KE4001 - Introduction to Human Geography

You will learn through lectures, independent learning and directed tasks (such as following up on specific readings recommended in lectures). The lectures will cover theories and concepts, case study material, key exemplars, and module staff’s own research. Directed and independent learning tasks will be set each week to allow you to explore the module material in your own way. A range of media and learning enhancement strategies (e.g. video and audio clips, quizzes, role play etc) will be incorporated into lectures to facilitate and enhance your learning experience. Self-assessment of a data response essay during the-semester will be used to help you develop an appreciation and understanding of the criteria for assessment used at this level and associated expectations for achievement. It will also help you to reflect upon your own level of learning and standards of attainment through engagement with the task and critical self-assessment. At the end of the semester you will be assessed by a seen examination in which you are offered the opportunity to produce two essays related to different aspects of the module. This form of examination is designed to encourage you to research, in detail, selected topics from the module and produce a well-developed argument supported by appropriate evidence in the form of an essay. The nature of the assessments on this module are designed to encourage you to develop key transferrable skills such as problem solving, critical self-assessment, data-analysis, and self-management all of which will help enhance your future employability.

On this module you will be encouraged to reflect critically on your own level of learning by comparing your own answers to the data response exam to a model answer produced by staff. This will help you deal with the transition to university level standards of assessment and our expectations. There is also the opportunity for one-to-one support sessions via the Department’s open door policy. Teaching staff operate an ‘open door’ policy for students meaning you can approach them anytime during normal office hours, or via email, to answer questions, receive feedback and support your learning on the module. In addition tutors will use the module’s discussion board at the University’s eLearning Portal and respond to questions so that the whole group can benefit. Time will be set aside in lectures to provide opportunities for Q&A on assessments. Written feedback will be provided on your exam scripts which will be returned to you.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO 1: Recognise and discuss the nature of spatial variation in patterns and processes associated with real world human phenomena.
• MLO 2: Examine and review economic, social and political processes and patterns, and the manner in which they reflect, reproduce and remake social relations.
• MLO 3: Recognise and discuss the importance of core module themes of space, place, power, inequality, identity and scale (spatial and temporal) within contemporary human geography.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO 4: Analyse and interpret real world data and summarise and apply concepts and perspectives from relevant academic literature.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO 5: Form and articulate your own informed attitudes and opinions on the issues covered and in so doing develop informed concern about the Earth and its people.

The main element in assessment (75%) will be a 2 hour seen examination at the end of semester 1.This is complemented by a self-assessed data response essay (25%) during the first semester.
The semester 1 essay is designed to assess your ability to analyse and interpret real world data and to relate your findings to key theoretical concepts that are presented in the lectures and directed readings (MLOs 1, 2 and 4). This essay is self-assessed using a detailed model answer in order to improve your understanding of the course material and to encourage you to critically reflect on your own learning.
The exam is a seen essay paper divided into two sections and covering all aspects of the module. You must answer 2 questions. This exam is designed to encourage you to research in detail selected topics from the module and produce a well-developed argument supported by appropriate evidence in the form of an essay (MLOs 2, 3, 4 and 5).
As the semester 1 essay is self-assessed you will generate your own formative feedback through the process of critical reflection on your own work by comparing it to a detailed model answer. You will receive summative feedback on your second semester exam in the form of written feedback on your exam script.

None

None

This important module focuses on key issues and debates within contemporary human geography and the underlying research and evidence underpinning these. Topics explored are some of the major issues facing the earth and its peoples today including: poverty and social exclusion, geographies of difference and inequality, population movements and the geo-political tensions around state borders in a global world, economic change and the geographical consequences of the global financial service sector and the rise of the knowledge economy. You will also develop useful practical skills by analysing and interpreting real world data focusing on temporal change and spatial variation. Your learning will be further supported and enhanced through engagement with a range of interactive online resources available via the module eLP site. Assessment will involve an element of self-assessment providing you with the opportunity to reflect critically on your own learning and enabling formative support and guidance throughout the assessment process helping you to achieve your full potential.