Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Principles and Theory in Geography
Code ENVS249
Coordinator Dr A Isakjee
Geography and Planning
A.Isakjee@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

To develop a critical and reflexive sense of the nature of geography as a dynamic, plural and contested discipline;
To become aware of major theoretical and conceptual frameworks used in Geography;
To develop an understanding of cutting edge debates in physical and human Geography;
To develop an understanding of the interrelations and interface between physical and human Geography, particularly around environmental issues.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Critically evaluate key perspectives on human and physical geography, and to situate them in the history of the discipline.

(LO2) Apply different styles of spatial thinking to particular contexts and research questions.

(LO3) Engage in theoretical understanding of the behaviour of complex social and physical systems, and the approach to their modelling.

(LO4) Understand the relevance of theoretical debates for their own research practices.

(LO5) Understand the interface between Physical and Human Geography, and be able to illustrate how this can help in the analysis of environmental problems.

(S1) Organisational skills: meeting essay deadlines

(S2) IT skills: Students will be expected to engage with IT packages such as MS word and Power Point during the course

(S3) Communication skills: essay writing; contributions to online discussion sessions

(S4) Ethical awareness

Syllabus
 

Week 1: Inroduction and Key Concepts
Week 2: Approaches: Science and Scientific Methods, Non-science
Week 3: Theories of physical environmental change - time and equilibirum
Week 4: Chaos Theory
Week 5: Theorising Quantitative Spatial Science: 
Week 6: Feminist and Post-Colonial Geography
Week 7: Marxist Geographies
Week 8: Geography and Post-structuralism
Week 8: Nature and Human-Environment Relations
Week 9: Seminar Week: Delving into Physical Geography Concepts
Week 10: Seminar Week: Applying Human Geography Concepts
Week 11: Summary Lecture
Week 12: Revision Week

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1: Lectures
Description: Lectures covering key principles and theories in Geography. These are specifically designed to not only provide traditional lecture content but to also provide space for discussion and Q+A

Teaching Method 2: Seminars
Description: The Seminars allow students to discuss theoretical ides as they learn and also apply theoretical ideas to real-world problems and examples

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 22

 4

         26
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 124
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Exam.  90    50       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework.  0    50       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.