121-403 Geography Coursework

In this subject research modules are offered in intensive mode over summer. Students should consult Dr Ray Wyatt, the modules coordinator, for details by November in the year prior to enrolment.

Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in geography.

The subject comprises three components: a course of lectures and seminars, held throughout the year, which addresses a range of issues related to contemporary research in geography and to the historical and philosophical evolution of the discipline; preparation of an extended review of the literature related to the subject matter of the student's individual thesis, covering both specific research in this area, and also the broader context within which the review is situated; research methodology lectures and practical exercises covering three methodology areas chosen from the following possible list: Descriptive Statistics, Inferential Statistics, Geographical Information Systems, Geocomputing, Library Information Retrieval, Electronic Focus Groups, Qualitative Research Methods, Field Methods and Research Ethics. Choice of research methods must be approved by the Geography Honours Coordinator.

• Thinking critically (for example, about geography and its measures);

• Obtaining information to evaluate propositions (about the principles of geography);

• Writing coherent and researched essays;

• Using different research skills;

• Writing coherent and researched projects.

A total of 20,000 words comprising a research proposal of 2000 words, a literature review of 6000 words 35%, practical exercises on research methods for three elective modules totalling 6000 words 30%, an essay and short seminar papers totalling 4000 words 25% and two oral presentations totalling 40 minutes on research proposal and research results of 2000 words 10%.