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2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

TRAN2062 Transport and Society

20 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Bryan Matthews
Email: B.Matthews@its.leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

Module replaces

TRAN2061

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module aims to develop students’ understanding of transport and travel and how it interacts with society at large. That is, to identify and then explore the dynamic ways in which transport and travel influence and are influenced by society. This will be achieved through the opportunity to explore the social significance, character and multiple meanings of transport and travel in everyday lives and draw upon a range of contemporary case studies.

Objectives

To develop students’ understanding of transport and travel and how it interacts with society at large, and illustrate the way in which theoretical concepts relating to inter-actions between transport, travel and society manifest themselves in our every-day lives, the objectives of this module are:
- To identify, understand and then explore the dynamic ways in which transport and travel influence and are influenced by society;
- To give students the opportunity to explore the social significance, character and multiple meanings of transport and travel in everyday lives, and the power relations, ethics and contestations bound up with individual and organisational decisions on transport;
- To engage students, as they explore these issues, with multiple theoretical perspectives and a range of case studies that link with contemporary debates.
Such knowledge is essential for graduates working in the Transport field and other policy sectors where transport can be an important factor. For example, what are the transport consequences of migration policy decisions? Or how might cultural perspectives of different modes of transport be a barrier to successful transport policy implementation to increase walking and cycling to improve health?

Learning outcomes
To understand and be able to explore the broad range of processes and theories regarding transport’s influence on society and society’s influence on transport, including:
1. The significance and character of travel and mobility;
2. Theories of inequalities, exclusion, 'social capital', and social networks in relation to transport;
3. The cultural significance of travel by different modes;
4. Theories of Globalisation and the consumption of 'leisure' in relation to transport;
5. The changing character of transport and travel, and the influence of politics, government, community engagement, ethics, power and protest.
To develop and practice a range of skills associated with critical analysis, evaluation, presentation, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and assessment of evidence.
To develop and practice, specifically via the seminars and assessments, skills in written, oral and visual communication.

Skills outcomes
The module will allow students to make the links between transport and other aspects of everyday practice as well as policy areas.


Syllabus

Key topics covered will be as follows:
- The meaning and social significance of travel and car dependence
- Social networks and travel;
- Communications, virtual travel and mobilities;
- Transport and social exclusion;
- Gendered mobilities;
- Disability and travel;
- Globalisation and travel;
- Migration;
- Tourism and theories of consumption of ‘leisure’.
- Protests and travel;
- Ethics, transport and travel; and
- Governance, community engagement and travel.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture171.0017.00
Seminar171.0017.00
Tutorial21.002.00
Independent online learning hours14.00
Private study hours150.00
Total Contact hours36.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

Independent online learning:
Contributions to the Module Discussion Forum, and viewing of a number of topical videos linked to the content of specific lectures.

Private study:
25 hours associated with the each of the first and second pieces of coursework, 50 hours associated with the third piece of coursework, and 50 further hours associated with wider reading and research.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

A number of opportunities for formative feedback have been designed in to the Module: Firstly, students will receive individualised written feedback on their 3 assessed pieces of coursework, as well as receiving generic feedback relating to each of the courseworks. Secondly, students will receive oral feedback in the two tutorial sessions, organised for the end of each of the semesters. Thirdly, the weekly seminars will be used to provide ongoing feedback throughout the Module.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
EssayShort essay 1000 words25.00
EssayLong essay 3000 words50.00
PresentationVideo podcast (8-10 minutes) with accompanying script25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

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 website

Last updated: 12/12/2018 16:33:10

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