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2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

GEOG1260 Geography of the UK

10 creditsClass Size: 300

Module manager: Prof Graham Clarke
Email: g.p.clarke@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The course aims to introduce students to the broad dynamics of the geography of the UK. Students are first introduced to geodemographics - the study of small area variations in socio-economic structures. This provides a platform for more detailed examinations of the changing demographics of the UK, including counter-urbanisation, population ageing and national/international migration. The second core theme is economic change. Here the discussion centres on changing local labour markets and the rise of the service economy. Finally we examine how market systems in health, education and business create inequalities in terms of access to fundamental services.

Objectives

On completion of this module students should have acquired:
i) understanding of key dimensions of the changing human geography of the UK;
ii) knowledge of the processes underpinning growing inequalities in levels of health, wealth and education, and access to associated services;
iii) skills in the use of basic quantitative methods and understanding of their application in addressing policy issues in human geography;
iv) an understanding of the role of spatial analysis and spatial models in UK service provision;
v) knowledge of the importance of modern business planning in the UK.

Skills outcomes
A Knowledge and Understanding
A1 The dynamic nature of geographical thought and practice and the inter-relationships between the discipline and the physical and natural sciences, the social sciences and humanities
A4 Spatial patterns and relationships in human phenomena at a variety of scales
A5 The geography of places and their constitution by environmental, economic, social and political processes, and the influence of places on these processes
A6 The geographies of difference and inequality with particular reference to historical development, ethnicity, class, gender and the changing nature of urban and regional economies and policy
A8 The role of changes in technology, the nature of work and labour markets in influencing spatial patterns of economic activity
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
B2 Assessment and critical evaluation of the merits of contrasting theories, explanations, policies
B4 Developing reasoned arguments
B5 Solving problems and making reasoned decisions

C Practical/professional skills

C4 Collect, interpret and synthesise different types of quantitative and qualitative geographical data

D Key skills
D1 Learn in familiar and unfamiliar situations
D2 Communicate effectively (in writing, verbally and through graphical presentations)
D6 Work as part of a team and to recognise and respect the viewpoints of others
D7 Manage time and organise work effectively


Syllabus

1. Introduction: population ageing, migration, labour force change, geodemographics and inequalities - Phil Rees
Population issues
2. UK population dynamics - Phil Rees
3. Counter-urbanisation and regional migration - Phil Rees

Labour market issues
4. The local impact of global change - Peter Boden

Population issues
5. International migration - Phil Rees

Labour market issues
6. The 21st century workforce - Peter Boden
7. Reading week (No Lecture)

Service provision and inequalities
8. UK health inequalities - Graham Clarke
9. UK education and inequalities - Graham Clarke
10. Geography and UK retail planning - Graham Clarke
11. Conclusions - Graham Clarke

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture101.0010.00
Practical102.0020.00
Private study hours70.00
Total Contact hours30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

30 hours reading to support lectures
10 hours preparation of practical material for assessment
30 hours revision and preparation

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Through student feedback during the lectures themselves and feedback obtained in the course review process. Furthermore, the lecturers periodically attend the practical classes and can monitor progress directly (and provide more guidance and feedback as necessary) . A practical sheet is handed in each week and this again allows staff to monitor progress.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Project750 Words30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)30.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)1 hr 15 mins70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)70.00

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: 29/04/2009

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