This module provides a critical overview of the development of human geographical thought. It explores how the contemporary cutting edge of the discipline builds on the historical development of theory but also challenges it, offering new and exciting empirical spaces to study, alongside vibrant theoretical approaches with which to understand them. The module demonstrates how the careful construction of theoretical approaches might help students develop their own arguments within the geographical discipline and in related areas such as planning.

The main aims of the module are as follows:

• To familiarise students with the intellectual terrain of Human Geography

• To show how historical geographical ideas have shaped the development of the discipline in the present day

• To show how current geographical ‘paradigms’ challenge those of the past and offer new perspectives on the world

• To introduce key texts and commentaries

• To develop critical evaluations of geographical thought

• To show how geographical ideas can be applied to the analysis of particular subject areas

1. discuss the ways in which contemporary geography has evolved
2. define, evaluate and compare twenty-first century paradigms, and critically debate their importance for what geographers study
3. understand and communicate the dynamism of the discipline and critically discuss this using examples

The module will consist of 10 two-hour lectures, with supplementary hand-outs and Learning Central (e-learning) support, to summarise the key contemporary developments in the discipline of geography.

These lectures will be accompanied by 8 one-hour seminars, offering students the opportunity to explore topics from lectures in greater depth, particularly through the discussion of key readings.

In addition, students will be directed to a selection of compulsory and supplementary guided reading on each topic, to supplement and deepen the taught component.

This module will:

• nurture the skills of reading and interpreting theoretical literatures
• encourage the development of a critical, analytical facility to assess and evaluate evidence and claims
• show how abstract ideas can be applied to particular case study areas
• provide opportunities to communicate geographical knowledge through different forms of written work

Assessment will be 100% coursework. There will be two summative assessments (an essay and a reading journal, detailed below).

Formative Assessment

Opportunities for verbal formative feedback will be provided during seminars. This will include feedback on understanding of guided reading. Seminar leader input into group discussions will permit further feedback and clarification on key points.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Re-assessment

Students are permitted to be reassessed in a module which they have failed, in line with University regulations. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/teaching-and-supporting-students/teaching-support/academic-regulations. You will only be reassessed on the components of the module in which you have failed. The format of the reassessment will be the same as the original assessment and will take place in the Summer re-sit period.

Type of assessment

1. Reading Journal - 50% - 2000 words - A summary of key themes from seminar readings, along with a critical reflection on their role in the development of human geography

Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3

2. Essay - 50% - 2000 words - A choice of titles relating to theoretical developments in contemporary geography

Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3

The following topics will typically be covered in this module:

Introduction to geographical thought; humanistic geography; Marxist geography; feminist geography; postcolonial geography; postmodern and poststructural geographies; embodiment, practice and the emotional turn; the mobilities paradigm; more-than-human geographies; theory and the relevance debate

Cresswell T 2013 Geographic thought: a critical introduction Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell

Gregory D, Johnston R, Pratt G, Watts M and Whatmore S (eds) 2009 The Dictionary of Human Geography Oxford: Blackwell

Nayak A and Jeffrey A 2011 Geographical thought: an introduction to ideas in human geography Harlow: Prentice Hall

Aitken S and Valentine G (eds) 2015 Approaches to Human Geography London: Sage

Clifford NJ, Holloway SL, Rice SP and Valentine G (eds) 2009 Key Concepts in Geography London: Sage

Holt-Jensen A 2009 Geography: History and Concepts London: Sage

Johnston RJ and Sidaway JD 2016 Geography and Geographers: Anglo-American Human Geography since 1945 London: Routledge (7^th edition)

Livingstone D N 1992 The Geographical Tradition Oxford: Blackwell

Peet R 1998 Modern Geographical Thought Oxford: Blackwell

Additional specialist readings will be provided in weekly lecture and seminar reading lists.