GEOG10130 Geography Matters

Academic Year 2021/2022

What is Geography as a University discipline? Where has it come from and what are its key foundations and milestone moments? This module introduces students to the discipline of Geography, its history and major ideas that have shaped its theory and practice.
In Part I we focus on the historical roots of the discipline and its evolution to the present day; part II focuses on why geography matters within and beyond the university, and how an active spatial imagination can play a role in addressing major societal challenges and in popular culture. This module provides an introductory overview of Geography as a discipline, complementing the other first year modules that introduce particular perspectives: cartography, human geography and physical systems. It situates other modules within the broader disciplinary history and trajectory and is a foundational companion module to the advanced final-year module – Ideas in Geography. The module will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and will involve group discussion and peer-based learning.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, students should be able to:
1. Describe the evolution of geography as a discipline and its key traditions;
2. Explain specified ideas in geography and demonstrate their application to understanding everyday life;
3. Outline the relevance of geography as a discipline within and beyond the university
4. Express their knowledge and thinking through high-level written and oral communication skills.

Indicative Module Content:

Part 1 - Evolution of geography
Part II - Understanding human-environment interactions
Part III - Why Geography matters?

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

9

Tutorial

2

Specified Learning Activities

15

Autonomous Student Learning

53

Online Learning

16

Total

95

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module comprises a mix of lectures, tutorials and online activities. Students are expected to actively engage with all components. As well as the traditional lecture format, the lecture times will be used for in-class group activities and for self- and peer-assessment. Tutorials will develop key ideas and provide an opportunity for active learning, discussion and debate. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Assignment 1 - 1,800 words on a given topic Week 8 n/a Graded No

50

Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ exam covering material from across the trimester Week 12 n/a Graded No

40

Seminar: Preparation for and participation in two tutorials Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

10


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

All students will receive individual feedback on their written assignment after they have been graded. This will be delivered via Brightspace and is intended to provide guidance so that students can learn and develop for future assignments. Through in-class activities students will have a chance to self-assess and reflect on their understanding and learning of key concepts, in order to identify areas where revision should be focused or clarification is needed. Students will also engage in informal peer-review activity to help each other assess their progression, identifying areas of good understanding and areas in need of more work.

Boyle, M. (2014). Human geography: a concise introduction. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.
Clifford, N., Holloway, S., Rice, S. P., & Valentine, G. (Eds.). (2008). Key concepts in geography. London: Sage.
Cloke, P., Cook, I., Crang, P., Goodwin, M., Painter, J., & Philo, C. (2004). Practising human geography. London: Sage.
Cresswell, T. (2013). Geographic Thought: A Critical Introduction. Chichester: Wiley.
Kitchin, R., & Thrift, N. (2009). International encyclopedia of human geography. Netherlands: Elsevier.
Livingstone, David N. (1992). The Geographical Tradition: Episodes in the History of a Contested Enterprise. Oxford: Blackwell.

Journals and online resources
Geographers Biobibliographical Studies – Available at James Joyce Library, Reference only, Location: 910.92 GEO
Irish Geography – Archive and current volume at www.irishgeography.ie
International Dialogue Project: Access at:
https://www.ucd.ie/geography/research/lifeexperienceascatalystforcrossdisciplinarycommunication/