Students
GEOP380 – Human Geography in Action
2017 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor, Lecturer, Stream Leader (Sydney)
Donna Houston
Contact via email
W3A418
Please email for an appointment
Lecturer and Stream Leader (Sabah & Bawaka)
Maartje Roelofsen
Contact via email
W3A433
Please email for an appointment
Stream Leader (Sabah & Bawaka)
Sandie Suchet-Pearson
Contact via email
W3A428
Please email for an appointment
Tutor and Stream Leader (Sydney)
Mahdiyeh Bagherzadeh Khosroushahi
Contact via email
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| Credit points |
Credit points
6
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
39cp at 100 level or above
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
ENVG330 or ENVG340 or ENVG350 or ENVG370 or ENVG390 or ENVG461 or ENVG462 or ENVG463 or GEOP330 or GEOP340 or GEOP350 or GEOP370 or ENVS390 or GEOP461 or GEOP462 or GEOP463
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Centred around an applied field-based research project in either Sydney or with regional or international partners, this unit develops students' practical, analytical and interpretative skills in ways directly relevant to employment as a professional geographer. Students are guided through research processes including: problem formulation; research design; data collection; selection and use of appropriate analytical, interpretative and conceptual tools; and production of oral and written reports presenting research findings and evaluating their research process. The unit addresses quantitative and qualitative methods, team building skills, specific aspects of research practice such as professional ethics, and relevant areas of social science theory in applied contexts. This unit allows students to draw on previous work in human geography to strengthen their portfolio of demonstrated skills relevant to the wide range of employment destinations available to human geographers.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Understand and apply research methodologies and methods used in human geography.
- Design a research project based on original research findings and an understanding of the existing literature and debates in the topic area.
- Understand the importance of ethics and issues of cultural diversity when developing appropriate research practice in social science.
- Undertake field-based, applied research.
- Collaboratively and ethically collect appropriate data.
- Rigorously analyse and interpret data.
- Effectively communicate and reflect on research results through relevant media.
General Assessment Information
All students must submit Assignments 2, 3 and 4 through the appropriate Turnitin link provided on iLearn. Instructions for Assignment 1 submission will be given in class.
Late penalties
Late assignments will be accepted up to 7 days after the submission deadline. Please note that the penalty for late submission of assignments is 1 mark per day out of the total possible marks that assignment is worth (i.e. if the assignment is worth 25% you will lose 1 mark per day out of a possible 25 marks; if the assignment is worth 60% you will lose 1 mark per day out of a possible 60 marks). The late penalty will be calculated from the due date and time listed. This penalty will be applied unless you are granted an extension by Donna and provide appropriate supporting documentation. Please talk to (or email) Donna about any circumstances that affect your assignments before the due date.
Grading and appeal
Each assignment will be marked and commented upon before return to you. The mark will be in the form of a graded letter as shown on the table below. If you are uncertain or unhappy with any aspect of your comments or results please contact Donna as soon as possible to discuss it. You may appeal your result in any assignment.
Graded letter Meaning % equivalent
F Fail <49
P Pass 50-64
Cr Credit 65-74
D Distinction 75-84
HD High Distinction 85-100
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop Engagement | 10% | No | Weeks 2-6; Throughout the unit |
| Research Proposal | 15% | No | Friday 9am August 25 |
| Research Portfolio | 65% | No | Tuesday 5pm November 7 |
| Team Work Task | 10% | No | Tuesday 5pm November 7 |
Workshop Engagement
Due: Weeks 2-6; Throughout the unit
Weighting: 10%
See iLearn for detailed description of assessment task.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand and apply research methodologies and methods used in human geography.
- Design a research project based on original research findings and an understanding of the existing literature and debates in the topic area.
- Understand the importance of ethics and issues of cultural diversity when developing appropriate research practice in social science.
- Undertake field-based, applied research.
- Collaboratively and ethically collect appropriate data.
- Rigorously analyse and interpret data.
- Effectively communicate and reflect on research results through relevant media.
Research Proposal
Due: Friday 9am August 25
Weighting: 15%
See iLearn for detailed description of assessment task.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand and apply research methodologies and methods used in human geography.
- Design a research project based on original research findings and an understanding of the existing literature and debates in the topic area.
- Understand the importance of ethics and issues of cultural diversity when developing appropriate research practice in social science.
- Undertake field-based, applied research.
- Collaboratively and ethically collect appropriate data.
Research Portfolio
Due: Tuesday 5pm November 7
Weighting: 65%
See iLearn for detailed description of assessment task.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand and apply research methodologies and methods used in human geography.
- Design a research project based on original research findings and an understanding of the existing literature and debates in the topic area.
- Understand the importance of ethics and issues of cultural diversity when developing appropriate research practice in social science.
- Undertake field-based, applied research.
- Collaboratively and ethically collect appropriate data.
- Rigorously analyse and interpret data.
- Effectively communicate and reflect on research results through relevant media.
Team Work Task
Due: Tuesday 5pm November 7
Weighting: 10%
See iLearn for detailed description of assessment task.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Design a research project based on original research findings and an understanding of the existing literature and debates in the topic area.
- Understand the importance of ethics and issues of cultural diversity when developing appropriate research practice in social science.
- Undertake field-based, applied research.
- Collaboratively and ethically collect appropriate data.
- Rigorously analyse and interpret data.
- Effectively communicate and reflect on research results through relevant media.
Delivery and Resources
Delivery
GEOP380 is available only in internal mode. It is dependent upon compulsory attendance and participation in weekly 4 hour workshops which will be delivered in one block on a Monday:
Monday 9am-1pm C5A 430 Active Learning Space
GEOP380 meets from weeks 1- 6 and from weeks 9-13. There are no classes in weeks 7 and 8 (while students are conducting fieldwork). It is expected that students will use unassigned class time productively for fieldwork and other research-related activities. The 4 hour workshops will be mixed sessions with a combination of mini-lectures, hands-on learning activities and group meetings.
Attendance at these workshops is required and will be recorded on an attendance sheet. Preparation and engagement with the workshops will contribute to your grade for assignment 1.The workshops are designed to teach you the necessary research skills for designing research and for undertaking your assigned research projects.
GEOP380 is a 6 credit point unit. On average 18 hours per week should be devoted to this unit (270 hour for the semester). The unit is designed based on the following breakdown (these are estimations and hours devoted to tasks will vary depending on specific projects):
- Workshops: 4 hrs per week for 11 weeks = 44 hours
- RATS preparation (reading and writing): 6 hrs per week for 5 weeks = 30 hours
- Research proposal: research and writing = 26 hours
- Data collection: 80 hours
- Research portfolio preparation and team work assessment: 90 hours
Resources
There is a required text for GEOP380 available at the Co-op Bookshop:
Hay I. (ed.) 2016 Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography, 4th ed., Oxford University Press, Oxford. (Earlier editions of this book purchased second hand are also fine).
It is strongly recommended that you purchase this text as many of the unit readings are from this book. There is one copy of Hay on closed reserve in the library. Additional required readings are available through the Library e-reserve.
Unit Schedule
See iLearn for the Unit schedule
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand and apply research methodologies and methods used in human geography.
- Design a research project based on original research findings and an understanding of the existing literature and debates in the topic area.
- Understand the importance of ethics and issues of cultural diversity when developing appropriate research practice in social science.
- Undertake field-based, applied research.
- Collaboratively and ethically collect appropriate data.
- Rigorously analyse and interpret data.
- Effectively communicate and reflect on research results through relevant media.
Assessment tasks
- Workshop Engagement
- Research Proposal
- Research Portfolio
- Team Work Task
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand and apply research methodologies and methods used in human geography.
- Design a research project based on original research findings and an understanding of the existing literature and debates in the topic area.
- Understand the importance of ethics and issues of cultural diversity when developing appropriate research practice in social science.
- Undertake field-based, applied research.
- Collaboratively and ethically collect appropriate data.
- Rigorously analyse and interpret data.
- Effectively communicate and reflect on research results through relevant media.
Assessment tasks
- Workshop Engagement
- Research Proposal
- Research Portfolio
- Team Work Task
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand and apply research methodologies and methods used in human geography.
- Effectively communicate and reflect on research results through relevant media.
Assessment tasks
- Workshop Engagement
- Research Proposal
- Research Portfolio
- Team Work Task
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand and apply research methodologies and methods used in human geography.
- Design a research project based on original research findings and an understanding of the existing literature and debates in the topic area.
- Understand the importance of ethics and issues of cultural diversity when developing appropriate research practice in social science.
- Undertake field-based, applied research.
- Collaboratively and ethically collect appropriate data.
- Rigorously analyse and interpret data.
- Effectively communicate and reflect on research results through relevant media.
Assessment tasks
- Workshop Engagement
- Research Proposal
- Research Portfolio
- Team Work Task
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand and apply research methodologies and methods used in human geography.
- Design a research project based on original research findings and an understanding of the existing literature and debates in the topic area.
- Understand the importance of ethics and issues of cultural diversity when developing appropriate research practice in social science.
- Undertake field-based, applied research.
- Collaboratively and ethically collect appropriate data.
- Rigorously analyse and interpret data.
- Effectively communicate and reflect on research results through relevant media.
Assessment tasks
- Workshop Engagement
- Research Proposal
- Research Portfolio
- Team Work Task
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand and apply research methodologies and methods used in human geography.
- Design a research project based on original research findings and an understanding of the existing literature and debates in the topic area.
- Understand the importance of ethics and issues of cultural diversity when developing appropriate research practice in social science.
- Undertake field-based, applied research.
- Collaboratively and ethically collect appropriate data.
- Rigorously analyse and interpret data.
Assessment tasks
- Workshop Engagement
- Research Proposal
- Research Portfolio
- Team Work Task
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of ethics and issues of cultural diversity when developing appropriate research practice in social science.
- Undertake field-based, applied research.
- Collaboratively and ethically collect appropriate data.
- Effectively communicate and reflect on research results through relevant media.
Assessment tasks
- Workshop Engagement
- Research Proposal
- Research Portfolio
- Team Work Task
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Design a research project based on original research findings and an understanding of the existing literature and debates in the topic area.
- Understand the importance of ethics and issues of cultural diversity when developing appropriate research practice in social science.
- Undertake field-based, applied research.
- Collaboratively and ethically collect appropriate data.
- Effectively communicate and reflect on research results through relevant media.
Assessment tasks
- Workshop Engagement
- Research Proposal
- Research Portfolio
- Team Work Task
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Design a research project based on original research findings and an understanding of the existing literature and debates in the topic area.
- Understand the importance of ethics and issues of cultural diversity when developing appropriate research practice in social science.
- Undertake field-based, applied research.
- Collaboratively and ethically collect appropriate data.
- Effectively communicate and reflect on research results through relevant media.
Assessment tasks
- Workshop Engagement
- Research Proposal
- Research Portfolio
- Team Work Task