2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG2680 Research Methods in Human Geography
20 creditsClass Size: 150
Module manager: Dr Myles Gould
Email: M.Gould@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2008/09
This module is mutually exclusive with
| GEOG2685 | Spatial Data Handling and Analysis |
This module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be able to:1. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of different methods in human geographical research;
2. Use data products from population censuses;
3. Display, extract, map and analyse census and spatial data;
4. Undertake qualitative research data collection and analysis.
Skills outcomes
A Knowledge and Understanding
A4 Spatial patterns and relationships in human phenomena at a variety of scales
A6 The geographies of difference and inequality
A9 The theory and application of quantitative, visualisation and other spatial techniques across a wide range of geographical contexts
A10 The contribution of geography to development of environmental political, economic and cultural agendas, policies and practices
B Cognitive skills
B1 Abstraction and synthesis of information from a variety of sources
B2 Assessment and critical evaluation of the merits of contrasting theories, explanations, policies
B3 Critical analysis and interpretation of data and text
B4 Developing reasoned arguments
B5 Solving problems and making reasoned decisions
C Practical/professional skills
C1 Plan, design, execute and report geographical research both individually and as part of a team
C2 Undertake effective laboratory and field work (with due regard for safety and risk assessment)
C3 Employ a variety of technical and laboratory-based methods for the analysis and presentation of spatial information
C4 Collect, interpret and synthesise different types of quantitative and qualitative geographical data
C5 Recognise the ethical issues involved in geographical debates and enquiries
D Key skills
D1 Learn in familiar and unfamiliar situations
D2 Communicate effectively (in writing and through graphical presentations)
D3 Apply numerical and computational skills to geographical information
D4 Use information technology effectively (including use of spreadsheet, database and word processing programmes; Internet and e-mail)
D5 Identify, retrieve, sort and exchange geographical information using a wide range of sources
D6 Work as part of a team and to recognise and respect the viewpoints of others
D7 Manage time and organise work effectively
Syllabus
Semester 1
1. Lecture: Introduction to methods in human geography
PART 1: Census Data and Analysis
2. Lecture: Introducing and extracting census data
3. Lecture: Analysing census data 1
4. Lecture: Analysing census data 2
5. Practical surgery: Data Analysis (2 hours)
6. Lecture: Mapping concepts and MAUP
7. Reading week
8. Practical: Mapping ethnicity at different spatial scales (2 hours)
9. Lecture: Interaction data and visualisation
10. Practical: Alternative visualisations of net migration (2 hours)
11. Practical surgery: Reflection and trouble-shooting (2 hours)
Semester 2
PART 2: Qualitative Research Methods
14. Lecture: Introduction to qualitative research
15. Lecture: Interviewing & participant observation
16. Practical: Qualitative research design (1 hours)
17. Lecture: Ethics in social research
18. Practical: Interviews (1 hours)
19. Lecture: Analysing qualitative data
20. Reading Week
21. Practical: Analysing qualitative data (1 hours)
22. Lecture: Other qualitative approaches
23. Lecture: Conclusions: Research methods in human geography
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 12 | 1.00 | 12.00 |
| Practical | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
| Practical | 4 | 2.00 | 8.00 |
| Private study hours | 177.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 23.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Students required to undertake data analysis and report writing for Semester 1 coursework portfolio submission (57 hours)Students are required to undertake project design, data collection, analysis and write up for semester 2 group project (60 hours)
Students will be expected to undertake directed reading and examination preparation using the online reading list (60 hours)
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Feedback on assessed course paper (3rd week of Semester 2), plus support in regular practical classes across the two semesters.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Project | Assessed portfolio (including worksheets) | 30.00 |
| Group Project | 3,500 words, c700 per student | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 60.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1 hr 30 mins | 40.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 40.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 01/04/2009
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD