Key Texts in Human Geography. London: Sage.
• Hubbard, P. and Kitchen, R. (eds.). (2011). Key Thinkers on Space and Place (2^nd Edition). London: Sage.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page

Key words search

Social theory, human geography, space, spatiality, place