Unit name | Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography |
---|---|
Unit code | GEOGM0041 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Behzadi |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Geographical Sciences |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit explores the theory and use of qualitative approaches to research in human geography, including through an introduction to critical (feminist, postcolonial and decolonial) approaches, modes of knowledge production and practice. It covers foundational texts and approaches to research philosophies, ontologies, and epistemologies and methodologies as well as it trains students to the use of qualitative methods. The course particularly develops expertise in assessing how qualitative methods are used across geographical academic writing, applied knowledge and evidence-based policy, focusing on a wide range of methodological approaches and methods. This includes ethnographic methods (participant observation and others), interviews, focus groups, case studies, archives, visual and digital methods and participatory methods. The course is also directly relevant to helping students advance the design of their own research projects, such as dissertations and qualitative research conducted in non-academic jobs. As such, it complements the research design and training offered in the Dissertation Unit.
Aims:
On completion of this Unit students should be able to:
The following transferable skills are developed in this Unit:
"The unit will be taught through a blended combination of online and, if possible, in-person teaching, including
Formative
In preparation for seminars students will prepare a series of 7 short 500-word summaries of their use of taught methods undertaken throughout the unit. 3 of these will then be submitted for marking.
Summative
(30%) A 1500-word assignment consisting of 3 out of a total of 7 short 500-word maximum summaries of students’ use of taught methods undertaken throughout the course [ILOs 1-3]
(70%) A 3000-word written essay [ILOs 1-3]
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. GEOGM0041).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.