This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The module will be a 5-7-day fieldtrip to a particular location that has a long history of human activities and thus provides a plethora of ideal manifestations of human adaptation to the environment. These may include: landscape features in the semi-natural environment, farming practices, built environment, social and family structures and cuisine. How these reflect environmental conditions (climate, topography, location) and geo-political circumstances is an important dimension of this field-based module. This module is designed to complement other Human Geography modules by offering the students an opportunity to learn first-hand from local people about the processes that have shaped both landscape and livelihoods. Using social research methodologies (e.g. questionnaires, structured or semi-structured interviews), students will be equipped with the analytical skills and techniques required to conduct research in human-environment interaction.
The module will provide practical learning to complement theoretical issues taught in other modules. Students will become familiar with practical tools for understanding, interpreting and critically investigating complex socio-ecological processes and the linkages with space and place. The emphasis throughout will be on learning through research and from the experience of people that live, shape and adopt to the surrounding environment.
Private Study: 128
Contact Hours: 22 (3 lectures, 1 pre-field preparation meeting, 7 workshops in the field (2 hours each), 4 group presentations)
Total: 150
Optional to the following courses:
• BSc Human Geography and cognate courses
• BA Environment and Sustainability and cognate courses
At least 10 students need to register to run this module. Students should consider a back-up module in case this module cannot run.
Students who register onto this module and complete the field trip are expected to remain on the module. Consequently, students who drop the module after completing the field trip will be required to repay the school subsidy incurred for the trip.
Group presentation (15 minutes plus supporting documentation) 30%
Essay (3,000 words) 70%
Reassessment methods:100% coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
On successfully completing the module you will be able to:
1 Demonstrate a comprehensive interdisciplinary understanding of the interaction between biophysical, ecological, historical and socio-cultural processes and dynamics
2 Understand and apply theory of human-environment dynamics and be able to think critically and creatively about different ways of human adaptation to place
3 Demonstrate methodologies, techniques and analytical tools to investigate aspects of the complexity of socio-economic systems
4 Demonstrate advanced practical experience on assimilating information from a wide variety of sources using different research methods.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
