GES3420

Researching Human Environments ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Alexandra Gartrell

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: This subject is designed to equip students with a range of skills and methodologies for the use in the social sciences and specifically human geography. The subject emphasises the development of field research skills and interpretation; that is, telling convincing stories about the social world. The capacity to create these understandings depends upon a sound knowledge of geographical methodologies. This subject aims to develop your skills as a human geographer by working with a range of different data types, from large-scale world development data, to the complex stories people tell about their own places and place histories.

Objectives: By the conclusion of GES 3420 students are expected to have satisfactorily demonstrated the following outcomes: 1. an ability to choose the most appropriate methods for analysing a particular data set 2. a capacity to manipulate data 3. an understanding of sampling techniques; basic ability in questionnaire design, coding and analysis 4. basic interviewing techniques 5. an understanding of some of the ethical issues involved in conducting human geographical research 6. a capacity to produce high quality research reports 7. an awareness of the limitations of geographical data 8. an understanding of various methodological approaches.

Assessment: Research report (2500 words): 45% + Essay (1000 words): 15% + Participation: 20% + Examination: 20%

Contact Hours: 2 hours (1 hour lecture and 1 hour tutorial) per week, plus six hour field trip.

Prerequisites: A first and second-year sequence in Geography and Environmental Science or permission

Prohibitions: GES2490