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GEOG10130

Academic Year 2022/2023

Geography Matters (GEOG10130)

Subject:
Geography
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Geography
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Niamh Moore Cherry
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

What is Geography as a University discipline? Where has it come from and what are its key foundations, key thinkers and milestone moments? This module introduces students to the discipline of Geography, its history and major ideas that have shaped its theory and practice as well as its continuing and growing relevance to addressing major societal challenges today.
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 adopts a holistic approach to Geography as a discipline, complementing the other first year modules that introduce particular perspectives: cartography, human geography and physical systems. It situates these other modules within the broader disciplinary history and trajectory and is a foundational companion module to the advanced final-year module – GEOG30180 Critical Ideas in Geography.
The module will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, independent learning and will involve active group discussion and peer-based learning.

About this Module

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 - Why Geography matters?

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20
Tutorial

2
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Online Learning

18
Total

100

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.
Active engagement in class is expected and successful participation will require you to engage in significant independent reading and thinking.

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 In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment: Assignment 1 - 1,800 words on a given topic Week 8 n/a Graded No
50
 No
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ exam covering material from across the trimester Week 12 n/a Graded No
40
 No
Seminar: Preparation for and participation in two tutorials Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No
10
 No

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.

The following key texts will be of importance throughout the module:
Boyle, M. (2021) Human geography: an essential introduction. 2nd edition. London: Wiley
Cresswell, T. (2013) Geographic thought: A Critical Introduction. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.
Hubbard, P. and Kitchin, R. (2010) Key thinkers on space and place. London: SAGE
Nayak, A. and Jeffrey, A. (2013) Geographical Thought: An Introduction to ideas in Human Geography. London: Routledge

Key journals that will also be relevant are listed below and I would encourage you to explore their table of contents to get a sense for what geographers are exercised about today and the kinds of challenges being worked on:
Irish Geography - current issue and archive at www.irishgeography.ie
Area, Transaction of the Institute of British Geographers- both published by the RGS-IBG
The Professional Geographer and Annals of the Association of American Geographers - both published by the AAG

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