GEO8017 : Human Geography: Concepts in Action
GEO8017 : Human Geography: Concepts in Action
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ingrid A. Medby
- Lecturer: Dr Josep Almudever Chanza, Dr Jessa Loomis, Professor Danny MacKinnon, Dr Kathryn Manzo, Dr Kean Fan Lim, Dr Astrid Wood, Dr Michael Richardson, Dr Matthew Richmond, Dr Wen Lin, Dr Niall Cunningham
- Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
• To illustrate a variety of key concepts and themes of study within human geography
• To highlight the diversity of cross-cutting analytical approaches applicable to key concepts and themes within human geography
• To introduce students to the research specialisms and culture of human geography at Newcastle University
• To highlight the relevance of human geography, and the roles of the geographer, through the examination of concepts and their application in research.
Concepts covered often include space and place, population representation, environment, labour, capital, modernities, identity and landscape. Thematic approaches usually include social and cultural geographies, political geographies, and economic geographies. Each concept or theme is introduced through a lecture where the concept and its application in research is discussed, and guidance is given on further reading. A seminar then follows, which is structured around student discussions of key readings, with staff input as appropriate.
Assessment for this module is through a student presentation on a chosen concept, and a subsequent extended essay.
Outline Of Syllabus
Semester 1 will usually be structured as follows.
1. Introduction to the module - The Importance of Concepts in Human Geography Research: lecture
2. Lecture and seminar
3. Lecture and seminar
4. Lecture and seminar
5. Lecture and seminar
6. Assessed presentations
7. Lecture and seminar
8. Lecture and seminar
9. Lecture and seminar
10. Lecture and seminar
11. Lecture and seminar
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
A critical understanding of the application of concepts in geographical social scientific research to abstract and applied research questions.
A critical understanding of the range of possible approaches to the answering of research questions.
A critical understanding of social science research practice as a process.
Intended Skill Outcomes
An ability to apply abstract concepts and theories to the solution of practical research problems.
An ability to communicate (orally and in writing) complex information about research concepts and their application to research questions.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Present in Person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | Present in Person |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 167:00 | 167:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lectures give an overview of the application of a specific concept and how the individual lecturer has put it into action through his or her own research. The seminars are all-group discussions, based around readings, of the application of a specific concept to practical research.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 15 | 1 | A | 25 | Assessed presentation on a geographical concept. To be scheduled by School. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 75 | An extended essay (3,500 words) on a geographical concept in action |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The oral presentation assesses oral communication skills.
The written assessment assesses written communication skills.
Both assess the student’s ability to apply a geographical concept to a abstract or applied piece of empirical research.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- GEO8017's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- GEO8017's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Astrid Wood and Wen Lin do not appear on drop down staff menu - I need to confirm why as usually they also teach as lecturer on course
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.