Students

GEOP380 – Human Geography in Action

2018 – S2 Block

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor, Lecturer, Stream Leader
Sandie Suchet-Pearson
sandie.suchet@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
W3A428
Please email for an appointment
Lecturer and Stream Leader
Maartje Roelofsen
maartje.roelofsen@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
W3A433
Please email for an appointment
Lecturer
Andrew Burridge
andrew.burridge@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
W3A435
Please email for an appointment
Academic support for field excusion
Sara Judge
sara.judge@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
Credit points Credit points
6
Prerequisites Prerequisites
39cp at 100 level or above
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
Co-badged status Co-badged status
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.

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

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. 

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 Sandie as soon as possible to discuss it. 

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
Research Preparation 10% No Workshop 2 and 3
Research Proposal 15% No Tuesday 9am September 4
Research Portfolio 65% No Thursday 5pm November 8
Team Work Review 10% No Thursday 5pm November 8

Research Preparation

Due: Workshop 2 and 3
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: Tuesday 9am September 4
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: Thursday 5pm November 8
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 Review

Due: Thursday 5pm November 8
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 block mode. It is dependent upon compulsory attendance and participation in 5 full day workshops:

9am - 5pm

Fridays 3 August, 17 August, 31 August, 12 October, 2 November

17 Wallys Walk - 209

Attendance at these workshops is required and will be recorded on an attendance sheet. If you cannot make a workshop for any reason you must contact Sandie. 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. It is expected that students will use unassigned class time productively for fieldwork, group meetings and other research-related activities. The full day workshops will be mixed sessions with a combination of mini-lectures, hands-on learning activities and group meetings. 

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: 8 hrs per week for 5 weeks = 40 hours
  • Blog preparation (reading and writing): 15 hrs per fortnight for 2 weeks = 30 hours
  • Research proposal: research and writing = 26 hours
  • Data collection: 84 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 Leganto.

Unit Schedule

GEOP380 Unit Schedule

Workshop

Assessment tasks

Workshop 1: Human Geography in Action

Week 1: Friday 3 August (9am-5pm)

 

Saturday 4 August Sabah group briefing

Workshop 2: Good Research Practice: Ethics and qualitative research methods

Week 3: Friday 17 August (9am-5pm)

 

Ass 1: Blog 1 due before Workshop 2

 

Workshop 3: Good Research Practice: Quantitative research methods and career planning

Week 5: Friday 31 August (9am-5pm)

Ass 1: Blog 2 due before Workshop 3

Ass 1: Selection of Blog for grading due before Workshop 3

Ass 1: Collection and grading of Practice Diaries (due end of Workshop 3)

 

Ass 2: Research proposal: due 9am Tuesday 4 September

Return research proposals (Sabah students) by Monday 10 September

Return research proposals (Coal Loader and Yarramundi students) by Monday 17 September

8 September: Sabah group depart

 

2 WEEK RECESS September 17 – October 2

Darug Caring-as-Country Culture Camp: 21-28 September

 

Workshop 4: After the Field

Week 9: Friday 12 October (9am-5pm)

 

6 October: Sabah group return

Workshop 5: Research Presentations and Wrap Up

Week 12: Friday 2 November (9am-5pm)

Ass 3 & 4: Research Portfolio and Team Work Review: due 5pm Thursday 8 November

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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

  • Research Preparation
  • Research Proposal
  • Research Portfolio
  • Team Work Review

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

  • Research Preparation
  • Research Proposal
  • Research Portfolio
  • Team Work Review

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

  • Research Preparation
  • Research Proposal
  • Research Portfolio
  • Team Work Review

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

  • Research Preparation
  • Research Proposal
  • Research Portfolio
  • Team Work Review

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

  • Research Preparation
  • Research Proposal
  • Research Portfolio
  • Team Work Review

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

  • Research Preparation
  • Research Proposal
  • Research Portfolio
  • Team Work Review

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

  • Research Preparation
  • Research Proposal
  • Research Portfolio
  • Team Work Review

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

  • Research Preparation
  • Research Proposal
  • Research Portfolio
  • Team Work Review

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

  • Research Preparation
  • Research Proposal
  • Research Portfolio
  • Team Work Review

Changes from Previous Offering

The unit has shifted from weekly sessions to 5 workshop block mode and classes and assessment tasks have been adapted as necessary.