GEO8015 : Doing Geographical Research
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ingrid A. Medby
- 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: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
• To enable the student to produce a coherent and viable research dissertation proposal in human geography.
• To enable the student to place their research proposal within the wider research debates and literature of human geography.
• To enable collaborative learning and presentation opportunities.
• To develop student awareness of the wider practice of geographical research, including the application of research methodologies and techniques, the use of academic research in wider academic contexts and the dissemination of research findings.
• To expand student knowledge of research and funding cultures and environments beyond the academy, including the private, public and voluntary sectors, and to develop student awareness of research dissemination issues.
The module engages the students in a variety of the research-based teaching and learning activities in the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology. The primary aim of the module is to help students develop a viable dissertation proposal, and to do this within the context of teaching and learning about wider practices in human geography research. Students will attend the Geography Research Seminar Series involving a combination of internal and external speakers. In Semester 2, detailed development of the Research Dissertation Proposal is assisted through Research Dissertation Proposal Workshops. In Semester 1, students attend Geographical Imaginations Part I which is a one day postgraduate training event. In Semester 2, students attend Geographical Imaginations Part II which is a one day postgraduate training event where students present their Research Dissertation Proposal to a group of peers.
Assessment of this module is through a written commentary on the Geography Research Seminar Series and an assessed presentation of the dissertation proposal at Geographical Imaginations.
Outline Of Syllabus
1. Participation in Geography Research Seminar Series, Semesters 1 and 2.
2. Participation in Geographical Imaginations workshops, Semesters 1.
3. Individual tutorials with Module Leader, Semester 1, to discuss assessed essays and dissertation preparation issues.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 86:00 | 86:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | PiP |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Departmental seminars - PiP |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Drop-in surgery hour - with Module Leader |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
This module will facilitate student preparation for the dissertation (GEO8089).
Seminars will help students structure their thinking around the dissertation in terms of identifying a suitable topic or theme for research, identifying relevant literatures and conceptual approaches, identifying suitable methodologies and data, and identifying suitable analytic frameworks for data analysis. Drop in sessions will help students think through the dissertation planning and preparation process. Two workshops - one on methodological issues and another based on student-led assessed presentations will further solidify their research training.
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 | M | 50 | Powerpoint presentation of Research dissertation at Geographical Imaginations. To be scheduled by School. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 50 | 2,000 word written commentary on approved University seminars |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The PowerPoint presentation will assess comprehension of the research planning process and practice, and oral communication skills.
The written assessment will assess understanding of the research planning process and written communication skills.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- GEO8015's Timetable